In a most unexpected turn of events, Anna finds herself journeying on the behalf of her father to Brighton to oversee a business opportunity. She abovIn a most unexpected turn of events, Anna finds herself journeying on the behalf of her father to Brighton to oversee a business opportunity. She above all else has plans to shut it down as the deplorable Graham Lane is at the head of the venture. Between their misgivings and notions, the pair finds themselves surprised that there's more to the other than they've thus far discovered. This book is incredible! I loved, loved, LOVED everything about it. And that scene in the stairwell after fishing? Absolute gold. Megan did a fantastic job delivering on all of the feelings: the pride, conceit, disdain, curiosity, development of affection, love, and support. I adored Lakeshire Park and this one is just as much of a knockout. I highly recommend for fans of historical romance, particularly regency. Thank you to Shadow Mountain and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Archie and his fellow earls go on an annual trip together and nothing is going to prevent Simon and Effie from making it possible to have Archie come Archie and his fellow earls go on an annual trip together and nothing is going to prevent Simon and Effie from making it possible to have Archie come along. Their plans are disrupted when childhood friends, Olive and Clementine, are on the cusp of scandal and their earls trip suddenly includes girls. Absolutely a cover that got me right away! Jenny's books can be hit or miss for me and this was on the just okay side. I adored the premise, the characters are delightful, but it just seemed to drag on while reading. I think the sort of character information dump at the beginning made for a rough start and the book would have been more readable had it focused more on the main love interests rather than so much on the supporting cast. The ending was predictably lovely though and I'm always a fan of a feminist in this time period. Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Thank you @austenprose, @fsgyoungreaders and @rosalyn.eves for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Out of mild frustration and a desire for absoThank you @austenprose, @fsgyoungreaders and @rosalyn.eves for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Out of mild frustration and a desire for absolute independence, widowed Eleanor hires a young and malleable companion to lend propriety to her household. Thalia joins Eleanor in London with dreams of sharing conversation and inspiration from other more widely known poets. Neither wants nor needs a man. But love finds its way to disrupt both of their plans. Thalia’s character and experiences are what I was hoping for after the first novel. I enjoyed her page time quite thoroughly. Eleanor was a little hard to love but she got there in the end. Rosalyn’s voice is easily bingeable and her books are perfect for any teen or adult looking for a sweet and occasionally sassy historical romance. I'd love to see a third book! This absolutely can be read as a standalone (it introduces some new characters and is well rounded for those featured from An Improbable Season)....more
Thank you @simon.audio for the #complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
West and Sophie are forced into constant proximity because their frieThank you @simon.audio for the #complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
West and Sophie are forced into constant proximity because their friends and/or family scared to group off in relationships. Unfortunately for them, they were torn apart years ago and would rather it stay so. But Sophie's sister refuses to remarry until she does and West is a happy accomplice in a false engagement. The pining and the humor and the backstory all combine into a fabulous regency romp. As expected with a @marthabwaters book, I sputter laughed more than once. While Joel initially wasn't a favorite of mine, over the course of the series, I've grown to love his flippancy and cheekiness through his performances. And Anais is just so lovely to listen to no matter what book it is. I definitely recommend try he audios for this series....more
3.5 stars RTC Marietta is in love. It's unrequited and such a pain. She poured her heart into letters that have gone missing and now has to make a deal3.5 stars RTC Marietta is in love. It's unrequited and such a pain. She poured her heart into letters that have gone missing and now has to make a deal with Gerard Hartwell to get them back in her possession. This is like grown up regency PS I Still Love You except they don't quite make it to her intended audience. Those inconvenient letters making a mess of the heroine's world... What's a girl to do but matchmake her way through the ordeal. I’ve really enjoyed Julie’s books in the past but I just think this was… fine? It’s not super memorable and I don’t know that I’d be able to pick it out of a lineup if someone asked me to. It wanted for more drama and higher stakes. Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Thank you to PRHA for the complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own. Vee and Gal are forced "friends" but neither admire the other overly much. Thank you to PRHA for the complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own. Vee and Gal are forced "friends" but neither admire the other overly much. With Gal's return to London, he unknowingly purchases property adjacent to the orphanage of Vee's heart. I enjoyed the banter and interactions between the main characters so much. My favorite moments though were Vee's diary entries that reminded me of the previous novels in the series from her point of view. They added such a fun element. With dual narration from Sebastian Brown and Sasha Higgins, their performances equally brought an added layer of joy. I loved Sebastian's American and somewhat pompous attitude for Gal versus Sasha's British self-importance of a bluestocking.
Why it wasn't a five star: Frankly... Vee is unlikeable. That's nothing against Virgina's writing, but purely my distaste for this heroine. She does have a good character arc and, by the end, I appreciated her for her ability to balance her desires with her ideals....more
With ladies descending on Cornwall to woo the overwhelming number of bachelors, Kate is feeling the pressure to secure her match. The reasonable choicWith ladies descending on Cornwall to woo the overwhelming number of bachelors, Kate is feeling the pressure to secure her match. The reasonable choice is Merryn, but his cousin and her long-standing friend, Ben, has returned from London with a twinkle in his eye and an irresistible smile on his lips. Coerced into working together on an upcoming play's sets, Ben resumes his campaign for kissing Kate. This book was just the sweetest hug of a regency. Cornwall is such a fantastic setting and I adored the full cast of characters. I was completely charmed throughout. While this is a part of a series, I had no troubles reading as a standalone. Thanks Austen Prose for the #gifted copy! All thoughts are my own....more
Suzanne comes back with a sweetly charming read complete with a fun cast of sassy heroines sidelined for various reasons. But the fortune hunters are Suzanne comes back with a sweetly charming read complete with a fun cast of sassy heroines sidelined for various reasons. But the fortune hunters are calling and it’s time to take matters into their own hands and rewrite some of society’s rules. Diana, widowed and independently wealthy, is abruptly confronted on multiple fronts with petitions for her romantic attention. Upon discovering that some uncouth upstart has shared her details to the fortune hunters, Diana sets out to warn the other ladies. Diana gets more than she bargained for with unexpected friendships and turning her nose - albeit slightly - at the rules society insists on. As expected, I loved Suzanne’s prose and the twist to a timeless romantic tale. It only wanted for more kissing. ;) Thanks to Austenprose, Berkley, and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Siblings Kalliope and Thalia join their cousin, Charis, on her first London season. With differing expectations of how their time will go, each is ratSiblings Kalliope and Thalia join their cousin, Charis, on her first London season. With differing expectations of how their time will go, each is rattled uniquely when scandal results from their first outing. Alternating POVs provide the perfect lenses to their first season. Each event highlights the girls' individual struggles and desires for their immediate future. I thoroughly adored Charis and couldn't wait to return to her storyline. She's no-nonsense but despite her ideals has a compassionate heart. Rosalyn's writing was easily bingeable and could see this novel being a fun alternative to Bridgeton for younger fans. It reads with the same spirit and charm surrounding young ladies with contrasting hopes and dreams. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own....more
4.5 stars Clever and whimsical and a joy to read! Martha's writing, simply put, makes me incredibly happy. She's developed this series that I look forw4.5 stars Clever and whimsical and a joy to read! Martha's writing, simply put, makes me incredibly happy. She's developed this series that I look forward to with each release and is in a class of her own. I love the humor she uses within this slow burn romance. A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. Penvale's mission in life is to recoup his ancestral home from the hands of his uncle. He's offered more times than he can count whatever funds he can scrape together and was denied each and every time. He could not be more surprised when his uncle finally counter offers and Trethwick Abbey is within reach. The only caveat is that he now must also wed his uncle's ward, Jane, his now stubborn and somewhat unwilling bride. Jane's recourse is to run him off with the hauntings of the abbey. I read and listened to this book over a couple of days. Anais Inara Chase and Joel Froomkin fit the personalities of Jane and Penvale perfectly. I think Joel has this quality that makes him sound like a pompous dandy and it is absolute perfection. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Simon Audio for the gifted copy and alc. All thoughts in this review are my own. This releases 04.11.2023....more
What's a little subterfuge and forgery anyway? It's not like Lavinia is hurting anyone when she descends on Lord Carlton's residence with a letter demWhat's a little subterfuge and forgery anyway? It's not like Lavinia is hurting anyone when she descends on Lord Carlton's residence with a letter demanding an introduction to society. But Lord Carlton is dead and the new Lord Carlton is young and handsome and single. While this novella is the conclusion of a multi-author project, it can be read as a standalone. Heidi's falls right in line with the others in terms of charm and likeability. Lavinia isn't my favorite of the five friends initially but I did enjoy and relate to her desire to care for her family while standing on her own two feet. The need to ask for help can be agonizing! I loved the hook and the ending were completely delightful. Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own....more
A Lady's Guide to Scandal is clever and witty and made me laugh out loud through the charm that leaps off the page. Both Margaret and Melville had sucA Lady's Guide to Scandal is clever and witty and made me laugh out loud through the charm that leaps off the page. Both Margaret and Melville had such perfect one liners and perpetually put a smile on my face. Both of Sophie's books have come to me at the right time and place in my reading mood. I equally adored them. Scandal is just as full of a fun cast of characters with Bath and Lonfon as the perfect backdrop. Eliza has recently been widowed and left with a considerable fortune. At the urging of her cousin and confidante, Margaret, Eliza ignores convention and expectations, departing for Bath and a life of leisure. I loved the development of the love triangle and all of the love stories. With multiple HEA's, my romance loving heart was more than satisfied. Between the romances and the humor, I have no complaints. Thank you to Penguin Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own....more
A Winter by the Sea is a book two and I’m going to advocate reading book one first. There’s so much backstory that would really put the reader in the A Winter by the Sea is a book two and I’m going to advocate reading book one first. There’s so much backstory that would really put the reader in the right space to get into Emily’s character and the setting of this sleepy little English town. It’s full of historical details regarding Prince Edward’s visit with his little family that just perfectly root the book in the period. Emily wants three things: to return home to May Hill, marry her childhood sweetheart Charles, and become an author. None seem within grasp but there’s plenty to keep busy as Prince Edward’s retinue descends and takes up residency on a neighboring estate. I continue to love the setting and Emily’s growth was exactly what I wanted to see from her character. I was a little surprised that the focus was mostly on her as the previous novel split a little more evenly between the three sisters. The lead into book three is so appealing and I’m looking forward to seeing what Julie does with the ongoing family dynamics and romances for the remaining sisters. Thanks Bethany House for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Marianne has been running her household to the best of her ability on a shoestring budget and a prayer. She's been left to her own devices for far tooMarianne has been running her household to the best of her ability on a shoestring budget and a prayer. She's been left to her own devices for far too long and learning the castle has been bequethed to another is a slight she's ill prepared for. Unfortunately, the new heir, Perry, has no qualms with sending her packing to her cottage on the perimeter of the estate. Jennie's sly wit and sweet, thoughtful prose will keep me coming back to her writing. I liked the premise and the development of the romance between Marianne and Perry. This just happened to miss some of the angst and drama that I always want from her (or any author, really). But I'm blaming her for giving me A Daring Proposal (my very favorite of hers) and Philippa Holds Court (second only to ADP) to compare all of her work to. It did take me a longer time than normal to finish this book, but it's because my mood has demanded fantasy and contemporary for an absurd amount of time and I'm only now back into a historical mood. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own....more
I not so secretly love fairy tale retellings so it's only natural for me to jump at the chance to read them all. This one is a Cinderella regency and I not so secretly love fairy tale retellings so it's only natural for me to jump at the chance to read them all. This one is a Cinderella regency and instead of wicked stepsisters, Louisa has a wicked auntie. Her one saving grace is reaching her majority and finally claiming the inheritance that's rightfully hers. Except when it's clear that won't happen, Louisa escapes an unwanted marriage in an attempt to find refuge with other relations. On her journey, she's mistaken for a runaway governess and hauled to an estate with the unruly siblings of a handsome Marquess. I was so grateful to see the Harper contract negotiations finally come through and gave Samantha's writing a try immediately. It's sweet and sometimes silly (I had a pretty big laugh when Louisa is described as looking terrible in yellow and that's the cover model's dress color). I think historical romance fans will find this to be a fun and easy entertaining read. Thanks to @samanthahastingsauthor for the gifted copy! All thoughts are my own and this is available now....more
This review hurts a little to write. I know Jennie is talented (see my review for A Daring Proposal, for example) but this one simply didn't work for This review hurts a little to write. I know Jennie is talented (see my review for A Daring Proposal, for example) but this one simply didn't work for me. The premise is good and has so much potential. I would have loved to see a more chemistry filled love affair between the downtrodden heroine and the cinnamon roll protector hero. I get his side of the romance but hers leaves me wondering why she would trust any man after growing up in a verbally abusive household to marrying into another one. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own....more
I have been a reader of Julie's for longer than I can remember. My first book was Girl in the Gatehouse and I just remember loving her historical detaI have been a reader of Julie's for longer than I can remember. My first book was Girl in the Gatehouse and I just remember loving her historical details and the MC that doesn't shine bright but quietly works her way to redemption. The Sisters of Sea View reminded me of Julie's attention to the little bits that give a story life and beauty. Four sisters have taken residence at a seaside manor with their ill mother following their father's passing. With little to no money to continue their former way of life, they take on the burden of creating an income while maintaining their close bonds and gentility. Each sister is struggling to grapple with their grief and come to terms with their new way of life. As I was reading, I wasn't quite sure how it all couldn't be a standalone rather than a series. I was sure that each sister would find her happiness. Luckily, I was wrong and this ended satisfactorily while leaving me with open ended threads into book two. I have my suspicions about what is behind that closed door and I am looking forward to seeing if I'm correct. Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own....more
Genevieve Wilde cannot seem to find the help she desires with the local authorities in recovering her father's missing watch. It was the last item he Genevieve Wilde cannot seem to find the help she desires with the local authorities in recovering her father's missing watch. It was the last item he gave her prior to his death and it means the world to her. Ginny reaches out to a thief-taker to recover the watch at the insistence of her dear friend, Beatrice. Jack quickly determines something else is afoot as a not-so-random series of misfortunes seem to be riddling the estate. Joanna's strength lies within her ability to write a fantastic love interest. I loved every page featuring Jack and might have grumbled a bit with any scene he was not in. I'm sorry, not sorry. He's charismatic, full of humor and banter, and stole every scene. The mystery element takes a backseat to the romance but the cover indicates such and I was here for it. Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Why this wasn't a five star for me? The first 20% was a bit of a struggle for me to understand Ginny's motivation and adamant need for her father's missing watch. I needed more to justify why it was a big deal. And! Jack hadn't really entered the story yet....more
4.5 Stars Don't you just love a good enemies-to-lovers when the MCs actually both hate each other at the beginning? Especially when the author seamless4.5 Stars Don't you just love a good enemies-to-lovers when the MCs actually both hate each other at the beginning? Especially when the author seamlessly transitions that hate to love? I can't imagine loving an enemy like that but maybe that's why these stories are so special. Marigold and Tristan are rivals at sport and disdainful neighbors otherwise. She gets so much joy out of beating him at archery and he finds her to be an utter nuisance. Neither understands why everyone else doesn't agree. Well except a certain baron, but who cares about him? Marigold starts her own archery society and things come to a bit of a boil after she's trapped with Tristan. Alone. For hours. Say it isn't so! I love Joanna's writing and find myself wrapped up in her regencies from the hook. This second half especially had my heart swelling like the Grinch because of a certain scene in the rain that was absolutely perfect in every way. And I really hope more in this setting are forthcoming. ...more
While half of me is so happy Deborah added this book to her completed Cornwall series, the other half strongly feels like she could squeeze another siWhile half of me is so happy Deborah added this book to her completed Cornwall series, the other half strongly feels like she could squeeze another six books into this beautiful landscape and world she has built. The setting and small seaside town is beautifully done. Poppy's great love of her family and their fishing Hamlet knows no bounds. She turned down a marriage proposal that would take her away from it all. Several years later, she's hardened her heart against the only man who has tempted her to leave Tristwick. When Edmund Harris returns for a brief visit to his former captain, he attempts to avoid Poppy altogether, but she just keeps popping up. This is a sloooooow burn romance. The build up is angsty and by the time Poppy and Edmund get to some happiness and closure, I needed something pretty epic to salvage my just-kiss-already feelings. Deborah did not disappoint. I adore Deborah's love for Cornwall - and Poldark - that shines through in this series. Her passion for the location is something special. I'm eager to see what she creates next. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own....more
Ashlee (bookswithnopictures)
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