Third Time's a Charm, Holland Springs Series #2 (by Marquita Valentine)

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Third Time's a Charm rating:  3.75 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  September 7, 2012

Holland Springs series rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars

"Third Time's a Charm" is the second novel in the Holland Springs series 

and can be read as a stand alone novel

How are the sex scenes?

I loved them.  There aren't so many that the sex is distracting and this isn't an erotic romance, but the hero has nipple piercings and he and the heroine have a long burn before giving in to temptation.

How are the story lines?

Enjoyed them greatly.  It was easy for me to keep up 

and I was very interested in the plot with the hero and his mother.  

Would you read it again?

The hero has nipple rings.  YES.

Back of the Book

Not even Holland Springs' Most Notorious Resident 

can stop this Love Spell.

Customers come to Rose Holland’s apothecary shop for three things: to hear her uncanny matchmaking advice, to buy the “magical” hair and skin products she sells, and to accuse her of trying to steal their men. For years Rose has been entirely innocent and almost content with that status quo. But that was before sexy, smooth-talking Sasha Romanov came to town and made her want to use her love potions on him… until he broke her heart. Now corrupt town officials want to seize her land and sell it to an industrial giant, and her only hope for help looks like the one man she can’t trust—or stop herself from falling under his spell.

Alexander “Sasha” Romanov seems like every woman’s dream: charming, handsome and fabulously rich. But while the people of Holland Springs think he’s in town to generously invest in their economy (and possibly one of their daughters), Sasha struggles to save his sick mother from his vicious uncle’s plans by doing everything the greedy businessman wants. And Vlad Romanov wants Rose Holland’s land—at any cost.

Despite Sasha’s vow to get the job done and keep his hands (and everything else!) off Rose, the blue-eyed witch enchants him. But his mother’s life remains in the balance. Sasha must find a way to protect his mother, sabotage his uncle’s plans, and win the woman who’s captured his heart without destroying everything she loves.

Review

Hero Sasha Romanov and heroine Rose Holland have chemistry.  Yet it never gets too far, because their relationship is...unpleasant.

"Possibly she was mulling over how to best kill him."

Sasha is that kind of guy.  Good looking, fashionable and all together someone Rose does not trust.

Sasha's returned and Rose is furious with her little sister for renting a room in their home to him.  Naturally, this intimate proximity sets the stage for close calls, sexy sneak peeks and plenty of nighttime - and nightclothes - scenes.

For all of Rose's wariness, it seems she overcomes it rather quickly.  She's upset Sasha lives in her home and is uncomfortable with her lust for him...but he babysits Ivy and now Rose is won over because she gets to take a nap?  This is no doubt a huge gesture, but it takes only one to win her trust.  

33% through the story Dr. LA (from Twice Tempted) shows up and starts talking about a girl named Lily.  This caught me off guard and doesn't seem to fit because Dr. LA and Lily are not mentioned at any other point in the story.  

With the exception of Dr. LA's sudden appearance - all other cameos are a wonderful addition.  To tell you who pops in would be a spoiler, but towards the end when **** walks into Rose's office I about died.  It. Is. FABULOUS.  

Something else that's fabulous is Marquita Valentine's way with words.  She writes very quotable novels:

"...she carefully placed [the dress] into the back of the closet, where it couldn't mock her."

"Well, I am a Holland, and we aim to please the men around here."

Gabriel (Twice Tempted's heroine's ex-fiance) is in this novel and his gentlemanly actions made me like him even more.  He's going to be such a great hero (hopefully) one day.

Those who read Twice Tempted know Sasha has an eye for fashion and Third Time's a Charm explains a lot when we find out the reason why.  

The characters are defined, the pacing is easy to run with and the story lines intertwine while pushing along Sasha and Rose's relationship.  I do wish the paranormal element was resolved and explained.  Valentine may have intentionally left it open, but the story never specified.

And Sasha.  I thought about Sasha for days after reading this novel.  He is, quite simply, unforgettable.

GOOD job, Marquita.

Learn more about Marquita Valentine and her upcoming titles on her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Holland Springs Series
1. Twice Tempted - read Sallie's review and Valentine's interview

Reviewed by Sallie:

Published by Marquita Valentine.

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  eARC provided by Marquita Valentine.