The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a lighthearted, humorous historical fantasy romp with scintillating chemistry between its two leads. I realThe Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love is a lighthearted, humorous historical fantasy romp with scintillating chemistry between its two leads. I really enjoyed them as a couple and their connection got me in the feels. They fit together so well and make a couple to root for. India Horton’s prose is bright and punny, with tons of imagination as various magical birds with specific powers are an essential part of the storyline. I loved the teasing academic tone and the zany humor. I feel like this one isn't for readers who don't like a bit of silliness and farcical British humor. This is a fun, refreshing romance with distinct and likable leads for readers who like a healthy dose of fantasy and adventure in their historical romance. I like India Horton's writing style. I'll definitely read more of her books!
Damned if I Duke is a classic enemies to lovers story full of sizzling tension and surprising tenderness. Bennett nails the Regency period, but bringsDamned if I Duke is a classic enemies to lovers story full of sizzling tension and surprising tenderness. Bennett nails the Regency period, but brings a unique feel to her characters at the same time. Watching this pair fall in love, as they continually clash and trade insults, is utterly engrossing. They fight their feelings more than they fight each other, which is saying something. But when they give in to their fiery attraction, wow! The great thing about this book is that it’s not about lust. There’s an authentic bond that beloved friends and family around them sees and pitches in to bring to fruition, particularly Montford’s matchmaking grandfather. I loved this old guy. This book touches the heart and brings tears to the eyes as the authentic emotions are so well rendered on the page. Prue and Montford’s journey to true love makes for a wonderful read.
Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel like the first book is very close to a five star, but the second book is disappointing. So let’s talk about. There are spoiler tags, but I will also warn that I have some really blunt things to say regarding the sexual content.
I am not going to lie. I was so intrigued at the idea of the hero being handcuffed to the heroine’s bed while he’s being nursed back to help. It’s the twist for me. He’s a dangerous biker. He’s known to be the baddest of the bad, and absolutely lethal. I liked the idea of Waylon being at Amira’s mercy. I’m not into BDSM. I’m not hating on others who enjoy it, mind you, but I am not into it. The furthest I go into that genre is this: handcuffing or tying someone up. I think this book definitely goes into that BDSM arena. It’s not in a way that’s over the top, even though it’s not my thing. But yes, I did love how Waylon was absolutely lethal but he was submitting to Amira’s care. I love when the hero gives power to the heroine in their relationship. It takes a special kind of man to feel confident doing that. That’s why I was so disappointed with a lot of aspects in the second book because it reversed a lot of the groundwork that was made establishing Waylon in my mind.
I will start by saying, generally, I avoid motorcycle gang (club is the PC word) books because I really dislike a lot of aspects about that world, especially how women are treated. So that’s why It took me a long time to commit to reading any of Theodora Taylor’s MC books (and I consider myself a pretty big fan of hers). Waylon really won me over in this book. I liked how despite his rough reputation, he was gentle with Amira and kind. I liked that he was willing to put himself in that situation because he wanted to spend time with her and how he wanted to help her with some trauma. I loved so much how he called her ‘Angel.’ My toxic trait is I adore heroes who are hardened killers but are like soft marshmallows for their heroine.
The love scenes were genuinely sexy to me. I loved the kissing scenes. I realize that how the writer describes kissing is a big litmus test for me. Kissing is treated as a wonderful experience on its own, not just a prelude to sex. I think Waylon’s passionate feelings for Amira and his desire to comfort her and take care of her was evident and so beautifully described in these moment. I didn’t even mind the switch when Waylon finds out things are different from what he thought. He was still passionate and caring.
I’m not the biggest fan of first person romance novels, but it turns out that I really appreciated seeing this story through Amira’s eyes. I could feel what drew Amira to Waylon from her vantage point, whereas in a 3rd person viewpoint, I might have had an even harder time liking him.
I do feel like Jonathan was such a weak, unlikable person, it was difficult to believe that Amira would choose him. In my opinion, there was nothing redeeming about him. I understand wanting your parents to be happy with you, but as a grownup, you are not under their thumb and you don’t have to use them as an excuse to force someone you’re dating to fit a mold. And the idea that he would constantly criticize Amira for what she eat and how she talked infuriated me. I honestly don’t even know why he was dating her if she was unsuitable. Did he choose her because of her insecurity? I mean, she did have some of that, but she was also her own person and it just seemed weird that he was into her. Also, I kind of felt like Jonathan would be a bigot and wouldn’t bring a black woman home to his family. But he was dating a black woman who came from a bad upbringing? Yeah, so he had red flags all over him.
As far as her devotion to Ant, that was really clear even without the future revelations. I didn’t find him all that likable. I didn’t appreciate how he was putting his sister in jeopardy the way he did. If he cared for her as much as he insisted, I feel like he would have worked harder to keep her out of that part of his life.
For me, it keeps going back to the question of who was in Amira’s corner? With that in mind, I could see why I liked Waylon so much in this book. I loved this book even when it started to go batsh*t crazy. And it certainly did towards the end. I was like what?? I do feel like there was a bit of a pacing issue, but it didn’t necessarily bother me. I just was a little confused about some things that happened.
I was hardcore questioning Amira’s decision she made (I mean, not that part, because I totally get it, but going through with her relationship with Jonathan.) She was seriously, I don’t know, brainwashing herself about her life plan. I didn’t know why she thought she needed Jonathan for her life to be a success. That advice her guidance counselor was absolutely awful, and it sucked how she internalized it.
Yeah, so the church scene had me sitting there with my mouth open. Big time. I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers, and I’m so glad I had the next book queued up and ready to go.
Dominic Kilburn has been drifting since he left Lady Willa Ransome at the altar a year ago. Wracked with guilt, he has been drowning his sorrows in boDominic Kilburn has been drifting since he left Lady Willa Ransome at the altar a year ago. Wracked with guilt, he has been drowning his sorrows in booze and boxing. When his two friends, who happen to be Willa’s brothers drag him to a scandalous houseparty on a remote island in Scotland, his hope is that this will be his escape from his tortured memories and unresolved feelings Willa. To his surprise, Willa is there, and they are stuck in each other’s company for two weeks until the next boat returns. Can they survive the desire both to kill each other and give into their suppressed carnal and emotional desires? Is there a chance for them to make amends at last?
A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction is a sexy, entertaining Regency historical romance with lots of sizzling tension between the two leads. It’s clear that these two belong together if they can make it past their many issues. Dom is a big, sexy hero who is so gentle and tenderhearted, with a tormented soul, and is clearly crazy about Willa. Willa is fiery, independent, yet vulnerable beneath her forthright personality. She struggles between protecting her heart from more hurt and wanting to throw herself fully in Dom’s arms. Eva Leigh builds the excitement as the two clash and confront each other and their unresolved feelings, leading to beautifully written, fiery and passionate love scenes. The character development shines in that both Dom and Willa are shown as imperfect people who grew and learned from their mistakes. A fitting conclusion to the Last Chance Scoundrels series, A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction is satisfying and sigh-worthy romance.
ARC provided by Harper Avon through Netgalley for review....more
Oh, I loved the heck out of this book! Anna Bennett writes delicious heroes. Hazel and Blade felt so right together. I felt so much sympathy for what Oh, I loved the heck out of this book! Anna Bennett writes delicious heroes. Hazel and Blade felt so right together. I felt so much sympathy for what they'd gone through together and I am so glad they found each other. I loved the girls too. This was such a fun read, and I had a smile on my face when I finished it.
When I want a lighter Regency romance that hits all the notes, I know I can pick up an Anna Bennett and get exactly what I'm searching for.
Dinner on Primrose Hill is a cozy, thoroughly enjoyable novel with characters that become family and friends. Jodi Thomas’ prose is highly engaging, lDinner on Primrose Hill is a cozy, thoroughly enjoyable novel with characters that become family and friends. Jodi Thomas’ prose is highly engaging, leaving no reader’s emotions untouched. The themes of family, friendship, love and loss resonate off the page, translated from words into feelings. Each couple spotlights a unique and distinct love story. Thomas demonstrates her knack for writing affective love stories with plenty of romantic tension and chemistry, that are also wholesome. When this book is over, readers will feel like they just visited Honey Creek, Texas. Jodi Thomas just does it for me!
Readers will cherish the time spent with the couples in this trio of atmospheric and steamy short romance stories. Enoch’s story is a breath of fresh
Readers will cherish the time spent with the couples in this trio of atmospheric and steamy short romance stories. Enoch’s story is a breath of fresh air, a story about two quiet people normally overlooked in a romance story and their beautiful relationship. Grey’s hero’s evolution from a rich nobleman with no real purpose in life to a devoted man who is willing to sacrifice all for his beloved is sigh-worthy. But Bennett’s outing steals the show with a couple who goes from near-constant verbal sparring to a deep love bond in a believable and utterly ravishing way. I loved Jack so much! He was hunkalicious. My second favorite hero was Bennett. Yes Please! Fans of holiday romance will get three different but all enjoyable kinds of stories to enjoy in Kissing Under the Mistletoe.
I have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many characI have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many character traits that are a turn off for me. As Showalter started setting up his story to a deeper extent in the later books, I wasn't that intrigued. I realize I am definitely in the minority. Having said that, as a completist, of course I was going to read his book. I am happy to say that I liked the book a lot overall. While William is still not my favorite, I understand him a lot more and I feel like his backstory was given justice, and also, I loved the way that his story arc concluded. Sunny was a very good match for him. I like that Sunny is not timid or shy, knows how to stand up for herself, and to get her way, but also stands up for those she loves. Her heritage was really cool. If you know me, you can imagine how much I enjoyed that.
Although I enjoyed this book, I think some aspects were glossed over and were not well explained. I listened to the audiobook, and some of the scene transitions were too abrupt, and I was left wondering when something happened and what I missed. The story was really complex, with a lot of moving parts, but I feel like things were kind of rushed. I recently read The Evil Queen, which was 19 or 20 hours, and with good reason. I feel like this should have been longer as well, to give time to wrap up the varied plot elements. I do get that this story is clearly going to spill over into some other series that Showalter has going, which I am happy about. Perhaps she didn't want to reveal too much about those elements and that's why some things were left vague or unexplained. I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free as possible, so I can't say more than that I loved Axel's character and I want more. For the brief time that the other Lords (and their Ladies) showed up, that was great. I think that as Anya is William's bestie, I feel she should have been in this a little more than she was. Although I get that perhaps Showalter didn't want to take showtime away from Sunny.
There were a couple of things I really didn't like that were, shall we say, triggers for me. I won't go into too much details, but be warned if you're an animal lover. Also, I was really worried that Showalter was going to go into the kink stuff with this book. She teased at it, but definitely didn't cross that line, thankfully. Maybe she thought since William has slept with countless women it would be weird if she keep the sex scenes too vanilla.
I do like that while William was protective and affectionate with Gillian, it's clear that Sunny is really his other half and she owns a part of him he could never give away to anyone else. That felt convincing and authentic to me. I think the way that the evolution of his feelings for Sunny was very effective over the course of the book. While the love scenes were sexy and lusty, there was also a lot of tenderness as well. If readers like a rake hero getting tamed by love, this one is a good choice, for sure.
I started binging this series last year, and it really got me through a dark time with the COVID outbreak and a lot of personal stressors. While there is a whole lot of dark in these books, there's also plenty of humor and lighter moments, and these books fulfilled my need for an escapist read when I very much needed it. I had read the first four books and enjoyed it, and just hadn't had a chance to dive back in. I'm so glad that they were on Audible Escape, and then I got to the point that I bought a few of them in audiobook. I didn't have to buy this because my library had it. The moderator Max Bellmore made these a lot of fun. I got to the point where it just doesn't feel right not listening to the audiobook. I recommend the audiobooks if you get a chance.
I hope that William fans were satisfied with his long awaited story....more
I had to give this one 4.5 stars because the characters are so endearing. I just adored Zane. Maybe I just needed his sweetness in my life right now, I had to give this one 4.5 stars because the characters are so endearing. I just adored Zane. Maybe I just needed his sweetness in my life right now, but his kind heart really spoke to me. I rooted for this couple to find their happy ending. I would recommend this book for a light read with a heady dose of romance and some really good romantic tension between the leads.
Although I miss the laugh out loud humor of the first books in the series, I still really enjoyed this book, and I was drawn into the romance. Alex woAlthough I miss the laugh out loud humor of the first books in the series, I still really enjoyed this book, and I was drawn into the romance. Alex won my heart. She's a great heroine.
I really did like that Zara was able to keep Andres on his toes and go head to head with him. He was a jerk and his behavior towards others were unconI really did like that Zara was able to keep Andres on his toes and go head to head with him. He was a jerk and his behavior towards others were unconscionable. While I understand he had a rough childhood and acting out became a way to get attention, he's a grown man and he needs to act like it. There was a nice amount of angst and tension in this story and Zara and Andres had great chemistry. I think I would have enjoyed it more if Andres was a touch more likable. It's been a while, but I recall that Zara's backstory was tortured as well. I did feel a lot of sympathy for her and I wanted her to be loved the way she deserved. I liked Andres' colder older brother Kairos a lot, or let's say he intrigued me. I thought there was a story to be told about his marriage. It got me excited to read Kairos's story The Queen's New Year Secret, but I didn't like it as much as this one, sadly.
The good chemistry and the angsty storyline made it a 3.5 star read for me....more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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