Sunday, December 6, 2020
An Unexpected Temptation by Sophie Barnes
When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt
Wow! This was a great romance. I was hooked from the first chapter to the end and didn't want to put it down.
I liked that Gideon was a strong character that wasn't a noble. Messalina was the perfect heroine for him. This was a well written novel with great characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
A Proposal of Marriage by Cheryl Bolen
Her Lady to Love by Jane Walsh
This book was the first f/f historical romance that I have read. I struggled with reading the book because I did not like Jacquie and her best friend (and former lover) Bea. They were both quite selfish and demanding. I didn't think that the relationship between Jacquie and Nora was well developed. I actually liked Phin better than Jacquie.
I was sad that this book was missing likable characters and character development.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Gone With the Rogue by Amelia Grey
I read the first book in this series and loved it. For me, this book fell flat. The book started off strong with a cute way the hero and heroine meet. But, from there, it just didn't develop. I ended up not liking the heroine.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes
This book is definitely a historical romantic suspense - with this book. There is a mystery of who killed Ida's father, one that Simon is determined to solve. I liked the characters. The book was engaging and fast paced.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor
This was a book that I had originally put down and marked as a DNF. (Not good, right?) I decided to give it a second chance and I was glad I did. I loved the book. Avalon is an amazing heroine. She deserved every bit of happiness she got from her relationship with Devan. And Devan was a wonderful hero. I liked how he grew to love Avalon with a true devotion. This was such a fantastic book!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Ten Days with a Duke by Erica Ridley
Again, this is another wonderful story in this wonderful series. I loved the second chance at love/enemies to lovers trope. I liked the characters and how they developed. While part of a series, it reads as a standalone. It was a well written book. My only complaint with this book is I wish it was longer.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author. Thank you!
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Scot Under the Cover by Suzanne Enoch
This was a slow smolder romance. I loved the banter between Miranda and Aden. She intrigues him, but her family situation has her forced into an engagement she doesn't want. I liked the sub-plot of trying to get Miranda out of that horrible arrangement. I did not like her brother. I really hope that Aden's sister finds a better choice for a husband.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake
Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He is planning on accepting the arranged marriage to his cousin that his uncle wants until he meets Natalie Fanshawe. Natalie is an American who promised her best friend as she was dying to take her young son back to her family in England. As an American, Natalie is outspoken and doesn't care for the aristocracy.
There was a chunk of this book that I just skipped. I did not like how Natalie and Leo were treated at Leo's grandfather's home. It was really unnecessary to the plot. I did like the characters of Natalie and Hadrian.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett
Lady Charlotte Wentworth had her one season where she was the biddable female the ton expected from debutants. She left London in disgrace after being ruined by the new Viscount Amesbury. Lottie settled into her families estate then her brother died followed by her mother. When her father sank into a depression, Lottie took over running the estate and gained a strong confidence. Seven years later, her father has pulled out of his depression and has arranged a marriage for Lottie. Lottie does not want to marry the man so she goes to London to find a husband on her own terms.
When Lottie meets Viscount Amesbury again, he realizes that she is very a very different person. Ethan finally has the chance to make up for ruining her season. Lottie takes Ethan up on his offer and along the way, sparks fly and a second chance romance develops.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was a great debut novel for the author. It was fast paced with great characters. I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne
All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I loved 98% of the book. I liked the pairing of Cecelia and Ramsey. He was the perfect balance for her. Cecelia was a strong heroine, yet in many ways directionless and Ramsey helped keep her in direction.
Without rehashing the plot, there were two points that I felt that didn't flow and were rather awkward. Overall, the book is amazing. The writing is intense and has the feeling of a historical romantic suspense. Again, Kerrigan Byrne hit it out of the ballpark. She is one author that I will one-click on any of her books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Sunday, October 11, 2020
One Night with a Duke by Erica Ridley
Jonathan MacLean is subconsciously trying to outrun his past by never returning to the same town twice. He is getting a new investment off the ground when he is trapped in Cresmouth aka Christmas by a blizzard.
Angelica Parker is the town jeweler. She left London to prove to herself and her family that she is just as good of a jeweler as her older brother. As a black woman, she has to prove that her creations are equal to any other artist. She has been given a commission of making ornaments for the new town Christmas Tree.
I really love the standalone novella feel to the series. However, this book seemed more rushed than the others. There are some details missing. Angelica could not possibly manage the demand of her business without either an apprentice or shop clerk. I liked the characters and how they both had issues to overcome.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the author and NetGalley. Thank you!
Monday, September 28, 2020
What the Hart Wants by Emily Royal
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That said, this is supposed to be the first book in a series. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of the second act of a play without any playbill. This is the first book that I have read by the author. I thought it would be fine since this is the first in the series. This book read like it was the continuation of another series, one that I didn't read. It was very hard to keep up with the characters and figure out who they were.
Misleading A Duke by A.S. Fenichel
If you haven't read the first book, please do yourself a huge favor and read it first. This is the second book in the series and builds on the first book.
The Wallflowers are a group of young women who were sent to a School for Young Ladies because they didn't fit society's or their parents expectations. Faith didn't like that she was engaged to Nicholas Ellsworth, Duke of Breckenridge without knowing him. The Wallflowers do a little espionage and discover who he is.
I liked the fast paced, rom com / suspense feel to the book. The Wallflowers are great characters. I like the bond they created.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington. Thank you very much!
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Garden of Hope by Daphne Bloom
I have been reading Historical Romance for thirty-five years. I got an Advanced Reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a very hard time reading the book because it is written in first person POV. I absolutely HATE first person. To me, it lacks the depth of third person POV. I also think it has a total contemporary feel. I just could not finish this book which was sad. The blurb gave so much promise.
The Black Lion by Victoria Vale
The Black Lion is a historical pirate romance with a second chance subplot. Bella and Drew were childhood sweethearts. Bella's father refused to let them marry because Drew couldn't provide the life she was accustomed to. Bella was devastated when she received word that Drew had been killed two years after he went to serve in the British Navy. Three years later, Bella realized that she had to get married. As a daughter of a slave woman and master, Arabella had been raised as a daughter of the house after her father's wife had died. She realizes as a daughter of a slave, no matter how genteely raised, she needs to make a good marriage or her half-sister would turn her out of the house when their father died. On the day of her wedding, Drew stops it, full of rage, seeking vengeance.
I will admit that I had an issue at first with Bella and Drew's parentage. After Drew re-entered the scene, the dynamic of the book changed and it just flowed. I loved the pirate theme of the book. The book was well written and the characters were wonderful. This was a story that I couldn't get enough of.
I reviewed an ARC provided by the author. Thank you!
Friday, September 11, 2020
When You Wish Upon a Rogue by Anna Bennett
Sophie was an independent young woman who was part of a secret group called "Debutante Underground. They meet to discuss a weekly advice column and to give support to each other. She knows her time is limited with her friends because her father has lost everything. She meets Henry Reese who is the new Earl of Warshire. Henry is suffering from PTSD and survivor's guilt. The one last thing I would call Henry is a "rogue". He is the tortured hero.
I liked the slow build of the relationship between Sophie and Henry. What drove me crazy was Sophie's family. She needed to stand up to her family and tell them that she was not going to marry the man her parents wanted to.
There were several scenes in the book that seemed disjointed or not fully developed. Beyond that, I enjoyed the book and thought it was a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
To Catch an Earl by Kate Bateman
Alex Harland was a second son and dedicated rake when he first encountered the mysterious woman at a ball before he left for war. Alex has returned to England and due to his service, he is now the Earl of Melton. As an agent for Bow Street, Alex is pursuing the notorious thief, Nightjar. Little does he know that they are the same person.
Emily Danvers is the daughter of Nightjar. She is being blackmailed into assuming her father's identity to reclaim France's crown jewels. She encounters Alex Harland and realizes he is the man she met years ago at the ball when he stole a kiss from her.
Now Emily has to stay one step ahead of Alex before he finds out she is the thief he is looking for. Alex will do anything to protect Emily once he realizes she is the thief he has been searching for.
I was hooked on this book from the first chapter. I liked the characters. Emily was the fiery heroine devoted to helping her family. Alex was the brooding hero trying to find the mysterious woman who had stole into his subconscious. The book was fast paced and the banter between Emily and Alex was perfect.
This book was a great escape.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley
This is the ninth book in the "12 Dukes of Christmas" series. It had a different feel to it. Lady Isabelle feels bad when her chaperone gets sick, but she uses the opportunity to have the freedom and independence her station as a duke's daughter doesn't give her. Pretending to be a widow, she meets the handsome Calvin McAlistair. Isabelle discovers that she needs Calvin because without him unbuttoning her dress, she is trapped in her clothes! As their relationship develops, Isabelle finds out more about Calvin and helps him.
I liked how Isabelle changed while she was at the inn. She was able to develop her personality from a daughter of a duke to an independent young woman. Calvin was a determined business man who was making his future better. He didn't expect to find the woman he desired while snowbound at an inn, but he did!
I really wish that the end of the book could have been developed more and the book was longer. It was one of the best books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the Author and NetGalley. Thank you!!
Monday, August 31, 2020
Necessary Pursuit by Mari Carr and Lila DuBois
Well, that was an amazing book. I loved the fast paced action with the twists and turns of a Trinity Masters novel. Oscar finally got his book and his perfect partners. I liked that Selene made the grumpy Oscar less grumpy. Throw in someone we thought was a villain, but isn't - he is just trying to protect his sister. Oh my! Along with the suspense is the e-reader melting smexy times. They were three characters that were opposites, yet meshed so well. Then, at the end, is the tease of where we are going next. I can't wait!
This is one book you want to clear your afternoon for, sit back and enjoy the ride.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the authors. Thank you very much!
Saturday, August 1, 2020
The Arrangement by Sylvia Day; Minerva Spencer; Kristin Vayden
The Duke and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Taming of the Rake by Victoria Vale
Friday, July 24, 2020
Vienna Bargain by Lila DuBois
Vienna Betrayal by Lila DuBois
Monday, June 29, 2020
Stroke of Luck by Opan Carew
Call It Magic by Janet Chapman
The Earl and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden
The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Summer
Before the Crown by Flora Harding
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Taking the Lead by Tara Eldana
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author. Thank you!
The Sinful Scot by Maddison Michaels
When Constance Campbell was younger, she believed that all she needed to be happy was a duke. After her marriage, she discovered that her perfect Duke was a perfect monster. She has learned to hide his abuse from those around her.
Dr. Alec McGuiness is back in Scotland at a ball only because he was asked by a friend to check up on the woman he once loved. Alec remembers the sweet woman she was before her society debut and the self-obsessed woman she has become.
When the Duke is murdered in his sleep, with Connie sleeping next to him, Alex knows he must protect her from the people who are going to frame her for her husband's murder. Connie runs as they attempt to prove her innocence. She develops an attraction to Alec. Can they find love while trying to prove Connie's innocence?
I liked that Alec was able to put aside his presumptions to help Connie and discovered what the truth was. I was thrilled that Connie got a second chance at love with Alex.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Fiery Surrender by Mari Carr and Lila DuBois
I loved Langston in "Honor's Revenge" and was thrilled he got his own book. This book was amazing. I love the suspense in the book along with the hot, steamy romance. Every book in the series is wonderful and this is just the latest. I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by the authors. Thank you!
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Earl Not Taken by A.S. Fenichel
Rhys Draper, Earl of Marsden, has known Poppy since she was sent to boarding school with his sister. Their first meeting was an utter disaster and branded Rhys an unsuitable rake in Poppy's eyes. Rhys wants a chance to redeem himself and will help Poppy in her endeavors. As they attempt to find out more about the prospective Duke husband, Rhys develops feelings for Poppy. Can Poppy discover the man Rhys truly is and discover her own HEA?
I loved this book. It was so well written. While the book centers around Rhys and Poppy, the other Wallflowers play supporting characters. I felt bad that Poppy misjudged Rhys. Poppy was a strong character that stood on her own against her self-centered parents. I liked the ending of the book and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley. Thank you.
The Princess Plan by Julia London
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The Duke's Desire by Erica Ridley
I loved the sparks that fly between Meg and Lucien from when they bump into each other outside of the library. The passion grows as Meg helps Lucien learn English so he can communicate with the new members of his family.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid
Alexander is surprised to find a wallflower has announced she is engaged to him. He hasn't been in the ton in years. He decides to meet Kitty to see what kind of a person she is. Kitty is shocked to find that the Duke wants to meet her. Once they meet, Alexander decides that he has to have her and the sparks fly!
I have always loved Stacy Reid's books. This one did not disappoint. I loved the dynamic between Kitty and Alexander. I liked how Kitty pulls Alexander out of his reclusiveness and loves him for who he is.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
The Duke's Embrace by Erica Ridley
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the author. Thank you!
Seduction on a Snowy Night by Mary Jo Putney; Madeline Hunter; Sabrina Jeffries
I also enjoyed A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries. Cass does not want anyone in the ton to know that she has a fortune so her cousin can find her husband first. When an unscrupulous fortune hunter is after cousin Kitty, Cass will do anything to protect her. Lord Heywood Wolfe was sent by Kitty's brother to let her know about the fortune hunter. Heywood takes Kitty and Cass to his estate and slowly starts to realize that Cass is the one who has been writing the letters. I enjoyed Kitty and Heywood's HEA and wish the book was longer.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman
This is the first book in the Bow Street Bachelors series. I liked the characters. Georgie was a strong heroine that was attempting to protect her family business from her nasty cousin. Benedict is a war hero that is attempting to help his brother. I liked the attraction between them.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.