Abbreviations #11 | His at Night, Private Arrangements, Delicious + Not Quite a Husband

I previously read one (technically two, but you'll see mention of that later one) of Sherry Thomas' historical romances, but somehow managed to miss out on the rest until now. I've remedied that by going on a binge and reading everything she's released up until now. Here are my thoughts on her historical romances! (And here's a link to my review of The Luckiest Lady in London.)

His at Night by Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: May 25, 2010
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Kindle e-book

I have no idea why I waited so long to read another Sherry Thomas historical romance. His at Night is the story of Spencer, a secret agent of the government who pretends to be an idiotic bachelor, and Elissande, a devoted niece to her sickly aunt who longs to escape the confines of her uncle's home. Complicated, yes? But fun to read for sure, especially if you don't mind getting riled up over how idiotic the main couple can act at times and a whole lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication. Thomas again shows off her skills in writing a novel that has witty repartee, humorous encounters and a bunch of moments worth swooning over yet again in this one. While it hasn't dethroned The Luckiest Lady in London as my favorite, His at Night is a really good historical romance and worth the read.

Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Kindle e-book

Private Arrangements focuses on the marriage between Camden & Gigi, Lord and Lady Tremaine, a relationship that has been primarily spent living apart from one another on two separate continents. Thomas takes readers through the ups and downs of Camden and Gigi's relationship, including all the lies and misunderstandings that make everything difficult and strained - in spite of the fact that these two love each other. I enjoyed the way Thomas crafted these "missed connections" between them, and even though it was a touch dramatic, I understand how these two could have been apart all those years. Gigi is more manipulative than Camden, as well as being sassy, self-possessed and smart; in other words, she's delightful to read about. Add to that a fun sub romance for Gigi's mother, some really intense swoony scenes and a few smart barbs, and Private Arrangements is a perfectly delectable example of historical romance!

Delicious by Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: July 29, 2008
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Kindle e-book

While The Luckiest Lady in London is still my favorite of Sherry Thomas' historical romances, Delicious has become a top contender for its replacement. The heroine - Verity Durant - is an excellent cook, who whips up delightful culinary creations that evoke pure emotion with one taste. The hero - Stuart Somerset - is a man who has fought to find his place in a world that does not easily accept those who aren't born into it. These two seem so different, but at their core, they are both strong, loyal, stubborn individuals who are longing for love and a place to belong. Whenever they were together, there were definitely sparks! I honestly swooned over many a moment they shared (complete with fanning myself over a certain bath scene), and was already rooting for them to work things out at the mere hint of something between them. The entire novel reads like a modern-day (well, as modern as a historical romance can technically be) fairy tale, and it's no surprise that I was completely swept up in their love story. Delicious was seriously impressive, and I can see myself returning to this story again!

Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: May 19, 2009
Source/Format: Borrowed from the library || Kindle e-book

To be fair, my thoughts on Not Quite a Husband are slightly affected by the fact that I'm pretty sure I've read this one before and just forgotten that I had. Again, what Thomas excels at is writing a historical romance that's different from my usual fare. In this one, we're taken to India where the hero and heroine meet for the first time in years and travel together to get the heroine home. Bryony is smart and skilled, a lady doctor who knows her way around a surgery; but she's got these walls built up so high around her heart that prevent anyone, even the people who love her, from getting in. Leo is equally smart and skilled, albeit with mathematical equations; but he is also impulsive and rash. These two have such a smart dynamic between them, paved by a wall of misunderstanding and pain but built on love. Add to that the tension in India, their hurried journey together and the unraveling of all the lies between them, and you're in for quite the tale. While Not Quite a Husband isn't my favorite, it's still got the charm of a Sherry Thomas historical romance and is worth reading if you're a fan.