This a first time read by new author Mito Aoi. I thought this read was surprisingly enjoyable. It didn't have much drama but was oh so cute and delighThis a first time read by new author Mito Aoi. I thought this read was surprisingly enjoyable. It didn't have much drama but was oh so cute and delightful.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
This a first time read by new author Mito Aoi. I thought this read was surprisingly enjoyable. It didn't have much drama but was oh so cute and delightful.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Bless Bennet is a new author and her novels are new reads for me. I am reading this series as part of a challenge and this the first book, A Rebel WitBless Bennet is a new author and her novels are new reads for me. I am reading this series as part of a challenge and this the first book, A Rebel Without A Rogue was okay for me. It is a story of revenge turned loved for both H/h. The story is well-written but a bit wordy and some parts of the story I overlooked as it didn't make much sense.
I gave this first story and average rating and look forward to the next in the series stepping up and engaging this reader. Note: Would love to audiobook this story to see if it more captivating and with a very good narrator.
3-Stars
Merged review:
Bless Bennet is a new author and her novels are new reads for me. I am reading this series as part of a challenge and this the first book, A Rebel Without A Rogue was okay for me. It is a story of revenge turned loved for both H/h. The story is well-written but a bit wordy and some parts of the story I overlooked as it didn't make much sense.
I gave this first story and average rating and look forward to the next in the series stepping up and engaging this reader. Note: Would love to audiobook this story to see if it more captivating and with a very good narrator.
“The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere” (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3) is my second book read by this author. Where to start with this story…I enj“The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere” (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3) is my second book read by this author. Where to start with this story…I enjoyed it very much. I so loved seeing opposites attract and enemies turning into lovers. Unfortunately for me, I am reading the third in this series where there are characters from the other two that carry over into this one.
The story begins with a rake named Benedict Harcourt who is the Earl of Haslemere and his friends having fun with two orphaned girls who are discovered by Miss Georgianna Harley, a familiar face for these two mischiefs. Miss Harley is later employed by his sister to find a missing woman and thus the story begins between the hero and the heroine. Benedict is very protective of his family and his encounter with Miss Harley early on and subsequently uproots his life. Determined to find the missing woman, Georgianna is disrupted by Benedict at every turn until she agrees to work with him to uncover the mystery. What I liked…the heroine’s strong and independent nature of standing up to Benedict. Although labeled a rake, it was nice seeing a responsible, loving and thought gentleman evolve from this hero. What I didn’t like…it dragged a bit too long for me.
This was a well-written story with a nice plot. I thought the secondary characters were a good addition to the main characters and there was a bit of humor here and there through the story. As with most historical romances that I like, it had just the right amount of relationship building and intimacy that I look for in a good read. Kudos to Anna Bradley for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
“The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere” (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3) is my second book read by this author. Where to start with this story…I enjoyed it very much. I so loved seeing opposites attract and enemies turning into lovers. Unfortunately for me, I am reading the third in this series where there are characters from the other two that carry over into this one.
The story begins with a rake named Benedict Harcourt who is the Earl of Haslemere and his friends having fun with two orphaned girls who are discovered by Miss Georgianna Harley, a familiar face for these two mischiefs. Miss Harley is later employed by his sister to find a missing woman and thus the story begins between the hero and the heroine. Benedict is very protective of his family and his encounter with Miss Harley early on and subsequently uproots his life. Determined to find the missing woman, Georgianna is disrupted by Benedict at every turn until she agrees to work with him to uncover the mystery. What I liked…the heroine’s strong and independent nature of standing up to Benedict. Although labeled a rake, it was nice seeing a responsible, loving and thought gentleman evolve from this hero. What I didn’t like…it dragged a bit too long for me.
This was a well-written story with a nice plot. I thought the secondary characters were a good addition to the main characters and there was a bit of humor here and there through the story. As with most historical romances that I like, it had just the right amount of relationship building and intimacy that I look for in a good read. Kudos to Anna Bradley for an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own....more
This a first time read for me by author Maybel Bardot. I thought this story was a wonderful read of the sister becoming the bride because the elder brThis a first time read for me by author Maybel Bardot. I thought this story was a wonderful read of the sister becoming the bride because the elder bride has run away. I love marriage of convenience that catapult into true love for the hero and heroine. The characters are likable individuals although some of the mishaps are owned by the heroine. Overall, this was a very good read and I look to read more from this author....more
"Never a Duke" is the seventh book in this series by Ms. Burrowes. This is the story of Ned Wentworth and Lady Rosalind Kinwood. I was delighted to fi"Never a Duke" is the seventh book in this series by Ms. Burrowes. This is the story of Ned Wentworth and Lady Rosalind Kinwood. I was delighted to finally get this chance to read his story. Also, I was sort of on the fence with this book as it was a bit different from the others and had more of a romance suspense genre. Ned was orphaned at an early age and after helping the Duke, he was taken in as part of the family and made a Wentworth. This is learned from previous book in this series, and he has always been in the background. He has tried to fit the role of others…making himself known in the banking business owned by the Wentworth family.
In this story, Lady Rosalind has requested the help of Ned, because of his prior life’s struggles and connections in a world that is unfamiliar and not open to her station. The request is assistance with finding a maid in her employ who has gone missing along with other maids. Ned is an honest hero who has integrity despite trying to rise above the sins of his past, but they still linger in rumors among the ton. Although both characters are likable, interesting, and highly intelligent, all romance went out the window early on when they first meet. It was hard trying to piece any chemistry between them and it felt a bit forced in places. They seem more of a conversational pair than having any type of attraction. I could not see her as a woman fitting Ned’s needs although he found her a breath of fresh air…chalking it up to both being opinionated in the views and somehow understanding each other’s wants and needs in life.
In my opinion, I don’t believe either character sees their own worth and this is drawn out in the story. They are honest souls who communicate well with one another about their feelings which I did like about their relationship. There was not a lot of angst and I so was looking for a steamy romance between Ned and Rosalind but alas, it was not there for me. This series delved into the lives of the Wentworth family who all have come from humble beginnings including their adoptee, Ned. This was a wonderfully written story of two people drawn together by a plot that had mystery, twists, and a surprised ending. A story also of broken individuals finding love and a HEA. Recommend the read. 4.5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
"Never a Duke" is the seventh book in this series by Ms. Burrowes. This is the story of Ned Wentworth and Lady Rosalind Kinwood. I was delighted to finally get this chance to read his story. Also, I was sort of on the fence with this book as it was a bit different from the others and had more of a romance suspense genre. Ned was orphaned at an early age and after helping the Duke, he was taken in as part of the family and made a Wentworth. This is learned from previous book in this series, and he has always been in the background. He has tried to fit the role of others…making himself known in the banking business owned by the Wentworth family.
In this story, Lady Rosalind has requested the help of Ned, because of his prior life’s struggles and connections in a world that is unfamiliar and not open to her station. The request is assistance with finding a maid in her employ who has gone missing along with other maids. Ned is an honest hero who has integrity despite trying to rise above the sins of his past, but they still linger in rumors among the ton. Although both characters are likable, interesting, and highly intelligent, all romance went out the window early on when they first meet. It was hard trying to piece any chemistry between them and it felt a bit forced in places. They seem more of a conversational pair than having any type of attraction. I could not see her as a woman fitting Ned’s needs although he found her a breath of fresh air…chalking it up to both being opinionated in the views and somehow understanding each other’s wants and needs in life.
In my opinion, I don’t believe either character sees their own worth and this is drawn out in the story. They are honest souls who communicate well with one another about their feelings which I did like about their relationship. There was not a lot of angst and I so was looking for a steamy romance between Ned and Rosalind but alas, it was not there for me. This series delved into the lives of the Wentworth family who all have come from humble beginnings including their adoptee, Ned. This was a wonderfully written story of two people drawn together by a plot that had mystery, twists, and a surprised ending. A story also of broken individuals finding love and a HEA. Recommend the read. 4.5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own....more
I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks. All thoughts and opinions are my oI voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars Published: August 20, 2024 Series: Her Majesty’s Rebels Pages: 304
I love Kate Bateman as an author and “How to Fall for a Scoundrel” was an entertaining and lighthearted book to read. The hero, Harry, is most definitely a scoundrel in retirement and is quite an interesting and likeable character. Then you have the heroine, Ellie from the first in this series who has established King & Company private investigations…along with her friends, Tess, Duchess of Wansford, and Dorothea (Daisy) Hamilton. When I say entertaining…you have a P.I. and a charmer who has everyone eating out of his hand, even the heroine finds it hard not be so attracted to this con man let alone trust him. In the end, confessions become known, and both the hero and heroine have fallen head over heels in love. This is a fun historical romance with loveable characters…including the sub characters. Straight-laced spinster meets her bad-boy and the story keeps you smiling from page to page. Highly recommend the read....more
“The Car Share” by new to me author Zoe Brisby was a wonderful, delightful and entertaining read. On a recommendation from a friend, I was glad to be “The Car Share” by new to me author Zoe Brisby was a wonderful, delightful and entertaining read. On a recommendation from a friend, I was glad to be extended an opportunity to read this story.
Alex and Max both want to drive to Brussels for their underlying causes. When Alex, a 25-year-old student riddled with depression arrives in front of retirement home, little did he expect that his passenger would be 70-, 80- , oh well 90-something Max and thus the journey begins. On the carpool to Brussels to complete their self-serving missions, they become therapists for one another’s problems and wind up opening and putting all on the table…he going to find a friend and she is ending everything before Alzheimer makes her whole world at a loss. Unaware of Max’s intent, Alex finds himself on a whirlwind adventure when they are wanted by the police. He is presumed to be a druggie kidnapper who has deep depression problems out to end everything and taking with him a well to do member of society. Although this story was translated from French, it did not lose its intent or savor although I did find it quite a bit longer to read than I usually do with other books. Oh, how I loved Max and the handbag that had everything but the kitchen sink and the way she puts her own spin on quotes or phrases.
You got to love this book as it will make you laugh and make you cry. It is a story that brings two people to life and each learning to enjoy life for what its worth. So funny but heartfelt. This was a page turner for me and unfortunately, had to put down to sleep. Highly recommend the read.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.
Merged review:
“The Car Share” by new to me author Zoe Brisby was a wonderful, delightful and entertaining read. On a recommendation from a friend, I was glad to be extended an opportunity to read this story.
Alex and Max both want to drive to Brussels for their underlying causes. When Alex, a 25-year-old student riddled with depression arrives in front of retirement home, little did he expect that his passenger would be 70-, 80- , oh well 90-something Max and thus the journey begins. On the carpool to Brussels to complete their self-serving missions, they become therapists for one another’s problems and wind up opening and putting all on the table…he going to find a friend and she is ending everything before Alzheimer makes her whole world at a loss. Unaware of Max’s intent, Alex finds himself on a whirlwind adventure when they are wanted by the police. He is presumed to be a druggie kidnapper who has deep depression problems out to end everything and taking with him a well to do member of society. Although this story was translated from French, it did not lose its intent or savor although I did find it quite a bit longer to read than I usually do with other books. Oh, how I loved Max and the handbag that had everything but the kitchen sink and the way she puts her own spin on quotes or phrases.
You got to love this book as it will make you laugh and make you cry. It is a story that brings two people to life and each learning to enjoy life for what its worth. So funny but heartfelt. This was a page turner for me and unfortunately, had to put down to sleep. Highly recommend the read.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book....more
I thought I was going to enjoy this audiobook as it appeared to be very interesting by description. Unfortunately, it fell a bit short for me. NarratiI thought I was going to enjoy this audiobook as it appeared to be very interesting by description. Unfortunately, it fell a bit short for me. Narration was good but could not connect to the characters. Was a bit slow for me....more
This the third book in this series was a quite nice audiobook listen for me. Loveable main characters that I enjoyed a lot better than the other couplThis the third book in this series was a quite nice audiobook listen for me. Loveable main characters that I enjoyed a lot better than the other couples in this series. Tim Paige and Lauren Sweet did a good job of the narration....more
This second book in this series was quite better than the first for me. It was fun and entertaining with a second chance live trope. The characters weThis second book in this series was quite better than the first for me. It was fun and entertaining with a second chance live trope. The characters were likable and relatable. Nicely written and kept my attention. Good audiobook for a comfy read....more
Although idiotic to make a vow to not get involved with a set of twins and an extra brother, i though Ms. Bloom did a wonderful job with this read. I Although idiotic to make a vow to not get involved with a set of twins and an extra brother, i though Ms. Bloom did a wonderful job with this read. I enjoyed this audiobook and the narration was done quite well. Looking forward to listening to next in this series....more
I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5 Stars PI voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5 Stars Publishing: February 22, 2024 Series: The Five Deadly Sins #4 Pages: 211
I have never read anything by author, Kathleen Ayers so starting at book number 4 in “The Five Deadly Sins” series leaves me to ponder why I have never tapped into her novels. This was a fast-paced romance and a quick read for this reader. The main characters were a bit abrasive and grumpy but alas they meshed well together. There is banter and whitism between them in their conversations that at time having you smile. What to say about the heroine, Alyss Brooks…she can be hot-tempered with sass of wanting to be right all the time but ends up becoming troublesome due that fact. She’s not one who wants to get married and dead set against falling in love. Malcolm Sinclair on the other hand is so financially strapped, that he is trying just about anything to set his family to right. Two opposites in a trope of forced proximity, find themselves isolated in a cottage for days/nights due to a storm. Open door intimacy that is oh so steamy in the romance department…what I like included in my historical romances, that it is hot off the pages. I too, enjoyed the sub-characters in the story…guessing they are mentioned in the three books before this one fourth. I enjoyed the characters, plot, twists, whit, passion, and a page-turner. Well-developed, well-written, and well-said on the pages. Going to have to venture on reading the other three sins that I’ve missed out on in this series. My recommendation…consider reading. ...more
I voluntarily listened and reviewed an audio of this book via NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars PuI voluntarily listened and reviewed an audio of this book via NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars Publishing: February 6, 2024 Series: The Lillys Pages: 448 / Audiobook 14 hrs 17 minutes
Not having read any books by author, Xio Axelrod, I was intrigued to read this story of the Lillys, an up-and-coming girl band making their way as musicians. This story is of Mikayla Whitman, the drummer falling for Tyrell, the band driver. As I was drawn more and more into the story, I made the decision to audiobook and listen to the rest of the book. I am glad I made the change as this was fun and emotional story that had a slow burn romance attached to it. The characters in the story were likeable in their own sort of way. Although the main characters are quite young, they seemed mature and had respect for one another in their relationship. Not big on dual POVs and a lot of backstories, however they helped and worked well for the plot. Well-written and entertaining. My only takeaway is the narration. I thought Benjamin Charles’ vocals were very good when performing, however Tyla Collier’s a bit spotty at times for the male performance. All in all, this was a very good book in this series....more
I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5 Stars PubliI voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5 Stars Publishing: January , 2024 Series: Rogues to Lovers, #3 Pages: 320
“It Takes a Rake” is the last installment of Rogues to Lovers Series and thought the second book was a bit better than this one, although this one was quite enjoyable too. Leo has been in love with Kitty for some time as both were apprentices in architect. He plans to open an office and pretty much a good many who has good character. Kitty on the other hand is a bit immature in this story…when she acts like a baby and is unable to get her way. I thought Kitty could have been a bit more mature in this story considering she has some schooling in her background, but she was a bit overbearing during the read that made me quite annoyed with the heroine. At times, I could not understand why Leo put up with Kitty in the first place. However, it was good to see her character develop to a mature stature close to the end of the book. I would have liked more information on Leo’s exit from Bellehaven and Kitty’s emotion of abandonment by her parents. Concluding, the story was a well written standalone, pace was acceptable, and had the steamy that I look for in my historical romance reads. Leo was an admirable and sappy character to know throughout the pages. I do love Anna Bennet as an author and look forward to other reads....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella ...no I have never lived in Canada and am not familiar with the sport of hockey but the fictional romance, attractioI thoroughly enjoyed this novella ...no I have never lived in Canada and am not familiar with the sport of hockey but the fictional romance, attraction to intimacy and then love captured my heart. I loved that Sumner was patient with Britta and took his time gradually breaking down the walls that she had built on trust. Predictable outcome but enjoyable. Likeable characters and enjoyed the marriage of convenience and friends to lovers trope....more