Oh, my heart! This book is exactly why I read. There's no way that I could endure the challenges that people faced over two hundred years ago; there'sOh, my heart! This book is exactly why I read. There's no way that I could endure the challenges that people faced over two hundred years ago; there's no way I could be brave enough to allow myself to become married to a complete strange because of a promise made years ago; and there's no way I could survive the rugged and wild situation that these characters did. But...I get to experience it all from the comfort of my own home, in a more manageable way.
Katie was born in Scotland but was raised in England. It's interesting how she never quite fit in and now knows why. I love the gifts that she has and the way they manifest themselves throughout the story. Collin...what a contradiction! So rough, yet so tender. Swoon!
I'm not kidding when I say this kind of book is why I read. My emotions and life were completely stolen from me, as I was thrust into this story. I couldn't put it down and felt completely a part of everything about it--it's real; it's raw; it's perfectly imperfect.
Content: mild romance (kissing, some innuendo); mild-moderate violence (nothing too graphic)
*I received a copy to review, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*
Merged review:
Oh, my heart! This book is exactly why I read. There's no way that I could endure the challenges that people faced over two hundred years ago; there's no way I could be brave enough to allow myself to become married to a complete strange because of a promise made years ago; and there's no way I could survive the rugged and wild situation that these characters did. But...I get to experience it all from the comfort of my own home, in a more manageable way.
Katie was born in Scotland but was raised in England. It's interesting how she never quite fit in and now knows why. I love the gifts that she has and the way they manifest themselves throughout the story. Collin...what a contradiction! So rough, yet so tender. Swoon!
I'm not kidding when I say this kind of book is why I read. My emotions and life were completely stolen from me, as I was thrust into this story. I couldn't put it down and felt completely a part of everything about it--it's real; it's raw; it's perfectly imperfect.
Content: mild romance (kissing, some innuendo); mild-moderate violence (nothing too graphic)
*I received a copy to review, which had no influence on my thoughts and opinions*...more
This is my first book by this author and I loved it! I haven’t read the other books in the series, but it can definitely stand alone.
I’m the biggest sThis is my first book by this author and I loved it! I haven’t read the other books in the series, but it can definitely stand alone.
I’m the biggest sucker for royalty fiction and when a marriage of convenience is thrown in? YES PLEASE! Colin is a widower with a young, precocious daughter who needs a mother and Rosalie’s father is in need of this alliance.
In a typically cast grumpy/sunshine, Colin and Rosalie marry and he’s full of prickles and lemons, while she’s a bright ray of unicorn sunshine. This marriage wasn’t what either of them envisioned but I was immediately endeared to the way Rosalie embraced everything about this arrangement. I wasn’t impressed with handsome Colin at first (really? This man is King???), but as the layers were gradually peeled off, I came to admire and appreciate him. In fact, I just might have fallen for him. ...more
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
What happens when you go on a reality tv show to get married to a stranger, but then discover at the altar that you actually do know each other? A whoWhat happens when you go on a reality tv show to get married to a stranger, but then discover at the altar that you actually do know each other? A whole lot of crazy fun and swoon, that's what.
Bailey and Sawyer have a past and it didn't end well. In a second chance of sorts, they have the opportunity to get reacquainted after saying "I do" and the premise of this story was wonderful. I'm a fan of reality tv type books and this one was so interesting. I hated the producer, as she added whole dimensions of drama that varied between embarrassing, uncomfortable, awkward, and unbelievable, but watching Bailey and Sawyer navigate through the challenges was rewarding.
I wanted some parts to be a little deeper than surface level, with a little more flow, but overall, I was swept away. The romance is swoony and the story line entertaining.
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo, make outs, kissing with some tongue description, closed door/implied for married couple)
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
I'll say it now and I'll say it forever--I LOVE an arranged marriage or marriage of convenience and this one hit the spot!
Rosalind and Sebastian were I'll say it now and I'll say it forever--I LOVE an arranged marriage or marriage of convenience and this one hit the spot!
Rosalind and Sebastian were promised to each other by their fathers when they were very young and a meeting in late childhood put a strong distaste in Rosalind's mouth. Fast forward to the cusp of the fulfilling of the contract and they are both pleasantly surprised by the other.
It was pure joy to watch their relationship grow and develop naturally after a quick wedding through the course of time and events. I grew to adore these characters and was rooting for them from the start. The adventure and mystery only added to this beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril...more
Oh, how I love a good arranged marriage and when a royal is thrown in, I'm all over it. Prince Marc and Rhianna seem to hit it off immediately, despitOh, how I love a good arranged marriage and when a royal is thrown in, I'm all over it. Prince Marc and Rhianna seem to hit it off immediately, despite their trepidations, but he just can't commit. I devoured every single interaction between these two and wanted to shake some sense into the prince.
Rhianna is a very likable character and I could feel her eagerness and anticipation of her new situation, as well as her dedication and loyalty to what she's leaving behind. The slight Cinderella vibe with some twists and turns pierced my heart and kept me turning the pages.
Then we have the handsome, sweet, and utterly adorable prince. Marc is an overly devoted man, almost thinking of others too much and overthinking possible scenarios that may or may not happen, but his humor and connection to Rhi is what dreams are made of. This was everything I hoped it would be and more.
I loved the setting and the slew of princes had my heart melting. There are some amazing stories in store for each of them and I'm here for them. Johnson does a phenomenal job of creating a story worth reading and dreaming of.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*...more
A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite bookish tropes and I loved how this one had a sliver of love threaded through it. Nara and DerekSwoony
A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite bookish tropes and I loved how this one had a sliver of love threaded through it. Nara and Derek have known each other since they were kids and now that her father is "forcing" them to get married, they have a chance to get to know each other in a different way.
Nara and Derek are great characters, but I'm definitely more like Derek. He was extremely awkward, not wanting to take risks, expose his heart, sit in the spotlight, or attract any kind of attention. That's me! Because of that, Nara often made me uncomfortable because she was so opposite, so determined to bring a smile to Derek's face, and she wasn't shy in her feelings towards her father. But she was completely intriguing and I absolutely adored watching this "forced" relationship unfold.
I loved the settings for this character driven story and could visualize things in my mind like I was watching a movie. I laughed and swooned, and didn't want this one to end.
(4.5 Stars) First off, this series has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! Secondly, this series is great! I wasn't in love with the las(4.5 Stars) First off, this series has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! Secondly, this series is great! I wasn't in love with the last book, but this one had my heart swooning in a snap.
Anwen has been the diva princess's servant for years and they look almost identical to one another. When Princess Lavena places a curse on Anwen, forcing her to take her place in an arranged marriage with Prince Liam, a whole new world opens up.
Anwen has the heart of a saint and is one of the most good, kind, and generous souls around. It takes a minute, but her true self starts breaking down the walls surrounding Liam's heart. I absolutely adored Anwen and didn't envy her situation one little bit! As the chemistry ignited, I found myself falling in love with this union as the characters battled their emotions and the lies and enchantment that swirled around them.
Liam is one of the most charming, attentive, and attractive men to grace the screen of my Kindle, but I was slightly disappointed that love turned him into a sappy pile of mush. Don't get me wrong, I loved that, but I wanted to see some of the mischievous antics that he was known for in the previous books emerge here and there, because that's what really caught my attention. I know that love can change and soften a person, but I wanted him to retain that thread of truth to himself too.
This is a story that mainly focuses on love and for a loophole for love to conquer all and that sang straight to my heart. I loved getting to know some of the other characters better, along this journey to happily ever after, and I'm crossing my fingers that Nolan and Archer get stories eventually. I also adored Liam's sisters and would love stories of them too. Wow--if I get my way, I'll be busy reading for the next little while. ...more
When I was younger, I used to wonder what it would be like if my parents just arranged my marriage--then I wouldn't have to worry about finding the riWhen I was younger, I used to wonder what it would be like if my parents just arranged my marriage--then I wouldn't have to worry about finding the right guy. However, I really can't imagine how hard that would be! Can you really find love when thrown together that way?
Elizabeth has a big secret and it's one that leaves her at the hands of her abusive mother. She hasn't had a safe environment to grow up in and has issues that stem from that, although it's all kept quite hush-hush. It's no wonder that she latches onto the first man to pay her romantic attentions, but he's got quite a reputation as a rake. Found in a compromising position with Tristan, Elizabeth's father has no choice, but to marry her off--to his older brother, Richard. And there you have it--the arranged marriage.
I adore the way this story thrusts the reader back into Regency England. I felt like I was there, experiencing the sights and sounds of London during this time. My attention was captured and never released. There's more than just a lovely romance to this story and I enjoyed those key elements, as they really added to the flavor and gave some meat to the book.
Of course, the romance is my favorite part and with some smouldering looks, touches that ignite, and swoony kisses, all clean of course, this book almost made me feel as if I were the one being courted and I loved it immensely!
(3.5 Stars) When Becky discovers that her boyfriend is a cheater, she's devastated. It's just not her day when a short time later, she discovers that (3.5 Stars) When Becky discovers that her boyfriend is a cheater, she's devastated. It's just not her day when a short time later, she discovers that her grandpa (Poppy), the man who raised her, is dying. His only regret is not seeing her married and happy. After searching for some measure of comfort, Becky remembers the biblical story of Rebekah and Isaac and is determined to have her friend find her a husband in a similar manner.
The premise of this story is fun and interesting--almost an archaic marriage arrangement. The story goes back and forth between Becky's and Luke's points of view, and I couldn't help but feel nervous for Becky--and for Luke, for that matter. In this day and age, marrying someone you know next to nothing about is scary and dangerous! Becky is determined to go through with the marriage in order to make Poppy happy, whereas Luke is adamant to choose love. He goes to great lengths to do so and the message portrayed in the story is that love really is a choice--choose who you love and love who you choose. Becky is overflowing with emotion, especially in regards to the changes in her life, but she's a taker. It's Luke who makes the sacrifices with no thought of reward. Luke is a keeper and a very likable character.
An element of mystery and danger really adds to the story. There were moments when the story was gentle and flowing and other moments when things were really intense and moved quickly. I prefer a steady pace, but I still enjoyed the story. I like to watch characters transform and to see a positive, repeated message throughout--love is a choice.
Content: heavy religious content, as this is a Christian fiction; mild romance (kissing); mild violence. Clean!
*I received a copy through Singing Librarian Tours in exchange for an honest review*...more
Power of the Matchmaker is a prequel for a new series that will release one new book each month of 2016. Each story will be written by a different autPower of the Matchmaker is a prequel for a new series that will release one new book each month of 2016. Each story will be written by a different author. I love having the backstory right up front so that I can understand a little more of who this matchmaker is and why she does what she does.
Mae Li is young and in love with Chen and when the village matchmaker matches each of them with another, she realizes that she can't go through with a loveless marriage, while watching Chen with another. Armed only with a comb, as a token of Chen's love for her, and the clothes she's wearing, she embarks on a journey to escape and find a new path.
Mae has many difficult decisions to make but she shows true grit and strength, even though her story breaks my heart. It's said that to find yourself, you must lose yourself in serving others and I look forward to reading more about her in the upcoming books to see if this is true in her case.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*...more
I love a good story with an arranged marriage in it--especially if it involves royalty. How could I not love this one? Gabrielle is offered up to marrI love a good story with an arranged marriage in it--especially if it involves royalty. How could I not love this one? Gabrielle is offered up to marry handsome Prince Alec in order to forge an alliance that will help in the coming war. Their relationship progresses slowly and naturally and I really enjoyed watching it unfold.
Gabrielle wants to be loved, but she remembers the prince from her younger years and always thought of him as a playboy. I know I would have a hard time getting over those memories and she wasn't any different. I can't imagine being thrown (forced) into a new situation like that. I thought she did a good job of making the best of her situation.
Gabrielle's kingdom uses magic and Alec's does not. In fact, he is quite opposed to it. I loved watching them give and take, working out their differences, as any married couple would do.
I loved the mystery and adventure and thought there was just the right amount of fantasy. Of course, my favorite parts were the romance. I loved how kind and gracious this couple was and how they worked together to find a solution to the problems at hand. I really liked the first book, but I loved this one! So far, they just keep getting better! I'm excited to see that there will be another book...at least, there had better be. It ended on a slight cliffhanger.
Content: no language; mild fighting (attempted murder and kidnapping); romantic kissing between a married couple. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*...more
Loading...
