#Review: EARL CRAZY by Anna Bradley

 

4 of 5 stars

Christopher "Kit" Egan, suddenly finds himself the Earl of Prestwick, after the untimely death of his uncle. He's convinced a family curse is real especially after so many men in the family have died under unusual circumstances. Kit is determined to reform his rakish ways and find a wife. He does not want to be a victim of the family curse. His return to London is anything but ordinary when during a drunken episode, he meets Miss Tilly Templeton who tries to help him and nearly ends up drowning him. Now, he can't get the bewitching creature out of his mind and is convinced she should be the next Countess of Prestwick. Now, all he has to do is convince the young lady to marry him.

Miss Tilly Templeton is only in London to support her friend Harriet during her Season. Tilly has vowed to behave with utmost propriety and not cause any more scandal to the Templeton name. On her first evening in London, she finds herself in a compromising position with the drunken Earl of Prestwick. How could she be so unlucky? She must navigate the Season trying to keep their secret. She never wanted to marry, but perhaps, the wicked earl could change her mind.

This was a cute story and I enjoyed it. I loved the banter between Tilly and Kit. Tilly was such a fun character. She tried so hard to be good, but always seemed to be in one precarious situation after another. The supporting cast added much to the story, although I think the ending when Kit rushes to save Tilly from an attack seemed a little far-fetched in how he even knew she was in trouble. This is a short read that can easily be read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM by Kate Bateman

 

5 of 5 stars

Tess Townsend, the Duchess of Wansford, never forgave her father for forcing her to marry the ancient duke. The duke disgusted her with his leery ways and she got a lucky break when he collasped on their wedding night before he could consummate the marriage and died. Now Tess was free and she planned to enjoy her new independence. No man had tempted her since until she meets Justin Thornton at a masquerade house party. Neither knew each other's names as passion flared between them. Before their encounter led to more than sizzling kisses, Tess ran away. Little did she know that Thornton was the new Duke of Wansford.

Justin had never forgotten the passionate woman he met at the house party and when he finds out that she's the Duchess of Wansford, he proposes a business deal. They marry, and he'll give her freedom and money she'll need to do what she wants and he'll leave her alone after three months, but Tess has a secret. How she can tell him that she's still a virgin. Each of them are hiding secrets and when a series of mishaps nearly kill them, Justin thinks Tess is out to have him killed. Of course, this leads to a series of misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Can these two come clean and build a life together or will their unwillingness to share their true selves force them to part forever?

I really enjoyed this story. Tess was a wonderfully complex character. She was more than her physical beauty. She had brains and wit to match. It was delightful to see her try, and explain away her lack of knowledge on their wedding night. Justin was a sexy, brooding character. He didn't believe in love and always kept his relationships for only 3 months before he ended them. There are no feelings involved, just pleasure. It was great to see him brought to his knees by Tess. There's a mystery running through the book that Tess helps to solve with her friends and that is quite interesting. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: YOU'RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT by Lenora Bell

 

3 of 5 stars

Lord Dane Walker, brother to the current Duke of Rydell, could never have fathomed that a trip to a sleepy sea-side village would change his life forever, but that's exactly what happens when he meets Sandrine Oliver, a sweet and generous young woman who lives under the controlling thumb of her mother. He's smitten with her at once, but her strict upbringing makes her run from him the first time they meet. For Sandrine, when she meets Dane, he gives her a false name and she believes he's an honorable gentleman, only to find out he's an infamous rake from London. 

Sandrine wants something from Dane, and that is to restore the historical mansion in her village, but Dane's brother has refused to send any money for the mansion's upkeep. When a family tragedy strikes, both Dane and Sandrine's lives are forever changed. Can she ever trust him again after he lied to her about his identity, or has Dane lost her good opinion forever?

I enjoyed some parts of this book, but other parts dragged for me. This "Grease" retelling was cute, but I thought the Pink Ladies got rushed at the end. There are a few twists and turns in the story and a mystery to uncover about Dane's brother.  Sandrine's character underwent the most change, just like Sandy in "Grease." She went from an innocent to a a seemingly worldly lady with the help of her new friends. Dane and Sandrine had good chemistry, although I liked the tension-filled scenes before they got together better.  I enjoy Ms. Bell's books. However, this one fell a little flat for me.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Interview with Traci Wooden-Carlisle and D. Tina Batten, THE PRAYER WARRIOR

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Prayer Warrior is a Christian fiction supernatural novel about a student counsellor for a Christian Academy who prays, lends a listening ear and advice to the students and staff of the school. At night, while she dreams, Ms. V intercedes and battles for the souls of her students.  It is a standalone book but d. Tina Batten and I do have plans for book two.

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?

In my Promises to Zion series the sister in the first book is a secondary character but her true identity is revealed in the second book, thus creating a deeper backstory for her and some of the other original main characters. There was even a breakout book with her as the main character.

 

Do you have an ARC review team? How did you recruit your reviewers? BookFunnel? Readerlinks? Booksprout?

I use Bookfunnel to send out and track ARC copies. It allows me to move forward since it has automatic features.

 

Do you regularly send out a newsletter? How are you recruiting new subscribers? Do you have a reader magnet?

I usually send out a newsletter once a month. After much consideration, I did make my novella from my romantic suspense series a free gift to those who subscribe to my newsletter.

 

Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?

 Absolutely! I get so far into my head when writing I miss grammatic and spelling errors all of the time. It is much easier to let a professional take care of it.

 

Is your book available in audio format? Briefly describe how your narrator was chosen?

Yes. My co-author Traci and I are so delighted to have our book, The Prayer Warrior available via audio format. In search of the perfect narrator who was chosen for this project was a divine connection to say the least. It happened so fast.  Traci and I were in the very beginning stage of seeking a narrator. We had just auditioned one other company prior to finding the right person for this project (Anita Faye Thomas) whom Traci found in passing. She was at the right place at the right time. The conversation was organic and after one audition, we knew she was the perfect person for our book project. If you have a chance to listen to the audiobook version of our book, you will quickly agree. She did a phenomenal job on the project.

 

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

Yes, Definitely outline. I’m a big fan of outlining any story I write and will recommend that step to anyone. It will help save time by organizing your thoughts, making the necessary corrections along the way if something in the storyline isn’t working. Trust me! To outline your story is a good thing. 

What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
I would first congratulate the new author for finishing their book project and considering self-publishing. That’s a huge hurdle to cross alone. After the manuscript is complete, this is when the hard work truly begins. There is a mountain of very important decisions the author must make. It’s the end of one process and the beginning of another. 

The author can publish the book he or she truly desires because the author maintains direct control of every aspect of publishing the book. The author must make the important decisions about anything and everything involving their book. It’s good to find a team of trusted professionals to help bring the author's vision to life. Outsource when you can depending on the budget. It’s a time saver. Search for a great editor, graphic designer to help create the best possible book cover to draw readers to want to purchase the book. And this is only the beginning.You need to decide on publishing platforms to distribute the book, marketing of the book, etc.  Research! Research! Research! There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done with self-publishing. But the rewards are great. 

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I’m a very creative person. I love the performing arts ministry and try to stay connected to those roots. I’m always working on projects. I could be producing a stage play, dinner show, film, or concert. No telling with me. You will have to follow me and stay tuned in for sure ;-)

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?

I prefer Dogs, Chocolate, Tea, Talk and Night.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm.
Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.

By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.

By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God’s faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy’s plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.
Her assignment’s burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?
Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?

Readers are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character’s life-altering decision.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

D. “Tina” Batten is a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter and Mima to her grandchildren. She is a gifted visual storyteller who is passionate about bringing encouraging messages of inspiration and hope to the world.

Tina Batten, a writer for over eighteen years of various dramatic works of performing art via stage, and film, encompasses unique ways of creating fascinating story concepts that touch the heart of most who view or read her work. She is both honored and thrilled to have teamed up with long-time friend, sister in the gospel and co-author Tracy on this phenomenal collaborative book project. With such a humble heart and desire to bring people together in love and unity, Tina Batten will continue her work as a visual storyteller spreading the good news of Jesus Christ one project after the other. 

 

As Always, D. “Tina” Batten gives God All the Glory!

 

You can find her at the following social media platforms:

Website: http://www.sisterbatten.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sister-BattenCom-Sister-Batten-Productions-157650117630075/

FB: Tina Batten Profile: https://www.facebook.com/tina.batten.18

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sisterbatten/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sisterbatten

Subscribe to Sister Batten YouTube Channel

shorturl.at/lsxA4

Walking in the Spirit Trailer

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenfilms

If Not For The LORD, Where Would I Be? Delicious Episode Trailer

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sisterbattenproductions

 

Traci Wooden-Carlisle

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing to publish in 2011 and enjoys writing stories that provoke thought and evoke emotions. Her desire is to draw readers into the lives of her characters and share messages of God’s love, His faithfulness and peace. The messages in her books speak to her way before they speak to her readers.

 

Traci lives in San Diego with her husband, David. When she isn’t writing she does some light traveling or assists people with their physical fitness, creates graphics, designs pretty things for her jewelry business and swag for authors. 

 

You can find her on the following social media platforms.

 

Website: www.tawcarlisle.com

 

Newsletter: www.tawcarlisle.com/subscribe

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Traci-Wooden-Carlisle/e/B00OIAS208/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/Author_TraciWCarlisle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/traciwoodencarlisle

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tawcarlisle

Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/traci-wooden-carlisle

Twitter: www.twitter.com/traciwcarlisle

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tawcarlisle

Book Video: https://youtu.be/lw3DiS_-E0A?si=1DjRSVTB3Ggqg9pT

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: IT HAD TO BE THE DUKE by Vivienne Lorret

 

 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable enemies-to-lovers story. Magnus and Verity each had their own burdens to bear--Magnus and his sense of duty to family and Verity, who was the sensible fixer in her rather outlandish family. The whole story starts with one little white lie--Verity was being bullied by her nemesis, Nell, and she suddenly blurts out she's engaged to the Duke of Longhurst just to shut her up. That started a series of unfortunate encounters with a very angry duke who had been courting an heiress to save his family from ruin.

There was some lively banter between Magnus and Verity with a couple of laugh-out-loud moments, although Verity did suffer from panic attacks being in closed spaces. It rounded out her character nicely that she just wasn't perfect. I liked that although it took most of the book for her to realize that she wasn't the ugly duckling, she always believed herself to be. Magnus was always striving to be perfect and do the right thing for his family, but you can't always control everything. I loved that he learned a little bit of chaos, and looking after one's own interests once in a while was a good thing. There were a couple of good twists and turns in the story before Magnus and Verity got their own happily ever after. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A LADY'S RULES FOR RUIN by Jennifer Haymore

 

3.5 of 5 stars

Ethan, the Earl of Winthrop, has always been fascinated by Miss Frances Cherrington. She's everything he'd want in a wife, but he's never quite sure if she even likes him, so he keeps his distance but admires her from afar. Frances has been criticized by her family for as long as she can remember.  They complain she is too bold or too prickly, and she drives away potential suitors. What they refuse to do is listen to her. She doesn't want to get married and be beholden to a man. She wants her independence, so she hatches a simple plot to ruin herself. Caught kissing in the garden, her disgrace is soon all over London. Everyone seems to know what she did except the Earl of Winthrop.

Ethan has his own problems. He's been to see his mother, and she's told him a dirty family secret that knocks him on his heels. While he tries to cope with this new knowledge, he runs into Miss Cherrington. She's the last person he wants to see, but even without trying, she soothes his soul. His family situation is in crisis, but Frances stands by his side to help him navigate the troubled waters. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that perhaps they each have found the one person who sees their real self and loves them anyway.

The book was a bit slow in the beginning, and this accounts for the lower star rating. There are some cute scenes in the book and Ms. Haymore shines the light on all the double standards young women in the Regency era had to contend with. Men could kiss as many women as they pleased, but young women were not even supposed to be alone with a gentleman. The romance between Frances and Ethan is a slow burn. There are some graphic sex scenes so buyer beware if you prefer a clean romance. 

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: REALM OF ILLUSION by Thea Atkinson

 

 5 of 5 stars

I always read Ms. Atkinson's books with great anticipation because she's such a masterful writer. The third book in the Iron King's Assassin series wrings every emotion out of our girl Ava. What she endured while trapped in the catacombs has left her so emotionally scarred that she can barely open her eyes. Only the solid presence of the Dark Enforcer, Blade, keeps her grounded in reality. He rescued her and vowed to stay by her side. She held onto that one thought as she tried to recover from all the hits of the drug Bloodmist she had to inhale just to survive that hellhole. But, now she's in withdrawal, a withdrawal that's so much worse than ever before, especially since she's been clean for so long. She's powerless to resist as Blade guides them back to the tavern she was kidnapped from. He knows she needs time and rest to get through the worst withdrawal symptoms. Along the way, her feelings for him start to change, but she's fighting any hint of caring for Fae, any Fae, but especially for the Dark Enforcer.

When they finally make it back to the Shadow Court, Ava has hardly recovered from the trauma before she's dragged before the Fae mafia boss again. He's taken action that has shocked her, and her rage nearly causes the boss to threaten the one person she cares about--her sister Kit. Now Ava faces more danger as she's torn between two fae brothers--Stone, who has more humanity in him than some humans, and the Dark Enforcer, who makes her blood sing. There are so many moving pieces in this story that kept me glued to the story. Will Ava be able to protect her sister in Fae land while carrying out her dangerous mission, and will she ever believe that she deserves love?

I can't wait to read what Ms. Atkinson has in store for our monster hunter, Ava. If you're looking for an intriguing and engaging series about assassins, monster hunters, and the Fae, this series is a must-read.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

Interview with Kaylene Winter, THE FLIRT ALERT

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?

The Flirt Alert is part 2 of my 3-part trilogy of billionaire/enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity romances I’m calling “Spicy Standalones.” Each of them follow different couples who are side-characters in my Less Than Zero series, but can be read completely separately from all the other books.

 

The Flirt Alert is very personal to me as it delves into my FMC’s navigation of a surprisingly nuanced and common chronic health condition and how it’s affected how she moves in the world. My MMC is a self-made billionaire who has loved her for many years until he started hating her for something that happened when they were in high school. When they are thrown together at the top of a mountain…well, let’s just say a lot can happen in a ski-patrol hut.

 

Do you have a favorite character?

I really love Shay. Not only is she resilient, but she handles her chronic illness partly with seriousness but also with humor. My inspiration for Shay is a close family member who has navigated the same illness.

 

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

Funny you should ask! We briefly meet Austin Andrews, my MMC, in Endless Encore when he’s discussing how his company can help bring arts education into schools. When I wrote about him, I knew I wanted to explore his backstory and now we do in The Flirt Alert.

 

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

Not at first, but I’m definitely experimenting with it now. I just signed with SBR Media who will be helping me with all the things – including potentially putting some future works through traditional channels.

 

Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?

I am self-published primarily because my background is in media and publishing. Although, you’re hearing it here first, I signed a traditional publishing agreement with Page & Vine for an anthology I’m organizing to benefit MusiCares. There will be lots more about that in the coming months, the authors who are contributing are incredible.

 

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

As someone who helps people protect their intellectual property and creative works, I always knew I’d want to retain ownership of my own material. I’m also a voracious reader and fan, so I know what I like and what I want to write. I’ve put together an entire team – editors, proofreaders, formatters as well as PR and marketing – so I’m running my own author life like a publishing company—I take it very seriously.

 

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I prefer silence – it takes me a little bit to get into a “zone” where I’m immersed in my world and story. Sometimes it’s playing a casual game or reading gossip websites, other times it’s taking a walk to mentally think through what I want to say. Ultimately, if I can get myself into this state of mind the writing just flows and the characters just speak to me.

 

What have you’ve learned during your self-publishing journey?

To be adaptable and to never get caught up in any drama. The preferences of readers change. Tropes come in and out of fashion. Ultimately, you have to be true to yourself and whatever story moves you so your writing is authentic.

 

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

That’s one of the hardest parts. Finding time to really focus and write is such a luxury. I’m still running a full-time business so that takes a lot of time and attention. Writing is my special happy place. I actually love the marketing part of it and I create all my own social media graphics, but it’s very hard to be active and engaging all the time. At the end of the day, I’d rather put out a lot of great stories and be smart about how I connect with readers more authentically.

 

What’s next for you?

Next up is The Tryst List, the final Spicy Standalone which is out on March 14, 2024. After that I’ll be releasing a new series called 

 

Book details:

 

The Flirt Alert
by Kaylene Winter
Publication date: November 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

 

Synopsis:

When a man who has everything will do anything to ease the pain of the incredible woman who’s living with a timebomb.

My best friend’s twin, Shay Stojanović, is my ultimate gamer dream girl come to life.

Gorgeous, flirtatious and popular, she didn’t know I existed.

Until one fateful night, she made this nerd’s every fantasy come true.

The next day she blew me up like a frag grenade.

Years later, Shay’s brother and I have built a billion dollar gaming company.

He had the nerve to give his shady sister a coveted executive role.

Oh, I’m not going to make it easy on her—she’ll quit. You’ll see.

Everything’s going exactly to plan…

Until we get stranded at the top of a mountain.

And I learn the truth.

Now I can’t—and won’t—resist her.

She has a lot to overcome.

And I’m just the man to soothe her hurt.

It’s Shay’s turn for a flirt alert.

The Flirt Alert is a scorching, standalone, billionaire, enemies to lovers, best friend’s brother, forced proximity, STEM workplace, HEA romance.

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/179489701-the-flirt-alert

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ugj1WQ

 

 

AUTHOR BIO:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

Author links:
http://rockerromance.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kaylenewinterauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20367389.Kaylene_Winter

https://www.facebook.com/kaylene.winter.5

https://twitter.com/kayleneromance

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

#Review: NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU by Amalia Howard

 

4 of 5 stars

This was an enemy-to-lovers story with lots of witty banter thrown in. Aspen, the Duke of Greydon, has returned from America after a lengthy absence from London before his mother can declare him deceased. Aspen and his mother have a very contentious relationship all because of her abhorrent behavior in committing his father to an insane asylum so she could control the ducal purse strings. Aspen had another reason to stay away from England in the form of the delectable Lady Vesper Lyndhurst, who was his childhood friend. Children grow up, and Vesper has become a beautiful and proper young lady. Now that he's in her company again, Aspen must use all his willpower not to fall under her spell again. He has vowed not to marry when his mother pushes her ward at him. He will not give in and marry a woman he doesn't love just to satisfy his mother's machinations.

Lady Vesper has been in love with Aspen since they were children, but when she makes her debut, he ignores her, and that hurts her deeply, especially since his actions were witnessed by so many. She has vowed never to be the subject of gossip again. When Aspen finally returns to London, sparks fly between them as they fling barbs at each other.

I admit that I was a little bored with this story about the 40% mark on my kindle and almost DNF, but I was glad that I continued to read the book. I loved the role the fluffy white kitten played in the love story. It was adorable. The banter between these two was great fun, and their chemistry was off the charts. Even though they fought their attraction to each other tooth and nail, the ending was delightful. I loved the scheme to expose Aspen's mother for the awful person she was. It was good to see her get her comeuppance. 

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: TALES OF A SOCIETY NOTHING by Shana Galen

4 of 5 stars

Margaret Vaughn loves being an agent for the Royal Saboteurs, and she's good at it. When she's given a mission to find Viscount Ambrose Holyoake, she has no idea her errant husband is very close to dying. She hasn't seen Ambrose in more than three years, ever since he forbade her to accompany him on dangerous missions. She did the only thing she could and left him without a word, but that didn't mean she wanted anything to happen to him. She just didn't want to be the typical wife. She craved the excitement and the thrill of danger being an agent. When she finally finds him, she's appalled at his condition. Now, they must work together to find the assassin who wants Ambrose dead before that man comes back to finish the job.

This is the last book in this series, and I read it in one day. It's not very long, and I enjoyed the story being tightly focused on Ambrose and Vaughn without too much filler with some of the other agents. Ambrose needed to change his ways if he ever wanted to win his wife back, and I loved watching his growth as he realized that Margaret didn't need his protection. She needed his respect. Margaret was a strong young woman who knows what she wants. She has never stopped loving Ambrose and wants to have her husband back in her life. They both must compromise to save their marriage. 

There is a nice wrap-up of all the agents in the Royal Saboteurs in the epilogue, and it was fun seeing everyone again.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: NEVER WAGER WITH A WALLFLOWER by Virginia Heath

 

   4 of 5 stars

Miss Venus Merriwell has a knack for picking the wrong men to fall in love with. The first man left her humiliated when he ran off with another after their courtship, and now she was keeping company with the dodgy and much older Lord Dorchester. None of them rile her like the impossibly handsome scoundrel Galahad Sinclair, her cousin with her sister's marriage to Galahad's cousin, Giles. Venus sincerely wants to loathe the charmer and sometimes goes out of her way to be snippy to him, but what's the real reason he vexes her so?

Galahad Sinclair had been taught a series of life lessons at an early age--don't trust easily, never show weakness, and always look for the next best business deal. Now relocated to England after helping his cousin Giles retain the dukedom, he even keeps his newly discovered family at arm's length, including the delectable Venus. 

I loved all the banter between Lee and Gal, although I got a little tired of all the internal dialogue. I was losing interest about halfway through, but I truly wanted to see how the author would tie up their romance. It was definitely worth the wait. This was when the internal dialogue was absolutely necessary to understand of what each of them was thinking. After some misunderstandings and a series of unfortunate accidents, Gil and Vee finally get there happily ever after.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE RAKE AND THE ROSE by Eva Devon

 

4 of 5 stars

Ms. Devon is one of my favorite authors, and this book doesn't disappoint. Alexander Markby, sixth Earl of Derby, has loved Rose Digby since they were children, but when her father breaks the contract with Alexander's father, he throws them off the land while Alexander is powerless to stop them. When Alexander finally becomes the new earl, he does everything in his power to secretly help both Rose and her brother Henry enjoy better lives. As a matter of fact, Alexander is the benefactor for a number of other artists--people who would not otherwise be able to hone their craft while trying not to starve. He portrays himself as a rake and a darling of Society, but he longs for a loving partner. Of course, the only one he wants to marry is Rose.

Miss Rose Digby was devastated when Alexander pulled back from their friendship after the horrible circumstances with her father. She's harbored an intense dislike for his frivolous ways while she labors away, writing pamphlets trying to better the lives of those less fortunate. Of course, she doesn't know that Alexander is the one behind her payments. When she comes up with a crazy idea to help fallen women, she must seek Alexander's help in infiltrating a pleasure house.

This story was a little different than the usual historical romance because it's a woman who is immovable in her opinion. Rose will not forgive Alexander for abandoning her, and she has left all joy behind in her life, trying to make things better for those who cannot speak for themselves. Rose has a lot of growing and changing to do, and I loved how Ms. Devon made sure her feelings did not change on a whim. Alexander has always been a good man who enjoyed the beauty in life and tries every day to help someone. When he agrees to help Rose, he can't help but hope her opinion of him will change. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to happen. This is a well-crafted story and the plot moves along nicely. I did think Rose was a bit harsh in her judgmental way. Through a myriad of misunderstandings and a few twists in the book, Alexander and Rose finally get their happily ever after.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A DUKE'S LESSON IN CHARM by Sophie Barnes

 

 5 of 5 stars

This was a delightful story of enemies to lovers, and Ms. Barnes weaves a wonderful story of mishaps and accidents. Callum, the Duke of Stratton, has always been regarded as honorable and unflappable, that is, until he's in the company of Lady Emily Brooke. Then, he becomes a babbling and clumsy idiot. He's either stepped on her toes, spilled wine on her, or, worst of all, ripped her dress, all because he becomes so flustered around her. So, he did the only thing he could and has avoided her for six years. 

The one person Lady Emily wished to avoid was the Duke of Stratton because every time they'd been in the same room together in the past, something horrible always happened, but when she ran into him while walking her dog, she was surprised to see a young boy with him. Come to find out Peter was now his ward after losing his parents, and her little dog has done the one thing that Callum hasn't been able to do--put a smile on Peter's face. Thus began a tentative truce in their relationship.

I really loved how the powerful Duke of Stratton could be reduced to a nervous wreck, and it was fun to watch him change and grow in Emily's company. He was taken by surprise that the more time he spent with Emily, the more he wanted. When she began to show interest in him, he wanted to be more than her friend. When she suggests a fake courtship, he agrees, and that's when things spiral out of control. The whole plot around the three dukes writing a book was quite inventive, but it also led to a series of misunderstandings that threatened to cost Stratton Emily's affection before they finally got their happily ever after.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.