Tag: Historical Romance (Page 3 of 9)

BOOK REVIEW: A Scoundrel of Her Own (Sinful Wallflowers #3) by Stacy Reid

December 27, 2021 / / 4 Comments
BOOK REVIEW: A Scoundrel of Her Own (Sinful Wallflowers #3) by Stacy ReidA Scoundrel of Her Own (Sinful Wallflowers #3)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lady Ophelia Darby exists in two worlds. In one, she is the impudent, willful daughter of a powerful marquess and darling of the ton. In the other, she moves through the underworld’s shadows as songstress Lady Starlight, protected only by the notoriously wealthy scoundrel Devlin Byrne. But when she stumbles upon her beloved father’s darkest secrets, the line between her two worlds quickly blurs. Now she needs the help of the one man a lady should never trust.

Devlin Byrne stands on the edge of London society, knowing he will never be accepted. No one else knows that his obscene wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. Or that his purpose has golden-brown eyes that shimmer with mischief, the palest of skin, and a lush mouth that beckons to be kissed, and deeply. But having Ophelia is only the beginning of Devlin’s plans.

It’s undeniable that Devlin Byrne is a dangerous temptation―but just as Ophelia begins to trust him, maybe even fall for him, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. And his would lead her down more than just the path of scandal…

Review:

A Scoundrel of Her Own swept me away and was impossible to put down.  The prologue quickly captured my attention and from there I was lost in a beautiful story.  One filled with hope, love, loss, friendship and risks.  This story can easily be read as a standalone and I can’t recommend it enough!

Whether he was the devil in disguise luring her to ruin or an ordinary man, Devlin Byrne held her interest as no one ever had.

Ophelia learned her mother wasn’t who she thought she was.  In her quest to discover her mother, and while moonlighting as Lady Starlight, it set her on a path towards Devlin Blyne.  He was notoriously wealthy but was feared at the same time.  And he offered her protection and safety as she traversed the underworld searching for clues of who her birth mother was.  The more time they spent together, the more impossible it seemed they could ever be apart.

“Why did you learn?”
He wasn’t the typical gentleman about town who was invested in knowing the dance styles for when they ventured into wooing a lady on the marriage mart.
“For this moment.”

I loved Ophelia!  She was headstrong, brave and had the hugest heart!  There were expectations that she was to act in a certain manner, and be around others of her high standing.  But Ophelia didn’t always go along with norms.  Or the standards she should follow.  I loved that she followed her heart instead.  So when Devlin requested a meeting with her and she obliged, my heart beat faster.  And then from there, oh goodness, their star-crossed tale completely enraptured my heart!

“Who would I be if I didn’t meet you, Fifi?” he murmured harshly.  Yet the touch against her cheek was impossibly tender.  “Who am I without you?”

Devlin was someone who was easy to become obsessed with.  He was thoughtful and caring, but he was also dangerous and extremely protective.  No matter how much of the darkness of his world surrounded him, he still felt deeply.  So Devlin definitely didn’t fit into Ophelia’s world.  Yes he was powerful and wealthy, but the ton didn’t respect him since he was a made man.  So I loved how he didn’t follow society’s rules.  But I loved most of all that he only had eyes for Ophelia.

He made her feel safe…cherished, and Ophelia inexplicably knew he would stand before any storm that came her way.  His loyalty was unwavering, and she felt undeserving.
“Hold me tighter, Niall,” Ophelia whispered.  And do not ever let me go.

What slowly started out as acquaintances, led to friendship and then so much more. Together they were sensually seductive. I loved their dance back and forth, you could feel the passion and longing between them. The what ifs. And as they toed and pushed the line that should be between them, because of who they each were in society, they turned scorching hot.  But underneath all of that passion, was a deep and beautiful emotion for one another that was breathtaking.

He broke their embrace and brushed his lips over her nose, then turned and walked toward the exit.  Ophelia stood there watching him, a smile on her face and something entirely unknown wreaking havoc within her heart.

A Scoundrel of Her Own is a must read for all romance lovers.  This story of star-crossed lovers was passionate, emotional and impossible to put down.  This book had the most wonderful HEA and was another huge hit and instant favorite by Stacy Reid!

Conan bounded over to them, surprisingly prowling by her side.  His massive dog reached her waist, and without any showing of fear, she ruffled his head.  Conan purred, and Devlin smiled.
I like her, too, boy.  I like her, too.

PS I loved Devlin’s dog Conan!


*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 Marquess and I (Forever Yours #1) by Stacy Reid

March 3, 2021 / / 6 Comments
BOOK REVIEW: The Marquess and I (Forever Yours #1) by Stacy ReidThe Marquess and I (Forever Yours #1)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son. Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.

Review:

I will be your anchor when you falter…always.

The Marquess and I was a delightful, sexy tale.  I was looking for a book that I could read in one sitting on KU, and this was exactly what I was looking for!  It was amazing how quickly I connected and adored these characters.  If you love second chance and historical romance, then this is the book for you!

Hardly worth remembering? She had dreamed of him at the crest of each dawn and nightfall for years. Memories of past kisses, shared dreams, and nightmares rushed through her, causing her heart to tremble in both fear and joy.

Alasdair Hugh Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe and Lady Willow Rosalind Arlington, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Milton, cared deeply for one another in their younger years.  And while Alasdair wanted them to marry, Willow’s parents would not allow that since he was a third son.  She was to be wed to another.  Six years later, after drastic events to the both of them, they’re near each other again with instant sparks and attraction.  But Alasdair is need of a wife with a substantial dowry and Willow has none.

I missed you. Yet the words would not come.

I loved Willow and Alasdair!  Alasdair was kind, sexy, but his heart still hurt because of Willow’s rejection years ago.  He had plans of ruining her, to help get her out of his system.  But when he discovers that Willow is now blind, from an accident in the past, that pulls at his heartstrings. And Willow?!  You guys, I loved her!  She was brave and strong, but she also sees herself as a burden to others.  They both had so much to learn and grow, with themselves and each other, and the moment they came together again everything changes.

I desire you to touch me, to kiss me, because I crave something more in my life.

This was a beautiful and quick story about two souls who were destined to be together.  I loved seeing that they still cared and trusted one another so deeply.  And I loved watching their story unfold, especially their moment by the lake *fans face*.  Their times together were seductive and sensual and I could have easily stayed with these characters longer.  I highlighted close to half this book, that’s how much I enjoyed this story lol. Now I can’t wait to devour the rest of the books in this series!

BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon

February 9, 2021 / / 6 Comments
BOOK REVIEW: The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva DevonThe Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1)
by Eva Devon
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The marriage game is afoot in this clever blend of My Fair Lady meets Pride and Prejudice with a twist!

Edward Stanhope, the icy Duke of Thornfield, likes his life in a certain order. Give him a strong drink, a good book, and his dog for company, and he’s content. But when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, petting his dog, what starts as a request for her to leave quickly turns to a fiery battle of wits, leading to a steamy kiss that could ruin them both if they were caught.

So of course, damn it all, that’s when Edward’s aunt walks in, and thereafter announces Miss Georgiana Bly is the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Georgiana was content to be a spinster, spending her days reading and working to keep her family out of debt. But now her days are spent locked away with a growly duke, learning how to be the perfect duchess, and her nights spent fighting the undeniable attraction to a man who was never meant for her.

As their wedding day approaches, the attraction between them burns hot and fierce, but is it enough to melt the duke’s chilly facade?

Review:

The Spinster and the Rake was a delightful romance that left me with a smile on my face.  If you’re a fan of historical romance and opposites attracts, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

Georgiana knew she had to simply accept the fact that she was marrying a man who would likely never love her. Who might not even know how to. Still, it was…hard.

Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield, always had women trying to snare him.  Even though he had a cold, icy exterior. So when Edward went into his library, to get away from life for a moment, there was a woman sitting in his chair who refused to leave.  After a verbal sparring and a passionate kiss, which unfortunately had an audience, he was left with the tough decision to make Georgiana the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Vindication coursed through her veins. At long last, she had shaken him and nothing could have felt better in this moment. Not even his kiss.

I loved Georgiana!  She was honest, brave and had a strong head on her shoulders.  I was delighted how vocal Georgiana could be and that she had no filter when it came to talking with Edward.  She definitely kept the Duke on his toes!  But I felt awful for her.  She did not want to be a duchess and people would talk.  Why would a Duke even become engaged to someone like her?  It wasn’t feasible.  But fate has a funny way of intervening in our lives.

“I am not a dog, Your Grace.”
“My dog is obedient and causes me a great deal of happiness. So we can agree on that point. You, Miss Bly, are not a dog.”
She gasped.

Edward was such a mystery to me, and we got to be in his head too.  He seemed judgey and to assume the worst at times.  His walls were built up so high making him a challenge to get to know.  But while he was regal, I loved how Georgiana made him falter and pause at times.  I enjoyed that she was capable of making him see things in other ways, especially in regards to his behavior.  So while it took us a while to get to know him inside and out, it was worth the wait.  As Edward started to come out of his shell to Georgiana, you guys I melted.  There was this other side of him that wanted to make her happy and please her.  Every single tiny gesture or thought Edward did for Georgiana lit up my entire world!

This.
This was what would bring them together, even when everything else was tearing them apart. Of that he was certain.
Her lips parted as she gasped against him.

When Georgiana and Edward were together, they were fire and ice.  I loved watching how they butted heads, but they had to get to know each other.  And it wasn’t a quick process.  They both had so much to learn about not only each other, but what their new future would be like too.  Georgiana would no longer be spending her life as a spinster and Edward wouldn’t be living his life in solitude anymore.  While there was common ground here and there, they had to work to make their relationship grow.  And all the while, the passion between them burned brightly.

Edward wished her to be happy…
Much to his amazement, he wished it with all his heart. But most of all, he hoped they could find happiness together.

The Spinster and the Rake was an entertaining story that romance lovers will enjoy.  And if you love HEAs, you’re going to love the epilogue in this book! It was fabulous!  While Eva Devon is a new to me author, I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!

PS Their game of bowls…..oh my heart that was the moment that gave me so much hope and love in my heart.  They both give a little, have fun and I’m falling in love with them together.

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

INTERVIEW & BOOK REVIEW: Her Wicked Marquess (Sinful Wallflowers #2) by Stacy Reid

January 11, 2021 / / 4 Comments
I absolutely loved Her Wicked Marquess! My 5 Star Review is below along with an interview I got to have with Stacy Reid! Enjoy ♥

INTERVIEW & BOOK REVIEW: Her Wicked Marquess (Sinful Wallflowers #2) by Stacy ReidHer Wicked Marquess (Sinful Wallflowers #2)
by Stacy Reid
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam is too witty and bookish for her own good. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arrange for her to wed a man old enough to be her father. But Maryann is ready to use those wits to turn herself into a sinful wallflower.

When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss Fitzwilliam, tarnishing her own reputation―and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.

Turns out Nicolas allows for the scandal to perpetuate for his own reasons… But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.

Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess

Review:

Her Wicked Marquess was an intricate tale filled with seduction and so much more than meets the eye.  By that first chapter, I was already obsessed and knew that this book was going to be an instant favorite.  The story brimmed with irresistible banter, charm, humor, romance and was so easy to devour.  If you love historical romance, then you definitely need to add this one to your tbr!

She stepped back, and his finger slipped from her chin. Thank heavens. His touch felt… like strokes of flames over her skin, yet it also felt right. It might take her the rest of her life to figure out why she would ever think such a silly thing.

It was the most fabulous of meet cutes.  And from there, the games they played with one another was beyond addicting. Maryann needed to use Nicolas’ name to get out of an engagement. But what she didn’t realize was that by doing so, she linked their fates together.  And once Nicolas truly saw Maryann, there was no walking away from her.  With a woman wanting the freedom to love who she desired and a man set on a path of revenge and redemption, I couldn’t put this book down!

“I thought you were a blazing star that no gentleman has any notion what to do with.”
“Yes, the buffoons,” she murmured, startled at how provocative she sounded.
That finger gently trailed from her nose down to rest against her lips. “I know what to do with every inch of you, Lady Maryann.”

I loved Lady Maryann Eleanor Fitzwilliam!  She was smart, witty and had no problem using her voice.  I loved how she was diplomatic but also willing to take risks, I was mesmerized with how her mind worked!  She was to be married to a man who was her father’s age, and I felt her suffocation for not having control over her own life. So when she came up with the most fabulous of plans, I was clapping my hands!   I loved that she wanted to ruin her name, so her intended wouldn’t want her anymore.  And that’s where Nicolas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, came into the picture.

His kiss destroyed her.
It was unexpected, it was so soft, it was unbelievably tender, and scandalously perfect, for it was just a mere meeting of their mouths, but it felt like everything.

I was obsessed with Nicolas, he was protective, defended others honor and laid his cards on the table for those he cared about.  There was a complexity and darkness to him that enamored me.  So as we were given clues to his past, and witnessed how it affected his present, he easily captivated me.  But in the beginning, I loved seeing his reaction to Maryann spinning her lies about the two of them. It was all so hilarious! He couldn’t help but be intrigued by her and I loved how he saw the truths of what was going on around him. The man was wickedly smart as he was seductive. And when he set his sights on something, he went for it.

Kiss me, she silently implored.
When he made no move, it was her turn to lean in and bite his lower lip. The raindrops on his mouth settled onto her tongue, and with it a taste of dark fire and whiskey.

When Nicolas and Maryann were together, their antics were entertaining, and the sexual tension between them was scorching hot.  It was impossible not to be giddy when they were near each other. Especially since neither of them was what the other expected.  And it added to the depth of them getting to know each other.  As we got further into the story, the descriptive scenes were sinfully seductive *fans face*.

He wanted her, more than he’d ever wanted another soul.

Her Wicked Marquees was exquisitely seductive and laugh out loud hilarious.  From the main characters that I loved with all my heart, to the story that was rich and vivid, to the well-crafted side characters, I loved this book!  And even that ending, it was absolutely perfect!  The epilogue had such a beautiful HEA, and even included two other characters which made my heart so happy!  I probably highlighted over half of this book, that’s how obsessed I was lol.  Now I can’t wait to read more from Stacy Reid!

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

 

Interview:

What’s one thing you hope readers will take away from Her Wicked Marquess? 

I really want my readers to get lost in my stories and the journey of each character, and in the end, I want them to have a smile on their face and pure satisfaction in their hearts. 

 

What is something that we might not know about Maryann or Nicolas?

He does not like snakes either, but he willingly poured out her bucket of critters because he was so captivated by her. Maryann is a huge foodie! Yep, she just loves to eat, especially cake. 

 

What was your favorite quality about Nicolas?

The protective streak he has toward Maryann, the one that pushes him to go to any length to keep her safe and cherished. 

 

Without spoilers, what was your favorite scene to write?

Wow, I have so many. I loved writing this book. I really loved writing that scene when Nicolas sneaked into Maryann’s room for the first time. It really allowed me to show her spunk, her zest for living, and also to delve deeper into the attraction she felt for him. 

 

Can you tell us what book(s) we can look forward to from you in the future?

I am working on Sinful Wallflowers 3, A Rogue of Her Own, Ophelia’s story. I really love it! It might surpass Her Wicked Marquess as being my fave. I also recently finished a single title novel featuring a duke who had been lost in the wilds for over a decade. Man, I cannot wait for it to be in reader’s hands. It is called The Wolf and the Wildflower. 

 

What was the last book you recommended to a friend?

Dark King (Sea Fae book 1) by C.N. Crawford.

 

BOOK REVIEW: To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

October 19, 2020 / / 2 Comments
BOOK REVIEW: To Love and to Loathe by Martha WatersTo Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The author of the “hilarious...joyful, elegant” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) To Have and to Hoax returns with an effervescent, charming, and swoon-worthy novel about a man and woman who never agree on anything—until they agree to a no-strings-attached affair in this Regency-era romp.

The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavorably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

Diana thinks taking him up on his counter-proposal can only help her win her wager. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.

With Martha Waters’s signature “cheeky charm and wonderfully wry wit” (Booklist, starred review), To Love and to Loathe is another clever and delightful historical rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Evie Dunmore.

Review

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I’M OBSESSEDDDDDD.

Okay….As you may remember, I had been sent a link to an e-galley for To Have and To Hoax late last year and almost passed it up because I had never read a historical romance before. Long story short I picked it up on a whim, devoured it in a day and have since went back to read different passages over and over again.

When I found out that this book was being written, I prowled the author’s social media pages and NetGalley/Edelweiss for the day that I would be able to request this baby. BY SOME MAGIC I was approved right away and got down to business.

What I found was that I now completely swear by Martha Waters. I will read literally anything she puts out and you can quote me on that. I mean come on. Not only do I love her writing and characters and stories but she is ALSO a librarian. At this point we’re basically kindred spirits, lol.

But in all honesty, this book was just…..so, so good. I really thought that not much could top her first book but this one truly did. While that one featured a second chance romance where the couple basically played a game with one another to get the other to notice again, and that sort of thing can be really appealing….it can also be kind of frustrating. We as the reader are getting both sides of their stories so we KNOW that they love each other still and we KNOW that what they’re doing is so silly and pointless but until they both come to terms with that, we’re just at the mercy of them getting their heads out of their asses.

THIS ONE THOUGH…..ahhhhh….”enemies” to lovers. This trope will forever hold a special place in my heart. As we saw in To Have and to Hoax, Diana, the young widow who is close friends with Violet, has bet Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, and James’s good friend 100 pounds that he will get married within a year. The two have forever been “at odds,” always at each others throats with a quick witticism or jab to be thrown into what could easily have been a civil conversation.

One day, Jeremy comes to call on Diana with a most embarrassing issue. After sleeping with a married man’s wife, he had been accused of certain shortcomings within the bedroom and proposes that Diana with her no-bullshit attitude (and the fact that she’s a widow) might help him figure out if there was any truth to the woman’s angry words. She reluctantly agrees seeing as that might open the door for her to future lovers (and maybe partly because she MAY have always thought him to be extremely attractive). It all goes down during a country house party that Jeremy has every year.

Between their STEAMY AS HELL encounters, Diana trying to set him up with one Lady Helen (who seems deplorable but also….maybe not?), us learning more about the “true” Jeremy…there was no lacking in ANYTHING. It was funny, it was emotional, it was hot, it gave me butterflies. I loved every single page, paragraph, and sentence of this book and am now pining for more, more, more. Martha, please tell me that we get an EmilyxBelfry book, a SophiexWest book, and maybe even one for Penvale??? I’ll all eyes and ears, lol. 🙂 100% would recommend.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a change to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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