Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.


Pirates and convicts, 01 Oct 2008
This is a reissue of a book first published in 1998 and it was a good, swashbuckling story. Miss Sara Willis is a reforming young woman who causes endless headaches for her stepbrother, the Earl of Blackmore. Her latest scheme is to travel on a convict ship full of women to make note of the conditions, give them some education and to try to ensure their safety when landing in the antipodes. She manages to persuade her stepbrother to allow her on the ship but he makes sure one of the crew is going to look after her.

However no-one expects the ship to be boarded by pirates and the women to be kidnapped. Captain Gideon Horne, known as the Pirate Lord, has a hatred of the English aristocracy and has plundered many ships belonging to nobles. However he and his pirate crew want to settle down on the island paradise they have found - but not without women. When they discover the convict ship full of women it is too good an opportunity to miss!

But Gideon hasn't reckoned with Sara Willis and her care for the women. Sara and Gideon are locked into a battle of wills as she tries to protect the women and he tries to encourage them to live the utopian life on his island, Atlantis. But Gideon and Sara might be getting more than they bargained for when they spend so much time together - can Gideon's distrust of the aristocracy and the wounds of childhood be overcome? Can Sara find happiness so far from her life in England?

This was an enjoyable story if rather far-fetched (I can't imagine any brother would have allowed his sister to be a passenger on a convict ship, for example). The characters were interesting although many seemed rather stereotypical, but the central love story worked quite well and the verbal sparring between Sara and Gideon was well written. The revelations about Gideon's past were perhaps rather too convenient for this story but overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Fun to read, 12 May 2007
I found this book to be a fun and worth reading more than once. The basic story is of a band of pirates seeking women/wives so they can settle down and live relativly normal lives. But thier only complication is that there are no women who would willingly travel off with a pirate, so they are forced to do what they do best and hijack a ship full of women convicts bound for Australia. But unfortuantly the ship also has a noblewomen passenger who isnt willing to be trodden all over and seems to continuely clash with the captain, a rather dashing fellow.

A Keeper, 15 Aug 2003
I enjoyed this book, and have read it more than once, it is a good escapist read. If you like pirates,your men ruggedly handsome and 'swoony', and your women feisty, this is the book.

My only critiscm would be - the whole 'eden' island was a bit far fetched, but hey! Who wants realism!

FAB...., 12 Feb 2003
Well at last a strong female who wont let just anyman walk all over her...After going aboard a ship full with women and children she hepls the fallen to rise she teaches them words and numbers,hoping to give them a better chance in the next part of there life..Until one day a pirate ship kidnapps them all and after being taken to a deserted island they are told they will marry the pirates of course sara was having none of it trying to tell gideon that not only were some to old but some already had husbands at home.Could he win her heart or would he let her go you will have to read to see

how hard can it be. sexy pirate needs mate for paradise isle, 02 Jan 2002
Sexy pirates need women to help colonise a paradise island. So they come up with a fail proof plan. They save a boat load of convict women going to New South Wales. Before you think convict women may I point out that most of the women had hardly done anything to warrant their punishment. Anyway back to the story. Gideon Horn the pirate lord sexy handsome and might I say persistant in his belief that the women should be grateful to him for saving them decided on the one for him.The one being Sara Willis a reformer and a stepsister to an Earl back in England.The only fly in the ointment was the fact that non of the women where grateful they all wanted to get on to the drudgery and slavery in New South Wales. Can you believe it. Well neither could I so I stayed up half the night to read about the pirates who changed the womens minds. It was a good lighthearted read. With romance adventure and a touch of senual tention between the two main characters. Gideons love at the end knew no bounds as he struggled to overcome the obsticles put in his way before true love conquered all. Doesn't it always, but not always as well written as Sabrina Jeffries.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.


Pirates and convicts, 01 Oct 2008
This is a reissue of a book first published in 1998 and it was a good, swashbuckling story. Miss Sara Willis is a reforming young woman who causes endless headaches for her stepbrother, the Earl of Blackmore. Her latest scheme is to travel on a convict ship full of women to make note of the conditions, give them some education and to try to ensure their safety when landing in the antipodes. She manages to persuade her stepbrother to allow her on the ship but he makes sure one of the crew is going to look after her.

However no-one expects the ship to be boarded by pirates and the women to be kidnapped. Captain Gideon Horne, known as the Pirate Lord, has a hatred of the English aristocracy and has plundered many ships belonging to nobles. However he and his pirate crew want to settle down on the island paradise they have found - but not without women. When they discover the convict ship full of women it is too good an opportunity to miss!

But Gideon hasn't reckoned with Sara Willis and her care for the women. Sara and Gideon are locked into a battle of wills as she tries to protect the women and he tries to encourage them to live the utopian life on his island, Atlantis. But Gideon and Sara might be getting more than they bargained for when they spend so much time together - can Gideon's distrust of the aristocracy and the wounds of childhood be overcome? Can Sara find happiness so far from her life in England?

This was an enjoyable story if rather far-fetched (I can't imagine any brother would have allowed his sister to be a passenger on a convict ship, for example). The characters were interesting although many seemed rather stereotypical, but the central love story worked quite well and the verbal sparring between Sara and Gideon was well written. The revelations about Gideon's past were perhaps rather too convenient for this story but overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Fun to read, 12 May 2007
I found this book to be a fun and worth reading more than once. The basic story is of a band of pirates seeking women/wives so they can settle down and live relativly normal lives. But thier only complication is that there are no women who would willingly travel off with a pirate, so they are forced to do what they do best and hijack a ship full of women convicts bound for Australia. But unfortuantly the ship also has a noblewomen passenger who isnt willing to be trodden all over and seems to continuely clash with the captain, a rather dashing fellow.

A Keeper, 15 Aug 2003
I enjoyed this book, and have read it more than once, it is a good escapist read. If you like pirates,your men ruggedly handsome and 'swoony', and your women feisty, this is the book.

My only critiscm would be - the whole 'eden' island was a bit far fetched, but hey! Who wants realism!

FAB...., 12 Feb 2003
Well at last a strong female who wont let just anyman walk all over her...After going aboard a ship full with women and children she hepls the fallen to rise she teaches them words and numbers,hoping to give them a better chance in the next part of there life..Until one day a pirate ship kidnapps them all and after being taken to a deserted island they are told they will marry the pirates of course sara was having none of it trying to tell gideon that not only were some to old but some already had husbands at home.Could he win her heart or would he let her go you will have to read to see

how hard can it be. sexy pirate needs mate for paradise isle, 02 Jan 2002
Sexy pirates need women to help colonise a paradise island. So they come up with a fail proof plan. They save a boat load of convict women going to New South Wales. Before you think convict women may I point out that most of the women had hardly done anything to warrant their punishment. Anyway back to the story. Gideon Horn the pirate lord sexy handsome and might I say persistant in his belief that the women should be grateful to him for saving them decided on the one for him.The one being Sara Willis a reformer and a stepsister to an Earl back in England.The only fly in the ointment was the fact that non of the women where grateful they all wanted to get on to the drudgery and slavery in New South Wales. Can you believe it. Well neither could I so I stayed up half the night to read about the pirates who changed the womens minds. It was a good lighthearted read. With romance adventure and a touch of senual tention between the two main characters. Gideons love at the end knew no bounds as he struggled to overcome the obsticles put in his way before true love conquered all. Doesn't it always, but not always as well written as Sabrina Jeffries.

Regency England was never this naughty, was it?, 24 Aug 2006
Sj has been a favourite of mine since discovering her books a couple of years ago. She doesn't dissapoint with this one niether. I loved it, her heroine is naughty and the poor hero certainly doesn't know what's hit him. If he was expecting the usual debutante he was very mistaken, she definitely knows what she wants and he's taken on a ride of trusting her word and her judgement. Delightful and strong, brilliant to see an author continuously delivering what her fans want, other authors take note,please.

Never seduce a scoundrel, 21 Apr 2006
I had never heard of the author before I picked this up to read and as usual scanned it through first. I was extremely surprised by the explicit nature of the book and the language to go with it. If you are looking for Lizzie and Mr Darcy don't try this, if you want a bit of fizzz in your historical romance this could be the one.

An enchanting and delightful read of romance., 04 Mar 2006
Never Seduce a Scoundrel is a enchanting and delightful read of romance. Wealthy heiress Lady Charlotte eloped with handsome charming soldier Jimmy Harris, but quickly regretted her choice as he wasted her fortune and showed no interest in her once he controlled her money. She felt relief when he was killed in a duel and vowed to protect other rich ladies from marrying golddiggers. Thus with the help of Cousin Michael, she establishes Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies that accepts only heiresses as students so that she can provide them with private instructions.

In 1818 in London Mrs. Harris chaperones wealthy heiress Lady Amelia Plume, who has plenty of admirers, but to her protector they all seem more interested with the lass' money as a horde of fortune hunting fops plague the balls. Amelia finds her season boring as Mrs. Harris rejects most males. That is tedious until American Major Lucas Winter arrogantly courts her over Mrs. Harris' objection as she assumes the Yank is a fortune hunter. Amelia thinks he has a different motive, but not love at first sight. She vows to uncover his agenda, while he seeks an embezzler who left Lucas' reputation in ruins and he believes she is the link.

The opening of a new regency series by talented Sabrina Jeffries will elate the sub-genre faithful especially since NEVER SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is a terrific tale. Amelia is a naïve, innocent, and bold individual while Lucas is a fascinating character planning to seduce the truth from her, but soon finds he has been seduced by love. Mrs. Harris is an ideal support character who hopefully will have her story told.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.


Pirates and convicts, 01 Oct 2008
This is a reissue of a book first published in 1998 and it was a good, swashbuckling story. Miss Sara Willis is a reforming young woman who causes endless headaches for her stepbrother, the Earl of Blackmore. Her latest scheme is to travel on a convict ship full of women to make note of the conditions, give them some education and to try to ensure their safety when landing in the antipodes. She manages to persuade her stepbrother to allow her on the ship but he makes sure one of the crew is going to look after her.

However no-one expects the ship to be boarded by pirates and the women to be kidnapped. Captain Gideon Horne, known as the Pirate Lord, has a hatred of the English aristocracy and has plundered many ships belonging to nobles. However he and his pirate crew want to settle down on the island paradise they have found - but not without women. When they discover the convict ship full of women it is too good an opportunity to miss!

But Gideon hasn't reckoned with Sara Willis and her care for the women. Sara and Gideon are locked into a battle of wills as she tries to protect the women and he tries to encourage them to live the utopian life on his island, Atlantis. But Gideon and Sara might be getting more than they bargained for when they spend so much time together - can Gideon's distrust of the aristocracy and the wounds of childhood be overcome? Can Sara find happiness so far from her life in England?

This was an enjoyable story if rather far-fetched (I can't imagine any brother would have allowed his sister to be a passenger on a convict ship, for example). The characters were interesting although many seemed rather stereotypical, but the central love story worked quite well and the verbal sparring between Sara and Gideon was well written. The revelations about Gideon's past were perhaps rather too convenient for this story but overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Fun to read, 12 May 2007
I found this book to be a fun and worth reading more than once. The basic story is of a band of pirates seeking women/wives so they can settle down and live relativly normal lives. But thier only complication is that there are no women who would willingly travel off with a pirate, so they are forced to do what they do best and hijack a ship full of women convicts bound for Australia. But unfortuantly the ship also has a noblewomen passenger who isnt willing to be trodden all over and seems to continuely clash with the captain, a rather dashing fellow.

A Keeper, 15 Aug 2003
I enjoyed this book, and have read it more than once, it is a good escapist read. If you like pirates,your men ruggedly handsome and 'swoony', and your women feisty, this is the book.

My only critiscm would be - the whole 'eden' island was a bit far fetched, but hey! Who wants realism!

FAB...., 12 Feb 2003
Well at last a strong female who wont let just anyman walk all over her...After going aboard a ship full with women and children she hepls the fallen to rise she teaches them words and numbers,hoping to give them a better chance in the next part of there life..Until one day a pirate ship kidnapps them all and after being taken to a deserted island they are told they will marry the pirates of course sara was having none of it trying to tell gideon that not only were some to old but some already had husbands at home.Could he win her heart or would he let her go you will have to read to see

how hard can it be. sexy pirate needs mate for paradise isle, 02 Jan 2002
Sexy pirates need women to help colonise a paradise island. So they come up with a fail proof plan. They save a boat load of convict women going to New South Wales. Before you think convict women may I point out that most of the women had hardly done anything to warrant their punishment. Anyway back to the story. Gideon Horn the pirate lord sexy handsome and might I say persistant in his belief that the women should be grateful to him for saving them decided on the one for him.The one being Sara Willis a reformer and a stepsister to an Earl back in England.The only fly in the ointment was the fact that non of the women where grateful they all wanted to get on to the drudgery and slavery in New South Wales. Can you believe it. Well neither could I so I stayed up half the night to read about the pirates who changed the womens minds. It was a good lighthearted read. With romance adventure and a touch of senual tention between the two main characters. Gideons love at the end knew no bounds as he struggled to overcome the obsticles put in his way before true love conquered all. Doesn't it always, but not always as well written as Sabrina Jeffries.

Regency England was never this naughty, was it?, 24 Aug 2006
Sj has been a favourite of mine since discovering her books a couple of years ago. She doesn't dissapoint with this one niether. I loved it, her heroine is naughty and the poor hero certainly doesn't know what's hit him. If he was expecting the usual debutante he was very mistaken, she definitely knows what she wants and he's taken on a ride of trusting her word and her judgement. Delightful and strong, brilliant to see an author continuously delivering what her fans want, other authors take note,please.

Never seduce a scoundrel, 21 Apr 2006
I had never heard of the author before I picked this up to read and as usual scanned it through first. I was extremely surprised by the explicit nature of the book and the language to go with it. If you are looking for Lizzie and Mr Darcy don't try this, if you want a bit of fizzz in your historical romance this could be the one.

An enchanting and delightful read of romance., 04 Mar 2006
Never Seduce a Scoundrel is a enchanting and delightful read of romance. Wealthy heiress Lady Charlotte eloped with handsome charming soldier Jimmy Harris, but quickly regretted her choice as he wasted her fortune and showed no interest in her once he controlled her money. She felt relief when he was killed in a duel and vowed to protect other rich ladies from marrying golddiggers. Thus with the help of Cousin Michael, she establishes Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies that accepts only heiresses as students so that she can provide them with private instructions.

In 1818 in London Mrs. Harris chaperones wealthy heiress Lady Amelia Plume, who has plenty of admirers, but to her protector they all seem more interested with the lass' money as a horde of fortune hunting fops plague the balls. Amelia finds her season boring as Mrs. Harris rejects most males. That is tedious until American Major Lucas Winter arrogantly courts her over Mrs. Harris' objection as she assumes the Yank is a fortune hunter. Amelia thinks he has a different motive, but not love at first sight. She vows to uncover his agenda, while he seeks an embezzler who left Lucas' reputation in ruins and he believes she is the link.

The opening of a new regency series by talented Sabrina Jeffries will elate the sub-genre faithful especially since NEVER SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is a terrific tale. Amelia is a naïve, innocent, and bold individual while Lucas is a fascinating character planning to seduce the truth from her, but soon finds he has been seduced by love. Mrs. Harris is an ideal support character who hopefully will have her story told.

Quite simply a must read!, 03 Mar 2002
I have followed the fortunes of Molly and Nellie through all of Joan's books, but this one is my favourite by far. As with all her books the characters are so vivid and easily identifiable, reading it takes me into their lives, watching as their dramas unfold.

Light-hearted, easy reading, funny and compelling, 01 Apr 2001
I have read all of Joan Jonker's books and the two families featured in this book are my favourite characters of them all. You can really visualise the antics they get up to. They seem down to earth and cheerful despite all the odds.

I really enjoyed this one.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.


Pirates and convicts, 01 Oct 2008
This is a reissue of a book first published in 1998 and it was a good, swashbuckling story. Miss Sara Willis is a reforming young woman who causes endless headaches for her stepbrother, the Earl of Blackmore. Her latest scheme is to travel on a convict ship full of women to make note of the conditions, give them some education and to try to ensure their safety when landing in the antipodes. She manages to persuade her stepbrother to allow her on the ship but he makes sure one of the crew is going to look after her.

However no-one expects the ship to be boarded by pirates and the women to be kidnapped. Captain Gideon Horne, known as the Pirate Lord, has a hatred of the English aristocracy and has plundered many ships belonging to nobles. However he and his pirate crew want to settle down on the island paradise they have found - but not without women. When they discover the convict ship full of women it is too good an opportunity to miss!

But Gideon hasn't reckoned with Sara Willis and her care for the women. Sara and Gideon are locked into a battle of wills as she tries to protect the women and he tries to encourage them to live the utopian life on his island, Atlantis. But Gideon and Sara might be getting more than they bargained for when they spend so much time together - can Gideon's distrust of the aristocracy and the wounds of childhood be overcome? Can Sara find happiness so far from her life in England?

This was an enjoyable story if rather far-fetched (I can't imagine any brother would have allowed his sister to be a passenger on a convict ship, for example). The characters were interesting although many seemed rather stereotypical, but the central love story worked quite well and the verbal sparring between Sara and Gideon was well written. The revelations about Gideon's past were perhaps rather too convenient for this story but overall it was a good read and I enjoyed it.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Fun to read, 12 May 2007
I found this book to be a fun and worth reading more than once. The basic story is of a band of pirates seeking women/wives so they can settle down and live relativly normal lives. But thier only complication is that there are no women who would willingly travel off with a pirate, so they are forced to do what they do best and hijack a ship full of women convicts bound for Australia. But unfortuantly the ship also has a noblewomen passenger who isnt willing to be trodden all over and seems to continuely clash with the captain, a rather dashing fellow.

A Keeper, 15 Aug 2003
I enjoyed this book, and have read it more than once, it is a good escapist read. If you like pirates,your men ruggedly handsome and 'swoony', and your women feisty, this is the book.

My only critiscm would be - the whole 'eden' island was a bit far fetched, but hey! Who wants realism!

FAB...., 12 Feb 2003
Well at last a strong female who wont let just anyman walk all over her...After going aboard a ship full with women and children she hepls the fallen to rise she teaches them words and numbers,hoping to give them a better chance in the next part of there life..Until one day a pirate ship kidnapps them all and after being taken to a deserted island they are told they will marry the pirates of course sara was having none of it trying to tell gideon that not only were some to old but some already had husbands at home.Could he win her heart or would he let her go you will have to read to see

how hard can it be. sexy pirate needs mate for paradise isle, 02 Jan 2002
Sexy pirates need women to help colonise a paradise island. So they come up with a fail proof plan. They save a boat load of convict women going to New South Wales. Before you think convict women may I point out that most of the women had hardly done anything to warrant their punishment. Anyway back to the story. Gideon Horn the pirate lord sexy handsome and might I say persistant in his belief that the women should be grateful to him for saving them decided on the one for him.The one being Sara Willis a reformer and a stepsister to an Earl back in England.The only fly in the ointment was the fact that non of the women where grateful they all wanted to get on to the drudgery and slavery in New South Wales. Can you believe it. Well neither could I so I stayed up half the night to read about the pirates who changed the womens minds. It was a good lighthearted read. With romance adventure and a touch of senual tention between the two main characters. Gideons love at the end knew no bounds as he struggled to overcome the obsticles put in his way before true love conquered all. Doesn't it always, but not always as well written as Sabrina Jeffries.

Regency England was never this naughty, was it?, 24 Aug 2006
Sj has been a favourite of mine since discovering her books a couple of years ago. She doesn't dissapoint with this one niether. I loved it, her heroine is naughty and the poor hero certainly doesn't know what's hit him. If he was expecting the usual debutante he was very mistaken, she definitely knows what she wants and he's taken on a ride of trusting her word and her judgement. Delightful and strong, brilliant to see an author continuously delivering what her fans want, other authors take note,please.

Never seduce a scoundrel, 21 Apr 2006
I had never heard of the author before I picked this up to read and as usual scanned it through first. I was extremely surprised by the explicit nature of the book and the language to go with it. If you are looking for Lizzie and Mr Darcy don't try this, if you want a bit of fizzz in your historical romance this could be the one.

An enchanting and delightful read of romance., 04 Mar 2006
Never Seduce a Scoundrel is a enchanting and delightful read of romance. Wealthy heiress Lady Charlotte eloped with handsome charming soldier Jimmy Harris, but quickly regretted her choice as he wasted her fortune and showed no interest in her once he controlled her money. She felt relief when he was killed in a duel and vowed to protect other rich ladies from marrying golddiggers. Thus with the help of Cousin Michael, she establishes Mrs. Harris' School for Young Ladies that accepts only heiresses as students so that she can provide them with private instructions.

In 1818 in London Mrs. Harris chaperones wealthy heiress Lady Amelia Plume, who has plenty of admirers, but to her protector they all seem more interested with the lass' money as a horde of fortune hunting fops plague the balls. Amelia finds her season boring as Mrs. Harris rejects most males. That is tedious until American Major Lucas Winter arrogantly courts her over Mrs. Harris' objection as she assumes the Yank is a fortune hunter. Amelia thinks he has a different motive, but not love at first sight. She vows to uncover his agenda, while he seeks an embezzler who left Lucas' reputation in ruins and he believes she is the link.

The opening of a new regency series by talented Sabrina Jeffries will elate the sub-genre faithful especially since NEVER SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is a terrific tale. Amelia is a naïve, innocent, and bold individual while Lucas is a fascinating character planning to seduce the truth from her, but soon finds he has been seduced by love. Mrs. Harris is an ideal support character who hopefully will have her story told.

Quite simply a must read!, 03 Mar 2002
I have followed the fortunes of Molly and Nellie through all of Joan's books, but this one is my favourite by far. As with all her books the characters are so vivid and easily identifiable, reading it takes me into their lives, watching as their dramas unfold.

Light-hearted, easy reading, funny and compelling, 01 Apr 2001
I have read all of Joan Jonker's books and the two families featured in this book are my favourite characters of them all. You can really visualise the antics they get up to. They seem down to earth and cheerful despite all the odds.

I really enjoyed this one.

Intelligent and engaging historical romance, 01 Nov 2006
Louisa North is a strong, independent, unmarried lady who is dedicated to her charitable work with her ladies' reform group. She has no desire at all to marry. But that is before Simon Tremaine, Duke of Foxmoor - the man Louisa once loved, and who broke her heart - comes back from India where Louisa had him exiled. When he once again begins to pay her attentions and is hell bent on wooing her into marriage - Louisa is suspicious. Does he want to marry her because he loves her - or is it revenge? But when Simon's schemes are uncovered, Louisa is determined to make him pay - with his body, soul and his heart.

Those people who have read Sabrina Jeffries Royal Brotherhood series will recognise Louise North as Marcus's sister from To Pleasure a Prince. Although dealing with the same characters - this book can definitely stand on it's own so you don't need to have read To Pleasure a Prince to enjoy and understand this book.

The book itself is wonderful. The characters are engaging and believable with Louisa being a spirited lady without being brash, and Simon an arrogant duke with a believable touch of vulnerability about him. The exchanges between the two are charged and heated and their relationship throughout the book develops beautifully and is very enjoyable to read. The story is a cat and mouse tale with lots of secrets and hidden agendas to go along with the wooing and seduction. And the background of politics and reform makes this an intelligent, fresh read yet it never becomes heavy and bogged down with political detail.

I really enjoyed Only a Duke Will Do. Sabrina Jeffries writes a fast-paced, fun and clever book that fans of historical romances are sure to love. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of Sabrina Jeffries and those looking for a romance with intelligent, strong characters and an interesting storyline - I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.

Readable historical romance, 26 Oct 2008
A HOLIDAY GAMBLE by Jane Feather
Newly returned from India to take his place as the Viscount Allenton, Ned Vasey finds himself at the mercy of the weather when he gets stuck in a snowstorm. To make matters worse he is accosted by highwaymen and must take shelter in nearby Selby Hall where he meets some unscrupulous people as well as Lady Georgiana Carey - a woman with secrets Ned is determined to uncover.

This was a readable story but I found it lacked any passion, excitement or sparkle. It really suffered from being a short story and silly little editing mistakes (such as at one point changing the hero's name from Ned to Nick) didn't help either.


WHEN SPARKS FLY by Sabrina Jeffries
Heiress Elinor Bancroft is on her way home for Christmas with her aunt and young cousins when their coach gets into an accident during a snow storm. They seek shelter at Thorncliff Hall, home to the notorious Black Baron, about whom there are some dreadful rumours. Despite Martin Thorncliff's reputation, Ellie is determined to bring some Christmas joy into his heart for the season.

I love Sabrina Jeffries and found this story delightfully festive and sweet. I wish it could have been longer to develop the characters more but they still had some great chemistry together and it was perfect for a winter night by the fire.


SNOWY NIGHT WITH A HIGHLANDER by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines must find her brother to protect him from scandal. Unfortunately for her, he's hidden away in the Highlands of Scotland and she needs someone to take her there. Laird Duncan Buchanan is scarred after a terrible accident and agrees to take her even as he obscures his ruggedly injured face. But what will Fiona do when she realises the identity of her protector?

I liked the idea of this story and the writing was engaging and kept you reading. However, the story was enormously let down by the embarrassing attempts at Scottish accents (why do American's assume every Scottish person speaks with a Glaswegian accent?) and the constant inaccuracies - you won't find woodchucks in Britain, for example.


Sabrina Jeffries story was the stand out story in this collection although all three were readable and fairly enjoyable. If you like historical romance and are looking for something to read on a long winter's night then you really can't go wrong with this collection. 4 stars.

Engaging and exciting historical romance, 30 Jun 2008
Madeline Prescott is determined that her new teaching role at Mrs Harris's School for Young Ladies will help repair her father's tarnished reputation. But that is until the devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt tries to enrol his niece at the school.

With a reputation as a rakehell, there is only one way to ensure that the Viscount is truly willing to change his ways - get him to give "rake lessons" to the pupils to teach them how to avoid the advances of unscrupulous gentlemen.

Madeline has always believed attraction is a scientific matter but there is nothing scientific about the way Anthony makes her feel. And as the pair are brought together, first to help the pupils and then to help Madeline's father - Madeline knows she is playing with fire. For there is nothing more dangerous than a rake. Even more so when he is trying so hard to behave himself!


This book is the fourth in Jeffries' School For Heiresses series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel, Only a Duke Will Do and Beware a Scot's Revenge) and is a fantastic addition to the series. Despite that, it also stands alone quite nicely so there is no real need to have read the other books before reading this one.

Both Madeline and Anthony are stand out characters that really make this book. Madeline is intelligent, passionate and every thing she does is for a reason - there are certainly no stupid heroines in a Sabrina Jeffries novel. Anthony is the kind of character that you just love to read about. He's sexy, alpha, a little arrogant with a dark and tortured past - the perfect hero to be tamed by love! Together the pair have delicious banter and hot chemistry which makes for some scorching reading in parts.

The story is fast paced, interesting and so rich in detail that you can't help but be transported into the Regency times where this story is set. There is obviously a huge amount of research that has gone in to this book but at no point does it come across like a boring history lesson with the author simply telling us facts about the period for the sake of it. This gives the book an intelligent edge that is sometimes lacking in other books of the same genre.

Overall, this is another wonderful romance from Sabrina Jeffries. Intelligent, engaging, romantic and wonderfully written - you really can't ask for more from a historical romance and it's easy to see why Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best in her field. Highly recommended and definitely worth the full 5 stars.

A fun romp.., 28 Mar 2008
Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the "classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school "rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.

These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed


Absolutely amazing historical romance, 27 May 2007
Lady Venetia Campbell is on a long overdue trip to her childhood home in Scotland when she is tricked and abducted by her father's sworn enemy Sir Lachlan Ross. Despite his threats - Venetia remembers him as the wild boy that she adored when they were neighbours growing up. Now an amazingly sexy man, Venetia realises he poses a far greater risk to her heart than her wellbeing. And despite grand plans to use Venetia as a weapon against her father things start to go wrong when secrets are revealed and stolen kisses become more enjoyable than they really should.


This book is another winner for Sabrina Jeffries and has to be one of the best books that I have read in a long time.

Venetia is strong and independent but has enough compassion and wit for me to really like her as a heroine. Lachlan as well is an excellent character - strong and amazingly stubborn yet he still manages to have moments of tenderness and aching vulnerability which are always a joy to read. And the thought of him in a kilt makes my knees weak!

Which leads me on to the setting for the book. Apart from the prologue - this book is set entirely in Scotland. I'll admit that I am often wary of books set in Scotland but I am very glad to say that there was absolutely nothing stereotypical about this book and everything was very well written and wonderfully accurate. You can really picture yourself in the real Scotland when reading. And luckily you don't have to read through cringe-worthy attempts at Scottish accents. Each character's dialogue was exactly how you would expect them to be if they came from the Highlands - very realistic.

The story itself is fast paced and a real page turner - I couldn't put it down. Venetia and Lachlan are so well matched that you're all but cheering for them to get together. They have real chemistry which also makes for some very enjoyably sexy scenes on their journey through Scotland.

All in all I thought this book was excellent and one not to be missed. Although part of the School For Heiresses Series (after Never Seduce A Scoundrel and Only a Duke Will Do) this book stands nicely on its own so you don't have to have read the others to read this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys intelligent, fun, sexy and well-written romances. Definitely a 5 star read.


Pirates and convicts, 01 Oct 2008
This is a reissue of a book first published in 1998 and it was a good, swashbuckling story. Miss Sara Willis is a reforming young woman who causes endless headaches for her stepbrother, the Earl of Blackmore. Her latest scheme is to travel on a convict ship full of women to make note of the conditions, give them some education and to try to ensure their safety when landing in the antipodes. She manages to persuade her stepbrother to allow her on the ship but he makes sure one of the crew is going to look after her.

However no