LSK Sweetheart Reviews: The Captains Bluestocking Mistress ( Book 2 in the Dukes of War series ) by Ericka Ridley with Review by Samantha

The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress

Captain Xavier Grey’s body is back amongst the beau monde, but his mind cannot break free from the horrors of war. His friends try to help him find peace. He knows he doesn’t deserve it. Just like he doesn't deserve the attentions of the sultry bluestocking intent on

seducing him into bed...

Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man. Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey. She may not be destined to be his wife, but nothing will stop her from being his mistress. She could quote classical Greek by the age of four. How hard can it be to learn the language of love?

The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress is Book 2 in the Dukes of War regency romance series, featuring roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

Current Promotion: 99¢ Pre-Order

Release Date: March 2, 2015

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Length: 200 pages (40-45k)

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 978-1939713308 (ebook) MSRP: $2.99

ISBN: 978-1939713315 (mmpb) MSRP: $6.99

Dukes of War romance books in Series Order:

#0.5 The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation Nov. 2014

#1 The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower Dec. 2014

#2 The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress Mar. 2015

#3 The Major’s Faux Fiancée Jun. 2015

'I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review'

Jane is easily forgotten among the Ton. She is considered a Bluestocking and a Wallflower. Not by choice either. That's just how it is. With the exception of her brother the only people who even know who Jane is or when she's around is her friend Grace and her Earl. She wants love and passion it's just that no one ever notices her long enough for it to be an option. She finally makes a decision. If she can't have love she will experience passion, at least once in her life. And she can only picture experiencing it with one person. Captain Xavier Grey. Now she just needs to convince him.

Xavier does not feel that he should be in polite society. He did things in the war that he is not proud of. He decides to seclude himself at his country estate. That doesn't seem to stop Jane though. He decides to give his staff some time off and the next thing he knows the little Bluestocking is knocking on his door. When he finds out what she is up to there is no where he can go as they are snowed in. Now he has to try to resist her because her offer is way too tempting.

When it comes to historical romance authors Erica Ridley is quickly becoming one of my favorites. every book I have read in this series so far is great. I can't pick a favorite. I could not put this book down. Right from the beginning she draws you in and keeps your attention until the end. In all honesty I didn't want it to end. I think Jane has been one of my favorite characters since 'The Earls Defiant Wallflower'. It is part of a series but it could be read as a stand alone. I would highly recommend reading the series from the beginning though as Jane and Xavier are introduced in book 1. If you are a fan of historical romance or romance in general I highly recommend reading!

When bluestocking Jane Downing confesses she’s only ever been asked to dance twice—and one of those times was with her own brother—Captain Xavier Grey pulls her into his embrace for an impromptu waltz, right in the middle of his snowbound cottage...

The muscles beneath his coat tightened as he led her in smooth, graceful circles. Jane didn’t need music to feel like she was floating. The soft firelight made the room all the more romantic. She could almost believe herself the belle of a ball.

Except, fairy tales didn’t happen to her. Her fingers grew cold. Xavier was right. Love affairs—even stolen kisses—weren’t as carefree as she’d believed. Once the snow was gone, he would forget her just like everyone else did. And this time, it would break her heart.

“Jane. Look at me.” He slipped a knuckle beneath her chin and raised her gaze to his. “I notice you. I see you. I have you in my arms.”

Her lips parted and her eyes stung. Until he’d spoken the words, she hadn’t realized that she’d been waiting for them her entire life.

With nothing more than a soft murmur, he’d carved open her soul and left a part of himself inside.

She would never be the same. Her heart clattered at an alarming rate, but she could not look away. Nor did she wish to.

His gorgeous blue eyes shone from beneath inky lashes. The intensity of his gaze was thrilling and frightening and filled her with wonder. He saw her. Plump, boring Jane. And yet he still wanted her in his arms.

When they completed their circuit about the room, he paused before the fireplace—but did not immediately release her.

She hoped he never would. The evening had been magical. He was magical. She would be happy to stay right here, wrapped in his arms, forever. But all she had was this moment.

He lowered his head to hers. His lips grazed her cheekbone, her earlobe, the pulse point just beneath the line of her jaw. Her heart fluttered. Was he finally giving in to their chemistry? Or was he acting out of pity?

She angled her head, seeking his mouth. She wanted to feel his lips against hers. To have him and taste him, and to know that this time, he wasn’t kissing her because she was bothersome. He’d be kissing her because he wanted her. Because he saw her. Because he liked her.

When his mouth caught hers, gooseflesh rippled along her skin, followed by an infusion of molten desire. She felt like she’d waited for this moment her entire life.

She slid her hands up his strong arms to his neck, where overlong black hair curled against the stark white of his cravat. He might not wish to be a hero, but he certainly looked the part. Even without his smart red regimentals, he was every inch the storybook prince. Tall and dashing, with black hair and startlingly blue eyes.

More than that, however, was who he was on the inside. He noticed her. He saw that she wished to be seen. He made her believe that forever was something she actually deserved. She melted against him. He wouldn’t kiss her unless he felt it, too. Unless he meant it, at least for this moment. No one else looked outside of themselves long enough to wonder what torture others might be going through. No one else reached deep into the furthest crevices of her heart and dared to ask, why not love? Why not her, too?

His lips were firm and teasing. The dance of his tongue against hers, exhilarating. Her heart swelled. When she’d set out on this journey, she’d assumed the lustful nature of men would make it impossible to

decline the charms of a willing female. She’d been wrong.

Xavier was every bit as passionate as she might have hoped, but a thousand times more discriminating. He wasn’t holding her simply because she was there. He was holding her because he wished to. Because they both wished to. And oh, did she love his kisses.

Breathless, she arched into his touch—

And screamed as claws raked down her spine.

Xavier sprang backward, panting, his eyes wide with surprise. “Did I hurt you?”

“It’s not you,” she gritted out, wincing at the weight of the cat tangled in her hair and cleaving to her skin. Gingerly, she turned her back toward the firelight.

“God’s teeth. Is that…”

“Yes,” she managed through pain-clenched teeth. “Please remove him from me as quickly and carefully as possible.”

Xavier leapt forward.

Jane closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing. The moment the devil cat was disengaged from her spine, she intended to trap the little demon in his wicker cage for the rest of the night. Or the rest of his life.

Erica Ridley is a USA Today best-selling author of over nine romance novels. She is

represented by Lauren Abramo of the Dystel & Goderich literary agency. Please email erica@ericaridley.com with any questions, or to schedule an interview.