Giveaway and Review: "To Surrender to a Rogue"

For my stop on the "To Surrender to a Rogue" blog tour, I have my review of the second book in Cara Elliott's Circle of Sin series, and a giveaway of 5 copies of the book, sponsored by Hachette! So read on to see my review of this fantastic historical romance and please enter for your chance to win!!

"To Surrender to a Rogue"
by Cara Elliott
Source: provided for review by Hachette Books

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:
Things are off to a rocky start between Lord Jack Pierson and Lady Alessandra della Giamatti. Jack has just tied Alessandra's daughter, Isabella, to a tree! It's not how it sounds-if he hadn't, adventurous and curious Isabella would surely have fallen off a cliff to her death. Jack and Alessandra fight to vigorously, they hope to never see each other again after their friends, Ciara and Hadley, are rescued. But unbeknownst to them at the time, they share a passion for antiquities. Both are assigned to a rare and important excavation in Bath. Alessandra treats Jack poorly, accusing him of being able to buy his place in the excavation party because his father is a duke. Jack can't make himself stay away from Alessandra and her equally prickly daughter, and he soon learns that both ladies are in grave danger.

Having read "To Sin with a Scoundrel", I loved how this book started off exactly where the previous book ended. It was later the very same day! I had been looking forward to what would happen between Alessandra and Jack, and especially how jack would deal with Isabella, from the set up in the first book. There's also a set up in this one for the leads in Elliott's next book, Kate and Marco.

I really enjoyed how the book dealt with things in a different way than most historical romance. Alessandra admitted her weakness to herself-that she was lonely. She even admitted that her weaknesses were what caused her to reach out to Jack, and why she loved being near his strength and noble nature. I think it's rare for a heroine to be able to admit to herself how vulnerable she is throughout the story.

Also, Jack was very straight forward about his nature. He spent the first years of his adult life as a successful soldier, to fulfill his duty and to please his family. But with his war years over, his interests lie in drawing, art, and scholarly pursuits. He admits this to himself and pursues art, even though he thinks his family will never approve of his choices.

I loved how Jack's relationship with Alessandra's spunky daughter proceeded. I think he never knew how much a child could add to his life because he'd never been around children before. Isabella was as much of a firecracker as her mother and her arguments with Jack were so funny!

Jack and Alessandra's secret rendezvous were hot and exciting, but you could still tell they had true feelings for each other. Elliott shapes fantastic, lovable characters and really lets us know what's going on inside their heads.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5 (Isabella is adorable)
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 (love it!! great color)
Writing: 4/5


Bottom Line: I'd recommend this book to any fan of historical romance. This book has everything for the historical romance reader, a great leading couple, fun supporting cast, humor, and of course, love.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Contest is closed. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Hachette books has generously provided FIVE copies of this historical romance for readers of my blog!

All you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment on this review with your email address!

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Rules:

• US and Canada only
  
• No PO Boxes please
  
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• Extra entries are optional and can all be left in the same comment
  
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• Books will be mailed out by Hachette
  
• Ends Sunday July 6
  

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!