Good Groom Hunting : Misadventures in Matrimony

This is the 1st book of Shane Galen's that I have read. I thought the cover of the book was a bit in the cheesy side. But it seems most romance novels like it that way. I was thoroughly impressed with this book. the character's where written excellently. I could picture them throughout the book. They had personalities and never lost it. I found my self giggling one minute and help in suspense the next. I read a lot of romance novel's and I normally don't write reviews on them. But I was compelled to do so this time. I recommend this book to you all and plan on keeping it in my collection to read again... hope this is helpful...

Ten year old Josephine Hale, granddaughter of pirate Nathan Hale, and her three cousins dream of the adventure they will have when they grow up and vow never to marry forming the "Spinsters Club". Eight years later, Josephine stills craves for the adventures her grandfather told her about as a child and when she finds half of a treasure map in his things she knows she is close to having her dream of independence and adventure. The only problem is she figures the other half must be in the home of his old partner, Doubleday. Years ago Doubleday was found shot to death and his family has always believed that Nathan Hale was responsible. Josephine plans to proposition Stephen Doubleday, the Earl to Westman, into becoming her lover so that she can figure out where the other half of the map is hidden. Stephen Doubleday is a reformed rake, who caused his family grief and financial ruin years ago and was sent to India to rid them of his presence. When his older brother dies, Stephen comes back to inherit the title. He is trying to restore his family's wealth and name, but the progress is going slow. When Josephine Hale sneaks into his home and propositions him, he uses all his will power to resist. Not only are their families enemies, but he will not go back to the rake like ways of his past. Desperate, Josephine tells him about the map and they agree to search for the other half together and split any treasure that is found. Josephine finds herself wildly attracted to Stephen, but it can only lead to a physical relationship because she will never be subjected to the will of a husband...Stephen is attracted to Josephine but knows he must act respectfully to restore his good name. The pair is doomed to fall in love. There were several great points about this book. The love scenes are descriptive and passionate without corny or vulgar references. The pair are mindful of society without being stuffy. The adventure is light and not too complicated and the story flows well. I would read this author's books anytime.

Josephine Hale is not your typical Miss. Other girls her age dream of the perfect matrimonial match and a life of leisure/bliss. She, on the other hand, yearns for a life full of adventure and certainly not one leg-shackled to any man! The life of a pirate as her grandfather once was. Finally, it looks like she may get her wish when she finds her grandfather's treasure map, but -DRAT!- she has only one half. That could only mean only one thing, that her families sworn enemy has the other half. So whats a girl to do? Well, seduce it out of him of course! Handsome reformed rake (aren't they all?) Stephen Doubleday, Earl of Westman, never considered himself a very intelligent man, but certainly not stupid! Apparently the crazy chit, who breaks into HIS library, thinks he is. She wants him to be her WHAT??!?? -A lover and a partner in some ludicrous scheme to find a pirate's treasure?. Surely the girl has been reading to many fairy tales! Their families are sworn enemies for god's sake! Her grandfather killed his grandfather. And he doesn't have time for all this nonsense even though she is a delectable little thing. NO! He must put her doe green eyes out of his mind and concentrate on bringing the family out of financial ruin...........but if the stories are true and there really is a treasure of Spanish bullion, it wouldn't hurt to investigate.....right?......and naturally they would be plantonic partners in all this...;). This is the second in the Misadventures in Matrimony series and I found it better than the first. I'm a bit partial to feisty heroines, especially adventure seeking/attracting ones. This one is no exception. Josie's enthusiasm is infectious and I found myself as eager to find the treasure, as well as to find out when the ever-resistant Earl would succumb to her charms -and-let-me-tell-you it was worth it! The loves scenes were really well written and seemed to get steamier as the book progressed. The whole sworn enemy thing was an interesting plot twist and made me wonder how Galen (author) would resolve the issue between them and their families. But the best part of the book was the last 100 pages where the speed picked up and so did the danger with the treasure near. So, if your in mood for some nice romantic fluff with a bit of mystery, adventure and lots of steamy love scenes, then this one is for you.

Josephine Hale is determined live her life the way she sees fit. This of course means living up to the scandalous past that includes her grandfather a pirate. With treasure map in hand and dreams of a pirates plunder she sets out seeking her fortune. But she has a problem. She only has half the treasure map and the other half is held by her family's enemy, Stephen Doubleday, Earl of Westman. Josie won't let that stand in her way but getting Stephen to go along with her is another matter indeed. Stephen forgot about the piece of map and would discount it all together except it brings the most tantalizing women he's ever met. Perhaps instead of treasure the map will lead to love. Ms. Galen is one author who is on my automatic purchase list. Her stories are always full of heart and emotion and it's sad when you finally reach the end of one of her books. This second installment in the Misadventures in Matrimony series is a perfect addition. Josie and Stephen are fun protagonists and the relationship that grows between them is as unique as they are. It's grand fun to visit with old friends and as always new ones are made along the way. One should not think this is a light read, Ms. Galen does a fine job at bringing importance of family and past hurts into the story. I highly recommend this title and I look forward to her next effort. Courtesty of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Good Groom Hunting is the delightful second installment in Shana Galen's praised Misadventures in Matrimony series about four cousins who, as children, form a Spinster's Club and vow never to marry. This story focuses on Josephine (Josie) Hale and her quest for adventure, not only to find her grandfather's treasure, but to seduce and become her enemy's lover. I absolutely loved Josie! She is such a terrific heroine--one that every girl secretly longs to be at some point in their life. She's funny and smart, she's outspoken and brave. In the book she is labeled as "The Unflappable Josephine Hale" and it certainly fits...until she meets Lord Westman... Stephen Doubleday, Lord Westman, is a tortured hero that is a perfect mix of gentleman and rake. He's the kind of hero we love to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him try and resist Josie and her outrageous flirting at every turn and it made it all the more wonderful to watch when he finally gave in to her. Josie and Stephen complimented each other perfectly. I really enjoyed this book! It had everything--romance, action, adventure, hot love scenes and memorable characters. I am eagerly anticipating the rest of this series!