An entertaining story that flows nicely with witty banter, steamy love scenes and genuine characters.
Nellie “Eleanor” and Andrew are so mismatc4 Stars
An entertaining story that flows nicely with witty banter, steamy love scenes and genuine characters.
Nellie “Eleanor” and Andrew are so mismatched, yet a perfect pair together despite their clashing personalities. Sparks fly each time they are together. Nellie is such a spitfire, a quick-witted and authentic character with profound inner strength and resolve, but not without insecurities. She is unconventional and not ready to give an inch for what she believes in.
Andrew’s life has been shaped by the weight of his legacy. Many people depend on him and he is in New York to find a wealthy bride to save his family estate. He is a man of propriety, repressed and respectable, but there is much more beneath the surface.
What was great about the relationship between Nellie and Andrew was that you really do see it form before your eyes. There is real chemistry from the start, their first meet is fierce, sizzling and romantic. They have a healthy relationship with deep understanding of each other needs.
I was happy with the way things worked out for them in the end. This book is part of a series but works perfectly well as a standalone.
My review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book....more
This story was a fun read, simple yet intriguing, with just enough cute moments, good pacing and some drama that was not over the top.
Grace’s a4 Stars
This story was a fun read, simple yet intriguing, with just enough cute moments, good pacing and some drama that was not over the top.
Grace’s adventure in South Korea really brings a smile to my face. It is wonderfully cliché if, like me, you are a fan of korean dramas ("kdrama"), but very fresh at the same time in a romance novel.
Although the development of Grace and Lucas’s relationship was quite slow, it came together nicely. The trust building between them kept me interested. There was such a strong chemistry between them, it didn't feel forced at any point. Lucas is the perfect angsty tsundere character that I love, cold, harsh, stoic at first, before showing a warmer personality. Grace is so adorable, strong and bubbly.
The ending did feel a bit rushed, but it has all the loose ends wrapped up nicely and leaving you feeling super happy.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. ...more
I liked this story and enjoyed the unraveling of the intrigue. The author did a great job in keeping the pace steady, I was surprised by the 3,5 stars
I liked this story and enjoyed the unraveling of the intrigue. The author did a great job in keeping the pace steady, I was surprised by the dark twists in the plot. The characters were relatable and I definitely got invested in their story, written from multiple points of view. Their chemistry is crackling with conflict and connection. I really liked the heroine, Pepper, she is a strong female character, smart and witty. She has gone through plenty of rough patches, she knows what desperation feels like. The hero, Auggie, is resourceful, sexy, determined and protective. He is genuine and cares deeply for Pepper and her adorable daughter, Juno. I loved how both Pepper and Auggie were strong in the face of adversity.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book....more
I have been looking forward to reading Drew St. James’ story since finishing the first book in the series, "About a Rogue". Drew is the distant4 Stars
I have been looking forward to reading Drew St. James’ story since finishing the first book in the series, "About a Rogue". Drew is the distant cousin of a duke. Without a direct heir, the dukedom will pass to one of the cousins, with a considerable fortune attached to the estate. Drew has a short period of time to establish himself as the person capable of preserving the dukedom’s legacy and to find a suitable bride.
I liked the main characters, as a couple, these two are a perfect fit: good-natured, likeable Drew and seemingly prim Ilsa who is trying to change her life after being widowed. She has never been free to do what she wants and she craves a little adventure. What I liked most about Drew is his high sense of loyalty to those he cares for. He is duty-bound, he has gone into the army when his family was faced with penury. He is willing to step into the responsibilities and duties of the position and follow the dictates of the Dowager Duchess of Carlyle because he recognizes what the dukedom will allow him to do for his family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the vivid interactions between Ilsa and Drew and the emotional moments Caroline Linden created. The secondary characters were great too. The hero’s sisters are pretty interesting characters that make the story more complete and delightful. The Duchess remains a unique, elusive character and I would like to know more about her. There is a small mystery subplot but it didn't add much to the main story. The book loses some steam towards the last quarter, the ending was satisfying, but somewhat lacking in emotional punch. There are still many things unresolved as far as the dukedom is concerned, and I can’t wait for more in the series.
My honest opinion is based on an advanced reader copy of this book....more
This was a beautiful story of enduring love and second chance. It contains sensitive subject matter that could be triggering. Flawed, complex c4 stars
This was a beautiful story of enduring love and second chance. It contains sensitive subject matter that could be triggering. Flawed, complex characters make this book an interesting and poignant read. The narrative flicked between current and past history and it worked well. The drip feed of background information kept the tension and intensity of the story at a high level. My heart broke for Emmett and Tatum and what they have been through. Both are lost and damaged, I wanted them to find peace. I wanted them to find happiness. When their journey of healing, self-discovery and understanding finally unfolds, you feel immensely satisfied as a reader.
The story is told in Emmett’s point of view and the author does a great job in my opinion of laying out in great detail the thoughts and feelings that he has had for a very long time. His love for his family is unconditional, he has the most beautiful soul. My heart went out to him and I easily became emotionally invested in this character, his pain and his struggle.
Jewel E. Ann ’s writing is flawless, it made Emmett’s longing and hurt come off the pages.
My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. ...more