**spoiler alert** This book sadly did not work for me. I’m new to this series, so that might have had something to do with it, but right from the star**spoiler alert** This book sadly did not work for me. I’m new to this series, so that might have had something to do with it, but right from the start I disliked Sarah. She’s extremely bossy and snobbish, which isn’t entirely unusual for a duke’s daughter, but it meant I didn’t like her much. The whole idea of her needing to be in London to do interviews and sign her books in 1817 struck me as completely ridiculous. Not even Byron did any of that. Also, the constant twittering about her being a romance author… I don’t think that was the term of the time. A novelist, perhaps.
Then there’s the journey, where anything that can go wrong does go wrong. It got a bit much after a while. I think it was about the time the maid fell sick that my attention wandered off and never really came back. It takes far too long for the accidental marriage to occur and by then I didn’t care much about Braedan keeping it a secret.
Ah, yes, Braedan. I wanted to like him, but he was rather dull. A genius in both literature and mathematics, who somehow ended up as a Classical archeologist (for some reason that struck me as odd, I’d have expected science, especially in Edinburgh), he’s also a bruising rider and a crack shot. A fine physical specimen, in fact, which is rather remarkable for a man who’s also a professor at twenty-eight. There were times when I wondered if all these accomplishments were intended to replace his personality, because there really isn’t much development of character here.
As for the romance – nope, sorry, not buying it. I can’t see what the two of them have in common, apart from the attraction, which Sarah spends most of the book fighting off. She doesn’t want to get married, she doesn’t want children, so she sleeps with him and risks a child even before she knows that they are married, and then gets on her high horse when her brother-in-law insists. Since she was Miss Propriety when she and Braedan first met, why is she surprised? Even without the accidental marriage, there are plenty who would call her ruined. Then she makes assumptions about how Braedan will react to her special secret authorial powers – but she never actually talks to him about it, she just assumes and pushes him away.
Not that Braedan gets off lightly here, because nope. He knew Sarah went to Scotland to visit her sister, and since he’s staying on a neighbouring estate, why doesn’t he stay with her? It’s not like he’s even spending the time with his family, since he seems to avoid them completely. When she has a head wound, does he play the doting husband not wanting to move her for fear of a relapse? Nope, he waits for her to fall asleep then moves her because he’s the husband and she must obey! And what the hell was that road trip about anyway? And why is Sarah in Scotland for so many months? As for the Rome debacle, he just expects her to follow because that’s what wives do. Nice. What a prince he turned out to be.
So, I didn’t like the heroine, I found the hero boring, until he turned patronising and overbearing, the road trip was a farce of calamitous proportions, and the romance was lacking any chemistry. I don’t think the two of them would even have made good friends, let alone survived a marriage. Basically, I didn’t like it. There were several times when I almost gave up, but I persevered in the hopes it would improve. It didn’t. I’m sadly disappointed.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Merged review:
This book sadly did not work for me. I’m new to this series, so that might have had something to do with it, but right from the start I disliked Sarah. She’s extremely bossy and snobbish, which isn’t entirely unusual for a duke’s daughter, but it meant I didn’t like her much. The whole idea of her needing to be in London to do interviews and sign her books in 1817 struck me as completely ridiculous. Not even Byron did any of that. Also, the constant twittering about her being a romance author… I don’t think that was the term of the time. A novelist, perhaps.
Then there’s the journey, where anything that can go wrong does go wrong. It got a bit much after a while. I think it was about the time the maid fell sick that my attention wandered off and never really came back. It takes far too long for the accidental marriage to occur and by then I didn’t care much about Braedan keeping it a secret.
Ah, yes, Braedan. I wanted to like him, but he was rather dull. A genius in both literature and mathematics, who somehow ended up as a Classical archeologist (for some reason that struck me as odd, I’d have expected science, especially in Edinburgh), he’s also a bruising rider and a crack shot. A fine physical specimen, in fact, which is rather remarkable for a man who’s also a professor at twenty-eight. There were times when I wondered if all these accomplishments were intended to replace his personality, because there really isn’t much development of character here.
As for the romance – nope, sorry, not buying it. I can’t see what the two of them have in common, apart from the attraction, which Sarah spends most of the book fighting off. She doesn’t want to get married, she doesn’t want children, so she sleeps with him and risks a child even before she knows that they are married, and then gets on her high horse when her brother-in-law insists. Since she was Miss Propriety when she and Braedan first met, why is she surprised? Even without the accidental marriage, there are plenty who would call her ruined. Then she makes assumptions about how Braedan will react to her special secret authorial powers – but she never actually talks to him about it, she just assumes and pushes him away.
Not that Braedan gets off lightly here, because nope. He knew Sarah went to Scotland to visit her sister, and since he’s staying on a neighbouring estate, why doesn’t he stay with her? It’s not like he’s even spending the time with his family, since he seems to avoid them completely. When she has a head wound, does he play the doting husband not wanting to move her for fear of a relapse? Nope, he waits for her to fall asleep then moves her because he’s the husband and she must obey! And what the hell was that road trip about anyway? And why is Sarah in Scotland for so many months? As for the Rome debacle, he just expects her to follow because that’s what wives do. Nice. What a prince he turned out to be.
So, I didn’t like the heroine, I found the hero boring, until he turned patronising and overbearing, the road trip was a farce of calamitous proportions, and the romance was lacking any chemistry. I don’t think the two of them would even have made good friends, let alone survived a marriage. Basically, I didn’t like it. There were several times when I almost gave up, but I persevered in the hopes it would improve. It didn’t. I’m sadly disappointed.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)...more
A cute, quick read which relies on a thoroughly silly lack of introduction (which doesn't make the least bit of sense really) to work, but it was enjoA cute, quick read which relies on a thoroughly silly lack of introduction (which doesn't make the least bit of sense really) to work, but it was enjoyable nonetheless....more
Eh. A not particularly likeable heroine, a real rake hero, an implausible situation and a love that had more to do with proximity than actual personalEh. A not particularly likeable heroine, a real rake hero, an implausible situation and a love that had more to do with proximity than actual personality. This is fine if you're looking for a quick read with a historical gloss and aren't bothered with details.
This is not fine if you like at least a touch of authenticity (her sister left her completely alone in the house with a rake for several weeks, apart from the servants, but servants don't count because... they work for a living?) or live in England (wtf is Nottingshire? A township? What? You can research how exactly to light the fire, but you can't be bothered to look up Northumberland). That's not even counting the love that somehow grew between a steamy kiss and a coerced trip in search of a Christmas tree where she avoided him the whole time, yet somehow still fell in love with his kindness and generosity... ???
In all, eh. It's quick and it's free, so at least it did some things right....more
There is so much to love about this novella, starting with the writing. Effervescent and enjoyable, witty and wonderful, this author never disappointsThere is so much to love about this novella, starting with the writing. Effervescent and enjoyable, witty and wonderful, this author never disappoints. However, this story has a particular set of delightful details to enjoy. The main characters are both elderly (late 60s, early 70s), they are both lesbians, they both enjoy cheesy toast and they’re both brilliant.
Truly, Bertrice is amazing, Violetta deserves all the best things and the Terrible Nephew is not just terrible, he is a cankerous boil that deserves to be lanced with a red hot poker dipped in acid. I spent the first half laughing like a drain, the second half clutching my heart and the end… I have all the best feelings for this book.
If I take emotion out of it, perhaps there are times when Violetta’s reactions are a bit over the top and come from nowhere, but at the same time she’s been holding in a lot for years, so I could understand it. Bertrice can also be a little oblivious, but I like how despite her outward appearances, she is vulnerable too. The pair of them are a wonderful match and I loved how their adventure unfolded.
Hilarious and heartfelt, this novella was a burst of sunshine in a dull grey world. You definitely don’t get heroines like this everyday, which is a shame, because they’re incomparable. I loved it.
I can’t believe I’m about to type this, because I’ve loved Julia Quinn’s books for years, but… I found this one boring. I’m not the biggest fan of romI can’t believe I’m about to type this, because I’ve loved Julia Quinn’s books for years, but… I found this one boring. I’m not the biggest fan of romantic pirates at the best of times, but since Andrew isn’t even close to being a pirate (or a privateer really, since he’s more of a merchant-smuggler) I thought I’d risk it anyway. Which would have been fine, except that over half the book takes place in a single cabin on board a ship at sea – and nothing happens!
I had high hopes for something occurring outside the cabin, but even then, when there’s a glimmer of action, nothing happens there either. This is a book about Poppy and Andrew being in a room alone together (on the ship, in Portugal, even at the end) talking, bantering and arguing. There is nothing else. They talk at and to each other, some of which is witty, a lot of which is childish and the rest is either annoying or dull. Other characters make the briefest of appearances, but mostly it’s these two together congratulating each other on being so much cleverer than other people and falling in love. That’s it.
Well, except for Andrew keeping his secret for far too long (and paying no price for it) and the pair of them getting it on at a really inappropriate moment.
Sorry but I expected something more. More action, more sea-faring fun, more peril, more absolutely anything from Poppy (the intelligent and curious!) except begrudging acceptance of her captivity, and definitely more grovelling from Andrew. Alas, I was doomed to disappointment on all counts. I did learn a little bit about Lisbon, though, so every cloud and all…
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)...more
It’s been a long wait for this book to arrive, but thank goodness, it was worth it. It always is with a Courtney Milan book and I found this a particuIt’s been a long wait for this book to arrive, but thank goodness, it was worth it. It always is with a Courtney Milan book and I found this a particularly delightful read with its refreshingly honest characters, who might start out with deception but who never lie to each other if they can help it. There’s also a lot of ecclesiastical drama, which is a lot less boring than it sounds, and an attempt at an annulment done properly. Plus plenty more from the always interesting Worth siblings and quite a bit of fun with Adrian’s pottery works.
I loved Adrian – especially when I realised who his great uncles were (see In the Pursuit of… in Hamilton’s Battalion). He’s hard working, smart and despite having very few illusions about the world still manages to be hopeful and try to see the best in people. He doesn’t always get it right, of course, but I really liked him. And I loved the way he saw Camilla and made her see herself. He also happens to be black and support other POC at his factory, adding a much needed depth of diversity and reality to this slice of Victorian life.
I liked Camilla too. She’s been through a lot, constantly reaching out to those around her and being rejected, sometimes in the cruelest ways. Her ability to keep on dreaming and hoping despite everything was pretty admirable. I also loved that she saw everything that was best about Adrian even before she got to know him. It was great seeing her grow in strength throughout the story and I loved how she fought her more selfish impulses in order to get what they both deserved. However, some of her thoughts got a bit repetitive at times. She says she doesn’t dwell on the past, but you could have fooled me. Perhaps it was this that stopped me from loving her as much as I wanted to.
We also spend a fair bit of time with Camilla’s youngest sister, Teresa, who is a far from conventional girl on something of a mission. I cannot wait to see how her story progresses as this series goes on, because the way things end with her… gimme more.
So on the whole this was definitely worth the wait. The romance is steady and slow, with an adorably sweet resolution, the characters are diverse, often unconventional and likeable. The plot is intriguing and different, with a refreshing lack of foolish misunderstandings and unnecessary deceptions, and everything just works. It took a long time for this book to arrive, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I look forward to seeing where this series heads next. Even if it takes another three years… (but hopefully not).
(ARC provided by the author via NetGalley.)...more
I really love this world and how easy it is to drop back into it, even after almost a year since I read the last book. I also really love how each booI really love this world and how easy it is to drop back into it, even after almost a year since I read the last book. I also really love how each book is slowly developing more of the world and the magic, though actual magic working by Nick and Jamie is kept pretty minimal in this book.
I’ve been hoping for Nick’s tale since I first met the unfriendly horse shifter who is devoted to protecting his fellow ferals, but in a completely practical way. There’s nothing cuddly or sentimental about him. He has a cause and he’s willing to risk everything for it – even though he expects nothing in return. He’s an incredibly giving, frequently selfless man, but my word, he’s also a complete jerk to Jamie.
As a fan of this series, I know why Nick hates witches and I even understand it, but Jamie is so sweet and willing to try and understand all sides. Yes, he maybe a touch too idealistic, but every time Nick is his usual gruff stallion self about witches and their kind it’s like he’s kicking a puppy. But in the end even Nick is powerless against how simply likeable Jamie he is. You just can’t dislike him. He’s lovely.
The plot this time is fairly relentless with some gruesome murders and a constant threat bubbling away, in both a wider witch/familiar way as well as directly against these two. I loved seeing Nick and Jamie evolve as a team, even if I occasionally wished to slap some sense into Jamie’s idealistic outlook. Still, the mystery unfolds at a quick pace, keeping things interesting throughout. Yes, there are plenty of guessable clues, but it still built into some cracking action.
The actual romance between Nick and Jamie does take a bit of a back seat to everything else going on, which was a shame, because they’re so good together and it might have been nice to have had a few moments of just the pair of them growing into their bond.
Overall, though, this was a great continuation of the series, with some fun appearances from older characters as well as further developing the world. It does almost uncomfortably parallel much of the political climate in the current world at times, proving that humans never learn from our mistakes, but it certainly left me wanting to know just where this series will head next....more
This collection of Revolutionary War novellas tackle tales of lesser known soldiers, be they Jewish, black, female, gay, it tells of love on the battlThis collection of Revolutionary War novellas tackle tales of lesser known soldiers, be they Jewish, black, female, gay, it tells of love on the battlefield and in the aftermath and of life lived in the city. It’s a curious and well told collection that’s about so much more than the current fashion for Alexander Hamilton.
PROMISED LAND by Rose Lerner makes for an interesting start. It sounds quite familiar – a woman impersonating a man in order to go to war – but that’s the only thing about Rachel that fits the traditional romantic mould. She’s fiery and determined and an excellent corporal, she also has more secrets than simply being female.
I actually didn’t like Rachel that much at first, but it had nothing to do with her deception and everything to do with Nathan. I could see why she was unhappy in her life before and why she did what she did, but her anger at him seemed excessive and likewise her change of mind came a bit too swiftly. This is not helped by the fact that Nathan is adorable and I really liked him.
I also really liked that they’re both Jewish, although in differing levels of faith. Nathan is devout, Rachel is… less so. Still it’s an integral part of both their characters and I loved how this enhanced the story.
So while this was probably my least favourite story in the collection, because of Rachel at the start, it’s still a really good, enjoyable read. Especially if you have an interest in military romances.
THE PURSUIT OF… by Courtney Milan is the sole reason I picked this book up. I love Milan’s work and this was no exception. A biracial M/M historical romance is enough of a hook for me anyway, but throw in Courtney Milan and I’m there.
And this was completely worth it. I loved this novella. John is smart, stoic and steadfast, desperate to return home and find out what’s happened to his family, while also trying not to show that he’s worried. And Henry is… beyond description. He’s the complete opposite of John in almost every way – forgetful, talkative, amusing and slightly obsessed with cheese. But I completely adored him. I loved John too, but in a different way, and the pair of them together are just wonderful.
I just loved this story, from start to finish. The romance is steady and strong, with a lot of sexual tension, the characters are excellent and the ending was everything I wanted it to be. My absolute favourite.
THAT COULD BE ENOUGH by Alyssa Cole closes out the collection in fine style, moving away from soldiers and war, and into the nineteenth century. It also happens to be a romance between two black lesbians and is another excellent read.
Despite her name, Mercy has shown herself no mercy since having her heart broken one too many times. She lives a strictly controlled, regimented life in which she allows herself to barely feel at all. There’s so much passion in her but she’s suppressed it for years in an effort never to be hurt again.
And then along comes Andromeda, who is open and free and a little bit wild, but also good hearted and delighted by challenges. I’ll admit there were times I felt she was a bit too pushy and encroached too far on Mercy’s boundaries, but she also stops when it’s pointed out and does try to do better.
I really liked the two of them together, especially as Mercy began to unwind a little. However, the conflict felt a touch overblown and things towards the end didn’t always work for me. Still, overall, I found it an enjoyable read.
Like this whole book. All three stories have something different to offer, but are impressively told. There’s plenty of love, a nice amount of humour, trials, troubles and tribulations, celebrations and cheese, plus a little bit of Hamilton, for those who need him there. In all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
(ARC provided by the authors via NetGalley.)...more
Anyone who is a fan of Georgette Heyer has probably already read Pistols for Two, so knows it’s a delightful collection of short stories that are fullAnyone who is a fan of Georgette Heyer has probably already read Pistols for Two, so knows it’s a delightful collection of short stories that are full of her trademark wit and flare for the Georgian and Regency periods. Even if you have already read Pistols for Two, there are three new stories to enjoy here containing elopements, a governess, and coach travel galore – all of which contain seeds for many of her longer novels.
Which is a great reason to read this even if you’ve never read a Heyer book before, but are interested in starting somewhere. These stories are all very short and easy to read, there is a lot of instalove in them but also plenty of humour. I love Full Moon for the silly way the hero tries to help the heroine sneak back into the house. Pistols for Two is great fun as well, concentrating more on the damage romance can do to a friendship rather than love itself. I also love A Clandestine Affair and A Husband for Fanny for their older characters and second chance story lines. To Have the Honour is rather wonderful too.
The new stories are Pursuit, Runaway Match and Incident on the Bath Road, all of which are at the end, and fit in perfectly with the rest of the stories.
These stories are all very short and there are several recurring themes – most noticeably elopements – which doesn’t quite show off the sheer range and skill Heyer covers in her longer novels. There isn’t as much chance for witty repartee, nor convoluted plots, nor big families and the troubles various siblings can get into. But there are lots of seeds planted here that Heyer grew into some of my favourites, both in plots and characters – Sylvester, The Black Sheep, A Lady of Quality, A Civil Contract, The Corinthian, The Nonesuch and many more.
In all, this is a lovely collection that’s a great taster of what Heyer has to offer and is perfect for any fans of Georgian and Regency romances. Even if you already have most of them, it’s still worth a look for the three new ones and an easy escape into something light, fun and enjoyable.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)...more
This is a short but delightful read about two lovers who don’t think they’re good enough for each other, mixed in with a few other misconceptions, allThis is a short but delightful read about two lovers who don’t think they’re good enough for each other, mixed in with a few other misconceptions, all taking place over one evening in which all their troubles get sorted out.
The fake abduction was a little silly, but I really liked both Meriel and Quinn and thought they were adorable together. I also really liked the intense focus of the story, mostly taking place in one room, mostly only containing these two. It meant that even though this was a really quick read, it still managed to be wonderfully satisfying.
In all another great addition to this enjoyable series. Can’t wait for Fulkham’s turn.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)...more
The Sinful Suitors return with a stirring second chance romance between a roguish earl freshly returned from exile and a quiet widow who is only interThe Sinful Suitors return with a stirring second chance romance between a roguish earl freshly returned from exile and a quiet widow who is only interested in learning to run her infant son’s estate. But there’s a whole lot more to both characters than the faces they show the world – and each other. Luckily there’s a treasonous counterfeiting plot that requires them to work together in a quest to unravel the truth, about themselves and their broken hearts as much as the crime.
I enjoyed this one, especially as I could feel sympathy for both Niall and Brilliana (Bree) about what happened all those years ago. He was young and impetuous and desperately honourable, while she was cautious, caring for her sick mother and understandably wary when he couldn’t share the reasons for the duel. It was refreshing to see that more than just the usual manipulating relatives and stung pride separated them.
Which of course makes it a little easier when their chemistry kept drawing them back together, even when they didn’t want it to. Niall is still impetuous, Bree is still cautious, but they have changed a little in the years apart. I wasn’t sure about Niall at first – he loses his temper a few times and says some pretty hurtful things – but he grew on me as the story went on. I loved how he saw Bree as more than just a pretty face and how he became so fond of young Silas. It also helps that he gets over their separation fairly quickly and is determined to build a future together.
Bree was the opposite for me in that I liked her more at first and definitely sympathised with her caution. However, as the book progressed some of her reasons for holding Niall at bay were pretty flimsy and I wasn’t impressed with the way she reacted to Niall’s big reveal. However, I loved how she handled things towards the end. She and Niall make a brilliant team and I really enjoyed seeing that play out.
The criminal counterfeiting plot provided a handy excuse for them to spend so much time together and definitely proved how well they could work together when necessary. I didn’t find it particularly hard to work it all out, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of how things progressed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s a second chance reunion with a hint of a mystery, lots of heat and some fun family moments in a good historical setting. I look forward to seeing where this series heads next.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)...more
While there’s nothing inherently bad about this book, I didn’t find it as intriguing as I’d hoped. Both Gavin and Sophie have interesting occupations,While there’s nothing inherently bad about this book, I didn’t find it as intriguing as I’d hoped. Both Gavin and Sophie have interesting occupations, but neither of them play much of a part. Instead it’s mostly the two of them flirting and sparring while occasionally stumbling around in the hope that a solution will pop up. The level of actual investigation is pretty low and because the focus is heavily on the romance, there isn’t really much mystery to any of it.
Sophie is a decent character. She’s extremely independent and perhaps a little too modern in her thinking (the attitudes of everyone towards female sexuality and modesty weren’t the least bit Victorian), but she’s determined and not overtly foolish in her methods – well, apart from the walking home in the dark thing. I just wish she’d spent more time investigating the crime instead of brooding over Gavin.
Likewise, Gavin’s attempts at uncovering the plot that killed his friend are nonexistent. The pair of them are so easily distracted by each other that it’s a wonder the crime is ever solved at all.
None of this is helped by the slow pace. It takes half the book to get through two days, most of which is either Gavin or Sophie recapping the same scene for the third time. There is a spark between them, but for me the book was too heavily weighted towards the romance. I wanted real investigation attempts from Sophie (we get one scene) and a little digging from Gavin (since he’s an archaeologist and all), but instead I got flirting and brooding. Which meant that when the big reveal came, I didn’t care.
Throw in that bafflingly overwrought final chapter (to which the answer was obvious since they both wanted the same thing!) and the overly complicated solution and I’m sorry to say I was a little disappointed with this. It’s not terrible, but neither was it what I wanted, leaving me mostly indifferent about the whole thing. Your mileage, of course, may vary depending on how much you mind a mystery not being too mysterious and the romance trumping everything else.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)...more
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