The Improper Bride is a story that will make readers want, feel, and crave every stolen moment, shared glance, and heartfelt word spoken between Lord The Improper Bride is a story that will make readers want, feel, and crave every stolen moment, shared glance, and heartfelt word spoken between Lord Henry and the most uncommon Cassandra.
Authoress Lily Maxton's tale of upstairs/downstairs love, is so full of intelligent humor, complex emotional development, and whimsical romance that readers can't help being swept away by the raw intensity of the saga unfolding before their eyes.
Because so much of the story takes place within the confines of Lord Henry's bedroom, and is nonsexual in nature. Authoress Lily Maxton's ability to craft characters who display both intelligence, and seemingly effort repartee really allows readers the chance to see how the two will function as the couple that they are destined to become. The fact that the master/servant relationship is supplanted by a much more meaningful person/person one, serves as the characters wakeup call as to what could be.
The icing on the plot cake, comes in the form of a surprising turning point in this read comes after the end of Henry's convalescence. When the two fated hearts get help from a very unexpected source, toward their happily ever after. This is a read for those who dare to believe in fate. Believe that love does indeed conquer all, and are not afraid to look beyond a man's beast to see his heart's beauty.
Merged review:
The Improper Bride is a story that will make readers want, feel, and crave every stolen moment, shared glance, and heartfelt word spoken between Lord Henry and the most uncommon Cassandra.
Authoress Lily Maxton's tale of upstairs/downstairs love, is so full of intelligent humor, complex emotional development, and whimsical romance that readers can't help being swept away by the raw intensity of the saga unfolding before their eyes.
Because so much of the story takes place within the confines of Lord Henry's bedroom, and is nonsexual in nature. Authoress Lily Maxton's ability to craft characters who display both intelligence, and seemingly effort repartee really allows readers the chance to see how the two will function as the couple that they are destined to become. The fact that the master/servant relationship is supplanted by a much more meaningful person/person one, serves as the characters wakeup call as to what could be.
The icing on the plot cake, comes in the form of a surprising turning point in this read comes after the end of Henry's convalescence. When the two fated hearts get help from a very unexpected source, toward their happily ever after. This is a read for those who dare to believe in fate. Believe that love does indeed conquer all, and are not afraid to look beyond a man's beast to see his heart's beauty....more
It seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncIt seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncommittal love of her life. One Jay Colfax. While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona. For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview. That is until he becomes her new neighbor. Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep... Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove. And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle. But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved. It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex. At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short... While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself.
Merged review:
It seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncommittal love of her life. One Jay Colfax. While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona. For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview. That is until he becomes her new neighbor. Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep... Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove. And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle. But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved. It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex. At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short... While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself....more
, pudgy, shy, girl might get the guy in this read. But the question still remains. Is he the right one? You would think that would NOT be an issue. Give, pudgy, shy, girl might get the guy in this read. But the question still remains. Is he the right one? You would think that would NOT be an issue. Given the 'beggers can't be choosers' tone of her family and the people around her. But choose she does. Problem... The person she chooses is not leading man, Sylvester Parnell, Duke of Huntington. Nope. She instead is carrying quite the bright torch for Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford. Problem. Giles has a thing for one Lady Yasmine Regnier! But then, EVERY breathing male on two legs seems to have a thing for the beautiful, blonde, willowy, and very French, Lady Yasmin.
While it is true that things in this story would be a lot less complicated if someone had just bothered asking the lady who SHE WANTS. This is one a Regency Romance. So no chance of that. So... On we go with the confusion and misunderstandings that make this story a story. And leave readers shaking their heads and looking for the nearest exit. Because even though Sylvester spends more and more time with Stella. Is known to be longtime friends, and ONLY friends with Lady Yasmin. And is doing everything but climb the walls and beat his chest in attention to Stella. She is still consumed by the belief and fear that he is in love with Yasmin. Ohhhh kayyy!
This is one of those reads that you want to enter into without having read the previous book. In fact. In order to really enjoy this series. This reviewer suggests that you read the series last book first. The reason. The ends of books #1and #2 give away the pairings of the books to follow. Self spoilers ahoy! And one of the major reasons for the 3.5 star rating. That and the incessant misplaced whining about Yasmine by EVERYONE!
Much to the book's credit, however. The character development and flair as seen in the devious Lady Lidiya. The Sylvester's eccentric moth mother. And even Stella's kitten 'specs'. Not to mention Lisa James' Stella writing.
Reviewer's Note Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing the review copy on which this honest critique is based. Not That Duke is part of a closely related series. It may be read in any order....more
Susanna and Lucian's story is less one of upstairs/downstairs. With her being the housekeeper. To his newly minted Duke of Penning. More upstairs meetSusanna and Lucian's story is less one of upstairs/downstairs. With her being the housekeeper. To his newly minted Duke of Penning. More upstairs meets downstairs on a midway landing. As both the maid and the master are trying their best to out live pasts that if discovered would see them each disgraced.
Making matters worse... There is a very inconvenient attraction that try as they might, both find it hard to ignore. And as fate does...it sets about doing its best to see that they spend as much time exploring said attraction as possible. This book is a different take in plot expression. Seeing as there is little to no sex for the majority of the story. Giving both readers and each the other time to come to know the things that endear, entice, and enchant. A most Herculean task indeed. Seeing as most of the time. The two main characters spend most of their time trying to out run their unfortunate pasts and each other. Lucian coming off as a very lovable and lost lead in the process. A great help to the legitimization of Susanna and Lucian's relationship comes unexpectedly by way of the discovery of Lucian's sister in the arms of his valet. So... By book's end. Readers are routing for the success of not one, but two romances. Both built on love, respect, desire, and understanding.
Reviewer's Note The Duke Starts A Scandal is the fourth and last book in the Duke Hunt series. As such, it may be read either as a stand-alone or as part of its intended series. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based. ...more
Well hallelujah... For the lighthearted, heartwarming, and oh-so-sweet, contemporary romance with a cowboy theme. Knox is just a 'good ole country musicWell hallelujah... For the lighthearted, heartwarming, and oh-so-sweet, contemporary romance with a cowboy theme. Knox is just a 'good ole country music mega-star'. Being hounded by his label. To "pop things up" misic-wise. When all he really wants to do is sing the country songs that are the hallmark of his roots. But... First things first. It seems that Knox won't be singing too much of anything. If his long lost writing mojo doesn't return. Soo... Off he goes to spend a few months renovating bungalows on Paradise Island for his friend Chick. And of course... Not being Knox!! Enter Claudia. Cute, clutzy, and just Knox's type. And just like our leading man. This girl has secrets to keep. One of which is so big that it has literally kept her bound to the island, and the bar at which she works. for the majority of the time that she has lived there. See where this is going yet? Cute...right. This second offering in the Cowboys In Paradise series really rings all the bells for a perfect 'beach read'. Secrets, lies, second chances, romance, music, idyllic settings... Did I mention secrets and lies? Though the plot is admittedly quite formulaic. The charm of the 'two regular people getting to know each other.' Is what really works to win readers over. The love scenes keep things at a nice slow simmer. Leaving Knox's paradoxes to keep things jumping plot wise. Until the grand finale. This light and breezy romance is an easy 'one sitting' read. With just enough of all the right elements to prove enjoyable. It must also be said that even though this book is the second of a series. It reads very much like a standalone.
Reviewer's Note Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing the review copy upon which this honest review is based....more
This third offering in the Secret Scientists Of London series. Is, in a word...captivating. Why? Well. There is the "lost love found" story of Gorgie andThis third offering in the Secret Scientists Of London series. Is, in a word...captivating. Why? Well. There is the "lost love found" story of Gorgie and Maggie. Who were as idealistic youths all set to run away together. She following him into his chosen career of military service. Or "following the drum," as a military wife. Until some harsh words and a fateful decision on his part changes the trajectory of both their lives forever. Sending him into the service as planned. But his lady love a world away to Paris, a marriage to another man, and a life as a respected engineer.
But now it seems that things have changed for these two most star-crossed of lovers. As he is now Earl of Grantham. And she is now the widow Gault. Back in London determined to build her own engineering firm, and rebuild her life. But it seems that the male dominated work place and society are a lot less ready for a woman engineer than she is to take both by storm. But her completion of a secret and very daunting project could change everything. Or be the key to her forever ruination. It's a good thing that she can rely on George and all the memories and longings that he inspires to destruction her when the going gets misogynistic. Ahem... Needless to say, this book will set any blue-stocking, feminist, woman forward reader's heart pitter pattering. If for no other reason than the way that the social constraints and obstacles make the romance. With George's dogged support being the cornerstone of Margaret's success. And her achievements being the one thing assured to heal his heart. Swoon... This is a bit of a slow burn writing wise. But the story does find its feet quite well by the third chapter. The romantic heat is a moderate one. Playing nicely with social commentary and character conflict. For a very mature and well rounded read on the whole. It must be said that at the time of this review. I have not had the pleasure of reading the previous two books in the series. So all opinions are based solely on this story.
Working girls, reclaimed hearts, social change and romance. Signed sealed and delivered with unmistakable flair and panache. Yes please. A Love By Design is and will always be the perfect fit.
Reviewer's Note: This review is based on a copy of the above referenced work provided by Netgalley and Berkley. All opinions expressed are my own...more
Paige Newsome has it all. A great career as a professor at a college in SoCal.
A home that she adores.
Three grown daughters that she loves dearly.
FPaige Newsome has it all. A great career as a professor at a college in SoCal.
A home that she adores.
Three grown daughters that she loves dearly.
Friends...
What more could a woman on the verge of the big 5-0 ask for?
How about the chance to revisit feelings for the one who got away.
Or...more tongue point...
The one she ran away from.
After one passionate night in Paris. When she was 20 and he was 25.
Call it fate, kismit, or some cruel cosmic joke.
But there seems to be no where for Paige to run. When her lost paramour, now a world renowned biologist, is slated to cost each with her for a semester.
Wait... what?
Yep!
Jack King, hot Australian, world traveling conservationist...
Especially for the intended audience; slated to leaf through these glorious pages.
Both Paige and Jack don't necessarily need each other.
Their livs are literally full to bursting. But seeing them come to the realization that they want each other. And that the spark that was ignited all those years ago. Has become a flame that each has carried for the other through time and circumstance.
Juxtapose the romance of it all against Paige's daughter unexpectedly returning home.
A class trip to Tanzania.
And various surprises that won't be mentioned here.
And the question of whether not there can be a second chance for these two.
Becomes a heads or tails toss up between trust issues and the willingness to forgive.
The most impressive thing about this story however.
The story itself.
In a youth driven culture. It is so refreshing to see that fifty can be sexy, vital, and fulfilled.
With just the right amount of drama, of course....more
There is so much to love about Joanna Shupe's The Duke Gets Even. O.K. Yes! Besides the fact that its the Duke of Lockwood's story! Finally!!! And that thThere is so much to love about Joanna Shupe's The Duke Gets Even. O.K. Yes! Besides the fact that its the Duke of Lockwood's story! Finally!!! And that there is a sexy midnight trist that involves people in various stages of undress and a large body of water. And that there is a serious opposites attract. But we can't fight the feeling! But oh we must for money and country! But we can't fight the feeling! But I can never be the one for you! But you are the one for me. And we're running out of people that we can actually be paired with and not have to start another series, HEA!
Nellie, is of course, that perfect blend of brash bravado and sensitive, pained, damaged soul. Looking for solace and understanding in a world built for anything but. But then the same can be said for her brooding and straight laced leading man. But wait? Is he as straight laced as he appears? Hmmmm... But wait... There's more! Yep! There is Nellie's oh so relevant crusade against the injustice of the Comstock Act; and its effect on women's reproductive rights. Oh yeah! Now we're talking! A love story to remember. A leading man and lady that set the pages afire. And... Socially relevant, emotionally sensitive, and intellectually appealing commentary! Sign me up for the full ride. I'm in! As you will be too. Come January 2023!
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the provision of the review copy used in the honest critique of the aforementioned work....more
The Accidental Newlywed Game, is a totally enchanting story of two star-crossed lovers. Whose stars just happen to align in a most unexpected way. AftThe Accidental Newlywed Game, is a totally enchanting story of two star-crossed lovers. Whose stars just happen to align in a most unexpected way. After a tequila inspired trip down the wedding isle. And so much more. After what amounts to a chance meeting in Vegas.
The problem... To say that these two have a history would be the understatement of the millennium! Not only did they grow up as best friends. Owen was once the love of her older sister Erin's life. Check the past tense there. Can we say hard feelings, disappointment, and regret.
But... As Honor and Owen's predicament does more to bring them together than to drive them apart. They must come to terms with the fact that the undeniable chemistry that they feel for each other has the potential to be so much more. If that is, they are brave enough to bring their relationship out of the shadows and into the light.
This is a beautifully written, emotionally compelling, romantic underdog story. That will have readers turning pages with crossed fingers and full hearts. As we witness the coming together of not just the lives and hearts of Honor and her leading man. But the healing of a family in the process.
Another aspect of this read to love is the fact that Owen is a Cancer survivor. Seeing Honor be there for him. Even though it was quite clear that the whole ordeal unnerves her. Really is enough to let you know that even though she may not be ready to admit it. She is a woman in it for the long hual with this man. And this, as it turns out. Is just one example of many where the proof of love is more than evident in both puddings. But I digress. This is a wonderful one-sitting read that once you start, you won't stop reading until the end. May I say that this reviewer is chomping at the bit for more! Next book please ma'am?
Reviewer's Note. This book may be read as a standalone. Though it is highly suggested that it be read as part of its intended series. Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Books for the provision of the review copy on which this unbiased critique is based....more
What to say about Artemis Jones and her most dastardly, undastardly Duke. This is a book so full of heroes and heroines that it is hard to know where tWhat to say about Artemis Jones and her most dastardly, undastardly Duke. This is a book so full of heroes and heroines that it is hard to know where to look first and why. While it is quite clear that Artemis is opinionated, obstinate, and outspoken. As it seems is the rule of the day for any card carrying blue stocking worth her books. It is often her quiet, loyal, and steadfastly unending support of those she loves that serves to make her a character to love. Though she is admitted flawed. She is the first to own said flaws and makes nor accepts no excuses for the way that she lives her life. Which is a concept that literally flies in the face of the conventional lives of every other person in this book.
As for the Duke... It seems that he is simply a man maligned by polite society. And suffering in silence from the tragic loss of his mentally ill first wife. And his guilt over not being able to save her.
Lady Celeste The perfect poor little rich girl. Wanting so much to be a part of things. But literally trapped in the prohibitive shadow of her father's reputation.
So much of this book is about Artemis dragging everyone that she meets into the intellectual, physical, and emotional light of day. Whether it be through her advocacy for the education of women, sexual responsibility, and on a lesser note... The pursuit of decent reading fodder. ( That...more
Heart On A Leash is a story that turns pup inspired cute and small town quirk into an uber-readable story. With an "awe factor of ten". Long before thHeart On A Leash is a story that turns pup inspired cute and small town quirk into an uber-readable story. With an "awe factor of ten". Long before the Romeo and Juliet meets the Hatfields and the McCoys styled romance that Josh and Taylor find themselves victims to even becomes a thing. Cuteness factor aside. Be forewarned when reading this that it is choc-a-bloc full of supposed adults. Repeatedly engaging in clearly childish and asinine behavior. So much so... That one is often tempted to skip pages of character interaction. Just to reacha point where sanity even dares peek through. If only for the briefest of moments. Not to worry though... The romance between Josh and Taylor is more than cute enough to make up for the long held feud nonsense. And the well placed sex scenes are just plain yummy. Though the sentiment of "love conquering all" does fit here. At least as far as Taylor and Josh are concerned. The state of the feud is left as a bit of an unresolved stalemate. Oh well. On to book two. *Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley. For providing the review copy on which this honest literary critique is based.*...more
This book is the perfect mixture of cheesy 80's horror and all those bad reality TV shows where people start out as 'sort of friends'. Only to have reThis book is the perfect mixture of cheesy 80's horror and all those bad reality TV shows where people start out as 'sort of friends'. Only to have relationships and levels of decorum devolve as secrets and betrayals are revealed. Right before the eyes of a drama starved public. Popcorn in hand, judgement and recriminations at the ready.
Only this time... The house is an abandoned Hein-era mansion. And the audience. Well... That's where things get more than a bit creepy. Try the restless spirit of the woman buried alive as a young bride. Her bones, along with those sacrificed to attend her making up the founding of the house.
The drama begins almost as soon as the book does. With some of the guests playing 'hot potato' with the knowledge of who had had affairs with the bride. And whether the proverbial 'beans should be spilled to the unsuspecting groom. Before the 'death til us part and all." While our narrator gets acquainted with the spirit in question. And seriously starts to wonder when the 'and then there were none' countdown is scheduled to begin.
Insert plot twist here. When after a game of ghost storytelling. The bride goes missing and there is a stabbing. All the while tensions continue to heighten. And arguments and jealous squabbles abound.
The ending almost seems a justification for the intrusion of the self absorbed and petty squad that this spirit has found herself hosting. Along that vein... This story is a lot less horror. And a lot more spiritually induced comedy of errors. With the short and not so sweet format of the story serving to drive home the impact of its ending's very ironic punch....more
Kat Hollaway and Daniel McAdam are once again at their crime solving best. Although the mystery of missing children and the possible murder of a belovKat Hollaway and Daniel McAdam are once again at their crime solving best. Although the mystery of missing children and the possible murder of a beloved nurse; sees the pair far afield of the pomp and circumstance of Mayfair. The setting for these terrible crimes being the rough and tumble streets of London's East End. The children, the oft forgotten residents of London's Foundling Hospital. The threat to all concerned more deadly than ever.
This fourth offering of the Kat Hollaway Mystery series sees trouble brewing for our beloved heroine at every turn. With her relationship with the rule flouting Lady Cynthia putting her job as cook for the penny-pinching Mrs. Bywater in constant jeopardy. While her quest to help Daniel's adoptive brother, Erroll Fielding, solve the mysteries plaguing the East End. Just may cost her life. This book is by far the darkest of the series. Tackling the very real problem of children in the sex trade. Though the author very deftly handles the subject in such a way that it is neither glorified, nor exploitive. The addition of Mr. Fielding provides a much needed glimpse into the past of Daniel. Serving as the much needed bridge bringing Kat just that much further into both his world and his heart.
Lady Cynthia, ever the maverick. Is making her way ever closer to the shy and scholarly Mr. Thanos. And seeing these two playing what amounts to a very adorable game of "emotional peekaboo" is enough to warm even the most cynical of hearts. It is in fact, the very sweet, almost chaste romance of the adult pairs that serves as the perfect reprieve from the harsher realities that our favorite characters must face.
This book is a sheer joy to read. Captivating the reader from beginning to end. With likeable characters, intelligent plot structure, excellent world building, and seamlessly flowing dialogue. That makes one dread the having to end the story.
This book is the fourth in a continuous series that may be read in its entirety. Or as a standalone.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing the eARC on which this unbiased critique is based....more
Just Like This could best be described as a tentative love/hate romance. Because while there is a definite adversarial bent to the tensions between DaJust Like This could best be described as a tentative love/hate romance. Because while there is a definite adversarial bent to the tensions between Damon and Rian. Their interactions can best be described as charged but wary. Almost like they were waiting each other out during a chess game.
Even more compelling than the seeming "stalemate of wills" between the two, that seems to be going on throughout the first half of the story. Is the way that each of their backstories work in concert with both each other, and that of the present story of their shared charge. Giving each man a truly "lost boy found" persona. And setting the stage for their emotionally charged romance.
Speaking of personas. A big bravo to author Cole McCade. For his crafting of a more classically styled effeminate lead in the form of Rian. It is not often that softer male roles are highlighted in such positive and face forward fashion. That still manages to honor his masculinity in the process.
In short. This book is a very well written up close and personal view of two men brought together in the pursuit of a goal greater than themselves. Only to find within each other, a love greater than any they have ever known.
Reviewer's Note *Thank you to Carina Press and Net Galley for the provision of the review copy of this work on which my honest critique is based. Just Like This is the second book of the Albin Academy series. But may be read as a standalone....more
Diana and Rupert's relationship has been a relationship since she was an awkward, coltish, girl. And he, the older brotherly best friend to her brotheDiana and Rupert's relationship has been a relationship since she was an awkward, coltish, girl. And he, the older brotherly best friend to her brother Jem. As time passes and feelings evolve as they are want to do. Diana and Rupart's love develops and grows until the two become a couple, and are engaged. At least until the fateful day on the banks of the Orange River. When she confronted him with rumors of a mistress and possible child. But far from the explanation that she had hoped for. She received only a quiet shrug of resignation, marking the end of their engagement. The dissolution of their joined future. Leaving each to proceed...alone.
Flash forward... Diana is freshly back in London after both the deaths of her beloved father and brother in South Africa. Longing for the familiarity of her family home. So... Imagine her surprise when she enters said home. Only to encounter the one man she had never hoped to see again.
For his part... Rupart it seems has never managed to clear either his head or his heart of the loss of Diana. Even as he managed to maintain his friendship with her brother Jem. Going so far as to join him in battle in service to the English crown. Only to lose his best friend in battle. But gaining control of all of Jem's interest in family lands, money, mines, and most importantly the family home.
Ding...Ding...Let the fight begin!
It is very clear from the time that these two lock eyes in the front entryway of the house that they now share that there are definitely going to be fireworks. What remains to be seen however is just who manages to get burned in the process.
And now for a little clarification concerning the 'girl group" portion of the read. Despite the fact that the three ladies and their friendship stands as the overall premise of the series as a whole. Petra and Fenella serve as little more than window-dressing for the few exploits that Diana has that attempt to give her some time away from the seemingly omnipresent Colonial Lacy.
It is more than clear that this story is going to be about Diana and Rupert. And their almost obsessive need to drive both themselves and the reader absolutely batshit crazy by the end of this book. By taking every opportunity they can to rip each other's clothes off, and go at it like wildebeests before returning civilly to their respective corners to fight another day These two spend more time chasing, mad, missing, and making up with each other then the law should allow. For two people who can't seem to find a common ground outside of the bedroom. They seem to have no problem doing so when behind closed doors. Even though the sex scenes are far less explicit than most. They are most obviously no less passionate.
As if dealing with the couple's hot and cold relationship shenanigans doesn't give readers enough to do. Just when you think that the two have finally laid down their arms in the name of love. Questions arise about whether or not Rupert was really with Jem when he died in battle. As he claimed. And when confronted with said question by Diana. What does Rupert do? You guessed it! Turn rail and run to his childhood home; with Diana hot on his heels. And a heartbreaking "aha moment" waiting in the wings.
To which I say. "Bring on the resolution already." "This book is running low on pages." By this time everyone is clearly tuckered out by things. The window dressing has long since left the situation. And we are down to about somewhere around 85% done with this thing. Leading one to conclude the following...
Love, war, riches, romance, recriminations, and redemption are the names of this story's game. But be forewarned. Though this book may contain only half the pages of its contemporaries. The tale therein packs quite the emotional and dramatic combination. Never hesitating to leave one reeling while begging for more.
Thanks to Zebra Books and NetGalley for providing the review copy on which my honest critique is based....more
The story told in Valerie Bowman's The Footman And I is a great foray into almost upstairs / downstairs romance. The friendship turned romance that bloThe story told in Valerie Bowman's The Footman And I is a great foray into almost upstairs / downstairs romance. The friendship turned romance that blooms between Lucas and Frances becomes so real that you almost don't want Lucas to be the Earl of Kendall. Even though you know that is the only way that the conundrums of Frances' unwanted marriage and Kendell's need to find a wife will be solved. Truthfully... One gets so invested in Kendall as Lucas; that any time within the story that he spends as Kendall seems the real charade. Emily is a very smart, compassionate, and socially conscious young woman. Lucas is loyal, forthright, and responsible. Which makes one wonder what their future children will be like.
If there is one detractor from this wonderful tale. It is that Frances and Lucas seem a tad too suited to each other from the very start. Even though there is an attempt by Miss Bowman to throw a bit of a monkeywrench into thinks by way of Frances' besotted lady's maid. It is quite clear however that the infatuation is nothing more than the very loud ringing of a very hollow bell.
In short... The Footman And I is a very good first offering in the Footman's Club series. And a quite refreshing take on the quest to marry for love in the aristocracy. You go boys!...more
Everywhere To Hide is one of those Suspense/Thrillers that you find yourself drawn to simply because you understand that the heroine is an overcomer bEverywhere To Hide is one of those Suspense/Thrillers that you find yourself drawn to simply because you understand that the heroine is an overcomer by nature. And you simply want the chance to see her in action. And leading lady, Whitney Garrison, does not disappoint. A woman struggling to make sense of the world around her. Even as all that she thought she knew of said world is falling apart in front of her. And she can even see it.
Face blindness makes quite the foil for Whitney. And poses quite the obstacle to those investigating the murder of the man that is found at the back door of the coffee shop where Whitney works. A man that Whitney knows from her time as an intern on The Hill. A man with information that someone is willing to kill for. This is a book that is made by the characters moreso than the underlying intrigue surrounding cryptocurrency and the implications of its use upon the world markets. Which can get a bit tedious as time goes on.
But Whitney's life being turned upside down, and all of the snakes that crawl out from beneath their respective rocks as a result. Is what really makes this book work.
Thanks to Netgally and PIC Book Tours for providing the review copy upon which my honest review is based.
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