The Rogue is Back in Town by Anna Bennett
⭐️⭐️
Probably three stars for the first bit of the book and maybe two for the rest.
Lord Samuel Travis is given the task of clearing tenants out of one of his brother's properties in order to get back in good graces with said brother. He is surprised and delighted to find Miss Juliette Lacey and her eccentric uncle living at the property. Julie and Sam must fight their attraction to each other if they both want to get what they want.
So their meet cute was great and they were adversaries (something I love in a romance) for all of two seconds before they allowed their attraction and lust to take over. Their first kiss seemed out of place and too soon after they met. And shortly after that Juliette threw propriety to the wind and let Sam have liberties with her. It just made the love story hard to believe and made it seem like they were more in lust.
The best part about the whole thing was the uncle.
-Reader
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
When You Love a Scotsman by Hannah Howell
When You Love a Scotsman by Hannah Howell
⭐️⭐️
The idea of the plot was better than the execution of it.
Lieutenant Matthew MacEnroy is just trying to survive the war and make it back home when he and his men happen upon Abigail Jenson's home as she's fending off Rebels. Impressed with her bravery, Matthew helps her to the next town when she has nowhere else to go.
The pacing of this story was just bizarre to me. They literally knew each other for a day before he kissed her for the first time and it came out of NOWHERE. There was zero buildup to the attraction. I remember checking to see what percent of the story I was on and if I had missed something.
There also seemed to be very little of a plot here. The plot from the blurb happens in the first 5% of the book. It made for a tedious and boring read.
-Reader
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️
The idea of the plot was better than the execution of it.
Lieutenant Matthew MacEnroy is just trying to survive the war and make it back home when he and his men happen upon Abigail Jenson's home as she's fending off Rebels. Impressed with her bravery, Matthew helps her to the next town when she has nowhere else to go.
The pacing of this story was just bizarre to me. They literally knew each other for a day before he kissed her for the first time and it came out of NOWHERE. There was zero buildup to the attraction. I remember checking to see what percent of the story I was on and if I had missed something.
There also seemed to be very little of a plot here. The plot from the blurb happens in the first 5% of the book. It made for a tedious and boring read.
-Reader
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins
Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Despite some slow spots, this title was still pretty enjoyable.
Miss Sophia Hastings is yet another talented young lady who is co-owner to Beauchamp House. Sophia is a talented painted whose works are considered scandalous by some. Still, she is determined to put them on display in a local art show.
Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle is rather open-minded and is impressed with Sophia's talent...and her beauty. When it becomes clear her controversial artwork has landed her in the middle of trouble, Ben realizes that the last woman he thought he should marry is the only one he wants.
I personally get kind of sick of the "rogue that's slept with EVERY woman who would have him" trope so a vicar was a nice change. Ben is a very sweet man and I enjoyed reading about him. As someone else pointed out, anytime Ben's day-to-day life was brought up it was usually glossed over with "vicarage business" rather than actually telling what he was doing.
I liked Sophia, too. She was a very determined and independent woman. I did find her stubbornness at wanting to be involved with the mystery to her own detriment to be a little off-putting.
In all honesty, the mystery that was the main plot of the novel wasn't that engaging even though I had no clue who the culprit was. All the action regarding the mystery happened near the end of the novel and I skimmed quite a bit to get to it.
I will definitely be checking out the next title in this series.
-Reader
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Despite some slow spots, this title was still pretty enjoyable.
Miss Sophia Hastings is yet another talented young lady who is co-owner to Beauchamp House. Sophia is a talented painted whose works are considered scandalous by some. Still, she is determined to put them on display in a local art show.
Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle is rather open-minded and is impressed with Sophia's talent...and her beauty. When it becomes clear her controversial artwork has landed her in the middle of trouble, Ben realizes that the last woman he thought he should marry is the only one he wants.
I personally get kind of sick of the "rogue that's slept with EVERY woman who would have him" trope so a vicar was a nice change. Ben is a very sweet man and I enjoyed reading about him. As someone else pointed out, anytime Ben's day-to-day life was brought up it was usually glossed over with "vicarage business" rather than actually telling what he was doing.
I liked Sophia, too. She was a very determined and independent woman. I did find her stubbornness at wanting to be involved with the mystery to her own detriment to be a little off-putting.
In all honesty, the mystery that was the main plot of the novel wasn't that engaging even though I had no clue who the culprit was. All the action regarding the mystery happened near the end of the novel and I skimmed quite a bit to get to it.
I will definitely be checking out the next title in this series.
-Reader
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey
To the Duke, With Love by Amelia Grey
⭐️⭐️
To be completely and totally honest, I shelved this book a few weeks ago with the intention of coming back to it...and I forgot. It was a chore just to get to 12% and I couldn't imagine finishing it.
This was a definite case of lust at first sight as both characters were having fantasies about each other within the first few minutes of meeting each other. For me, this makes a tedious read.
I didn't feel like the infamous letter from the first book was much of a threat given that Hawk already had a husband lined up for his sister. Take out that element and the fact that both characters want in each others' pants from the beginning and there's not much here to keep me reading.
I MIGHT give the third in the series a shot.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch
A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I always try to be upfront about my dislike of a certain trope (in this case second chance romance) and while this is technically not a second chance romance, the H/h still had a history. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this title anyway.
Callum MacCreath is immature and irresponsible. He has no plans beyond getting his next drink and it stunned to find it his brother is planning to marry his childhood friend, Rebecca. In a case of not realizing what he's got until its gone, Callum leaves Scotland for ten years.
Rebecca knows she made the right choice when she married Callum's brother, Ian, instead of Callum but she still misses Callum terribly while he's away. She is surprised but secretly glad when Callum returns after being away for so long. They begin working together to unravel the mystery surrounding Ian's death.
I highly enjoyed this title and had trouble putting it down. I couldn't wait to find the next clue about what really happened to Ian and that kept me reading probably more than anything. A lot happened in the novel, and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. I liked both Callum and Rebecca, though I thought Callum could be overbearing at times. Rebecca was an intelligent heroine throughout without having any TSTL moments.
I did feel like the romance itself was a bit tepid even with a few love scenes. Perhaps it was because of their history but there just wasn't much heat between Callum and Rebecca. I still found the love story believable (perhaps more so because of the lack of heat). I really enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a lot of "if only" from either character.
The major issue I had with this title was the use of "I reckon" over and over again. It was enough to drive me crazy but the story still managed to overshadow even that.
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I always try to be upfront about my dislike of a certain trope (in this case second chance romance) and while this is technically not a second chance romance, the H/h still had a history. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this title anyway.
Callum MacCreath is immature and irresponsible. He has no plans beyond getting his next drink and it stunned to find it his brother is planning to marry his childhood friend, Rebecca. In a case of not realizing what he's got until its gone, Callum leaves Scotland for ten years.
Rebecca knows she made the right choice when she married Callum's brother, Ian, instead of Callum but she still misses Callum terribly while he's away. She is surprised but secretly glad when Callum returns after being away for so long. They begin working together to unravel the mystery surrounding Ian's death.
I highly enjoyed this title and had trouble putting it down. I couldn't wait to find the next clue about what really happened to Ian and that kept me reading probably more than anything. A lot happened in the novel, and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. I liked both Callum and Rebecca, though I thought Callum could be overbearing at times. Rebecca was an intelligent heroine throughout without having any TSTL moments.
I did feel like the romance itself was a bit tepid even with a few love scenes. Perhaps it was because of their history but there just wasn't much heat between Callum and Rebecca. I still found the love story believable (perhaps more so because of the lack of heat). I really enjoyed the fact that there wasn't a lot of "if only" from either character.
The major issue I had with this title was the use of "I reckon" over and over again. It was enough to drive me crazy but the story still managed to overshadow even that.
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, November 17, 2017
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thought this title was a lot of fun and can't wait for the next!!
Lady Olympia Hightower is surprised to find herself at her wedding to the Duke of Ashmont and is suddenly incredibly unsure she wants to go through with said wedding. Hugh, the Duke of Ripley, is Ashmont's best friend and is determined to make sure Olympia marries Ashmont.
I thought this book was a fun road trip story. I laughed out loud (sometimes in my kid's Taekwondo class) several times. I loved all of the characters (I'm already looking forward to Ashmont's story) and found the situations the characters found themselves in to be fun and believable.
I will definitely be reading the next title in the series!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thought this title was a lot of fun and can't wait for the next!!
Lady Olympia Hightower is surprised to find herself at her wedding to the Duke of Ashmont and is suddenly incredibly unsure she wants to go through with said wedding. Hugh, the Duke of Ripley, is Ashmont's best friend and is determined to make sure Olympia marries Ashmont.
I thought this book was a fun road trip story. I laughed out loud (sometimes in my kid's Taekwondo class) several times. I loved all of the characters (I'm already looking forward to Ashmont's story) and found the situations the characters found themselves in to be fun and believable.
I will definitely be reading the next title in the series!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It's Hard Out Here for a Duke by Maya Rodale
Hard Out Here for a Duke by Maya Rodale
⭐️⭐️⭐️
While not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy this title.
Before I really begin this review I feel like I need to disclose something: second chance romances are my least favorite. I have turned away many books because the H/h were previously together and were being reunited. Having said that, this title wasn't exactly a second chance romance in the traditional sense but for the first half of the book it certainly felt like one. There was a lot of "if only" in the first half of the book and a few times I seriously considered giving up on it.
I didn't give up, however, and the second half of the book made up for it. It was so much better than the beginning of the book and I really enjoyed it. I liked both James and Miranda and felt like they went together so well.
I enjoyed getting to see James learning to deal with his new responsibilities (whether he wanted to or not). And I felt like there was a real obstacle to his and Miranda's relationship besides their (very brief) history together. It wasn't something a simple conversation could overcome and that's often the worst part of a second chance romance.
I felt like this title was missing much of Miss Rodale's light and fun storytelling but it was still an entertaining read and I look forward to whatever she has coming next!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
While not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy this title.
Before I really begin this review I feel like I need to disclose something: second chance romances are my least favorite. I have turned away many books because the H/h were previously together and were being reunited. Having said that, this title wasn't exactly a second chance romance in the traditional sense but for the first half of the book it certainly felt like one. There was a lot of "if only" in the first half of the book and a few times I seriously considered giving up on it.
I didn't give up, however, and the second half of the book made up for it. It was so much better than the beginning of the book and I really enjoyed it. I liked both James and Miranda and felt like they went together so well.
I enjoyed getting to see James learning to deal with his new responsibilities (whether he wanted to or not). And I felt like there was a real obstacle to his and Miranda's relationship besides their (very brief) history together. It wasn't something a simple conversation could overcome and that's often the worst part of a second chance romance.
I felt like this title was missing much of Miss Rodale's light and fun storytelling but it was still an entertaining read and I look forward to whatever she has coming next!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this title and will be reading the next.
I really liked both the hero and heroine and found the plot to be fun, if sometimes a little slow.
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Texan Duke by Karen Ranney Review
Sad to see this great series end but looking forward to what Ms. Ranney will publish in the future!
While I personally liked the second title in this series the best, this was still a very solid installment.
Dukes are all well and good but sometimes it's nice to meet one that wasn't born a duke. This is what we get with Connor. His reluctance to be duke makes for an enjoyable read and I really, really liked him.
I enjoyed the overall plot of this story and watching these two people come together and fall in love. There may have been a few slow spots, but nothing that I felt I had to force myself through to keep reading.
Will definitely be reading more from Karen Ranney!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
While I personally liked the second title in this series the best, this was still a very solid installment.
Dukes are all well and good but sometimes it's nice to meet one that wasn't born a duke. This is what we get with Connor. His reluctance to be duke makes for an enjoyable read and I really, really liked him.
I enjoyed the overall plot of this story and watching these two people come together and fall in love. There may have been a few slow spots, but nothing that I felt I had to force myself through to keep reading.
Will definitely be reading more from Karen Ranney!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wilde in Love by Eloisa James Review
I really enjoyed this title and can't wait for the next in the series!!
I absolutely loved Willa and thought she was a fantastic heroine. She was her own person and didn't need (or want) Alaric to validate her as a person. I did get a bit annoyed that he ignored her when she tried to ask him several times to leave her alone and kept persuing her anyway.
I thought Alaric's crazy family was a ton of fun and can't wait to read their stories too. And the secondary characters all added a fun element to the story too without being annoying.
Can't wait for the next one! Hope it's North's story!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Willa and thought she was a fantastic heroine. She was her own person and didn't need (or want) Alaric to validate her as a person. I did get a bit annoyed that he ignored her when she tried to ask him several times to leave her alone and kept persuing her anyway.
I thought Alaric's crazy family was a ton of fun and can't wait to read their stories too. And the secondary characters all added a fun element to the story too without being annoying.
Can't wait for the next one! Hope it's North's story!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
A Christmas to Remember
A Christmas to Remember by Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Megan Frampton, and Vivienne Lorret
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a delightful read overall.
Lisa Kleypas and Megan Frampton's novellas were probably my favorites. Each novella contained a full story despite being a novella and therefore shorter. I didn't feel like there was much as far as the Christmas theme went beyond each story mentioning it was that time of year. Still, I enjoyed reading each story.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries
A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I feel a bit like I have whiplash because the story was so short but I enjoyed it regardless. I liked both main characters even if I didn't get to know them well. There's a pretty quick resolution to the problems but with only around 100 pages (according to Goodreads) it's not surprising.
Looking forward to seeing the stubborn and secretive Baron Fulkham meet his match in the next title!!
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
The Scotsman Who Saved Me by Hannah Howell
The Scotsman Who Saved Me by Hannah Howell
⭐️
I don't think Hannah Howell's writing is for me. This is the second or third title of hers I've tried and couldn't finish.
Based on the blurb, I expected a novel with a lot of action. Instead I got one that was crawling along with very little happening. I was forcing myself to read because there wasn't really anything bringing me back to the book.
The tone was also a bit weird to me. Emily got sick of Iain's constant kissing her and then being cold and so did I.
Not sure if I'll be trying the next book or not.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
The Laird Takes a Bride by Lisa Berne
The Laird Takes a Bride by Lisa Berne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this book so much better than the first! Can't believe this is just a second novel for an author!
I honestly don't remember Alasdair much from the first book but I know I was excited to see he'd be getting his own HEA. He was a great guy that respected Fiona and her wishes even if he didn't particularly like her. At first.
The real star of this show, to me, however, was Fiona. She is SUCH a stick-in-the-mud for part of the novel and it was fantastic to see her transformation. And I didn't see the event that brought that about coming.
I felt like, for the most part, the novel was a nice blend of plot and emotion rather than being driven by one alone. I don't really remember any major slow spots and I had trouble stopping reading at the end of a chapter.
This was a great title and I can't wait for the next!!
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this book so much better than the first! Can't believe this is just a second novel for an author!
I honestly don't remember Alasdair much from the first book but I know I was excited to see he'd be getting his own HEA. He was a great guy that respected Fiona and her wishes even if he didn't particularly like her. At first.
The real star of this show, to me, however, was Fiona. She is SUCH a stick-in-the-mud for part of the novel and it was fantastic to see her transformation. And I didn't see the event that brought that about coming.
I felt like, for the most part, the novel was a nice blend of plot and emotion rather than being driven by one alone. I don't really remember any major slow spots and I had trouble stopping reading at the end of a chapter.
This was a great title and I can't wait for the next!!
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Friday, August 18, 2017
So I Married a Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks
So I Married a Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kerrelyn Sparks is fantastic at world building and that continues in this novel.
Brigitta has the ability to know others are hiding something and to ferret out their secrets. Rupert is a pirate with the ability to control the wind...and a big secret.
The fun and drama Ms. Sparks is known for was evident throughout this book. I found it hard to stop at one chapter because I needed to know what would happen next. I mean, PIRATES!
Can't wait for the next book!
-Reader
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is Tessa Dare at her finest!
I got super excited about this book after Tessa described it as "Beauty and the Beasts meets Deadpool" and was so excited I was even a little afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype I built up in my head. I can tell you, it did! I almost burst into laughter like a lunatic in my kid's Taekwondo class...more than once. I absolutely adored it.
Emma is feisty and unafraid of Ash's blustering. Ash is a delightful smart aleck and I loved many of his retorts. I felt like the romance did move pretty quickly, but I was okay with that for once because there was more plot going on than that. There's not really much angst and I'm completely okay with that. This is definitely going to be a reread for me!
Loved this title and can't wait for the next in the series!
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is Tessa Dare at her finest!
I got super excited about this book after Tessa described it as "Beauty and the Beasts meets Deadpool" and was so excited I was even a little afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype I built up in my head. I can tell you, it did! I almost burst into laughter like a lunatic in my kid's Taekwondo class...more than once. I absolutely adored it.
Emma is feisty and unafraid of Ash's blustering. Ash is a delightful smart aleck and I loved many of his retorts. I felt like the romance did move pretty quickly, but I was okay with that for once because there was more plot going on than that. There's not really much angst and I'm completely okay with that. This is definitely going to be a reread for me!
Loved this title and can't wait for the next in the series!
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
The Scandal of It All by Sophie Jordan
The Scandal of It All by Sophie Jordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This title was not very plot driven (I usually prefer more of a plot), but I found myself unable to put it down!!
I love a heroine that is older than nineteen or twenty and it was fantastic to see a heroine that was older than the hero. My mom is eleven years older than my stepdad and they've been happily married for nearly twenty-two years so I've seen how well the age difference can work out. I like a heroine that is older because it's easier to believe she'd really know herself enough to make a commitment like marriage.
I liked Colin, even if I felt he was a bit pushy a few times. He made up for it in the end and turned out to be a great hero after all. I was really excited that Graciela was the type of woman he's normally attracted to instead of the exact opposite. That drives me crazy.
So why only four stars? First of all, the use of the word "quim". I don't care how historically accurate it might be, it still grosses me out and brings me right out of the moment. Also, there were several love scenes in a row. That's not my thing and I skipped three of them because I felt like they were filler for the lack of plot.
Ms. Jordan gave us a little tease for the next book at the end of this one, and I can't wait to read it!!
-Reader
*An eARC was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Lady Be Bad by Megan Frampton
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this title and will definitely be reading the next!
I liked both Alex and Eleanor and thought they complemented each other. I liked how both grew as the story moved along and were better versions of themselves by the end. I was entertained throughout the book even though it wasn't very action-filled. Still kept my attention, though, and I wanted to find out how the hero and heroine got their HEA. And I only read one or two "or somethings"!
My only issues with this book would be the fact that the main problem isn't really treated like THAT much of a problem by the H/h and that there were a few instances where we were told about events instead of them being shown to us.
I definitely feel like Ms. Frampton's books are improving as she goes along, and I look forward to the next one!
-Reader
An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
An eARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Monday, February 20, 2017
My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch Review
⭐⭐
This title wasn't really my cup of tea, but I did enjoy the beginning.
Marjorie Forrester is a recent woman of means intent on traveling to Scotland to visit her brother and attend his wedding. Graeme is a highlander trying to take care of his younger brothers, keep their home, and keep from angering their clan chieftain. When his brothers kidnap Ree, Graeme believes the only alternative is for him to marry Ree.
Honestly, the best part of the book is the beginning. I was fully invested after Ree's kidnapping and was looking forward to watching them get to know each other and become attracted to each other. This doesn't really happen. They're not attracted to each other one day and the next they are. For no real reason, either. I can't tell you what one liked about the other.
After the initial kidnapping, not much else happens. There was an opportunity here to have a lot happen but Ree only really makes one attempt at escape before deciding to lie for Graeme and his brothers. It just wasn't very realistic.
I didn't read the first book in this series and felt quite lost at first with all the names being thrown around but I figured it out soon enough.
Enoch spells out the accents every time a Highlander speaks so if that's not your thing, you might want to steer clear.
I did find the beginning of the book to be very engaging, and I really found myself wondering who the next book would be about. I'll probably give it a chance and see if it's a little more to my taste.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
This title wasn't really my cup of tea, but I did enjoy the beginning.
Marjorie Forrester is a recent woman of means intent on traveling to Scotland to visit her brother and attend his wedding. Graeme is a highlander trying to take care of his younger brothers, keep their home, and keep from angering their clan chieftain. When his brothers kidnap Ree, Graeme believes the only alternative is for him to marry Ree.
Honestly, the best part of the book is the beginning. I was fully invested after Ree's kidnapping and was looking forward to watching them get to know each other and become attracted to each other. This doesn't really happen. They're not attracted to each other one day and the next they are. For no real reason, either. I can't tell you what one liked about the other.
After the initial kidnapping, not much else happens. There was an opportunity here to have a lot happen but Ree only really makes one attempt at escape before deciding to lie for Graeme and his brothers. It just wasn't very realistic.
I didn't read the first book in this series and felt quite lost at first with all the names being thrown around but I figured it out soon enough.
Enoch spells out the accents every time a Highlander speaks so if that's not your thing, you might want to steer clear.
I did find the beginning of the book to be very engaging, and I really found myself wondering who the next book would be about. I'll probably give it a chance and see if it's a little more to my taste.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Monday, February 6, 2017
How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks Review
How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
So glad Kerrelyn Sparks is back with a new series!!
Luciana has been hidden away her entire life because of her magical powers, believing herself to be an orphan. That is until her father arrives and gives her the choice to remain on the island she was hidden on or return with him and marry Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick.
Leo has magical powers himself: he power to harness lightning. This power makes him dangerous and he hasn't been touched since he was a child. He is thrilled to be marrying beautiful Luciana, even if their marriage can never be real. Can he and Luciana ever have a real marriage and deal with those that wish them harm?
I am not new to Ms. Sparks' writing as I read (almost) all of her Love at Stake series. I was not surprised at all by the intricate world building that goes on in the story. She is fantastic at establishing a setting that you feel could maybe really happen. I was quite delighted to find this was something of a historical (although the language is very modern) because the cover made me think this was more of a contemporary.
As I said, the language is very modern but I wasn't upset by that in the least because this wasn't a Regency historical, it wasn't even set on Earth. I saw no reason for Ms. Sparks not to use modern speech if that's how she wanted the people of this world to speak.
I loved Leo and Luciana. She was just strong enough and she was just sweet enough for them to really complement each other. I enjoyed watching them grow as a couple and the anticipation for their love scene was certainly worth it!
A lot happened in the week this is set in. Some conflicts seemed solved pretty hurriedly but this didn't detract from the story at all, for me. Since this is the first book in a brand new series we did get a lot of information in a short period of time but, again, this doesn't detract from the story.
My only complaint would be the accents at the beginning of the book (I used to be a sucker for Scottish accents in books but I feel they've been overused) but those go away once the story really gets going and they're few and far between after.
I've already preordered a copy of this title and can't wait for the next in the series!!
An eARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐⭐⭐⭐
So glad Kerrelyn Sparks is back with a new series!!
Luciana has been hidden away her entire life because of her magical powers, believing herself to be an orphan. That is until her father arrives and gives her the choice to remain on the island she was hidden on or return with him and marry Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick.
Leo has magical powers himself: he power to harness lightning. This power makes him dangerous and he hasn't been touched since he was a child. He is thrilled to be marrying beautiful Luciana, even if their marriage can never be real. Can he and Luciana ever have a real marriage and deal with those that wish them harm?
I am not new to Ms. Sparks' writing as I read (almost) all of her Love at Stake series. I was not surprised at all by the intricate world building that goes on in the story. She is fantastic at establishing a setting that you feel could maybe really happen. I was quite delighted to find this was something of a historical (although the language is very modern) because the cover made me think this was more of a contemporary.
As I said, the language is very modern but I wasn't upset by that in the least because this wasn't a Regency historical, it wasn't even set on Earth. I saw no reason for Ms. Sparks not to use modern speech if that's how she wanted the people of this world to speak.
I loved Leo and Luciana. She was just strong enough and she was just sweet enough for them to really complement each other. I enjoyed watching them grow as a couple and the anticipation for their love scene was certainly worth it!
A lot happened in the week this is set in. Some conflicts seemed solved pretty hurriedly but this didn't detract from the story at all, for me. Since this is the first book in a brand new series we did get a lot of information in a short period of time but, again, this doesn't detract from the story.
My only complaint would be the accents at the beginning of the book (I used to be a sucker for Scottish accents in books but I feel they've been overused) but those go away once the story really gets going and they're few and far between after.
I've already preordered a copy of this title and can't wait for the next in the series!!
An eARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Last Night with the Duke by Amelia Grey Review
Last Night with the Duke by Amelia Grey Review
⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this title from Amelia Grey and will read the next in the series.
Miss Esmeralda Swift owns an appointment agency and is raising her younger sister. She cannot afford any mistakes or she could lose everything, and she considers herself to be too practical to fall prey to a rake.
The Duke of Griffin made a mistake in his youth that he now fears his sisters will pay for during their first season. When rumors arise that back up this fear Griffin realizes he needs the best chaperone he can find to follow his sisters and keep them out of harm's way. He decides Esmeralda is that chaperone, whether she agrees or not.
I really liked both Esmeralda and Griffin. I don't remember her having a TSTL moment and I was glad of that. I thought Griffin had a good heart but I don't remember him being much of a rake. I could definitely see them together as a couple, too.
The beginning was a little slow but once the Season got started I felt the pacing got much better and I don't remember being bored. There was always something going on to move the story along and not just a lot of inner dialogue.
Minor issues were the "Dos and Don'ts" at the beginning of most chapters that I found annoying and stopped reading. And I would've liked more of Griffin's POV than we were given.
Easily the biggest issue I had with the book was the fact that the entire conflict of Griffin's sisters possibly being harmed because of his past never came to fruition. We get rumors that some in the ton wish Griffin ill and want to use his sisters to get back at him, but nothing happens there. I think it was a missed opportunity.
Those issues weren't enough to keep me from enjoying the story, however, and I will be reading the next in the series.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this title from Amelia Grey and will read the next in the series.
Miss Esmeralda Swift owns an appointment agency and is raising her younger sister. She cannot afford any mistakes or she could lose everything, and she considers herself to be too practical to fall prey to a rake.
The Duke of Griffin made a mistake in his youth that he now fears his sisters will pay for during their first season. When rumors arise that back up this fear Griffin realizes he needs the best chaperone he can find to follow his sisters and keep them out of harm's way. He decides Esmeralda is that chaperone, whether she agrees or not.
I really liked both Esmeralda and Griffin. I don't remember her having a TSTL moment and I was glad of that. I thought Griffin had a good heart but I don't remember him being much of a rake. I could definitely see them together as a couple, too.
The beginning was a little slow but once the Season got started I felt the pacing got much better and I don't remember being bored. There was always something going on to move the story along and not just a lot of inner dialogue.
Minor issues were the "Dos and Don'ts" at the beginning of most chapters that I found annoying and stopped reading. And I would've liked more of Griffin's POV than we were given.
Easily the biggest issue I had with the book was the fact that the entire conflict of Griffin's sisters possibly being harmed because of his past never came to fruition. We get rumors that some in the ton wish Griffin ill and want to use his sisters to get back at him, but nothing happens there. I think it was a missed opportunity.
Those issues weren't enough to keep me from enjoying the story, however, and I will be reading the next in the series.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett Review
My Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett
⭐
This title started out well and was interesting but fizzled quickly and I decided to give it up.
Margaret Lacey, Meg, is in need of employment to help keep her supposedly mad uncle out of debtor's prison and to take care of her sisters. She reluctantly accepts a position with William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, a man from her past who has just been given custody of two young girls.
I was going to say that Meg and Will must fight their growing attraction to each other, but they really don't. Not even a little. More on that in a moment.
This started out well and I was fully invested in the story and really enjoying it. There was some good humor and I found myself smiling often while reading. I liked both Meg and Will and was really looking forward to seeing their story play out.
And then.
And then they kissed, a little early in the book for my tastes but I could've dealt with that. If there hadn't been a scene with kissing and touching shortly after. All this without them really spending much time together or getting to know each other. I had a feeling the book was going to become nothing but sexy times and decided I was done.
I think there's some potential for a good series here, anyway, and I will be checking out the next book.
-Reader
⭐
This title started out well and was interesting but fizzled quickly and I decided to give it up.
Margaret Lacey, Meg, is in need of employment to help keep her supposedly mad uncle out of debtor's prison and to take care of her sisters. She reluctantly accepts a position with William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, a man from her past who has just been given custody of two young girls.
I was going to say that Meg and Will must fight their growing attraction to each other, but they really don't. Not even a little. More on that in a moment.
This started out well and I was fully invested in the story and really enjoying it. There was some good humor and I found myself smiling often while reading. I liked both Meg and Will and was really looking forward to seeing their story play out.
And then.
And then they kissed, a little early in the book for my tastes but I could've dealt with that. If there hadn't been a scene with kissing and touching shortly after. All this without them really spending much time together or getting to know each other. I had a feeling the book was going to become nothing but sexy times and decided I was done.
I think there's some potential for a good series here, anyway, and I will be checking out the next book.
-Reader
Thursday, January 19, 2017
A Little Less Angst for Me, Please
I have recently watched the first two episodes of FX's period drama starring Tom Hardy. I rarely know exactly what's going on (Tom's mumbling is often hard to understand) but I know enough to be entertained and to look forward to the third episode. I also know that I really, really like James Delaney (minus the incest, because ew) and that part of me would love to read about a hero (or anti-hero) like him. But then I remember: angst driven romances wear me the hell out emotionally and I just can't handle many of them.
Now don't get me wrong, I OCCASIONALLY love a good angsty romance. Occasionally. I stopped watching Supernatural sometime after season 9 because the fun episodes were so few and far between and I was so drained after each episode that it would take days for me to move on to the next. Angst driven novels affect me the same way. After I read one, it takes me a few fun novels to fully recover. My husband has told me multiple times throughout our marriage that I am the only person he knows that can take things so seriously while not being serious about anything. And it's true, I am completely like that. I'm not made to take a lot of seriousness at once and I refuse to do so with my reading, which is supposed to be enjoyable.
I have been very lucky in life. The biggest hardships I've ever had to deal with were my parents' divorce (and subsequent hating each other enough to never speak again) and the deaths of my grandfathers and one grandmother. I have been lucky in that my husband and I fell in love while laughing and having fun together and that twelve years later we STILL have fun together. However, I am not so naive that I don't realize that many people don't lead a nice life like I have. I'm well aware of it, in fact. But surely those people still have some happy times, something in incredibly short supply in angst driven romances. Forgive me for not understanding how two people can fall in love without there being any happiness between them at all. If there is no happiness between them until the end, what is the real incentive to be together, except maybe survival? I want to believe my hero and heroine just can't stay away from each other, and it's hard for me to believe that when they don't seem to enjoy being together.
That brings me to my final reason for avoiding such novels (except every once in a while, when I think my heart can take it): I can't buy into a happily ever after when no one is happy until the last chapter and epilogue of the book. You can't expect me to believe that two people that have had hard lives and have been so incredibly unhappy even while falling in love will suddenly be forever happy. It just makes the HEA hard to swallow for me. And I want to believe that love cures all, because sometimes it really does.
-Reader
Now don't get me wrong, I OCCASIONALLY love a good angsty romance. Occasionally. I stopped watching Supernatural sometime after season 9 because the fun episodes were so few and far between and I was so drained after each episode that it would take days for me to move on to the next. Angst driven novels affect me the same way. After I read one, it takes me a few fun novels to fully recover. My husband has told me multiple times throughout our marriage that I am the only person he knows that can take things so seriously while not being serious about anything. And it's true, I am completely like that. I'm not made to take a lot of seriousness at once and I refuse to do so with my reading, which is supposed to be enjoyable.
I have been very lucky in life. The biggest hardships I've ever had to deal with were my parents' divorce (and subsequent hating each other enough to never speak again) and the deaths of my grandfathers and one grandmother. I have been lucky in that my husband and I fell in love while laughing and having fun together and that twelve years later we STILL have fun together. However, I am not so naive that I don't realize that many people don't lead a nice life like I have. I'm well aware of it, in fact. But surely those people still have some happy times, something in incredibly short supply in angst driven romances. Forgive me for not understanding how two people can fall in love without there being any happiness between them at all. If there is no happiness between them until the end, what is the real incentive to be together, except maybe survival? I want to believe my hero and heroine just can't stay away from each other, and it's hard for me to believe that when they don't seem to enjoy being together.
That brings me to my final reason for avoiding such novels (except every once in a while, when I think my heart can take it): I can't buy into a happily ever after when no one is happy until the last chapter and epilogue of the book. You can't expect me to believe that two people that have had hard lives and have been so incredibly unhappy even while falling in love will suddenly be forever happy. It just makes the HEA hard to swallow for me. And I want to believe that love cures all, because sometimes it really does.
-Reader
Monday, January 9, 2017
Ready Set Rogue by Manda Collins Review
Ready Set Rogue by Manda Collins Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, either, and found there was a lot to like about it.
Miss Ivy Wareham is one of four intelligent young women chosen to inherit Lady Celeste Beauchamp's home in order to further her studies. A gifted linguist, Ivy is all too happy to leave her parents' chaotic home and embark on a new adventure.
Torquil Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, refuses to believe his beloved aunt would leave the home she opened to him and his cousins to four young ladies she never even met. He arrives at her home with the intent of proving the ladies duped his aunt until it becomes apparent that her death wasn't as innocent as it first appeared.
Honestly, the beginning of the book was probably the best part of it. I loved the way Quill and Ivy first met and the setup for the rest of the book was great. I even laughed a couple of times during their first meeting.
The secondary characters in this book were great. I loved the other bluestockings (especially Daphne) and would like to read their stories when they come along. Unfortunately, I felt like the secondary characters were at times more entertaining than Quill and Ivy.
The worst thing about the entire story was the insta-lust. They meet and fall in love in around 3-4 days (give or take). The romance (if you can call it that) felt rather rushed and I'm still uncertain what they fell in love with about each other. I wondered if the love scene happened so early on so that the rest of the book could be spent solving the murder mystery.
In addition to that, I felt like some questions were left unanswered and like I didn't know the hero at all. He mentions or thinks about having an unhappy childhood at home with his parents several times but I didn't see anywhere where he expanded on that and explained why.
Overall, I found this to be a decent read. I think there's the potential for a fun series starting with this book. I would love to see the ladies compete for the house and fall in love along the way. I will be checking out the next book in the series.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, either, and found there was a lot to like about it.
Miss Ivy Wareham is one of four intelligent young women chosen to inherit Lady Celeste Beauchamp's home in order to further her studies. A gifted linguist, Ivy is all too happy to leave her parents' chaotic home and embark on a new adventure.
Torquil Beauchamp, Marquess of Kerr, refuses to believe his beloved aunt would leave the home she opened to him and his cousins to four young ladies she never even met. He arrives at her home with the intent of proving the ladies duped his aunt until it becomes apparent that her death wasn't as innocent as it first appeared.
Honestly, the beginning of the book was probably the best part of it. I loved the way Quill and Ivy first met and the setup for the rest of the book was great. I even laughed a couple of times during their first meeting.
The secondary characters in this book were great. I loved the other bluestockings (especially Daphne) and would like to read their stories when they come along. Unfortunately, I felt like the secondary characters were at times more entertaining than Quill and Ivy.
The worst thing about the entire story was the insta-lust. They meet and fall in love in around 3-4 days (give or take). The romance (if you can call it that) felt rather rushed and I'm still uncertain what they fell in love with about each other. I wondered if the love scene happened so early on so that the rest of the book could be spent solving the murder mystery.
In addition to that, I felt like some questions were left unanswered and like I didn't know the hero at all. He mentions or thinks about having an unhappy childhood at home with his parents several times but I didn't see anywhere where he expanded on that and explained why.
Overall, I found this to be a decent read. I think there's the potential for a fun series starting with this book. I would love to see the ladies compete for the house and fall in love along the way. I will be checking out the next book in the series.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-Reader
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Lady Claire is All That by Maya Rodale Review
Lady Claire is All That by Maya Rodale Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely loved it!!
Lady Claire Cavendish is by all accounts a bit odd. She wears spectacles and will talk endlessly to anyone willing to listen about her love of math. She wields her intelligence like a weapon to keep suitors at bay until her sisters' futures are secure.
Lord Fox is not an intellectual by any stretch of the imagination and sees Lady Claire the same way everyone else in the ton does. Until the day he makes a fateful wager that he can make her the darling of the ton and begins to learn Lady Claire adds up to more than meets the eye.
I will admit that I wasn't a big fan of Fox from Lady Bridget's Diary although even after three readings I can't quite remember why. Maybe it was because he was already betrothed but I wasn't a huge fan of him being Claire's suitor...until I read the book. I fell in love with Fox right along with Claire and thought he was perfect for her in the end.
I liked Claire a lot too, especially when she gave her reasons for trying to drive others away. I really enjoyed reading about her journey from assuming there was no substance to Fox to learning what a good man he was.
The plot was not a heavy one, and I love those. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me way too long to realize I was reading the historical romance version of She's All That (I blame the fact that I've only watched that movie once in my life). The result was a fun and easy read with two great main characters and lots of fun secondary characters too.
I've already preordered the next book in the series and can't wait to read it!!
-Reader
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely loved it!!
Lady Claire Cavendish is by all accounts a bit odd. She wears spectacles and will talk endlessly to anyone willing to listen about her love of math. She wields her intelligence like a weapon to keep suitors at bay until her sisters' futures are secure.
Lord Fox is not an intellectual by any stretch of the imagination and sees Lady Claire the same way everyone else in the ton does. Until the day he makes a fateful wager that he can make her the darling of the ton and begins to learn Lady Claire adds up to more than meets the eye.
I will admit that I wasn't a big fan of Fox from Lady Bridget's Diary although even after three readings I can't quite remember why. Maybe it was because he was already betrothed but I wasn't a huge fan of him being Claire's suitor...until I read the book. I fell in love with Fox right along with Claire and thought he was perfect for her in the end.
I liked Claire a lot too, especially when she gave her reasons for trying to drive others away. I really enjoyed reading about her journey from assuming there was no substance to Fox to learning what a good man he was.
The plot was not a heavy one, and I love those. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me way too long to realize I was reading the historical romance version of She's All That (I blame the fact that I've only watched that movie once in my life). The result was a fun and easy read with two great main characters and lots of fun secondary characters too.
I've already preordered the next book in the series and can't wait to read it!!
-Reader
Saturday, January 7, 2017
The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes Review
The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes Review
⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this title and will read the next, but felt some romance was missing.
Miss Megan Windham has resigned herself to the fate of marrying Sir Fletcher Pilkington in order to keep a mistake from her youth from coming to light and destroying her sisters' chances of finding happiness. Then she meets Hamish MacHugh, the newly minted Duke of Murdoch and Megan finds herself suddenly unable to settle for a man she doesn't want.
Hamish, known in whispers as the Duke of Murder, is haunted by memories of war and wants nothing more than to forget his new title and leave England. Until he meets Megan Windham and decides maybe some extra time in England is just the thing.
This book was entertaining and I liked it. I thought the pace moved along well enough and I didn't get bored. However, I feel like there wasn't much of a romance here. They met, liked each other, messed around a bit, and suddenly they're in love. Normally I can find certain passages that really show off the romance developing and that I want to bookmark, but not so much here.
Whether it was intentional or not, I was reminded of Beauty and the Beast by some things in this book. Hamish's harsh reputation being the opposite of his true nature and everything about Sir Fletcher put me in mind of the Beast and Gaston, respectively. And I loved that. That's my favorite romance trope and it was unexpected here.
I found the plot to be very entertaining, more so than the romance. I wasn't upset by this because it was nice to have a break from so much internal conflict.
I enjoyed this title enough that I will definitely be reading the next.
-Reader
⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this title and will read the next, but felt some romance was missing.
Miss Megan Windham has resigned herself to the fate of marrying Sir Fletcher Pilkington in order to keep a mistake from her youth from coming to light and destroying her sisters' chances of finding happiness. Then she meets Hamish MacHugh, the newly minted Duke of Murdoch and Megan finds herself suddenly unable to settle for a man she doesn't want.
Hamish, known in whispers as the Duke of Murder, is haunted by memories of war and wants nothing more than to forget his new title and leave England. Until he meets Megan Windham and decides maybe some extra time in England is just the thing.
This book was entertaining and I liked it. I thought the pace moved along well enough and I didn't get bored. However, I feel like there wasn't much of a romance here. They met, liked each other, messed around a bit, and suddenly they're in love. Normally I can find certain passages that really show off the romance developing and that I want to bookmark, but not so much here.
Whether it was intentional or not, I was reminded of Beauty and the Beast by some things in this book. Hamish's harsh reputation being the opposite of his true nature and everything about Sir Fletcher put me in mind of the Beast and Gaston, respectively. And I loved that. That's my favorite romance trope and it was unexpected here.
I found the plot to be very entertaining, more so than the romance. I wasn't upset by this because it was nice to have a break from so much internal conflict.
I enjoyed this title enough that I will definitely be reading the next.
-Reader
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