(3.5 Stars) I could relate to some of the characters in The Vagabond Vicar in one way or another and in this case, especially the vicar. I sometimes h(3.5 Stars) I could relate to some of the characters in The Vagabond Vicar in one way or another and in this case, especially the vicar. I sometimes have a plan of what I want to have happen in life and when it doesn't go my way, I try to make the best of it, but secretly long for more. That's just what the vicar, William, does. He dreams of spreading the good word to people in exotic places, where they are dying for the truth. Unfortunately, he finds himself stuck in England, and in a small town set it its ways. Despite his best efforts to be reassigned, he has to stick it out for awhile. Since he's not sticking around, he doesn't plan on love.
As in most small towns, there are some interesting characters. Mothers are lining up to make a match between the vicar and their daughters and he does a good job of evading them. The men try and reject him, until he makes it clear that he doesn't want to stay. The Barringtons are an interesting bunch, as is their maid, Amy, who also happens to be good friends with Cecilia.
Cecilia goes against the grain and doesn't give much thought to being a proper young woman. She is definitely unique, yet beautiful, and is easily distracted. She's determined not to fall for the young vicar, just as he's determined not to fall for her. There's a subtle humor to the story, as well as bits of mystery and intrigue that captures the reader's attention, but it is a gently flowing story.
The romance is sweet and the characters are entertaining. I especially enjoyed the interactions between William and Cecelia, because I never quite knew what I was going to get.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
(3.5 Stars) I could relate to some of the characters in The Vagabond Vicar in one way or another and in this case, especially the vicar. I sometimes have a plan of what I want to have happen in life and when it doesn't go my way, I try to make the best of it, but secretly long for more. That's just what the vicar, William, does. He dreams of spreading the good word to people in exotic places, where they are dying for the truth. Unfortunately, he finds himself stuck in England, and in a small town set it its ways. Despite his best efforts to be reassigned, he has to stick it out for awhile. Since he's not sticking around, he doesn't plan on love.
As in most small towns, there are some interesting characters. Mothers are lining up to make a match between the vicar and their daughters and he does a good job of evading them. The men try and reject him, until he makes it clear that he doesn't want to stay. The Barringtons are an interesting bunch, as is their maid, Amy, who also happens to be good friends with Cecilia.
Cecilia goes against the grain and doesn't give much thought to being a proper young woman. She is definitely unique, yet beautiful, and is easily distracted. She's determined not to fall for the young vicar, just as he's determined not to fall for her. There's a subtle humor to the story, as well as bits of mystery and intrigue that captures the reader's attention, but it is a gently flowing story.
The romance is sweet and the characters are entertaining. I especially enjoyed the interactions between William and Cecelia, because I never quite knew what I was going to get.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*...more
Gretna Green has always been associated with scandal in my mind. Why did people truly take a jaunt across the Scottish border to wed? Did they usuallyGretna Green has always been associated with scandal in my mind. Why did people truly take a jaunt across the Scottish border to wed? Did they usually leave notes? Was it easy to make to make the journey? Was it really scandalous? Well, in this collection, there are a few different reasons and they're all quite delightful.
SAVING GRACE is a story of second chances and misunderstandings. It's refreshing to see characters who shun the Ton and are happy with their choices in life. Royston and Helen have a history together and it was fun to watch them reconnect in a race against time.
FOOLS RUSH IN had me smiling and laughing. Richard eavesdrops on Eliza and comes up with a plan to serve them both. I loved the way these characters kept the humor up with their spur-of-the-moment stories. Their chemistry is sweet and I loved the journey to Gretna Green.
A LADY OF SCANDAL was the frosting on the cake for me. Bridget has no desire to be married again, or even in a relationship, but when she constantly encounters Hugh, her deceased husband's cousin, she realizes that first impressions aren't always accurate. This story is truly delightful with its subtle chemistry and great characters.
Content: mild language; mild romance, with some vague mentions of scandals and mistresses
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for them.*
Merged review:
Gretna Green has always been associated with scandal in my mind. Why did people truly take a jaunt across the Scottish border to wed? Did they usually leave notes? Was it easy to make to make the journey? Was it really scandalous? Well, in this collection, there are a few different reasons and they're all quite delightful.
SAVING GRACE is a story of second chances and misunderstandings. It's refreshing to see characters who shun the Ton and are happy with their choices in life. Royston and Helen have a history together and it was fun to watch them reconnect in a race against time.
FOOLS RUSH IN had me smiling and laughing. Richard eavesdrops on Eliza and comes up with a plan to serve them both. I loved the way these characters kept the humor up with their spur-of-the-moment stories. Their chemistry is sweet and I loved the journey to Gretna Green.
A LADY OF SCANDAL was the frosting on the cake for me. Bridget has no desire to be married again, or even in a relationship, but when she constantly encounters Hugh, her deceased husband's cousin, she realizes that first impressions aren't always accurate. This story is truly delightful with its subtle chemistry and great characters.
Content: mild language; mild romance, with some vague mentions of scandals and mistresses
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for them.*...more
Trust is a difficult thing to regain once it has been lost and Amy is learning that lesson firsthand. Wronged by a man, she struggles to trust anyone Trust is a difficult thing to regain once it has been lost and Amy is learning that lesson firsthand. Wronged by a man, she struggles to trust anyone of that gender. Her life has been difficult lately, especially as she strives to find the balance between being a new mother and finding her place in society. Her newly rekindled friendship with Henry is a beautiful thing.
I liked Henry and the patience he shows towards a sometimes aggravating Amy. I love how their friendship slowly grows and really enjoyed watching them deal with the secrets that are unearthed as the story progresses.
There is some content that may be difficult for some readers to experience and it does cast a slight shadowy cloud over a good chunk of the story, but it's rewarding to watch the characters work through these hard issues. I enjoyed the story and know things like this must be talked about, but I relish the light and fluffy escapes best.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild language used somewhat frequently; mild+ violence (vague talk of death, rape, etc)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Merged review:
Trust is a difficult thing to regain once it has been lost and Amy is learning that lesson firsthand. Wronged by a man, she struggles to trust anyone of that gender. Her life has been difficult lately, especially as she strives to find the balance between being a new mother and finding her place in society. Her newly rekindled friendship with Henry is a beautiful thing.
I liked Henry and the patience he shows towards a sometimes aggravating Amy. I love how their friendship slowly grows and really enjoyed watching them deal with the secrets that are unearthed as the story progresses.
There is some content that may be difficult for some readers to experience and it does cast a slight shadowy cloud over a good chunk of the story, but it's rewarding to watch the characters work through these hard issues. I enjoyed the story and know things like this must be talked about, but I relish the light and fluffy escapes best.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild language used somewhat frequently; mild+ violence (vague talk of death, rape, etc)
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
Wouldn't it have been so romantic to live in Regency England (or Scotland) and to fall in love with a duke? These three swoony stories fulfilled my drWouldn't it have been so romantic to live in Regency England (or Scotland) and to fall in love with a duke? These three swoony stories fulfilled my dreams. I can always count on this line to be sweet and satisfying and this one is a new favorite for sure.
The collection starts off with ON THE DUKE'S ERRAND, and transports the reader to Scotland. I love that the author tells Ceana's name pronunciation in a subtle way right off the bat because I totally would've said it wrong. A case of mistaken identity is always a good way to really get to know a person, as Ceana discovers, especially when that first meeting is a bit shocking. I love the characters and the charming setting that wrapped itself around a fun and entertaining plot.
VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE is a heartbreaking story of second chance love. I adored the creativity that went into developing a solid friendship, as the story waffles between the present and the past. I had my prejudices set from the start, but found my thoughts and feelings shifting as the story progressed and captured my heart.
The characters and chemistry in I KISSED A DUKE are purely delightful and I was smiling and swooning throughout. In fact, I almost blushed a time or two, but my adoration of Ethan and Madeline pulled me through. I loved the tasks and reactions that resulted because of these charming characters.
This is a fantastic collection that an Regency romance lover will adore.
Content: mild romance.
*I received a copy, which has no influence on my opinion in any way.*
Merged review:
Wouldn't it have been so romantic to live in Regency England (or Scotland) and to fall in love with a duke? These three swoony stories fulfilled my dreams. I can always count on this line to be sweet and satisfying and this one is a new favorite for sure.
The collection starts off with ON THE DUKE'S ERRAND, and transports the reader to Scotland. I love that the author tells Ceana's name pronunciation in a subtle way right off the bat because I totally would've said it wrong. A case of mistaken identity is always a good way to really get to know a person, as Ceana discovers, especially when that first meeting is a bit shocking. I love the characters and the charming setting that wrapped itself around a fun and entertaining plot.
VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE is a heartbreaking story of second chance love. I adored the creativity that went into developing a solid friendship, as the story waffles between the present and the past. I had my prejudices set from the start, but found my thoughts and feelings shifting as the story progressed and captured my heart.
The characters and chemistry in I KISSED A DUKE are purely delightful and I was smiling and swooning throughout. In fact, I almost blushed a time or two, but my adoration of Ethan and Madeline pulled me through. I loved the tasks and reactions that resulted because of these charming characters.
This is a fantastic collection that an Regency romance lover will adore.
Content: mild romance.
*I received a copy, which has no influence on my opinion in any way.*...more
“Sometimes you have to cut something down so it can grow in a new direction.”
The Stringham family is back and they are one of my most favorite, quirky“Sometimes you have to cut something down so it can grow in a new direction.”
The Stringham family is back and they are one of my most favorite, quirky, and adored families in fiction. Naturalist and snake lover, Helen, is a force to be reckoned with and her precocious excursions lead her right into the garden of former soldier and now Lord, Mark. Every page held beloved interactions between this spritely girl and her melancholic friend, and their unique personalities became more apparent and distinct.
While I loved checking in on other members of the family, I was captivated by the burgeoning connection and romantic interludes of this enchanting duo, especially as they each have elusive attachments in the shadows. Helen is so delightfully clueless and I enjoyed how much freedom she was given during this time period. Hastings really knows how to bring the sparks and swoon to a story and I was completely enchanted.
Content: mild+ romance (sizzling kisses, some innuendo, but definitely closed door)
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“‘Can you stand?’ Not well, she imagined. Was she not already a melted puddle on the earthy forest floor? He’d only meant to be kind and save her from “‘Can you stand?’ Not well, she imagined. Was she not already a melted puddle on the earthy forest floor? He’d only meant to be kind and save her from falling, but Ryland had achieved far more than that. He had made her feel things again.”
Melted? Yes! I will attest that I definitely melted with every veiled and exposed interaction between this duo. I absolutely adored Lord Ryland’s story! He’s such an amazing gentleman and I was so excited to get the full scope of his background and current situation. I’m always a sucker for a single dad trope and this one hit all the marks, especially with his sweet little son.
The new governess, Aurelia, arrives with baggage full of secrets, but her proper and capable ways soon charm everyone around her, and she’s such a beautiful character. The culmination of this book presented such a fantastic plot, with ideal characters, that leaves room for future books in the Hearts of Harewood series. Kasey Stockton fulfilled my every wish with this lovely story and this one is sure to be gobbled up by historical romance lovers.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“The idea of an almost mathematical formula calculated to choose the perfect woman for him to marry felt…miraculous.”
Nicholas, oh sweet, Nicholas. Thi“The idea of an almost mathematical formula calculated to choose the perfect woman for him to marry felt…miraculous.”
Nicholas, oh sweet, Nicholas. This man had a carefree dalliance in his youth that resulted in extreme consequences and now toes the rules of society meticulously. Although he’s very stoic, I loved the snippets of charm and boyish charisma that threatened to escape as he searches for a wife, and does he ever meet his match with Lady Mercy!
“The amount of effort she had to put into keeping her face bland probably meant she had the frozen look of a taxidermized deer.”
Mercy craves stolen kisses and interludes that ooze romance, and while she agrees to be courted by Nicholas, she’s not convinced she can find love with this rigid man. She’s adorable with her dreamy personality and devious plotting, and it was truly refreshing to discover how she reacts to various situations, especially those with potential scandal.
The way these two clash together with their hopes and dreams for the future left me eager to devour every page, and I will never look at a cravat in the same way again. Dances, hand kisses, flowers…this author does a very fine job of breathing life into these vivid characters and drawing them together like a moth to a flame.
Content: talk of past scandal; kisses only
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
Lydia is the type of character who is very easy to love. Although life has handed her many challenges, including a difficult guardian who is determineLydia is the type of character who is very easy to love. Although life has handed her many challenges, including a difficult guardian who is determined to marry her off, she’s full of sunshine and happiness. An interesting street encounter with a pugilist breaking up a fight leaves her bewildered when she later recognizes him in polite company.
The twinges of secrets and mystery, as well as the entertaining interactions between Lucas, his brother Charlie, and Lydia left me eagerly devouring every page of this delightful and fun Regency romance. All the longing glances and resistance to romance only served to deliver clever banter and swoony interactions. Lucas is definitely on my favorites list of complex and intriguing main characters.
This is such a fun story with multi-dimensional characters and smart twists.
Content: mild romance; very mild fighting
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Why are you keeping a woman under your bed, Rolland?”
I adore a fairytale retelling that is full of unique aspects and twists, and when a mystery is a“Why are you keeping a woman under your bed, Rolland?”
I adore a fairytale retelling that is full of unique aspects and twists, and when a mystery is added to this Regency Cinderella? I’m all in. From the very first meet cute to the very last page, I was invested in the characters, the romance, and the secrets.
Theresa, a violinist, has a very difficult step-family and is determined to find a stolen crystal vase that her father left her. There is a killer on the loose and Rolland and his friends decide to host a house party to contain the suspects and try to stop another death from occurring. This duo works and reasons together so well. Theresa agrees to pose under a false name to help them as a spy and I loved the vibe that resulted from this whodunit tale. I felt like I was watching a historical Clue game in real-time and it was so much fun to see everything unfold. And I loved the glimpses of Godfather.
This author does a great job of weaving together complexities that are both entertaining and engaging. I also found myself laughing at Theresa's spunk and swooning over the dangerous interactions. Such a fun story that left me with a satisfied smile on my face.
Content: mild violence/death; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“What can I do?” “Kiss me.” “Kiss me…so that I might know bliss.”
I’m always in love with the Regency time period and when a layer of scandal is cast thr“What can I do?” “Kiss me.” “Kiss me…so that I might know bliss.”
I’m always in love with the Regency time period and when a layer of scandal is cast throughout the pages, I’m doubly there. The author does such a beautiful job of not only bringing to life a delightful grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romance, but she also tackles some major stigmas of the time, while coloring the character interactions with Shakespeare quotes.
The brooding baron has every reason to be an enigma to the upper crust of society and I couldn’t get enough of this Brooks’ Brotherhood tale. The longing glances, nicknames of Mother Goose/Goosey/Beasty, charming bestie Bradbury, phaeton driving lessons, billiards, Twelfth Night, and grand gestures made this book such an interesting and engaging read. Although a bit on the heavy side at times, there are threads of lightness and hope, and that sweet, sweet hint of romance, that kept me hooked. I loved Henry and Arabella and their beautiful story so much.
Content: mild romance; mental illness
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Patrick Milton was a flirt. That did not mean he had any idea of making me his wife. All he did was fuel my mother’s overactive imagination.”
The Rege“Patrick Milton was a flirt. That did not mean he had any idea of making me his wife. All he did was fuel my mother’s overactive imagination.”
The Regency era is such a fairytale in my mind, but Clare brings it to a crashing reality with her social anxiety and blunder after mishap during her first season. It was fun to watch her childhood rival-turned-friend-turned-love-interest swoop in to rescue her time and time again.
The dual points-of-view between Clare and Patrick are absolutely necessary to make this story a smashing success. I love that they are both twins and it is fun that they are both red-headed (was I picturing the Weasley twins? Why, yes–yes, I was).
The journey to love is full of bumps and bruises through misunderstood eavesdropping, twin tricks, assumptions, flirtations, and more. With a beautiful cover and a lovely story within, this is a winner for any sweet Regency romance lover.
Content: mild romance; brief mention of difficult parents
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Believe me, Miss Madeville, marriage is the very last thing on my mind–to say nothing of marriage to you.”
When a vivacious, stubborn, and tenacious w“Believe me, Miss Madeville, marriage is the very last thing on my mind–to say nothing of marriage to you.”
When a vivacious, stubborn, and tenacious woman finds herself in a tough situation with a strong, determined, and secretive man, an enemies-to-love fake engagement results and I loved my front row seat to alllll the sparks, barbs, and antics that ensued from this unfortunate circumstance.
Stoic Anthony and kitten-with-claws Charlotte are the best kinds of characters and their banter was completely believable in all the conditions–public and private–and the slow-burn tension grasped me. Martha Keyes does such a beautiful job connecting the facets of the upper society and those on the cusp, as well as the tendrils of mystery, which lead to some very intense moments. I loved how this whole book revolved around journals and caricatures and secrets.
I’m hooked and can’t wait to continue on with this series. Will it be his brothers? Her sisters? Both? No matter–I’m here for it all.
Content: mild romance/light innuendo for the Regency times; mild moments of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
This is my first book by Hannah Linder and I was captivated by the intense gothic regency vibe.
Eliza has happily lived in the forest for as long as shThis is my first book by Hannah Linder and I was captivated by the intense gothic regency vibe.
Eliza has happily lived in the forest for as long as she can remember and it’s all she knows, until handsome Felton finds her and “rescues” her from it. A world of danger, intrigue, “who dun it” mysteries and attempts on Eliza’s life result from this deliverance, and a beautiful, dramatic, and heart-aching story unfolds.
I was amazed at the vivid descriptions and while this story felt a little darker, I was completely fascinated and intrigued from start to finish with all the twists and turns. I appreciated the Christian elements and felt they really solidified the nature of these dimensional characters.
There is a lot of drama and trauma, and these times are confusing to Eliza, but Linder does a wonderful job of expressing the villainous aspects, as well as the heroic ones, in ways that felt real and raw.
Content: kidnapping, opium use, mistreating family, Christian elements (prayers/thoughts), mild romance, murder/death/suicide/abuse
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
A book that talks about chocolate immediately has my heart, but there’s a lot more to this story than sweets “A chocolate can make everything better.”
A book that talks about chocolate immediately has my heart, but there’s a lot more to this story than sweets and a sweet romance. Jenny has endured many hardships, such as death, illness, family drama and secrets, and societal pressures, but her resilience and tenacity is admirable, and it was a treat to watch her journey unfold.
One thing that I really enjoyed was how vibrant the descriptions of this time period were. Was life easy? No. Did people have an easy time making difficult decisions or dealing with suffering and distress? No. This book doesn’t sugar-coat the Regency times–it showcases the real with all its good and bad.
Samantha Hastings is a beautiful writer. I loved the connections to Shakespeare and the complex relationships between characters. This story is told in five parts, headed by a Shakespeare sonnet, and it was worth savoring.
Austen’s books are so wonderful and I loved the liberty this author took in creating a prequel to Emma.
Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill are such viviAusten’s books are so wonderful and I loved the liberty this author took in creating a prequel to Emma.
Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill are such vivid characters and it was a treat to learn more about them. My heart went out to each of them because of the hardships of their backstories and I craved the moments they had any slight interaction. I also feel bad when I’m harsh on a character. It was enjoyable to see what shaped and developed these characters.
I was completely captivated with the story and couldn’t get enough. It felt so believable–about what really could have happened–and I loved feeling immersed in a fresh Austenesque book. From the childhood memories to secret friends to grown up expectations, Finding Jane Fairfax is a winner.
Hastings does a fabulous job of creating a fun, entertaining and swoony Regency romance that has pockets of intrigue and danger.
Lady Frederica is fullHastings does a fabulous job of creating a fun, entertaining and swoony Regency romance that has pockets of intrigue and danger.
Lady Frederica is full of curious and lively exuberance, with a streak of devilishness, which perfectly serves to escalate the relationship between her and her betrothed–her childhood nemesis, Samuel.
The enemies-to-love vibe only fueled and fanned the flame of attraction and made their interactions spark like a live wire. Ooh-weee–Hastings brings the romance to these pages in a very believable and realistic way and I couldn’t get enough of the banter, flirtations and antics that led to the road of their hesitant marriage.
Samuel and Frederica have a past and a history which colors their present and future. They are solid, likable and impulsive characters and the events towards the end of the story solidified their places in my heart.
From start to finish, this is one worth diving into, as it’s full of so much entertainment.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing, makeouts, fade-to-black between married couple); moments of peril/danger and wartime violence/injuries.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
I read this book years ago and as a movie is now being made, I knew I had to read it again. I listened to it this time around, and did enjoy the narraI read this book years ago and as a movie is now being made, I knew I had to read it again. I listened to it this time around, and did enjoy the narrator.
Eden pens a delightfully charming Beauty and the Beast tale, with a heavy focus on the Beast’s point of view. Adam has physical and emotional scars and is in true grumpy form when he arranges to marry a plain and desperate woman. Imagine his surprise when she’s anything but! Persephone is a ray of sunshine, and despite Adam’s efforts to push her away, her glow permeates Falstone Manor.
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