Tag: Historical Romance (Page 2 of 8)

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

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

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

BOOK REVIEW: Rules for Heiresses by Amalie HowardRules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
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.*

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

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: AmazoniBooks
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

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!

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