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| 1958358258
| 9781958358252
| B0DK5Y2XY4
| 4.25
| 8
| unknown
| Nov 19, 2024
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really liked it
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Feeling restless, Phineas “Finn” Montague, the Earl of Delacourt decides that a night of pleasure at the infamous Donville Masquerade is exactly what
Feeling restless, Phineas “Finn” Montague, the Earl of Delacourt decides that a night of pleasure at the infamous Donville Masquerade is exactly what he needs to shake off his ennui. Almost immediately his attention is captured by a masked woman who seems to be just as interested in him as he is with her, but when he approaches her and they speak, her manner changes and seems to shut him out. His protective instincts are engaged when he notices a bruise under her mask, but Miss X brushes it off and after a dance, she leaves, alone. He should just find another lover and be done with it, but Miss X has captivated him, and Finn won’t give up that easily. When he learns who she really is, nothing will stop him from protecting her, but his Miss X has big secrets and has learned the hard way that you can’t depend on someone else to save you. Can Finn help her find the justice she craves and convince her that his love for her is true and worth fighting for? Lady Charlotte Esmeralda “Esme” was the only and much-loved child of the Marquess of Chilton, but upon his sudden and suspicious death, she became convinced that her cousin and father’s heir, Francis killed him and would probably kill her too, so she bolted and found herself alone and desperate in Seven Dials. Thankfully she was taken in by a kind young woman who helped her find her way in London’s underbelly. Esme did what she had to do to survive and eventually began boxing to earn her living. When she encounters Finn at the Donville Masquerade, she at first attempts to put him off, remembering him as a good friend of her father’s, but Finn won’t be put off and soon she tells him the truth of her past. He is shocked and vows to help her find justice for her father and hopefully get her life back. But Esme isn’t sure she could ever be Lady Charlotte again, nor does she want to be. She loves Finn, but knows a life with her, once her past comes to light will ruin him socially and she loves him too much to do that to him. Will she see that his love for her can weather anything the ton throws at them and finally let him love her the way she deserves? I liked this story, it was well written, and Finn is an absolute dream, but I had a hard time warming up to Esme. I also was a bit confused with the timeline of events – it is stated that her father died two years ago, but then there are scenes that make it seem like Esme had been living on her own for much longer. Overall, it was a good story, it is filled with emotion, secrets, murder, steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, and a hard-won happily after including an epilogue. This is the second book in the series but could easily be read as a standalone title. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 07, 2024
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Nov 07, 2024
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Nov 07, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 1639109730
| 9781639109739
| 1639109730
| 3.73
| 51
| Nov 05, 2024
| Nov 05, 2024
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really liked it
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When her parents die of influenza, Marigold Manners learns that they have left her penniless. She is forced to withdrawal from school and abandon her
When her parents die of influenza, Marigold Manners learns that they have left her penniless. She is forced to withdrawal from school and abandon her plans to join an archaeological expedition in Greece, and at the attorney’s suggestion, she writes to relatives. With no desire to live off the generosity of her dear friend Isabella Dana, Marigold accepts an intriguing invitation to visit her mother’s cousin on the island of Great Misery, Massachusetts. Marigold has never heard of Sophronia Hatchet, but the island is not that far from Boston, and she can’t ignore the cryptic message Sophronia sent her. She optimistically sets out for Great Misery but was totally unprepared for the cold and even hostile reception she is met with from the family nor the filthy and desolate house. But ever the problem solver, Marigold doesn’t let their behavior affect her and sets out to clean the house and get to know her cousins. Slowly Marigold breaks though the walls her family has erected and then sets out to help them achieve their dreams. She is further surprised when she finds her old friend (and something of a secret crush) Jonathan “Cab” Cox on the mainland. Cab is there to help his uncle with a legal matter, a request he took knowing Marigold was staying nearby. But it turns out that Marigold will be the one in need of his legal assistance when a body turns up in her garden and she is the prime suspect! This was a very well written novel, but I don’t know if I would really call it a mystery, it read more like historical women’s fiction with a murder and lots of surprising and interesting twists, along with a budding romance. Overall, this was an interesting, well written story with lots of intrigue, wonderful characters, complex relationships, lots of twists, shocking revelations and a murder. I would definitely read the next installment and would happily recommend this title to those who enjoy a slightly dark, intriguing read. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Oct 31, 2024
Oct 31, 2024
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Oct 31, 2024
Oct 31, 2024
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Oct 31, 2024
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0593499395
| 9780593499399
| 0593499395
| 3.47
| 238
| Oct 22, 2024
| Oct 22, 2024
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liked it
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Since the death of her father, Miss Margaret Arden and her sisters live with their mother in a cottage owned by their Aunt Eliza and are dependent on
Since the death of her father, Miss Margaret Arden and her sisters live with their mother in a cottage owned by their Aunt Eliza and are dependent on her good will. But Margaret has a plan to save her family, that doesn’t involve marrying a rich man. You see, Margaret is an author (an unpublished author, but an author nonetheless) who has just finished her third novel and is trying to find a publisher to publish it and set her on the path of financial freedom. As luck would have it, the publisher she sent her manuscript to (and who never even bothered to acknowledge it) is going to be at her aunt’s salon and she plans to use the opportunity to pitch her book. She is shocked to learn that Mr. Bridger Darrow of publisher Dockarty & Co is an uncommonly handsome man, but once he starts talking any attraction, she felt dies a quick death when he berates her writing and wishes her good luck with her life. But fate has a wicked sense of humor and the two are reunited a couple of months later at her cousin’s wedding. She isn’t thrilled to see him again, but maybe he isn’t as bad as she thought, especially when a tragic mishap turns fortuitous, and he wants to publish her book. Then when her cousin’s new wife is implicated in a horrific scandal, he is the first to help her clear Ann’s name. Will this lead Margaret to her very own HEA or will fate pull the rug out from under her and she will lose everything? Bridger Darrow is the younger son of landed gentry, with no possibility of inheriting, Bridger joined the military. Now after years of war, he has had enough and it ready to settle back into civilian life. He has inherited a publishing company and is trying to make it profitable and what he needs is a really good book. In all fairness, he tried to read Miss Arden’s book, but was bored to tears after only a few pages and never finished it. Still trying to find his golden goose, he is in London when he is called to his father’s estate. His father is dying, and the estate is in shambles thanks to his older brother, Paul’s reckless spending and now he has disappeared. Leaving Bridger to clean up the mess. When he learns that Paul has left to go the wedding of Bridger’s best friend, Lane. He sets out to find his brother and drag him home, but instead finds Miss Arden as well as a scorned former love interest. And that’s when things get interesting, and he realizes that he seriously underestimated Margaret. But as with everything in his life, nothing is going to be easy. Can he save his brother, prevent a scandal, save his business and win the girl? I so wanted to love this book and thought it would suck me in and hold me fast until the end. It didn’t. I liked Margaret and her sisters, but Bridger was not really a hero I could root for. Add to that the fact that Margaret and Bridger don’t really spend time together until the book is almost half done, which made it hard for me to become invested in their HEA. I didn’t hate the book, and I enjoyed parts of it, but I found it very “put-downable” and it is not a book I would read again. 3 stars *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 14, 2024
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Oct 14, 2024
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Oct 14, 2024
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Paperback
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| 0063281171
| 9780063281172
| 0063281171
| 4.34
| 694
| Oct 22, 2024
| Oct 22, 2024
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it was amazing
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When Alexandra Brightwall finds herself thrown into Newgate Prison following an incident involving her cousin, Lord Thackeray and the Duke of Brexford
When Alexandra Brightwall finds herself thrown into Newgate Prison following an incident involving her cousin, Lord Thackeray and the Duke of Brexford’s phaeton the very last person she expected to get her out was her estranged husband, Colonel Magnus Brightwall. The husband she hasn’t seen or heard from since her wedding night five years ago. He needs her cooperation to convince the ton that things are well between them and that the dustup Alexandra was involved in was not what it appeared to be. This will mean spending time with the man she hurt all those years ago, but Alexandra is a fixer, can she fix what is wrong between them or is it too late? A national hero known by most as Brightwall the Beast, Magnus Brightwall fell in love at first sight with Alexandra and made her father an offer he could not refuse to win her hand in marriage. But on their wedding night he witnesses what he believes as an unforgivable betrayal by Alexandra and makes the decision to leave for his post in Spain without her. But when the King decides to honor him with a peerage title, he returns to England only to find his wife in jail. He needs to work with Alexandra to smooth over the scandal and to present a united front to the ton until his title is secure. After that, since divorce or annulment are not an option, he plans to send her to America and have them move on with separate lives. But he never expected to fall in love with her all over again, will he be willing to risk his fragile heart a second time? This installment of the Palace of Rogues series is a very emotional second-chance story with wonderful new characters and existing characters. This book has a bit of everything, emotion, betrayal, heartbreak, witty banter, donkey races, redemption, steamyish love scenes, forgiveness, acceptance and finally a HEA complete with a touching epilogue. As much as I liked this book, I was left with questions that were not answered like was Magnus faithful to his vows? Why clarify that he was getting a hereditary title when his plan was that he would remain married to a woman he would never have a child with and a few other things. While these things by no means ruined the book for, I did find them unusual for a JAL book and a bit disappointing. Overall, it was a great addition to the series and a book I would happily recommend to my fellow HR readers. This is the eighth book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title without issue but if you have been following the series, you will be delighted to catch up with the inhabitants of the Grand Palace on the Thames. 4.5 stars, rounded up. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 10, 2024
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Oct 10, 2024
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Oct 10, 2024
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1682815285
| 9781682815281
| B0826MJFJV
| 3.79
| 182
| Jan 14, 2020
| Jan 27, 2020
|
liked it
|
Juliana “Jewel” Latham has come to London to visit her father’s sister and to recover from a broken heart. When she learns that her cousin means to en
Juliana “Jewel” Latham has come to London to visit her father’s sister and to recover from a broken heart. When she learns that her cousin means to entrap the Earl of Winchcombe into marriage, she intervenes. She sends a note to the Earl and when he arrives, he realizes he is not the target, his brother Penry is and he compels Jewel to point out her cousin so he can warn his brother. He manages to save his brother, but ends up compromising Jewel. Oliver Chalford, the Earl of Winchcombe came to London to claim his seat in parliament, this was his first visit to the capital and his first society event. Oliver is scarred and past experiences have turned him into a hermit, rarely venturing from his country estate. At first he refuses to offer for Jewel, but when his brother threatens to give up his own love match to save Jewel, Oliver gives in. But marrying Jewel will not be easy – her uncle has banished her to Scotland. Oliver tracks her down and saves her from exile and promises to help her get in touch with her father in Boston – he learned from her uncle that her father was arrested for sedation, but she is not aware. They arrive at his estate and learn that he has visitors. Oliver is stunned and angered to learn that someone has objected to his request to take his seat in parliament, claiming he is insane and practices witchcraft. Jewel overhears the exchange and rushes in the room claiming to be his betrothed. And so it begins… This was an odd story with interesting characters, a bit of steam, a decent mystery and finally a HEA with an epilogue. The story does tend to ramble on and there are several inconsistencies and contradictions (that may or may not be corrected prior to publication). I felt the author had a good idea, but then added too many other elements to the story and fell back on the “misunderstanding trope” way too much. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and had no problems following this story. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.* Merged review: Juliana “Jewel” Latham has come to London to visit her father’s sister and to recover from a broken heart. When she learns that her cousin means to entrap the Earl of Winchcombe into marriage, she intervenes. She sends a note to the Earl and when he arrives, he realizes he is not the target, his brother Penry is and he compels Jewel to point out her cousin so he can warn his brother. He manages to save his brother, but ends up compromising Jewel. Oliver Chalford, the Earl of Winchcombe came to London to claim his seat in parliament, this was his first visit to the capital and his first society event. Oliver is scarred and past experiences have turned him into a hermit, rarely venturing from his country estate. At first he refuses to offer for Jewel, but when his brother threatens to give up his own love match to save Jewel, Oliver gives in. But marrying Jewel will not be easy – her uncle has banished her to Scotland. Oliver tracks her down and saves her from exile and promises to help her get in touch with her father in Boston – he learned from her uncle that her father was arrested for sedation, but she is not aware. They arrive at his estate and learn that he has visitors. Oliver is stunned and angered to learn that someone has objected to his request to take his seat in parliament, claiming he is insane and practices witchcraft. Jewel overhears the exchange and rushes in the room claiming to be his betrothed. And so it begins… This was an odd story with interesting characters, a bit of steam, a decent mystery and finally a HEA with an epilogue. The story does tend to ramble on and there are several inconsistencies and contradictions (that may or may not be corrected prior to publication). I felt the author had a good idea, but then added too many other elements to the story and fell back on the “misunderstanding trope” way too much. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and had no problems following this story. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jan 07, 2020
not set
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Jan 07, 2020
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1640634967
| 9781640634961
| B07BK7Z3SK
| 3.94
| 265
| unknown
| Apr 09, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
Giles Langley, Marquess of Bromton aka Spades has learned that his entire existence is a lie. He has been raised to be the Marquess and embodies the r
Giles Langley, Marquess of Bromton aka Spades has learned that his entire existence is a lie. He has been raised to be the Marquess and embodies the role - he is proper, he is pompous, he is entitled and he cannot abide scandal - so learning that the former Marquess is not his father and his now widowed mother has married an artist is enough to drive him to desperation - he has convinced himself that he must right the wrong done to the marquisate - so upon learning that none of his properties are entailed, he searches his family tree and forms a plan. He befriends Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham aka Hearts, a very distant relative - actually the only other male relative in the Langley line - and convinces him to place a wager on a game of vingt-et-in along with his other friends, Lord Rayne aka Diamonds and Lord Farring aka Clubs. Giles has had each man place secret wagers and "fixes" the game so Markham will win - and win he does, all of Giles unentailed property. Markham confronts Giles and tells him he knows he cheated - he refuses to take the winnings, but proposes an alternative - Giles could marry his sister, Katherine. Katherine's hopes of a happy life were crushed when Beau Brummell declared her the "Most Unmarriageable Maiden in England" due to two failed betrothals, her first was a love match, but he died before they could marry and the second ran off with his mistress after fighting a duel the day before he was to marry Katherine. She has accepted her lot and cares for her younger sister, Julia and manages Markham's estate, while she might not be happy, she is content. She does worry what her tarnished reputation will mean to Julia when she has her come out next season, but she hopes the talk will have died down and her perfect behavior will ensure that Julia is successful. She is less than thrilled when Markham sends her a letter saying he is bringing home a guest. She an Julia plan how to get rid of them. But Giles is a man on a mission - marrying Katherine and having an heir, will ensure that Langley blood holds the title. He will marry her. She is attracted to Giles, but she doesn't trust him. Why would a man who prides himself on living a scandal free life, want a tarnished spinster? Slowly, they get to know each other and Katherine begins to fall for Giles, but she is sure that once he learns her secret, he will leave. He pushes for them to marry and she tells him to give them two weeks to get to know each other and if at that time he still wants to marry her, she will say yes. Giles is changing, much to his surprise and he is falling for Katherine. He begins to feel guilty about keeping the truth from her, but convinces himself it is a good thing for her, being married to him will improve her social standing and will help her siblings as well. So when she tells him her secret, at first he is taken aback, but he insists that he still wants to marry her and that her past is the past. Katherine is a little surprised that the oh so proper marquess is willing to overlook her past, but she is happy too and agrees to marry him. He heads off to London to get a special license and decides to visit his mother. When she learns that his is going to marry and hasn't been honest with Katherine, she warns him that he is making a mistake, but he is still angry with her and says truly awful things to her, so awful she tells him he is no longer welcome to call on her. Ruffled by her words but still set on his plan, he returns to Southford, where he finds Farring and Rayne at the village inn. Farring is happy for him, but Rayne is angry - Giles had a long standing understanding with his sister Clarissa, which he broke off when he learned the truth of his birth, but he never explained why and caused a rift with his friend - He sends them off to the house and tells them that he is just going to freshen up and will meet them later - he then proceeds to get rip roaring drunk with the locals. Katherine was visiting a tenant and slipped into the inn to escape the rain. The innkeeper decides to play matchmaker and sends her up to a room to dry off and then sends up a very drunk Giles. They share a moment of passion and both leave looking forward to their wedding night. But when tension between Rayne and Giles finally comes to a head and Katherine learns the truth, will there even be a wedding? This was a fantastic story, well written, flowed great, had probably the most realistic sibling interaction that I have ever read in a book, steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, secrets, some groveling and an ending that gave me goosebumps and made me teary eyed. I have never read this author before, but I am going to check out her backlist and will be looking out for her future books! *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* Merged review: Giles Langley, Marquess of Bromton aka Spades has learned that his entire existence is a lie. He has been raised to be the Marquess and embodies the role - he is proper, he is pompous, he is entitled and he cannot abide scandal - so learning that the former Marquess is not his father and his now widowed mother has married an artist is enough to drive him to desperation - he has convinced himself that he must right the wrong done to the marquisate - so upon learning that none of his properties are entailed, he searches his family tree and forms a plan. He befriends Percival Stanley, Earl of Markham aka Hearts, a very distant relative - actually the only other male relative in the Langley line - and convinces him to place a wager on a game of vingt-et-in along with his other friends, Lord Rayne aka Diamonds and Lord Farring aka Clubs. Giles has had each man place secret wagers and "fixes" the game so Markham will win - and win he does, all of Giles unentailed property. Markham confronts Giles and tells him he knows he cheated - he refuses to take the winnings, but proposes an alternative - Giles could marry his sister, Katherine. Katherine's hopes of a happy life were crushed when Beau Brummell declared her the "Most Unmarriageable Maiden in England" due to two failed betrothals, her first was a love match, but he died before they could marry and the second ran off with his mistress after fighting a duel the day before he was to marry Katherine. She has accepted her lot and cares for her younger sister, Julia and manages Markham's estate, while she might not be happy, she is content. She does worry what her tarnished reputation will mean to Julia when she has her come out next season, but she hopes the talk will have died down and her perfect behavior will ensure that Julia is successful. She is less than thrilled when Markham sends her a letter saying he is bringing home a guest. She an Julia plan how to get rid of them. But Giles is a man on a mission - marrying Katherine and having an heir, will ensure that Langley blood holds the title. He will marry her. She is attracted to Giles, but she doesn't trust him. Why would a man who prides himself on living a scandal free life, want a tarnished spinster? Slowly, they get to know each other and Katherine begins to fall for Giles, but she is sure that once he learns her secret, he will leave. He pushes for them to marry and she tells him to give them two weeks to get to know each other and if at that time he still wants to marry her, she will say yes. Giles is changing, much to his surprise and he is falling for Katherine. He begins to feel guilty about keeping the truth from her, but convinces himself it is a good thing for her, being married to him will improve her social standing and will help her siblings as well. So when she tells him her secret, at first he is taken aback, but he insists that he still wants to marry her and that her past is the past. Katherine is a little surprised that the oh so proper marquess is willing to overlook her past, but she is happy too and agrees to marry him. He heads off to London to get a special license and decides to visit his mother. When she learns that his is going to marry and hasn't been honest with Katherine, she warns him that he is making a mistake, but he is still angry with her and says truly awful things to her, so awful she tells him he is no longer welcome to call on her. Ruffled by her words but still set on his plan, he returns to Southford, where he finds Farring and Rayne at the village inn. Farring is happy for him, but Rayne is angry - Giles had a long standing understanding with his sister Clarissa, which he broke off when he learned the truth of his birth, but he never explained why and caused a rift with his friend - He sends them off to the house and tells them that he is just going to freshen up and will meet them later - he then proceeds to get rip roaring drunk with the locals. Katherine was visiting a tenant and slipped into the inn to escape the rain. The innkeeper decides to play matchmaker and sends her up to a room to dry off and then sends up a very drunk Giles. They share a moment of passion and both leave looking forward to their wedding night. But when tension between Rayne and Giles finally comes to a head and Katherine learns the truth, will there even be a wedding? This was a fantastic story, well written, flowed great, had probably the most realistic sibling interaction that I have ever read in a book, steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, secrets, some groveling and an ending that gave me goosebumps and made me teary eyed. I have never read this author before, but I am going to check out her backlist and will be looking out for her future books! *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Apr 02, 2018
not set
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Apr 04, 2018
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| B07KPC31L9
| 3.85
| 403
| Feb 08, 2019
| Feb 08, 2019
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it was amazing
|
4.5 stars 14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his acti 4.5 stars 14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his action and tries to reconcile, he learns that she is married and he is too late. He is heartbroken and buries himself in work to forget. Erienne has worked as a governess for the last 14 years, but now that her charges no longer need her, she is seeking new employment. Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon is looking for a new governess and when Derek lets slip one of the applicants, Erienne Stone might be someone from Collin's past, nothing will stop her from meeting this woman. Erienne knows she is a fool to go anywhere near the Hunt Family, but she can't resist. When Lucy offers her an outrageous salary, one that would enable her to help her family pay for her brother's medical bills, she can't say no. She knows seeing Collin again might be a possibility, but Lucy assures her it wouldn't be anytime soon. She accepts the position, for the money of course, but secretly hopes to learn about Collin, the only man she ever loved. Collin is now a general in the army and has an important position at the Home Office. He works constantly and his commanding officer insists that he take a holiday. With no choice in the matter, he decides to visit with his brother Derek and his family. He arrives and soon learns that Erienne is working for them. He wonders what happened to her husband and tells Derek that this will not be a problem. Erienne is not as sure, but attends dinner at Lucy's insistence. He is even more handsome than she remembers! He asks her odd questions and soon she is just overwhelmed and flees. Later while walking in the garden, they meet again. He apologizes for hurting her and kisses her. It is clear that the passion between them never died, but can they overcome the hurt and put the past behind them? Or are there some wounds that even love can't heal? I thought this was a well written, fast paced novella with enough backstory to establish a believable love between Erienne and Collin. The story is entertaining and satisfying, with amusing moments (provided mostly by Lucy and Derek), lies, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a very overdue HEA. If I had any complaint, it would be the ending seemed a little rushed, but it is a novella... I am happy to recommend this book, it is part of the Playful Brides series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.* Merged review: 4.5 stars 14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his action and tries to reconcile, he learns that she is married and he is too late. He is heartbroken and buries himself in work to forget. Erienne has worked as a governess for the last 14 years, but now that her charges no longer need her, she is seeking new employment. Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon is looking for a new governess and when Derek lets slip one of the applicants, Erienne Stone might be someone from Collin's past, nothing will stop her from meeting this woman. Erienne knows she is a fool to go anywhere near the Hunt Family, but she can't resist. When Lucy offers her an outrageous salary, one that would enable her to help her family pay for her brother's medical bills, she can't say no. She knows seeing Collin again might be a possibility, but Lucy assures her it wouldn't be anytime soon. She accepts the position, for the money of course, but secretly hopes to learn about Collin, the only man she ever loved. Collin is now a general in the army and has an important position at the Home Office. He works constantly and his commanding officer insists that he take a holiday. With no choice in the matter, he decides to visit with his brother Derek and his family. He arrives and soon learns that Erienne is working for them. He wonders what happened to her husband and tells Derek that this will not be a problem. Erienne is not as sure, but attends dinner at Lucy's insistence. He is even more handsome than she remembers! He asks her odd questions and soon she is just overwhelmed and flees. Later while walking in the garden, they meet again. He apologizes for hurting her and kisses her. It is clear that the passion between them never died, but can they overcome the hurt and put the past behind them? Or are there some wounds that even love can't heal? I thought this was a well written, fast paced novella with enough backstory to establish a believable love between Erienne and Collin. The story is entertaining and satisfying, with amusing moments (provided mostly by Lucy and Derek), lies, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a very overdue HEA. If I had any complaint, it would be the ending seemed a little rushed, but it is a novella... I am happy to recommend this book, it is part of the Playful Brides series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jan 26, 2019
not set
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Jan 26, 2019
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 1601837526
| 9781601837523
| B01AEQB4GI
| 3.99
| 323
| Aug 16, 2016
| Aug 16, 2016
|
liked it
|
**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** I am not sure about this book and since I read an **I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** I am not sure about this book and since I read an uncorrected proof - I am going to go easy in this review. Here is what I didn't really like about the book: I didn't really like Katherine or Stephan - they both were keeping secrets from the other and both acted unreasonable at times. This book did not flow well and felt disjointed - I still can't tell you when these two fell in love or even why they fell in love. One minute they are bickering and then the next they realize they love each other - but because of the previously mentioned secrets, they can't let the other know. Here is what I did like: I really enjoyed learning about the disbanding of the Knights Templar - it was really well done and fascinating. I liked that Ms. Cosby was able to convey to me the difficulty that Stephan had transitioning from a Templar to a husband. It was perfectly done. While this is not the best book I have read by Ms. Crosby and I can't consider it a keeper. I am not sorry I read it and I will definitely continue with the series. Merged review: **I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** I am not sure about this book and since I read an uncorrected proof - I am going to go easy in this review. Here is what I didn't really like about the book: I didn't really like Katherine or Stephan - they both were keeping secrets from the other and both acted unreasonable at times. This book did not flow well and felt disjointed - I still can't tell you when these two fell in love or even why they fell in love. One minute they are bickering and then the next they realize they love each other - but because of the previously mentioned secrets, they can't let the other know. Here is what I did like: I really enjoyed learning about the disbanding of the Knights Templar - it was really well done and fascinating. I liked that Ms. Cosby was able to convey to me the difficulty that Stephan had transitioning from a Templar to a husband. It was perfectly done. While this is not the best book I have read by Ms. Crosby and I can't consider it a keeper. I am not sorry I read it and I will definitely continue with the series. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Jun 27, 2016
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1939713374
| 9781939713377
| B00YOGN8G4
| 3.87
| 1,309
| Aug 29, 2015
| Sep 01, 2015
|
it was amazing
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** I received a eARC copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review** 4.5 stars. I loved this book - it was so diff ** I received a eARC copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review** 4.5 stars. I loved this book - it was so different than the usual HR and it was incredibly sweet. If you have been following this series you already know Sarah and Edmund. They have been in love for quite some time and planned to marry. They spend one night together before Waterloo and then their lives fall apart. Edmund was left for dead on the battlefield and Sarah finds herself pregnant. All assumed Edmund was dead and Sarah reluctantly agrees to marry his friend the Duke of Ravenwood to give her child a name. Edmund returns from the dead at literally the last second to stop the wedding. His love for Sarah has kept him alive for all these months and there is no way he is letting her go. She is shocked that he is alive and he is shocked that she is pregnant. The story really takes off from here. They marry and Sarah gives birth. This is not a traditional romance. They are already in love but their time apart has changed them. The book is all about their journey back to each other. They both have fears and insecurities, which of course they don't talk about. They both make assumptions that would easily have made their road back to each other smoother if they had just spoken up. Reading this book took me back to when my first child was born - the absolute terror that I felt - not knowing what to do or if things that happened were normal. Unlike me and my husband - Sarah and Edmund didn't have family to ask for help, books and the Internet to turn to for guidance. So their reactions seemed perfectly believable. Through everything - the love that they felt for each other never wavered. That made this unique book a truly beautiful love story. And I would highly recommend it!! Merged review: ** I received a eARC copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review** 4.5 stars. I loved this book - it was so different than the usual HR and it was incredibly sweet. If you have been following this series you already know Sarah and Edmund. They have been in love for quite some time and planned to marry. They spend one night together before Waterloo and then their lives fall apart. Edmund was left for dead on the battlefield and Sarah finds herself pregnant. All assumed Edmund was dead and Sarah reluctantly agrees to marry his friend the Duke of Ravenwood to give her child a name. Edmund returns from the dead at literally the last second to stop the wedding. His love for Sarah has kept him alive for all these months and there is no way he is letting her go. She is shocked that he is alive and he is shocked that she is pregnant. The story really takes off from here. They marry and Sarah gives birth. This is not a traditional romance. They are already in love but their time apart has changed them. The book is all about their journey back to each other. They both have fears and insecurities, which of course they don't talk about. They both make assumptions that would easily have made their road back to each other smoother if they had just spoken up. Reading this book took me back to when my first child was born - the absolute terror that I felt - not knowing what to do or if things that happened were normal. Unlike me and my husband - Sarah and Edmund didn't have family to ask for help, books and the Internet to turn to for guidance. So their reactions seemed perfectly believable. Through everything - the love that they felt for each other never wavered. That made this unique book a truly beautiful love story. And I would highly recommend it!! ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Aug 27, 2015
not set
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Aug 27, 2015
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1616505745
| 9781616505745
| B01AQNY7HM
| 3.90
| 105
| unknown
| Oct 11, 2016
|
it was amazing
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*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review* 4.5 stars I love Lynne Connolly's work, she has a way with wor *I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review* 4.5 stars I love Lynne Connolly's work, she has a way with words that draws you in and holds you captive, until the very last page. Eve and Julius meet on a country lane and both are attracted to the other. Julius is on a mission and believes that Eve is the woman he is looking for. Eve is intrigued by "Mr. Vernon" and is delighted when he pays court to her. Julius is keeping secrets and when he and Eve marry and his secrets come to light - the reader has to wonder how he is going to be able to dig himself out of the massive hole he is in. These two are meant to be - but that doesn't make their journey to HEA any easier. Ms. Connolly has written a very fascinating story with plenty of secrets, hot love scenes, moments of utter despair, moments of danger and finally the triumph of true love. This is the sixth book in the series and while I was able to follow the ongoing plot without having read the previous books, I will admit that I felt like I was missing something and will definitely be reading the entire series. Merged review: *I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review* 4.5 stars I love Lynne Connolly's work, she has a way with words that draws you in and holds you captive, until the very last page. Eve and Julius meet on a country lane and both are attracted to the other. Julius is on a mission and believes that Eve is the woman he is looking for. Eve is intrigued by "Mr. Vernon" and is delighted when he pays court to her. Julius is keeping secrets and when he and Eve marry and his secrets come to light - the reader has to wonder how he is going to be able to dig himself out of the massive hole he is in. These two are meant to be - but that doesn't make their journey to HEA any easier. Ms. Connolly has written a very fascinating story with plenty of secrets, hot love scenes, moments of utter despair, moments of danger and finally the triumph of true love. This is the sixth book in the series and while I was able to follow the ongoing plot without having read the previous books, I will admit that I felt like I was missing something and will definitely be reading the entire series. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Oct 13, 2016
not set
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Oct 19, 2016
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1649371217
| 9781649371218
| B0DF6C1H3C
| 4.45
| 163
| unknown
| Sep 30, 2024
|
it was amazing
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With all his brothers happily married, Eagan Macquarie is getting sick of everyone looking to him to marry and finally breaking the curse cast on his
With all his brothers happily married, Eagan Macquarie is getting sick of everyone looking to him to marry and finally breaking the curse cast on his clan. He has nothing against love or marriage, but he isn’t sure if that is his destiny, he wants to broaden his horizons and travel before he has to think about that. In fact, his bag is packed, and he plans on leaving in the morning following tonight's Samhain celebration. But when he is asked to row over to Wolf Island to collect Grissell to help with a difficult birth – all his plans go awry when he meets Claudette “Tessa” Tempest Ainsworth, and soon more than just his plans change when her connection to the Macquarie’s great enemy is revealed. Tessa has been living on Wolf Isle for the last year. Her father found her in Paris barely getting by after the death of her mother and brought her to Wolf Isle with the promise to return for her soon. Tessa believes he will return her to France, and they will live on his family’s estate and she will finally have the security that has been missing in her life. But for now, she waits, and as an accomplished midwife, she is sent in Grissell’s stead to help with a birth on Mull and feels an immediate connection and attraction to Eagan. Soon the two become lovers, and at first neither is willing to change their future plans for the other. But the more time spent together, the deeper their connection grows, and she isn’t sure what she will do when/if her father returns. But when he does, everything she thought she knew is challenged and it becomes clear that heartbreak will be inevitable. This was a very good end to the Wolf Isle series; it is well-written and ties up all the story lines that have been ongoing throughout the series. It did start a bit slow and took a couple of turns that made me wonder where the author was going and how it was going to all work out – but it does, and it is very satisfying. This book has a bit of everything; intrigue, insta-lust, great characters, witch hunters, old enemies, impossible choices, steamy love scenes, the entire Macquarie family, a centuries old curse, twist and turns, shocking revelations, heartache, and a happily ever after that didn’t seem possible as well as an epilogue. This is the fifth and final book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would strongly recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience. It also should be mentioned that there are some scenes that might be upsetting to some readers, and I would suggest checking out the content warning before reading this book. 4.5 stars, rounded up *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 22, 2024
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Sep 22, 2024
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Sep 22, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1633758818
| 9781633758810
| B01MRBH8PJ
| 4.16
| 2,115
| Jan 30, 2017
| Feb 20, 2017
|
really liked it
|
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* I liked this book. Ava and Grace are desperate to escape G *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* I liked this book. Ava and Grace are desperate to escape Grace's vile half brother Vincent. So they hatch a mad scheme to marry Grace off to a business associate of her father's in Scotland. Tor is the chieftain of the Maclean's of Mull and is referred to as the Beast of Aros. His father has recently passed and asked Tor to marry his associates daughter to protect the clan from the English. Tor has flat out refused to marry Lady Grace. Tor was married once before and betrayed by his wife, he really doesn't trust women and especially not English women. Grace is terrified of the "Beast" and Ava decides that she will impersonate Grace and marry Tor in her place. When they arrive they are informed that Tor will not marry Grace and that they can just go back to England. This is not an option for the ladies and Ava finagles her way to the castle. Tor is struck by Ava's beauty, but still refuses to let them stay or to consider marriage. The first scene where they meet is absolutely hilarious and Ava manages to convince Tor to let them stay and consider marriage. The story is entertaining and at times emotional. There are some very funny moments, some steamy loves scenes, lots of secrets, a jealous ex-lover, some terrifying and violent moments and a whole host of secondary characters. The book is pretty well written and flows well, but the ending was a bit disappointing, I felt like there were many things that needed to be addressed that where just ignored. I think an epilogue would have gone a long way to clearing up these issues and could have made this a 5 star book. I did enjoy the book and would recommend it and I would definitely read more from this author. Merged review: *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* I liked this book. Ava and Grace are desperate to escape Grace's vile half brother Vincent. So they hatch a mad scheme to marry Grace off to a business associate of her father's in Scotland. Tor is the chieftain of the Maclean's of Mull and is referred to as the Beast of Aros. His father has recently passed and asked Tor to marry his associates daughter to protect the clan from the English. Tor has flat out refused to marry Lady Grace. Tor was married once before and betrayed by his wife, he really doesn't trust women and especially not English women. Grace is terrified of the "Beast" and Ava decides that she will impersonate Grace and marry Tor in her place. When they arrive they are informed that Tor will not marry Grace and that they can just go back to England. This is not an option for the ladies and Ava finagles her way to the castle. Tor is struck by Ava's beauty, but still refuses to let them stay or to consider marriage. The first scene where they meet is absolutely hilarious and Ava manages to convince Tor to let them stay and consider marriage. The story is entertaining and at times emotional. There are some very funny moments, some steamy loves scenes, lots of secrets, a jealous ex-lover, some terrifying and violent moments and a whole host of secondary characters. The book is pretty well written and flows well, but the ending was a bit disappointing, I felt like there were many things that needed to be addressed that where just ignored. I think an epilogue would have gone a long way to clearing up these issues and could have made this a 5 star book. I did enjoy the book and would recommend it and I would definitely read more from this author. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Feb 03, 2017
not set
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Feb 05, 2017
not set
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Sep 21, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0063135361
| 9780063135369
| B0CRQG4SXY
| 4.23
| 939
| Sep 24, 2024
| Sep 24, 2024
|
really liked it
|
Since being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help fr
Since being abandoned by her husband of less than a day, Annella Gunn nee MacKay, has been acting as both Lady and Laird of the castle with no help from her husband’s family, especially his vile mother. Yet despite that, she has been very successful and won the respect of the clan. Now six years later, her husband has been found dead and his bones returned to Scotland. No longer needed to stay with the Gunns she is eager to return home. Hoping her father (Ross MacKay) will find her another husband, hopefully one who will love her and give her children. But she will need the permission of the new Laird, her husband’s younger brother – Graeme Gunn. She is sure he will agree, but her brother convinces her to stay a little while to help Graeme in his new position, after all the man has not been home in years and never thought he would be Laird. She reluctantly agrees and starts to spend time with Graeme, and has to admit to herself that she is attracted to him, more than any man she has ever known. When things get heated between them, Graeme insists on marriage, and she resists, until circumstances force her hand. Can she find the love she has always wanted or is she doomed to living unhappily ever after? From the moment he returned home and saw Annella tending a clan member, Graeme Gunn knew she was the woman for him. But convincing her was a lot harder than he anticipated. He will need the help of her brother Payton and his fellow mercenaries, Symon and Teague to win her hand. But no sooner than he does, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill one of them! He will have to figure it out before he loses the only woman he has ever loved. This book has all the elements that made me a fan of Lynsay Sands! The book is well written, nicely paced and has wonderful characters. It took me a minute to figure out how Annella and Graeme were connected to the “Highland Brides” and then I realized that Annella is next generation of Highland Brides, since she is Ross & Annabel’s daughter from the first book in the series and readers will be delighted to reunite with them in this book. The story classic Sands with her trademark humor, intrigue, and steamy love scenes. The book is filled with mystery, wonderful characters, witty banter, a strong heroine, a sexy highlander hero, great secondary characters, vile villains, a bit of miscommunication and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will be honest, I am not sure how I feel about how things ended with the villain, I can’t say more without spoilers, but I did find it unsettling, not undeserved, just not quite what I was expecting. Anyway, it was a for the most part, a fun, spicy read that could be read as a standalone title with no problems and a book that I am happy to recommend to my fellow Lyndsay Sands fans. 4 maybe, 4.5 stars *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 19, 2024
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Sep 19, 2024
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Sep 19, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1640637974
| 9781640637979
| B07R5HSFVP
| 4.36
| 504
| May 24, 2019
| May 27, 2019
|
really liked it
|
3.5 stars rounded up. Catriona "Cat" Campbell is called to London by Queen Catherine, her husband King Charles II is deathly ill and the queen suspects 3.5 stars rounded up. Catriona "Cat" Campbell is called to London by Queen Catherine, her husband King Charles II is deathly ill and the queen suspects foul play. Nathaniel Worthington, Viscount Worthington is tasked with taking her to London, Nathaniel dreads the task, he is intrigued by Cat and still remembers the kiss they shared months ago, but Nathaniel is not free to follow his heart. His father's will is iron-clad and Nathaniel will lose everything (and by extension so will his sisters) if he does not marry a woman of refinement and noble family. The set out to London and they really begin to know each other, Cat has sworn to never love after seeing her mother wither away after losing her father, and she especially won't love an Englishman after her father was slain by the English in the battle of Bothwell Bridge. But the more time spent with Nathaniel, the harder it is for her to hold to that vow. But Nathaniel has secrets that would destroy that budding tenderness if she ever learned of them. When they finally reach his estate, they learn that the king is dead and his brother James is now king. Nathaniel is confronted by some of his father's cronies and is pressured to choose a side. Cat is saddened to see Nathaniel sliding back into his formal English manners and wonders who the real Nathaniel is. In an effort to find the Nathaniel she is coming to love, she gives into the passion between them, refusing to let him share his secrets. They make their way to London and Cat is thrown headfirst into the intrigues of court life, where secrets, betrayal, deceit and lies threaten to tear our lovers apart, especially when Nathaniel's secrets are revealed. With accusations of treason and murder being thrown around and betrayal running rampant, will they find a way to happily ever after? Or will the guilt and anger festering inside tear them apart forever? I thought this was a good read, but not something I would read again. I liked both Nathaniel and Cat, and while this was an interesting story, the book had a lot going on, so much that the "romance" seemed to be secondary. That along with the numerous title errors and slight historical errors regarding minor things (like bourbon and whist), made this a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded it up to four, because I did enjoy the story and thought the author did a good job overcoming the things keeping them apart with a plausible solution. This is the third book in the series and does reference several events from the previous books, but I believe it could be read as a stand alone title nonetheless. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to be from NetGalley and the publisher.* Merged review: 3.5 stars rounded up. Catriona "Cat" Campbell is called to London by Queen Catherine, her husband King Charles II is deathly ill and the queen suspects foul play. Nathaniel Worthington, Viscount Worthington is tasked with taking her to London, Nathaniel dreads the task, he is intrigued by Cat and still remembers the kiss they shared months ago, but Nathaniel is not free to follow his heart. His father's will is iron-clad and Nathaniel will lose everything (and by extension so will his sisters) if he does not marry a woman of refinement and noble family. The set out to London and they really begin to know each other, Cat has sworn to never love after seeing her mother wither away after losing her father, and she especially won't love an Englishman after her father was slain by the English in the battle of Bothwell Bridge. But the more time spent with Nathaniel, the harder it is for her to hold to that vow. But Nathaniel has secrets that would destroy that budding tenderness if she ever learned of them. When they finally reach his estate, they learn that the king is dead and his brother James is now king. Nathaniel is confronted by some of his father's cronies and is pressured to choose a side. Cat is saddened to see Nathaniel sliding back into his formal English manners and wonders who the real Nathaniel is. In an effort to find the Nathaniel she is coming to love, she gives into the passion between them, refusing to let him share his secrets. They make their way to London and Cat is thrown headfirst into the intrigues of court life, where secrets, betrayal, deceit and lies threaten to tear our lovers apart, especially when Nathaniel's secrets are revealed. With accusations of treason and murder being thrown around and betrayal running rampant, will they find a way to happily ever after? Or will the guilt and anger festering inside tear them apart forever? I thought this was a good read, but not something I would read again. I liked both Nathaniel and Cat, and while this was an interesting story, the book had a lot going on, so much that the "romance" seemed to be secondary. That along with the numerous title errors and slight historical errors regarding minor things (like bourbon and whist), made this a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded it up to four, because I did enjoy the story and thought the author did a good job overcoming the things keeping them apart with a plausible solution. This is the third book in the series and does reference several events from the previous books, but I believe it could be read as a stand alone title nonetheless. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to be from NetGalley and the publisher.* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
May 19, 2019
not set
|
May 19, 2019
not set
|
Sep 17, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0063399997
| 9780063399990
| 0063399997
| 3.74
| 3,417
| Sep 24, 2024
| Sep 24, 2024
|
it was ok
|
I was so looking forward to reading this book, I was thinking it would be like Kerrilyn Sparks' Embraced series or even Bertrice Small's World of Heta
I was so looking forward to reading this book, I was thinking it would be like Kerrilyn Sparks' Embraced series or even Bertrice Small's World of Hetar series - but sadly it was neither and ended up being a DNF for me. I really dislike books written in the First-Person Narrative and this book goes one step further by having several characters written in this way and the perspective jumps from one character to the other in each chapter, which was just confusing, repetitive and hard for me to follow. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
|
Sep 15, 2024
|
Sep 15, 2024
|
Sep 14, 2024
|
Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1649372485
| 9781649372482
| B0C39Z1QFZ
| 3.97
| 1,937
| Jun 05, 2023
| Jun 05, 2023
|
really liked it
|
Miss Elizabeth Sharpe is the only child of the owner of Sharpe and Son, a bookshop that opened in 1665 and that has been passed from father to son eve
Miss Elizabeth Sharpe is the only child of the owner of Sharpe and Son, a bookshop that opened in 1665 and that has been passed from father to son ever since. It has also boasted the patronage of the Dukes of Montrose for just as long. But now it appears that that connection may be coming to an end, as the Duke, a man who is known by all as a recluse, is coming to the shop in person to meet with Elizabeth’s father. This cannot be good and to make matters worse her father is not fit company for the duke, nor has he been for some time. Her father has taken the loss of Elizabeth’s mother and any hope for a son very hard, losing himself in drink and leaving the bookshop in Elizabeth’s hands. Elizabeth hopes that her father will see how capable she is and leave the shop to her, but if she cannot convince the duke to continue to give them his business, there will be no bookshop to inherit. Elizabeth is shocked to learn that the duke has not been receiving his weekly orders as she believed her father was performing that duty, the duke has demanded that Elizabeth perform the task herself or he will take his business elsewhere! Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose is annoyed that he had to interrupt his busy day to leave his home – something he rarely does – to visit his erstwhile bookseller. When Mr. Sharpe is nowhere to be found leaving his daughter to clean up the mess he made, Garrett is surprised by Elizabeth and instead of taking his business to another shop as he planned, he demands that Elizabeth take over the task of delivering his books from now on if she proves herself, he will continue to patronize the shop. Not only does she succeed in the task, but she also excels, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship. Garrett has a lot going on in his life, he is on the brink of avenging his mother, but the task takes him to a dark place and Elizabeth becomes a light in his life, keeping him sane and even happy. But when a well-meaning outing goes awry, their lives will change forever, but will their forever be happy?? This was a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dash of Pride and Prejudice thrown in for good measure. I loved Elizabeth and Garrett together, they have both known pain, yet they have reacted very differently to it. The story steadily unfolds and the reader is sucked into a tale filled with loss, books, new discoveries, changes, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, pain, and finally a very sweet declaration scene promising HEA. I was disappointed that there was no epilogue, because I really felt it was needed, considering the major changes they would both be dealing with, but overall it was an emotionally gripping story that was an enjoyable read. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* Merged review: Miss Elizabeth Sharpe is the only child of the owner of Sharpe and Son, a bookshop that opened in 1665 and that has been passed from father to son ever since. It has also boasted the patronage of the Dukes of Montrose for just as long. But now it appears that that connection may be coming to an end, as the Duke, a man who is known by all as a recluse, is coming to the shop in person to meet with Elizabeth’s father. This cannot be good and to make matters worse her father is not fit company for the duke, nor has he been for some time. Her father has taken the loss of Elizabeth’s mother and any hope for a son very hard, losing himself in drink and leaving the bookshop in Elizabeth’s hands. Elizabeth hopes that her father will see how capable she is and leave the shop to her, but if she cannot convince the duke to continue to give them his business, there will be no bookshop to inherit. Elizabeth is shocked to learn that the duke has not been receiving his weekly orders as she believed her father was performing that duty, the duke has demanded that Elizabeth perform the task herself or he will take his business elsewhere! Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose is annoyed that he had to interrupt his busy day to leave his home – something he rarely does – to visit his erstwhile bookseller. When Mr. Sharpe is nowhere to be found leaving his daughter to clean up the mess he made, Garrett is surprised by Elizabeth and instead of taking his business to another shop as he planned, he demands that Elizabeth take over the task of delivering his books from now on if she proves herself, he will continue to patronize the shop. Not only does she succeed in the task, but she also excels, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship. Garrett has a lot going on in his life, he is on the brink of avenging his mother, but the task takes him to a dark place and Elizabeth becomes a light in his life, keeping him sane and even happy. But when a well-meaning outing goes awry, their lives will change forever, but will their forever be happy?? This was a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dash of Pride and Prejudice thrown in for good measure. I loved Elizabeth and Garrett together, they have both known pain, yet they have reacted very differently to it. The story steadily unfolds and the reader is sucked into a tale filled with loss, books, new discoveries, changes, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, pain, and finally a very sweet declaration scene promising HEA. I was disappointed that there was no epilogue, because I really felt it was needed, considering the major changes they would both be dealing with, but overall it was an emotionally gripping story that was an enjoyable read. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
Jun 04, 2023
not set
|
Jun 04, 2023
not set
|
Sep 12, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1649370598
| 9781649370594
| B08JK8722F
| 4.13
| 1,070
| Oct 19, 2020
| Oct 19, 2020
|
it was amazing
|
After a death bed promise to his father to break the curse laid on the Macquauries and rebuild their clan on their hereditary land of Wolf Island, Ada
After a death bed promise to his father to break the curse laid on the Macquauries and rebuild their clan on their hereditary land of Wolf Island, Adam Macquarie, the eldest of the five Macquarie brothers and the chief of the Macquarie clan journeyed to the Beltane Festival at Glencoe intending to find his brother Beckett “Beck” a wife. While there he learns that Roylin Montgomerie is looking to marry off his daughter Lark, but what really captures Adam’s attention is the fact that Roylin has fathered five girls. The clan desperately needs women and marriage to a lass from a family that is predominately female would be a boon. But when he meets Lark, he is not sure he wants her to marry his brother. Too bad he isn’t looking for a wife himself. Lark Montgomerie’s father has made it clear; she will wed tonight at the festival; she can choose from the suitors or he will choose for her. She is hiding from two of her more persistent and disgusting suitors when Adam finds her. He deflects the suitors and helps her escape them. Later he brings his brother Beck to meet her, but it is obvious that they are not well suited. He knows she will be forced to wed later and plans to help her escape, but when the time comes to save her, she announces that he is her choice for a husband. Surprised, but oddly intrigued, Adam marries her. When they leave the festival, he plans to tell her of the curse and offer to get an annulment, but the time never seems right to tell her. And for her part, Lark also has secrets that need to be shared, but she too shies away from revealing the truth. This was a well written, fast paced, fun story with wonderful characters, secrets, curses, pirates, witches, a feisty heroine, a wonderful hero, great secondary characters, cameos from previous characters, steamyish love scenes, betrayal and lies that all come to a head and give Lark and Adam a well deserved HEA. As the first book in a new series, I highly recommend it and can’t wait for Beck and the other brother’s stories! *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. * Merged review: After a death bed promise to his father to break the curse laid on the Macquauries and rebuild their clan on their hereditary land of Wolf Island, Adam Macquarie, the eldest of the five Macquarie brothers and the chief of the Macquarie clan journeyed to the Beltane Festival at Glencoe intending to find his brother Beckett “Beck” a wife. While there he learns that Roylin Montgomerie is looking to marry off his daughter Lark, but what really captures Adam’s attention is the fact that Roylin has fathered five girls. The clan desperately needs women and marriage to a lass from a family that is predominately female would be a boon. But when he meets Lark, he is not sure he wants her to marry his brother. Too bad he isn’t looking for a wife himself. Lark Montgomerie’s father has made it clear; she will wed tonight at the festival; she can choose from the suitors or he will choose for her. She is hiding from two of her more persistent and disgusting suitors when Adam finds her. He deflects the suitors and helps her escape them. Later he brings his brother Beck to meet her, but it is obvious that they are not well suited. He knows she will be forced to wed later and plans to help her escape, but when the time comes to save her, she announces that he is her choice for a husband. Surprised, but oddly intrigued, Adam marries her. When they leave the festival, he plans to tell her of the curse and offer to get an annulment, but the time never seems right to tell her. And for her part, Lark also has secrets that need to be shared, but she too shies away from revealing the truth. This was a well written, fast paced, fun story with wonderful characters, secrets, curses, pirates, witches, a feisty heroine, a wonderful hero, great secondary characters, cameos from previous characters, steamyish love scenes, betrayal and lies that all come to a head and give Lark and Adam a well deserved HEA. As the first book in a new series, I highly recommend it and can’t wait for Beck and the other brother’s stories! *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Oct 17, 2020
not set
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Oct 17, 2020
not set
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Sep 11, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1250158389
| 9781250158383
| B06XFTN88N
| 4.28
| 183
| Jun 20, 2017
| Jun 20, 2017
|
it was amazing
|
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* 4.5 stars - This was an awesome collection of no *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* 4.5 stars - This was an awesome collection of novellas! How A Lass Weds a Highlander - Lecia Cornwall - 5 stars - This novella is part of the ongoing Fairy Tales Series, this story is very loosely based on the Princess and the Pea. Cait is betrothed to Baird Sutherland, her distant cousin. When she realizes what kind of man he really is, she decides that she will not marry him - when he leaves to attack Alex's clan, she follows. Cait has no sense of direction and gets lost - she arrives after the raid and Alex takes her prisoner. Alex's clan believes that he must marry on midsummer eve or the clan will have bad luck. The legend is that the first laird fell in love with a fairy princess and when they wed, the fairy queen gave them a ring, which is affectionately called the pea, each new laird must put the pea on his loves finger at sunset or the clan will be cursed. Alex doesn't believe the legend and has no use for love - but he will marry for the clan's sake. When he arrives back from the raid with Cait, he finds that the potential brides have already arrived and the pea is missing! Cait tells Alex that she is the fearsome McLeod's daughter and asks him to send for her father. She proceeds to charm everyone, including the brides and especially Alex. Alex doesn't believe that she is McLeod's daughter and can't consider her as a bride. But the heart wants what the heart wants. When Alex decides on his bride, Baird shows up and it seems that all is lost. The novella is well written, flows well, has some surprises, betrayal and true love. A Match Made in Heather - Anna Harrington - 4 stars- This is the story of Arabel and Garrick, ten years ago they were in love and planning to elope. Arabel tells Garrick that she cannot leave, that her family needs her, but won't tell him why. Garrick is a stable hand and believes that Arabel has changed her mind and is angry that she would choose her family over him. As he leaves he is ambushed and told that Arabel set him up. Ten years later, they meet again, Garrick has been awarded an Earldom for his service in the war and Arabel is engaged to marry and her family is basically in ruin. They learn that they have co-inherited her family's estate, but the terms of the will say that they have to live together in the house for 30 days, to refuse is to forfeit their claim. Nether is happy, but neither will back down and let the other win. Garrick wants revenge and Arabel - as they spend time together, they realize they were both wronged and old feelings haven't died. But can Garrick let go of the past? This was a well written, well paced novella, it had the hottest love scenes in the entire collection and had an emotional depth that surprised me. I assumed that I would dislike Garrick, because I dislike revenge plots - but in actuality, Arabel was the one I had a hard time liking. I didn't hate her - but I felt that she wanted everything her way and expected Garrick to just fall in line. She does redeem herself - but it was touch and go there for awhile... A Midsummer Wedding - May McGoldrick - 5 Stars - This was my favorite in the collection. I loved Elizabeth and Alex! They have been betrothed for years and he has finally come to claim her - or has he? Elizabeth has no desire to marry the Highlander and along with the queen, concocts a plan to have him call off the wedding. When her plan goes awry, Alex must save her. They ended up stranded alone in a cottage and begin to realize how wrong they both were about the other and both regret their decision to call off the wedding. They come to a decision to wed and when they are rescued, it seems like they will get their HEA. However, team McGoldrick will not make it easy for them and Elizabeth have to make a heartbreaking decision to save her love. Excellent story, it is well written, has steamy love scenes, laugh out loud moments, tense moments and a soulmate type love. LOVED IT!! The Scot Says I Do - Sabrina York - 5 stars - This was a close second for my favorite novella in this collection. Duncan and Catherine have known each other for years - he saved her life and she was besotted with him. Duncan was a stable hand on her father's estate and did all he could to discourage Cat's affection. When he disappears without a word, Cat is heartbroken and tries to convince herself that she hates him. Years later Duncan is back, he shows up at their London house and Cat is informed that her brother has lost the estate and Duncan has bought his debt. To save her brother from debtors prison, Duncan offers her an alternative, she can marry him. Cat is shocked to see Duncan again and can't believe the man who spurned her and was so mean to her, wants to marry her. She agrees to save her brother (that's her story and she is sticking to it). Cat has no idea what really happened all those years ago and has no idea that Duncan loves her and always has. This story is well written, has some of the funniest dialogue in the entire book, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, an twisted villain and a wonderful ending. This is loosely connected to the Untamed Highlander series and I sincerely hope Ms. York is planning on writing books for the St. Claire sisters!! All in all, this was an excellent book, which I highly recommend! Merged review: *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher* 4.5 stars - This was an awesome collection of novellas! How A Lass Weds a Highlander - Lecia Cornwall - 5 stars - This novella is part of the ongoing Fairy Tales Series, this story is very loosely based on the Princess and the Pea. Cait is betrothed to Baird Sutherland, her distant cousin. When she realizes what kind of man he really is, she decides that she will not marry him - when he leaves to attack Alex's clan, she follows. Cait has no sense of direction and gets lost - she arrives after the raid and Alex takes her prisoner. Alex's clan believes that he must marry on midsummer eve or the clan will have bad luck. The legend is that the first laird fell in love with a fairy princess and when they wed, the fairy queen gave them a ring, which is affectionately called the pea, each new laird must put the pea on his loves finger at sunset or the clan will be cursed. Alex doesn't believe the legend and has no use for love - but he will marry for the clan's sake. When he arrives back from the raid with Cait, he finds that the potential brides have already arrived and the pea is missing! Cait tells Alex that she is the fearsome McLeod's daughter and asks him to send for her father. She proceeds to charm everyone, including the brides and especially Alex. Alex doesn't believe that she is McLeod's daughter and can't consider her as a bride. But the heart wants what the heart wants. When Alex decides on his bride, Baird shows up and it seems that all is lost. The novella is well written, flows well, has some surprises, betrayal and true love. A Match Made in Heather - Anna Harrington - 4 stars- This is the story of Arabel and Garrick, ten years ago they were in love and planning to elope. Arabel tells Garrick that she cannot leave, that her family needs her, but won't tell him why. Garrick is a stable hand and believes that Arabel has changed her mind and is angry that she would choose her family over him. As he leaves he is ambushed and told that Arabel set him up. Ten years later, they meet again, Garrick has been awarded an Earldom for his service in the war and Arabel is engaged to marry and her family is basically in ruin. They learn that they have co-inherited her family's estate, but the terms of the will say that they have to live together in the house for 30 days, to refuse is to forfeit their claim. Nether is happy, but neither will back down and let the other win. Garrick wants revenge and Arabel - as they spend time together, they realize they were both wronged and old feelings haven't died. But can Garrick let go of the past? This was a well written, well paced novella, it had the hottest love scenes in the entire collection and had an emotional depth that surprised me. I assumed that I would dislike Garrick, because I dislike revenge plots - but in actuality, Arabel was the one I had a hard time liking. I didn't hate her - but I felt that she wanted everything her way and expected Garrick to just fall in line. She does redeem herself - but it was touch and go there for awhile... A Midsummer Wedding - May McGoldrick - 5 Stars - This was my favorite in the collection. I loved Elizabeth and Alex! They have been betrothed for years and he has finally come to claim her - or has he? Elizabeth has no desire to marry the Highlander and along with the queen, concocts a plan to have him call off the wedding. When her plan goes awry, Alex must save her. They ended up stranded alone in a cottage and begin to realize how wrong they both were about the other and both regret their decision to call off the wedding. They come to a decision to wed and when they are rescued, it seems like they will get their HEA. However, team McGoldrick will not make it easy for them and Elizabeth have to make a heartbreaking decision to save her love. Excellent story, it is well written, has steamy love scenes, laugh out loud moments, tense moments and a soulmate type love. LOVED IT!! The Scot Says I Do - Sabrina York - 5 stars - This was a close second for my favorite novella in this collection. Duncan and Catherine have known each other for years - he saved her life and she was besotted with him. Duncan was a stable hand on her father's estate and did all he could to discourage Cat's affection. When he disappears without a word, Cat is heartbroken and tries to convince herself that she hates him. Years later Duncan is back, he shows up at their London house and Cat is informed that her brother has lost the estate and Duncan has bought his debt. To save her brother from debtors prison, Duncan offers her an alternative, she can marry him. Cat is shocked to see Duncan again and can't believe the man who spurned her and was so mean to her, wants to marry her. She agrees to save her brother (that's her story and she is sticking to it). Cat has no idea what really happened all those years ago and has no idea that Duncan loves her and always has. This story is well written, has some of the funniest dialogue in the entire book, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, an twisted villain and a wonderful ending. This is loosely connected to the Untamed Highlander series and I sincerely hope Ms. York is planning on writing books for the St. Claire sisters!! All in all, this was an excellent book, which I highly recommend! ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
|
May 19, 2017
not set
|
May 22, 2017
not set
|
Sep 11, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0063352478
| 9780063352476
| 0063352478
| 4.04
| 319
| Sep 24, 2024
| Sep 24, 2024
|
really liked it
|
For years Honoria Hartley has used her betrothal to Manford Fairfax, Viscount Vandemere to keep suitors at bay. Engaged to a missing Viscount has give
For years Honoria Hartley has used her betrothal to Manford Fairfax, Viscount Vandemere to keep suitors at bay. Engaged to a missing Viscount has given her a freedom that most young women can’t even imagine, a freedom that she has no intention of giving up. Which means she needs a way to support herself, lucky for her, she is an exceptional card player and clever with disguises, thanks to her theater-loving family. But while visiting Paris, it would seem she has hustled the wrong man and gave away a bit too much information about herself, but as time passed, she thought that her narrow escape from him was ancient history, that is until he showed up at her parents’ home claiming to be her long-lost fiancé! Soon begins a game between sharps, each with their own agenda and a fierce desire to win. Too bad the rules changed mid-game and soon the love she never wanted became the only thing that matters. Oscar Flint has lived the life of a grifter, he barely remembers his father, but swore to his mother on her deathbed that he would find him. He along with Ignatius Cardew, a friend of his mother, have been searching for him ever since. But a chance meeting in Paris with Honoria disguised as “Signor Cesario” will change his life forever. She cheated him out the winnings he needed to settle a debt incurred to Miguel Ladron, a dangerous man by Ignatius, that loss turned the attention of said dangerous man from Ignatius to Oscar. Which caused him the need to disappear, lucky for him, he found someone who told him the story of the long-lost viscount and his association with a certain swindler. Now all he has to do is convince everyone that he is the lost Viscount and lay low until Ladron gives up his pursuit of Oscar and then he can resume the search for his father, assuming he lives though this ruse. But he never anticipated that the attraction he felt for Honoria in Paris would last, or that he would long to be the man to finally win her heart. With nothing to offer what chance does he have? Good thing he is a gambling man… Another well-written, lighthearted addition to the Liar’s Club series, this installment features the lovely middle sister Honoria and Oscar, the handsome gambler she bested in Paris. These two are clearly meant to be, it is obvious, from their first encounter, yet they have no intention of admitting that to anyone – especially themselves! This book has lies, secrets, deception, blackmail, a truly nasty villain, wonderful secondary characters, steamyish love scenes, a bit of angst, a lot of laughs, and some surprising twists and turns that will lead them to their HEA. I do wish there had been an epilogue, or at least an ending that cleaned up the loose ends. Overall, I enjoyed this story and would happily recommend it to my fellow historical romance fans. This is the second book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title. *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 12, 2024
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Sep 12, 2024
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Sep 05, 2024
|
Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0008671427
| 9780008671426
| B0CHN3YK97
| 3.71
| 731
| Sep 12, 2024
| Sep 12, 2024
|
liked it
|
Lady Theophania “Tiffany” Worthington has been raised by her much older half-brother and his wife, she can’t even remember her parents, despite the fa
Lady Theophania “Tiffany” Worthington has been raised by her much older half-brother and his wife, she can’t even remember her parents, despite the fact that they are both alive. She spent most of her life not truly understanding who she was or why drawings/paintings seemed to come to life around her. She has no desire to marry and wants nothing more than to live a quiet life. But as determined as she is to remain unwed, her sister-in-law is doubly determined to marry her off. Forced to attend a ball, Tiffany is mortified when the chalked floors seem to come to life, and she tries to escape the ballroom unnoticed, this is when she meets Santiago, a man who clearly belongs in the ballroom even less than she does. After a bit of verbal sparring, they part ways, but it is the beginning of big changes in Tiffany’s life when she learns that she is a witch and soon crosses paths with Santiago again, a man she could fall for, but one who has secrets of his own. Santiago is actually the Duke of St. James, even though he was born in Chile and spent most of his life fending for himself. His father abandoned him and his mother, and his mother left Santiago when he was a young boy to enter a convent. He survived and worked hard, and after years of work, he is a successful merchant with a fleet of ships. He never planned to come to England, but when his grandfather died, his solicitors found Santiago and convinced him to come to England and claim the title and take over the dukedom. He planned to just find someone to run the estate and leave again, but then he met Tiffany and is caught up in the magic of her and some actual magic, making leaving the last thing on his mind. Too bad she doesn’t want to marry, because she would be the perfect bride for a pirate/merchant/duke. Clearly, the road to their HEA is not going to be easy. I loved the idea of this book, I liked the characters and appreciated that the author took the time to actually learn about the period and used titles correctly but felt that the book moved too slow. The story just dragged for me and while the author acknowledged the proper etiquette and expectations for the period, a lot of it was ignored in favor of giving the story more of a contemporary edge (but at least she didn’t butcher the titles). And while the book promised to be “oh so spicy” and there were hints about the hero’s sexuality at the beginning, they don’t even kiss until well past the three-quarters mark. Overall, this was just another contemporary in period dress, ultra-feminist story with a little bit of romance and a splash of magic. If that is your thing – give this book a try, you will probably enjoy it. For me, it wasn’t bad, but definitely not a book I would read again. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 *I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. * ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 05, 2024
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Sep 05, 2024
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Sep 01, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 4.25
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really liked it
|
Nov 07, 2024
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Nov 07, 2024
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| 3.73
|
really liked it
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Oct 31, 2024
Oct 31, 2024
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Oct 31, 2024
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| 3.47
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liked it
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Oct 14, 2024
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Oct 14, 2024
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| 4.34
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it was amazing
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Oct 10, 2024
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Oct 10, 2024
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| 3.79
|
liked it
|
Jan 07, 2020
not set
|
Sep 28, 2024
|
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|
| 3.94
|
it was amazing
|
Apr 04, 2018
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
|
|||||
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| 3.85
|
it was amazing
|
Jan 26, 2019
not set
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Sep 28, 2024
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|||||
|
| 3.99
|
liked it
|
Jun 27, 2016
not set
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Sep 27, 2024
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|||||
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| 3.87
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it was amazing
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Aug 27, 2015
not set
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Sep 26, 2024
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| 3.90
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it was amazing
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Oct 19, 2016
not set
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Sep 23, 2024
|
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| 4.45
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 22, 2024
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Sep 22, 2024
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| 4.16
|
really liked it
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Feb 05, 2017
not set
|
Sep 21, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.23
|
really liked it
|
Sep 19, 2024
|
Sep 19, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.36
|
really liked it
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May 19, 2019
not set
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Sep 17, 2024
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|||||
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| 3.74
|
it was ok
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Sep 15, 2024
|
Sep 14, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.97
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really liked it
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Jun 04, 2023
not set
|
Sep 12, 2024
|
|||||
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| 4.13
|
it was amazing
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Oct 17, 2020
not set
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Sep 11, 2024
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|||||
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| 4.28
|
it was amazing
|
May 22, 2017
not set
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Sep 11, 2024
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| 4.04
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really liked it
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Sep 12, 2024
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Sep 05, 2024
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| 3.71
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liked it
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Sep 05, 2024
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Sep 01, 2024
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