Book Review of How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist

Book Title: How To Tame A Modern Rogue

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 308
Author: Diana Holquist

Date Published: 1 August 2009 (Paperback & E-Book)

Synopsis:

Commitment-phobic Sam Carson has only dated model-gorgeous women. But one stolen kiss from a plain-Jane schoolteacher and he's hell-bent on stripping away her floral dresses and teaching her the art of being bad. If only her good-girl ways didn't make him want to be a better man...

Ally Giordano is at the end of her rope. Her beloved grandmother actually believes that she's living in her favorite romance novel in Regency England and Ally doesn't have the heart to set her straight. But now Granny Donny's last wish is for a retreat to the country and Ally can't refuse her...until she demands that Sam accompany them. And though his smiles turn her knees into jelly, Ally knows better than to trust a playboy...and she definitely knows better than to try to change one. Or does she?

Review:

How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this book in a competition a while ago. Due to my large reading list, I wasn't able to read it until recently. I loved it!

Ally Giordano is a wonderful character. I admit that she comes across as a little straight laced and severe at times. It's like she has a rod placed down her spine and is unwilling to bend a little in case she has fun. In a way, I can understand her wanting to control things around her when things are unraveling into chaos. Meeting the charming Sam Carson throws a spanner in the works and sparks fly.

Sam Carson is most definitely a charming rogue. I fell a little in love with him myself. He has an easygoing manner that I liked, along with a wonderfully warm heart. Meeting an elderly lady in distress, he takes it upon himself to rescue her, but her stuffy granddaughter is another matter altogether. He realises that, just maybe, she's a worthy risk to his heart.

This is a sweet contemporary romance that completely charmed me. The story combined two of my favourite genres - historical and contemporary romance. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I started to read it and didn't put it down until I had finished it.

I fell in love with Ally's grandmother. She may be a little confused about which era she is living in, but she is still sharp as a tack when it comes to the important things - mainly her granddaughter and her happiness. The story is told in such a way that I felt I was actually there. I could picture all the scenes clearly and I fell in love with all of the characters. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Sam and Ally, but Mateo (the coach driver) and Ally's grandmother also have something to share. I loved the soccer scene, though I'm not a fan of the sport myself. The game can be brutal and the author didn't pull any punches with the description. I also loved the scene where Sam reads the historical romance novel that started the whole debacle. His reaction to it made me giggle. There are some incredibly touching moments in this book and I found myself shedding a tear or two, as well as laugh out loud moments; I'm glad I was at home alone and not out embarrassing myself with my sniggers. The chemistry between Sam and Ally is palpable and it is fun watching them bicker and banter. I also love how Sam persisted in breaking down Ally's walls and making her see that a little fun doesn't hurt once and a while. There are some scenes of a sensual nature that are not as explicit as some of the books I have read in the past, but are a little on the hot side. I reached the end of the book and felt sad. Not because it had a sad ending (it doesn't), but because the book had finished. I wanted the story to keep going!

Diana Holquist has written a charmingly sweet contemporary romance. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. Her characters come alive on the page. I have never read any of this author's books before, but I would most definitely read them now. She's found a fan in me.

Due to scenes of a sensual nature, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book to readers over the age of 15 who love contemporary romances with a little heat. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:

I love to write. That's pretty much all I do. Ask my family about the undone laundry, the un-bought groceries, and the fact that I rarely find time to get dressed in the morning. Actually, if you train your family right, they won't notice any of these things. "Popcorn for dinner again, mom! Cool," say my filthy children. God bless them, they don't know what panty hose are.

Oh, my poor husband.

Anyway, it took me a long time to figure out WHAT to write. So I spent years writing ads, brochures, and company reports. If I had to give advice to anyone--which, thankfully, I don't--it would be that if you want to write books, start now. In fact, get the heck off this website and do it.

Wait! First buy my book. Then read it. Then go and write.

Are you still here?

Okay, then you must be a pure reader (or my mother). Good for you. No money in writing. Best to have a real job.

What else do you want to know about me? I love kids. I love cats. I love chocolate. (Not necessarily in that order.) I live just outside of Philadelphia with kids and cats (and hidden stashes of chocolate) and my dear husband.

Visit my website, DianaHolquist.com to find out more. There's a contact form on that page if you'd like to e-mail me. I'd love to hear from you!

Author Links:

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