#Review: HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL by Kate Bateman

 

5 of 5 stars

I adore Kate Bateman books and "How to Fall for a Scoundrel" is one of the best ones yet. The chemistry between our shy wallflower Eleanor and the ever charming Harry was so much fun. I loved Harry's easy-going style and how he gave Ellie the confidence to come out of her shell. Ellie and her crime-fighting partners have another case to solve, but what they find out along the way of solving one case leads them directly to solve another case involving Harry. The plot flows along nicely with a couple of good twists and turns, and can be read as a stand alone story. I love this series and am looking forward to reading the next book. 

#Review: ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR by Virginia Heath

 

4 of 5 stars

I enjoy Ms. Heath's books, and this one was no different, although I did have a few issues with it. Mostly with Flora, Harry's sister. She seemed more than a bit flightly to me, as that's how she's been described throughout the book. But that bothered me because what mother would go and abandon her children to go on an adventure. How very selfish, especially since she didn't even have the decency to tell Harry or write to him. 

I did very much like Harry and Georgie. At the beginning of the story they were like oil and water, but through a series of misadventures, Georgie begins to see Harry in a different light. He's not the uptight, strait-laced man she thought he was when he hired her. This story was also about Georgie's realization that her self-doubts and loathing about the way she looked were not really true anymore. Granted, she was probably an awkward 16-year-old, but now she was a full-grown, desirable woman. I loved it when she finally realized that.

The children's characters were cute, and, of course, Norbert was the star and the bane of Harry's existence. I thought the ending was just a little rushed, but finally, Harry and Georgie got their HEA.

#Review: WHEN THE BARON BROODS by Darcy Burke

 

3.5 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of Ms. Burke, and her stories are always enjoyable. This one didn't quite give me the same warm feelings as some of her previous books though. Tasmin was a sweet, eternally happy young woman, although her happy personality seemed a little over the top at times. She suffered a great deal in her young life but chose not to dwell on the fact that her mother abandoned her. That seemed counterproductive to me, and it should have caused her "forever" happiness to fade a bit. She was entitled to be angry, and it would have made her seem more real if the author had let her show her unhappiness at times.

As for Isaac, at first I felt bad for the guilt he carried around. Denying himself any sort of pleasure for the past ten years seems a bit extreme. I understand that the incident with Mary happened when he was still very young, but as he got older, he could have fought harder to find out what happened to her instead of just forcing himself into a gloomy existence because of his guilt. It seemed an extreme reaction to an unpleasant and unsettling experience.

I did like the interactions with Tasmin and Isaac once they were married. The fact that he finally confessed to her his deepest, dark secret relieved him somewhat of the guilt he'd carried for so long. They were sweet together, and I'm glad they finally got their HEA.

#Review: HERE COMES MY EARL by Anna Bradley

 

3 of 5 stars

"Here Comes My Earl" is the story of Euphemia, the last unmarried Templeton sister. I thought the beginning of the book was great when she and James, Lord Fairmont, were doing nothing but butting heads, but I had expected more of the "enemies to lovers" trope with these two interacting much more. One of the things that was very confusing was that there were too many "F" names. Harriet's suitor, whom James wanted her to marry, was also an "F" name, and it was hard to keep track of who was who.

 

The side plot of Harriet and Gilly hardly had any conflict at all. They met, developed feelings for each other and then James approved the match. That was disappointing, to say the least. I also would have liked more scenes with just James and Euphemia like the chess match and the dancing lessons, and without those extra interactions, the book seemed a bit rushed.

 

I enjoy Miss Bradley's books, but this one was a bit of a miss for me.

#Review: THE DUCHESS by Sophie Jordan

 

3 of 5 stars

Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, has spent most of her adult life waiting--waiting to see if her husband was in a good mood that day, waiting for the slap that usually came if he was displeased, waiting, waiting, waiting. All that ended with the death of the duke. Valencia could finally take a breath and not have to look over her shoulder every minute of the day. All that changed, however, when the new Duke of Dedham, Rhain, and his six unmarried sisters invaded the ducal townhouse. Valencia's days of waiting are over, but now she's been banished to the dower house in Yorkshire until an offer from the duke keeps her in London. 

Rhain did not want to be duke. He preferred his life in Wales, but he would not deny his sisters' chances for a good match, so they all went to London. Seeing Valencia in the ducal townhouse sends him into a tailspin. There's something about her that calls to him, but he refuses to act on it. He proposes a deal--Valencia help launch his sisters into Society and he'll give her enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her life. Can these two come to a mutual understanding, or will the tension between them spill over into something more?

This was a slow-burn romance, and I usually like them, but this one took way too long. There were too many flashbacks to her time with the previous duke and not enough time devoted to her and Rhain. Most of the book is taken up with Rhain's sisters and not so much interaction between H and h. There is a twist in the story at the last 10% that seemed a little far-fetched. I thought the villain was someone else, and that would have made much more sense to me.  I do enjoy Ms. Jordan's writing and will probably read the next book in the series. 

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

#Review: DAMNED IF I DUKE by Anna Bradley

 

4 of 5 stars

I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and Ms. Bradley delivers with this book. I really enjoyed the banter between Prue and Jasper. She was wild and exasperating, and he was arrogant—a match made in heaven. Can these two overcome their animosity and get what they both want?

Ms. Bradley weaves a good story of what love can do to a person, from denying one's feelings to resisting the one person who can make your life better. When they are forced to marry, it's the last thing either of them wants, but as more time goes by, their feelings for each other change. Before they could acknowledge their feelings, in marches a vindictive ex-mistress to try and break them apart. And she nearly succeeds when Prue retreats to the country. Can Jasper convince her that his love is true or has he lost his spirited wife forever?

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

#Review: IN WANT OF A VISCOUNT by Lorraine Heath

 

5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy Ms. Heath's books and this one is no exception. The chemistry between Rook and Nora is off the charts. I loved the tension between them as Nora tries to find investors to save her late father's factory. She was so strong and independent--a woman who knew what she wanted, and yet, she was soft and vulnerable as well. I really loved Rook. He was such a tower of strength and respectability until he lost his heart to Nora. These two were willing to do whatever they could to help each other, even walking away, but in the end, Rook and Nora got their happily ever after.

I really disliked Nora's mother. I think the author went a little overboard on how awful she was, and her brother wasn't better as far as I'm concerned. I think with Sam, though, it was that he hadn't found his own true passion yet--the factory was never that for him so at least he redeemed himself a little at the end.

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

#Review: WRITE FOR ME, MARQUESS by Kate Archer

 

3 of 5 stars

Rupert Doncaster, Marquess of Hamill, has decided it's time he married and he intends to court Lady Juliet Bennington, although he could hardly understand her when she was spouting off her poetry. Her beauty more than made up for her quirkiness, he thought, but her heart seemed set on marrying a fellow poet, which he decidedly was not.

Lady Juliet Bennington knew in her heart that she was destined to marry a fellow poet. When she meets a fellow poet, Mr. Roundbat, she wants to fall in love with him, but she keeps being drawn to Rupert, and it confuses her. Could she marry someone who didn't share her love of poetry?

This was a kind of bland story. I didn't feel much chemistry between Rupert and Juliet, but I did love Tattleton, Miss Mayton, and, of course, the rooster Marvin. The secondary characters made the story in my opinion. While I did enjoy the previous stories in the series, this one kind of fell flat for me especially since it took me more than a week to get through it.

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

#Review: HOW NOT TO HATE THE DUKE by Jennifer Haymore

 

3 of 5 stars

Theo St. Clair, the Seventh Duke of Desborough, has found it far easier to run away from his father's cruel influence than to try and mitigate the previous duke's obnoxious ways. It's no wonder the people of the village and the ducal tenants have a hard time warming up to Theo. All they've ever known is cruelty from the duke. 

Georgiana Milford's home is adjacent to the duke's property, and all her life she's heard her parents say what cruel and vicious people the St. Clair's are, including the current duke. When she finds out that Theo will be attending the same house party, she isn't sure if she should stay or go. Her parents would be furious to know that the duke was in attendance, but despite that, Georgiana decides to stay. Will she take the time to get to know the current duke and judge him on his own merits instead of listening to others?

I really liked the premise of this story, but I wasn't enamored with Georgiana. She came across as bratty and too opinionated without listening to her own mind. Theo did not deserve her disdain especially since she kept saying that she knew how to judge whether men were interested in her beyond her substantial dowry. I was especially disappointed by her behavior at the chapel. Where was her backbone, especially since she professed to love Theo. I thought that excuse to drive the couple apart didn't make sense. I would have liked them to have struggled to make the tenants' lives better together. There are a couple of teasing scenes in the story that were very well done, but not enough to lift the book to 4 stars.

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

#Review: THE DUKE'S ALL THAT by Christina Britton

 

 4 of 5 stars

Iain MacInnes, Duke of Balgair, is shocked to receive a tattered letter telling him his wife was alive. For 13 years, Iain believed his wife had abandoned him for her dream of traveling; at least, that's what her father told him. He was devastated because he thought they had a love for the ages. Now, he needs to find her so he can divorce her, and his search leads him to the Isle of Synne.

Seraphina has been to hell and back, but she finally feels safe and has made a good life for herself and two younger sisters on the Isle of Synne, far away from her cruel and controlling father. She never told anyone about her marriage to Iain as it was wrapped up in heartache, believing that he took money from her father to disappear. When Iain shows up at her bookstore demanding she return to Scotland with him so he can obtain a divorce, she has no choice but to travel with him. Along the way, many secrets and misconceptions about each other are revealed and old feelings start to resurface. Unfortunately for Seraphina, she believes she's too damaged to ever be the wife of a duke.

This was an intriguing story, and, of course, that parrot played a starring role in the book. That was quite amusing. I found some of Seraphina's reasoning didn't make any sense and she was making poor decisions. Iain on the other hand, was clear in his feelings. The dark past that Seraphina suffered through is hinted at throughout the book and it was clear that it was all orchestrated by her cruel father. I was disappointed that her father did not seem to get any comeuppance for his cruelty, and that felt wrong. Thus, the book is rated 4 stars instead of 5. 

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

#Review: IF THE DUKE DARES by Darcy Burke

 

4 of 5 stars

Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellesbourne, has decided it's time for him to marry. He is traveling to meet a potential bride, Persephone Barclay, but he meets an intriguing young woman at an inn on the way, who claims to be a widow. When Persephone's parents show up at the ducal estate without their daughter, they tell Acton she's ill and will join them in a day or two. When he sees her miniature, he realizes she's the woman poses as a widow back at the inn. Now, he's intrigued as to why she would run away and not even want to meet him. He's a duke, after all!

Miss Persephone Barclay didn't want to be forced to marry, especially not to a rake like Wellesbourne so she runs away from her parents to escape that fate. Unfortunately, the duke soon tracks her down and promises to protect her while she travels to see her Aunt Lucinda in Bath. Along the way, her feelings about him begin to change, but she's vowed she will never marry a rake and keeps him at arm's length.

This was a sweet story and I did love the banter between Acton and Persephone. The limits that Acton goes to trying to convince Persey that he's a changed man are delightful as he bumbles his way toward his goal. I loved Persey. She was witty, fearless, and independent, and I enjoyed that immensely. Persey's sister, Pandora, and Aunt Lucinda, along with Acton's mother and sisters, round out the story nicely.  Unfortunately, the fact that Persey's parents didn't face any comeuppance for their awful behavior of their daughters was a real detriment for me. Thus, the loss of a star to 4 stars.

I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

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

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of over sixty captivating, compelling historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Her novels have been translated into five languages and are also available as audio books. Join her Reader Club at https://www.darcyburke.com/join.

 

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming, teacher husband, artist daughter, and writer (yes!) son. They’re a crazy cat family with two Bengal cats, a small, fame-seeking cat named after a fruit, a rescue Maine Coon with attitude to spare, an adorable former stray who wandered onto their deck and into their hearts, and two bonded boys who used to belong to (separate) neighbors but chose them instead. You can find Darcy in her comfy writing chair, folding laundry (which she loves), or enjoying game night with the family. 

Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcyburke.com and follow her social media: 

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans, 

Instagram at http://www.instagram/darcyburkeauthor

Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/darcyburkewrite.

 

If the Duke Dares website link: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares

 

Buy links:

 

Amazon: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-Amz

Apple: https://geni.us/IftheDukeDares-App

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#Review: HER ADVENTURES IN TEMPTATION by Megan Frampton

 

3 of 5 stars

Painter Simeon Jones doesn't enjoy portraits, but he's got to pay the bills so when he's commissioned to paint a viscountess, he would finally have enough money for a while. Unfortunately, a scandal involving the viscountess sends him packing, but he's not alone. Lady Myrtle Allen, the viscount's sister, decides to flee the country estate with Simeon. They agree to a business arrangement--he'll accompany her to London and she'll pay him the lost commission. What could go wrong?

The books in this series have been a hit or miss for me. This one was kind of a miss. I thought Myrtle was so annoying. Is anyone really that clueless? I understand she's brilliant, but she grew up a lady and knows the proper behavior of interacting with the ton. I did like that she wanted to use her mathematical skills to help other women and that was admirable. I liked Simeon a lot more although he could be self-centered when it came to his art, but that can be attributed to his mother's teachings that he must pour all his attention into his artistry. I didn't really feel the romance between these two. It was more about an experiment to see if they could be more brilliant/artistic if they totally focused on it. to the exclusion of everything else. There are some graphic sex scenes, and the HEA didn't happen until the last 10% of the book.

#Review: IT TAKES A RAKE by Anna Bennett

 

4 of 5 stars

Miss Kitty Beckett has learned the hard way not to give her heart away because people always leave her. It's not always their fault, but the result is the same so Kitty has learned to protect her heart and keep everyone at bay. Except for her childhood friend, Leo Lockland who has always been there for her until he wasn't. Another abandonment for Kitty to endure.

Leo Lockland is a talented architect who left his village to pursue a career in architecture. He left in a hurry after finding out a devastating family secret and never said goodbye to anyone, not even Kitty. Now he's back and his feelings for the feisty miss have not changed. He loves her with all his heart, but she's not very welcoming to him when he returns. Now he must find a way to win her heart and make her his forever.

This was a cute story, although a bit far-fetched in some of the plot points. It took a while to warm up to Kitty until well into the book when the author reveals why Kitty keeps everyone at arm's length. I loved Leo more. He was kind, generous, and honorable and never gave up on Kitty. There is a bit of a villain in the story, but it was easily discerned what he was about. All in all, it was an enjoyable story, but there was no great passion, and I don't think I'd read it again.

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

#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.