Wednesday, August 14, 2013

[Double Review]: "Just Desserts"



Today I have a double review for you-- one from me, one from Pat. We both really liked this book, and we are both fans of this author, so I hope you enjoy the post!


Just Desserts by Marquita Valentine
Publication Date: August 2013
Series: Holland Springs, 4
Genre: Contemporary Romance


A Holland Springs Novel, Book 4


What an earl wants isn’t always what he gets… 

British Billionaire and modern day earl of Spenserfield, Sebastian Romanov only wants one thing in life: To reclaim his position as president of Romanov Industries. But first he has to clean up his reputation to convince the Board that he’s a dependable bloke who’s willing to put the company above everything, including his personal life. Finally given an excuse to sort things out with his estranged twin brother, he boards a jet to Holland Springs, North Carolina, never dreaming he’d find the solution to his all his problems in the town’s sexy caterer, Daisy Barnes. 

She’s going to serve him his just desserts… 

Daisy Barnes, owner of The Sweet Spot, has plans. Plans that don’t include posing as some arrogant—yet sexy as hell—earl’s fiancĂ©e. But when unexpected insurance bills –to the tune of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars—from her mother’s unsuccessful battle with cancer come due, she’s forced to accept his offer and his money. Only problem for Daisy—underneath that cold exterior is a man that can set her on fire with just one touch. 

As Sebastian and Daisy spend more time together, they find it harder and harder to not give into temptation. Soon neither can tell where the fake romance ends and true love begins...




Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Pat's Review:




In this latest visit to Holland Springs, we learn more about Sebastian Romanov, the most complicated of the Romanov men, in my opinion. Christian and Bastian are twins, and we find out a little about their childhood with a tyrannical abusive father, and a mother who was just gone in more than the physical sense. 




"If anyone had told Sebastian Romanov that today would be the day he fell in love he would have dismissed them completely. And if he'd had an inkling of how hard he would fall , he would have had them shot for lack of warning."




Daisy Barnes is the owner and baker of The Sweet Shop in Holland Springs known for it's irresistible confections. She is also first cousin to Zoe, who is Christian's wife. Little did she know that a visit from Sebastian was about to change her life, and his!

This novel was an emotional roller coaster ride for me. Daisy and Bastian belong together, but they both let outside influences in to make them doubt their feelings. Watching them grow to understand how much they loved each other was wonderful, I loved the London scene, and their tourist day. Bastian's scheming and lying made me want to shake him....hard! I don't want to give any spoilers, so all I will say is "Love conquers all!"

I highly recommend this novel to romance readers who enjoy some stumbling blocks to the HEA. Ms. Valentine's loyal Holland Springs readers will love the latest installment!


I personally hope we have more stories from this delightful town and this very talented author!



4 STARS! 



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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for her honest opinion.

The quote used belongs to Marquita Valentine; Pat and TBQ's Book Palace do not claim it.

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Meet Pat:


Hi I'm Pat Fordyce. I am a retired pediatric nurse living in coastal North Carolina. Being retired I get to do one of my favorite things .....READ..... I love to read and talk about books, and my reviews are my voice. I also volunteer at our Public Library a few days a week. So glad to be joining The Book Queen's group of guest reviewers.








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My Review:

Bastian, at last I get your story! Ever since I read Marquita Valentine's first book, Twice Tempted, I've been anxious for her to share Bastian with us. With each book, my desire to see his story only increased. And while I enjoyed finally reading Just Desserts, I do have to be honest-- I was ever-so-slightly disappointed.

Sebastian Romanov is a very prim, proper, and well, uncaring person. His childhood was messed up, to say the least, due to his bastard of a father and witch of a mother. And while I could understand where his emotional issues came from, I was still very annoyed by him throughout the book. He was hot one moment and ice cold the next, and it was enough to make my head spin...as well as make me want to slap him a few times for the things he did or said to Daisy. Also, I didn't feel like he groveled enough in the end, but perhaps that is just me.

Despite the love/hate relationship I had with Bastian, I still enjoyed Just Desserts. Marquita's voice was still present, and she has a way of writing that I can't help but love, every time.

I really liked Sebastian and Daisy's story, but a few glitches stopped me from full on loving it. However, I was still very happy with Just Desserts. As with all of Valentine's books, there were some cute moments (ie, the emails and texts between “Jules” and Daisy), some fun moments, and a good dose of sexy ones, as well. It may not be a perfect book, but any fan of Valentine will love it, and it's a book that will appeal to many readers—I will be recommending it to others. It may not have been my favorite book by this author, but overall I can't complain. I will continue to anxiously await her future books


4 STARS!







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I received an e-ARC of this book from the tour host in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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Pat and I have both read Marquita's books before, and I think it's safe to say we are both big fans, so perhaps we're a bit biased? Regardless, if you are looking for a new contemporary author to try, look no further than Marquita Valentine! :) 





Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

5 comments :

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

Thanks so much for allowing me to review the book with you !!!! Looks like we pretty much felt the same.
Would love to do it again! Thanks TBQ..... <3

Lisa Filipe said...

Thank you for hosting today!

Anna@herding cats said...

I've got this one on the tbr pile! I really enjoy her books so much. Glad you both had a good time with it even if there was some thoughts of hero strangling popping up here and there. ;)

The_Book_Queen said...

Sometimes it happens. But I think if you have enjoyed her previous books, then you will still really like this one! Please let us know what you think of Just Desserts once you read it!
Enjoy,
TBQ

The_Book_Queen said...

We definitely should! :)
Enjoy,
TBQ