Books I've Read Recently

Hi All!
I haven't done a book review post recently so here it goes. =)

Title: Brook Street #3 - Fortune Hunter
Author: Ava March
Publisher: Carina Press
Length: 44,000 words
Rating: 4 Quills
Tags: historical, series, first time, nobility

Blurb

London, 1822...Impoverished Julian Parker returns London with one goal: marry an heiress. He'll do whatever it takes, even it means denying his desire for men. After all, with a fortune comes happiness and social acceptance - which have eluded Julian his entire life.

The only things a vast fortune have brought Oscar Woodhaven are greedy relatives and loneliness. At twenty-one years of age, he has everything a man could possibly want - except someone to love him. When he meets devastatingly handsome Julian Parker, he believes his luck has turned.

Between Oscar's lavish gifts and their searing hot nights, Julian is caught between what he thinks he needs and what his heart truly desires. But when a betrayal threatens to tear them apart, Julian discovers he'll do whatever it takes to convince Oscar the greatest fortune of all is love.

Review

First off, I must say that I love historical fiction. I like it with romance and without. I like with men and I like it with women. I just love stuff set in the past. That being said, it makes me a little picky about crappy historicals because I know they can be so awesome. Ava March has never failed to impress with her wonderful historically set stories.

In the second book of her Brook Street Trilogy, Ava creates a wonderful dichotomy in Julian. On the one hand, he is unabashedly gold digging for a rich wife. On the other hand, he is a true and loyal friend to Oscar. He finds himself in too deep when he allows his endeavors to snag a suitably wealthy bride overcome his common sense. In order to come out on top he sells a precious gift which Oscar gave him. When Oscar discovers this betrayal he mistakenly believes that Julian never cared for him, only his money. It takes a massive effort and almost two and half years for Julian to convince Oscar of his heart and for these two to find a way to their happily ever after.

I love how Julian and Oscar are perfect balms for each others' distinct brands of loneliness and isolation. Their love sneaks up on them and Julian, at least, is not able to recognize it until he has lost it. I really appreciated the "come to Jesus" moment Benjamin and Cavin (From Brook Street 1 - Thief) had with Julian, where he realizes he might actually have to work to get what he most desires. My one complaint is that two and half years seems an awfully long time to keep our lovers apart while they figure out their lives. So, overall I loved this book and I am awarding it 4 Quills!

You can pick up a copy of Fortune Hunter from Carina Press for $2.99 - click here. 

Other Books I have Read recently:

I Love You, Asshole by Amy Lane - 3.5 Quills

Twice the Cowboy by James Buchanan - 3 Quills

**Where the Allegheny Meets the Monongahela by Felicia Watson - 4 Quills**

Riot Boy by Katey Hawthorne - 3.5 Quills

Shane's Fury by Stephani Hecht - 2.5 Quills

By the Moonlight by Jaxx Steele - 1 Quill (I would give it less if possible)

Three Wrong Turns in the Desert by Neil Plakcy - 3 Quills

Rougaroux Social Club: Bayou Dreams by Lynn Lorenz - 3.5 Quills

Unnatural Selection by Ann Somerville - 3 Quills

**The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe - 4.5 Quills**

**The Luckiest by M.J. O'Shea and Piper Vaughn - 5 Quills**

Call Me Sir, Boy by Kim Dare - 3 Quills

Soft Focus by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine - 1.5 Quills

Broken Memories by Diane Adams - 3 Quills

By Chance Met by Eresse - 4 Quills

**Ruffskin by Megan Derr - 4.5 Quills**

Forever in One Second by Finn Marlowe - 3.5 Quills

Foxe Hunt by Haley Walsh - 3 Quills

**Thief by Ava March - 4 Quills**

The Brass Box by K.M. Mahoney - 3 Quills

Question Mark by S.E. Culpepper - 4 Quills

That hasn't all been this week, just since last update (awhile ago). The ** .... ** indicate my top 5 picks from the list! Hope you enjoy.

If you have read any great books recently, let me know in the comments section. I am always looking for books to add to my To Be Read pile. ;)