Tag: Historical Romance (Page 2 of 9)

BOOK REVIEW: An Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love #2) by Stacy Reid

August 25, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

An Earl to Remember (Unforgettable Love #2)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Miss Georgianna Eleanor Heyford may be naught but a gentleman’s daughter, but even she’s heard the rumors about the Earl of Stannis’s exceptional charm and good looks. Surely she can cater his luxurious yacht party without getting swept away. But a terrible misunderstanding leaves Georgianna fired, furious, and with little recompense. Which is precisely when her opportunity for vengeance washes ashore…

Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis, has absolutely no memory of who he is. They tell him he must have fallen overboard, and the only person he seems to recognize is the lovely Georgianna―who strikes a chord of familiarity…and the faintest memory of heating his blood. Only now this inelegant, poorly dressed woman claims to be his wife!

But the truth is, Georgianna is finally getting her revenge. The dashing earl will work off the money he owes her and no one will be the wiser. Except the longer he stays with her and her younger sisters, the more it feels like he belongs there. And that perhaps he’d find a forever place in Georgianna’s heart…at least, until his memory returns...

Each book in the Unforgettable Love series is STANDALONE:
* A Matter of Temptation
* An Earl to Remember

Review:

How can I be so silly to wish that this… to wish that you…were real?

This gender swap of Overboard was so much fun! I’m a huge fan of the movie, and I loved seeing so many of the elements play out in the pages! So if you’re a fan of the amnesia trope, historical romance, and love defying all odds, then definitely put this one on your tbr! An Earl to Remember was charming, steamy and absolutely entertaining.

“You and Hetty are good friends, Mr. Stannis. I am certain she misses you.”
“Hetty? The fowl has a name?”
“Yes.”
He paused and stared at her carefully bent head and subtly shifting shoulders. Was Miss Heyford laughing?

Miss Georgianna Eleanor Heyford seemed to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was responsible for caring for her three younger sisters, since her parents had passed away. When she got a job catering for Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis, her sister was worried. Daniel had the reputation of a rake. So when a moment between Daniel and Georgie quickly escalated, she got to see his true colors afterwards. How he thought of those with her station. How anything physical meant nothing to him. And how he had no problem not paying her the full amount of her work, all because his lover was jealous. When Daniel washed up on the shores and in her cousin’s doctors office, Georgie took charge of her life. She saved herself from being ruined and was going to have Daniel payback what he owed her by working around her house.

As Georgianna watched him retreat from the kitchen, she realized that not once in the madness of this scheme had she feared her heart or virtue might be in peril with the earl. How foolish she had been.
Oh God, I must never allow him too close.

Georgie was a woman who was determined to get what she wanted. When Daniel recognized Georgie, it went along perfectly with the lies she created while also mixing in a little bit of the truth from time to time. The strawberry birthmark was the first of many moments that had me loving this book even more, because of the ties to Overboard! So I was cackling every time Georgie messed with Daniel. She told him he was broke. She gave him a huge list of chores he was to do around the house and land. The shock that came from Daniel had me dying from laughter. A man like him chasing around a chicken? Breaking up a pig and chicken fight? It was all so much fun! He definitely got what he deserved! Yet Daniel did it all without complaints. He worked from sun up to sun down to take care of his wife and family.

Laughter pealed from her, and he realized he had wiped whatever the hell was on his hand on his face. His mouth curved in an unwilling smile. “I cannot help feeling as if I am in a special hell and wonder what I did, hmm?”
She stilled, staring at him with wide eyes.

Daniel went from someone I loathed to someone that made my heart cheer with how he took care of his family. I loved watching his transformation. I loved that he showed us he was capable of being a good and honest man. That he respected Georgie. And how he became someone she could depend on. Whether it was the emotional weight Georgie carried, or helping around the house, he was kind to her. He always tried to do what was best for her. So when he kissed her, as her “husband”, my heart soared. And the moment he defended someone’s honor, that was it. I was a goner. There was no way I couldn’t fall head over heels in love with Daniel!

“Are you saying you believe in me?”
This was asked with such incredulity, a rush of amusement went through him. “Is the idea so astonishing to you, wife?”

I liked Georgie right away, even when she was tricking Daniel. I may have judged her lol, but I definitely didn’t fault her for the decision she made. As she became friends with Daniel, liked him and relied on him, I was terrified for her. This was not her true life. And while she knew she should tell him the truth, she couldn’t. She was attached. So I held my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop and it all to blow up in Georgie’s face. And when it did, I didn’t see it going that way and my mouth was left hanging wide open!

“Have you ever wanted something so much it hurt to want it, and you also feel incredibly foolish because you know it is not yours to have and it will never be?”
The lines of his face sharpened as he leaned in closer. “Tell me what it is you want, wife, and I will give it to you,” he vowed, his gaze steady on hers.
It is you.

One of my favorite things about this book was that Daniel’s dirty mouth was phenomenal! He had a way with words that made things erotic and crated so much heat. So there were plenty of scenes in this book that were seductive and steamy. The details had me fanning my face, they were explicitly hot! And in all, it was the perfect amount for this story! Another thing I loved was Georgie’s younger siblings Anna and Sarah. They were so adorable, and I loved watching Daniel connect with them. And Lizzie, while older and was someone Georgie could confide in, she had a tiny little story that made my heart so happy! Add in that we got to see Simon and Minas from the previous book A Matter of Temptation, aww I loved it all! Just know that you definitely don’t have to read the previous one before this!

“I miss the taste of you.” The words came from him before he had the presence of mind to censure his desire.

While alternating between Daniel and Georgie, this book was so much fun! An Earl to Remember had the most fabulous of endings and the epilogue will make readers close this book smiling! I can’t wait to see what Stacy writes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid

February 27, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
USA Today bestselling author Stacy Reid’s addictive tale of two lost people who are found…by each other

London is buzzing with the news that James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton—thought lost at sea a decade ago—survived in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon. Now he’s been returned to his family, his responsibilities, and a nightmarish world of artifice and noise. He has three weeks to become a refined, elegant duke for the Queen…or doom the entire family to ruin and scandal.

Promising psychologist Jules Southby knows a lot about disguises. She’s secretly been living as a boy since birth, enjoying the freedoms of men and knowing little about how to behave like a woman. When she meets the alluring duke, she’s unprepared for his raw, masculine beauty and icy intelligence…or that he can see through her darkest secret.

Jules has very little time to transform the duke into a true semblance of an English gentleman. Yet his very presence seems to unravel her in every way. Their attraction is stark and achingly real—and forbidden. But loving the lost duke would mean losing every sacrifice she’s made to earn her freedom…

Review:

The Wolf and the Wildflower was a charming historical romance! Jules Southby had lived her life as a lie. For the past 24 years, the world thought that she was a man. Her mother did it out of self-preservation, since her father wanted a boy. Yet Jules seemed happy with furthering her education and working in the psychology field. Two things that were not allowed for women back then. When Jules and her father were hired to help James Winters become refined within three weeks, they thought they were taking on an intriguing case. Yet Jules and James didn’t realize that from the moment they met, both of their lives would be changed forever.

“Were you not alone, Your Grace?”
Painfully so. Yet James would never admit that. Instead, he murmured, “I had the ice-capped mountains and the trees. At other times I had wolves and bears. I had nature and the call of the wild. Those were enough.”

James Leopold Winters, the Duke of Wulverton, and the Earl of Lydon was 18 years old when he was lost in the wild. For the last 10 years he had struggled to survive. Alone, in a freezing environment and with danger at every turn. Now that he was back with his family, he still felt all alone. His family treated him like he was a savage and at times talked around him as if he wasn’t even there. It was as though he was an animal in the zoo and they were studying him. They struggled that James didn’t want to be touched and refused to talk about what he went through when he was gone. But James was loyal and didn’t want to make his mom unhappy, so he agreed to see a doctor of the mind.

Wildflower? Jules’s heart shook, and she lowered her head to hide her expression. “Is this to be my new moniker, Your Grace?”
“It suits.”
Do not ask, it is unimportant.

My heart hurt for Jules. When Jules had mentioned in the past about living as a girl, her mother begged her not to and to keep up the lie. Yet at the same point, she was terrified that if she did announce she was a girl that her father wouldn’t want to share his studies with her anymore. Ironically from the moment that James met Jules, he was the first who could see through her disguise. And they struck a deal to keep one another’s secrets. From that first meeting I could see that they were kindred souls and they were both so alone. As they spent time around each other, I loved watching when Jules was able to get through to James with her insight and knowledge. It felt monumental! She was so brilliant and I loved how she explained things to him. As time went by, they both shared things about themselves that no one else knew. And whenever James did that, it felt like he was giving little pieces of himself to Jules. It was impossible not to fall for him!

James turned away from her and started walking. A feeling he did not understand hooked into him, and he paused. “Run with me, Wildflower?”
“Yes,” she said softly.

The banter between Jules and James was fabulous! It was much needed with the heaviness in the air about both of their lives. Jules living a lie and James’ gut wrenching past. It hurt that they both tried to shove down love. But when they were around each other, it felt like they were being given a fresh start. So I loved that he called her Wildflower and why that word was important to him. I loved how patient, kind and thoughtful James could be with Jules. And when they did become more, their moments together were racy, steamy and sooo hot! Alternating between the two of them gave us the best of both worlds and I loved hearing their different thoughts. Especially during their intimate moments. Yet I do need to mention that this story took quite a few times of suspending ones belief. I thought if I could read about vampires and werewolves, I didn’t see why I would struggle here and I was so right!

“What are you thinking now, James?”
“That I want my Wildflower to touch me and that perhaps I wish to touch her as well. Skin to skin, without any gloves on our hands.”
Jules’s heart stuttered inside her chest. His wildflower?

Joy and heartache were laced through the pages making The Wolf and the Wildflower so easy to devour. The story was filled with secrets, jealousy, friendship, love and so much heart! And James and Jules story ended with a wonderful epilogue, with a peak into the future. Now I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that James’ younger sister gets her own book hopefully. She seemed completely fascinating to me!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Duke in Question (Daring Dukes #3) by Amalie Howard

December 9, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

The Duke in Question (Daring Dukes #3)
by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This lady is not at all a paragon of society…

Lady Bronwyn Chase leaves London on her brother's passenger liner bound for America with a packet of secret letters that could get her into trouble. Serious trouble―the kind a duke's sister shouldn't be in; the kind that puts spymaster Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury, on her trail. But as the duke gets closer to Bronwyn and the secrets she's keeping, he'll have to decide between the mysterious woman who calls to him, or his allegiance to the Crown.

Review:

The Duke in Question was a quick paced book that will keep you on your toes! But as the story unfolded, there were so many moments between the characters that stole my heart. It was impossible not to fall in love with this writing. Weave that with a brothers best friend trope and an opposites attract, and this book ended up being so much fun!

He was her brother’s friend! And a former British undercover agent. A man who would put her in handcuffs without blinking. A different scenario involving restraints— a much naughtier one with rather less clothing— crept into her mind, and she felt her face flame. Did he carry handcuffs?
Stop it, stop it, stop it.

Bronwyn was so effortless to adore in the previous book, Rules for Heiresses. While you could easily read this book as a standalone, there were some bigger plot ideas that tie back into the second book. Bronwyn was clever, kind and jumped right in to help others. With her latest task, Bronwyn landed on her brother’s passenger liner with hidden documents traveling to America. Lord Valentine Medford, the Duke of Thornbury and retired agent of the Crown, was on that ship too. He was trying to find Kestral, a spy who was in fact Bronwyn. What unfolded were moments that were mischievousness, heart racing and sexy.

He ground his jaw and cursed under his breath.
He’d underestimated her… again.

Bronwyn was so clever and her thoughts were addictive. She acted and played the part as someone who was shallow. It allowed her to distract Valentine with what she was truly doing. She messed with him in the best of ways and it was laugh worthy since he bought her act so easily. I loved how she knew she had the upper hand. And I loved even more that she teased him seductively. Valentine would get so aggravated and irritated by Bronwyn, it was hilarious! Their banter was addictive and steamy at the same time. Yet I kept waiting for that moment that he would see through her act and I was a little nervous for Bronwyn since she was playing with fire.

What would his lips taste like? Coated in whisky? Like sin and stupidity.

As the story unfolded, Bronwyn wanted to trust Thornbury, but she knew his allegiance was to the crown. They had a delicious push and pull. And when it came to more, I was shocked that she was a virgin because the things she did oh wow! Their moments were hot and filled with so much passion! Yet they were the ultimate of opposites attract. Bronwyn was so joyous and happy, and Thornbury was such a grump lol. But with rescuing, saving lives and putting the pieces together, this story constantly kept me curious with what would happen next!

It didn’t matter that they were in a race for their lives or what was at stake. All she could think of was the firm press of his lips, the delicious scrape of his stubble on her chin, and that dark, sinful flavor that was all his.

Historical romance fans of bold and brave women, men who will dive head first into danger to protect those they care for and witty dialogue will adore The Duke in Question. There were also side characters that were fleshed out wonderfully and added so much to this story. And those seeking a happily ever after, will love the fabulous epilogue we were given! This is my second book by Amalie Howard and I look forward to reading so many more!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2) by Eva Devon

August 21, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower #2)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Shakespeare meets Bridgerton in this witty and lively marriage-of-inconvenience romance.

As far as William Easton―the Duke of Blackheath―is concerned, love can go to the devil. Why would a man need passion when he has wealth, a stately home, and work to occupy his mind? But no one warned him that a fiery and frustratingly strong-willed activist like Lady Beatrice Haven could find a way to get under his skin...and that he might enjoy it.

Lady Beatrice is determined to never marry. Ever. She would much rather fight for the rights of women and provoke the darkly handsome Duke of Blackheath, even if he does claim to be forward-thinking. After all, dukes―even gorgeous ones―are the enemy. So why does she feel such enjoyment from their heated exchanges?

But everything changes when Beatrice finds herself suddenly without fortune, a husband, or even a home. Now her future depends on the very man who sets her blood boiling. Because in order to protect his esteemed rival, the Duke of Blackheath has asked for Beatrice’s hand, inviting his once-enemy into his home...and his bed.

Each book in the Never a Wallflower series is STANDALONE:
* The Spinster and the Rake
* Much Ado About Dukes
* The Duke's Secret Cinderella

Review:

Much Ado About Dukes was romantic, charming and impossible to put down! With characters that were full of life, a story-line that kept me turning the pages faster and an ending I adored, this book was everything! If you love historical romance or adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life!

His head lowered ever so slightly. “Are you blackmailing me?” And then he smiled, a beautiful, teasing, devastating sort of smile. “Are you going to make every family dinner a complete catastrophe until I agree?”
She cocked her head to the side. “Possibly.”

Beatrice was convinced that love was never in her future. Being raised by her Uncle, and having her cousin as a best friend, she was happily living her life and speaking out about women’s rights. But when her fortune disappeared, she found herself in trouble and complete disarray. To the rescue came Will. William Easton, the Duke of Blackhearth, was the man she wrote to about women’s rights and never heard back from. He was a formidable presence and she was convinced he was the enemy. But when he proposed they marry and that they would both avoid the pitfalls of love, Beatrice paused to consider and I was already addicted!

“Perhaps we have more in common than we thought,” he said softly.
“The horror,” she teased before she inclined her head. “Who’d have thought it?”

Beatrice made a name for herself and she seemed so put together, driven and I loved that she would never settle for less when it came to love. She had seen how much her parents truly loved one another, before they died, and she only wanted that. She was perfectly content remaining single and I loved the relationship she had with her cousin, Margaret. They truly loved and cared for one another. Yet, Beatrice felt so lonely. Except when Will was in her vicinity, her life felt less lonely and fierier during those moments!

There was only one word for her.
Magnificent.
He did not know what he had expected, but this was not it. She was a positive force of a woman, and he was… stunned.

I am officially obsessed with William Easton, the Duke of Blackheath! To a stranger he could come across as focused on his work and maybe closed off, but getting to see the side of him with his brothers….ohhhh there was so much to Will! He was such a good guy *cries because I want to steal him from the pages!*. I loved the interactions he had with his brothers but I loved even more all of Will’s thoughts that we got to hear as we alternated between him and Beatrice. He proved again and again why he was trustworthy and good. He apologized. He stood up. He surprised Beatrice time and again. But best of all he could joke and tease her, and those moments made my heart beat faster! Will was considerate, thoughtful, kind and extremely sexy.

“Beatrice, we shall make London quake underneath our polished boots, for you and I can make the world sit up and take notice. Nothing will ever be the same.”
How right he surely was.

Much Ado About Dukes made me laugh out loud and smile! The banter between Beatrice and Will was so much fun and I loved how it showed their other sides! From the moment they met, there was chemistry and the tension between them that was electrifying. But they were both weary of love. So the moments they caused each other to faulter was exciting and left me hoping for more! And as they spent more time around each other, they helped each other see who they truly were and open their eyes to the ways of the world. I loved that they brought out the best from each other. When their moment together led to more, this book was sensually seductive!

Will smiled down at her.
She met that smile with one of her own. A smile full of determination to succeed.
Yes, this was the beginning of something beautiful, and he would not let them fail.

Much Ado About Dukes was romantically addictive! I loved the way this book unfolded, I loved the moments that tugged at my heart and I also love that it made me scream out loud for how something played out. This book constantly pulled on my emotions! And fyi, you definitely don’t have to read the first book in this series to enjoy this one! I just have to say one more thing…. I absolutely loved Ben, Will’s brother. He needs his own book please!

She beamed at him. “Together?” she whispered. “How can we lose?”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

May 18, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard whisks you away with a historical romance full of drama, true love, and the perfect happily ever after. Readers will devour this tale of:

A rebellious heiress determined to be independent
A shunned duke forced to return to his family estate
And a scandal between them that will have the whole town aflutter

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away―even if brash and foolhardy―is the only option left to secure her independence.

Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.

Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all...

Review:

Rules for Heiresses was absolutely captivating! With friendship, romance and charm, I adored this book! These characters pulled me in so easily and it felt like I was watching a movie unfold! If you love adult historical romance, fierce heroines and tortured male characters then you definitely need to check this one out!

“Ravenna.”
“Yes?” she said, breathless.
“I will always value your opinion.”
On that shockingly solemn pronouncement, he hauled her gracefully upright amid deafening cheers, and Ravenna let out a shuddering breath.

Lady Ravenna Huntley and Lord Courtland Chase had been arranged to marry since infancy. When he left eleven years ago, she thought he had died. So meeting years later, under the most unusual circumstances, it was impossible not to smile. Their meet cute was shocking and so much fun! Even after so much time had passed, they not only still had a connection but there was also an intense attraction and chemistry too! When Ravenna and Courtland were caught in a compromising position and forced to wed, I was clapping my hands excited for what would happen next!

“People are staring,” she murmured.
He lifted her gloved hand to his lips. “Let them.”

I loved Lady Ravenna Huntley! She was independent, fierce, level headed and knew what she wanted in life. And I adored the relationship she had with her sister-in-law. When Lord Courtland Chase waltzed back into her life, I was obsessed! He could be so grumpy, closed off and pushed others away. But with Lady Ravenna, he constantly found himself drawn to her. Even though he tried his best to push her away too. Courtland antagonized her which made me laugh, but there was that intense tension between them that neither of them could deny. So when they traveled back home, we started seeing an even bigger picture. This book had a richness and depth to it that surprised me!

“Save us both the trouble and tell me what it is you want from me, Your Grace.”
Your body. Your consent. Your surrender.
But none of those things were his to demand. Courtland blew out a breath.

At the core of this story was Courtland and Ravenna. And as they stepped back into their lives, I loved watching not only him defending her, but that she also stood up for him too. Together they felt like a team, but Courtland was so damaged from his past. And I kept hoping he would open up and trust Ravenna. Because when they got along it felt like the sun was brilliantly shining, it was smile inducing! And their moments together later on were hot and very steamy! They are a couple you will definitely be cheering for every step of the way!

“What do you do to me?” he bit out, breaking from her.
“The same you do to me.” Her fingers threaded through his wet hair, those singular eyes on his, molten and wanting. She tugged, a devious smile on her lips. “Kiss me again, Duke.”

Rules for Heiresses was my first read by Amalie Howard and I will definitely be bingeing her back-list! The story not only kept me intrigued but the characters felt so real! If you enjoy historical romance, steamy moments and meaningful story-lines then you’ll want Rules for Heiresses on your tbr!

“You are neither misfortune nor ruin, Courtland Chase. You’re the star… the light that brightens everything it touches. It’s time you saw that.”

PS Bronwyn needs her own book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*