This story initially captivated me with the intriguing premise of Edgar, seeking a unconventional partner, encountering the brilliant and unconventional Lucy Belgrave. Their idyllic retreat to Aunt Margaret's country estate, where they collaborate in the laboratory, fostered a genuine connection. However, the novel's potential was squandered by a repetitive narrative. Lucy, a victim of her condescending parents' attempts to marry her off, and her controlling fiancé, grapples with societal expectations. Edgar, determined to win her back, embarks on a predictable campaign to showcase her scientific brilliance. Unfortunately, this strategy dominates the latter portion of the book, becoming tedious and repetitive. Ultimately, Edgar's actions create a scandal he wanted to avoid, undermining his efforts and leaving this reader thinking he should have done all of this in the first place.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2025. I read mostly Advanced Reader Copies and all reviews are my own opinion. Feel free to contact me if you have a questions or want me to read one of your books. Please post to my blog and/or subscribe. I love hearing from you! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come! May God bless and keep you this year!
Featured Post
Wedded to the Wicked Highlander by Lydia Kendall
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A spirited story of a woman defying expectations. After her husband's death, her domineering brother arranges a marriage ...
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Lead Me Into Temptation (Gold Dust Brides Book 1) by Devon McKay
Although, this mail order bride story has a unique plot twist. These two have no respect for or are willing to honor the agreement to the mail order bride contract. In fact, the author completely ignores that fact all through the story as these two wander far from home and to a wild west mining town nicknamed"Hangtown". There are no repercussions for their behavior from the wronged party. In fact, both Garrett and Violet irritated me throughout the whole story. These two deserve each other for the selfish creatures that they are. All Garrett cares about is what he can get for himself and Violet's attitude is to find her father regardless of who she swindles or hurts. In fact, Garrett should have tied her up when he found her the first time and dropped her off at his father's ranch. Instead, well, you'll have to read the book.
Friday, December 27, 2024
An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl (Marriage Mart Scandals Book 2) by Amanda Stones
Despite the arranged nature of their marriage, Emmeline yearns for a genuine connection with Andrew, a marriage built on shared interests and perhaps even love. While initially aloof, Andrew displays unexpected moments of kindness and concern, leaving Emmeline both intrigued and confused. A palpable sense of unease pervades the estate, a 'darkness' that intensifies with the arrival of his unsettling cousins. As Andrew's mother falls ill and Emmeline stumbles upon clues to a hidden treasure, they are drawn into a shared investigation. The intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists, kept me captivated.The mystery deepened far beyond what I initially anticipated. The true villain and their connection to Andrew's past were a shocking revelation. This is a riveting read for anyone who enjoys a blend of historical romance and thrilling mystery.
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Christmas Cold Case: A Christian Romantic Suspense Novella (A Twin Oaks Christmas) by Sarah Hamaker
Noelle's return to Twin Oaks to investigate her parents' unsolved murder begins with a sense of quiet determination. However, her pursuit of justice quickly escalates into a dangerous game. As she delves deeper, facing vandalism and even an attempted hit-and-run, the attorney managing her parents' property becomes her unlikely protector. A budding romance with David further complicates her investigation as they work together to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths. While the eventual revelation of the killer's motive might seem a bit outlandish, it underscores the chilling reality that even the most seemingly stable families can harbor dark secrets. Despite this, the story delivers a satisfying conclusion and proves to be an engaging read.
A Wicked Earl’s Secret Baby (Lustful Lords and Ladies) by Emily Honeyfield
This story with the plot alone is scandalous. Dorian is sent away by his father with his sister's manipulations. Claire is left pregnant and marries the Vicar to avoid a scandal. Six years later, Dorian returns home when his father passes away. Claire's husband is dead and Dorian wants the truth of why she married the Vicar. As far as I was concerned Dorian was too lenient on his sister and with her power plays should have sent her to Bedlam. The woman had to be insane if she thought she could run the earldom, or manipulate a brother who hates the way she treats him. After learning what she did to Claire should have sealed the deal. The characters are confused by what time has done to them, but I found Dorian to be weak in character. He continues to allow his sister to run amok when he returns home, and yell and manipulate him. Like allowing a ball two weeks after they buried their father, this is in such bad taste and scandalous. Although, the author totally ignores this fact of how society would react to this impropriety. I was left with such anger that the fact these two reunited after all of this was overshadowed by the villainous and evil sister. In fact, the way this story was written, it didn't matter if these two reunited only that the sister was stopped.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
The Penitent Duke (The Untamed Nobles 1) by Sally Forbes
Her Guarded Duke (Dukes of Distinction Book 1) by Julia Thorne
A Mansion's Secrets: A Mystery Novella by H. E. Harper
Saturday, December 21, 2024
An Arranged Marriage with a Beast (Marriage Mart Scandals Book 1) by Amanda Stones
Through pain and anger, a man justifies his behavior by being cruel and rude to those around him. His only course for marriage is to arrange one for himself. Trent is beastly and will not give up his past. Arabella is a ligh in the darkness. I loved that Arabella stood up for herself, yet tried to make an unpleasant situation into a life that she could live contently in. It's not an easy task when your husband is known as "Beast". I loved Arabella, but began to like Trent when he started letting Arabella into his life. The story is heartaching in places, but love restores the darkness.
Finding Miss Giles (Hearts of the Hall Book 1) by Philippa Jane Keyworth
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Fairy Tale Christmas: Water of Life by Nancy J. Farrier
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monday, December 2, 2024
The Poet and the Earl Next Door: An Age Gap Friends to Lovers Secret Identity Clean Regency Romance by Kristina Earl
A Colorful Life Kindle Edition by Melissa Storm
This story is told from multiple perspectives, but primarily focuses on Daly, the stifled artist. We rarely see the story through the eyes of the mother or Hannah, the pregnant single mother. The narrative follows Daly's journey from a life of monotony to a colorful existence filled with love and passion. She finds joy in her relationship with her Indian boyfriend in New Delhi and through her connection with Laine and Hannah's newfound happiness. Hannah's character serves as a catalyst, demonstrating to both Daly and Laine the transformative power of faith. While the story has some instances of run-on sentences, and the frequent shifts in perspective can occasionally disrupt the flow, the overall message of hope and redemption is compelling.
Saturday, November 30, 2024
The Final Assignment: Mila K. Mysteries (The Mila K. Mysteries Book 1) by K.C. Brennan
This is a great little cozy mystery that takes place in the Soviet Union. As soon as Mila gets her new post at the University of Chernivtsi, a rare book is stolen, and the detective points the finger at her. Of course, she is determined to prove her innocence and discovers that the book is more dangerous than interesting. This one is interesting because Mila uses her academic knowledge to investigate why the book was stolen, pointing out that she had no reason to steal it. The investigation leads her to one man, and this is where the story gets truly exciting.
Christmas Eve Surprise by Misha Quinn
There is nothing extraordinary about this woman being surprised by who dressed up as Santa. Just a meeting where a man lets a woman realize what he feels for her. The story is very short and can only be obtained if you subscribe to Misha Quinn's newsletter. It was okay and I wasn't impressed.
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
SEALed By Fate: A Clean/Closed-Door Second Chance Suspenseful Military Romance (SEAL Heroes Series Book 1) by Hayden Layne
Sealed by Fate" starts with a promising premise: a thrilling rescue mission to save a kidnapped friend. However, the novel quickly veers away from the suspenseful action, instead focusing on the rekindled romance between the main characters, Kendall and Brock. While the character development and exploration of themes like love and loyalty are commendable, the novel's failure to deliver on its central plot line is a significant misstep. Overall, "Sealed by Fate" is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. While it may offer some emotional depth, it ultimately falls short of an excellent climactic ending.
Monday, November 25, 2024
Espresso Your Love (The Coffee Loft Series: Fall Collection) by Bella Greene
Mail Order Mishap by Jenna Brandt
This story is a little mischievous and straight forward. Elizabeth is a feminist for the suffrage movement, but her relative sends her to her brother to watch over Elizabeth after some serious mistakes made in Boston Society. Elisabeth is a strong-willed and intelligent woman ahead of her time. Her passion for women's suffrage adds depth and complexity to her character. Jake is ready to settle down and is waiting for his mail-order bride to arrive. Jake is a rugged and charming man who is initially put out by Elizabeth's manner after her mishap but is gradually won over by Elizabeth's spirit. His character arc is both humorous and heartwarming. One mishap has these two meeting and their romance takes-off from there. Two things that could have been written better was the scene where the men were protesting her women's suffrage meeting. The scene itself was intense, but the sheriff just arresting the men was a little too neat. The arrival of the mail-order bride should have had more drama. The mail-order bride could arrive during some dangerous event.By exploring these ideas, the scene could have had more dramatic and engaging scenes that would have kept me more hooked. The romance is sweet and Jake falling in love on second-sight is funny after his first encounter with Miss Elizabeth. It's a nice cozy read.
Snowflakes and Scandals: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology by Heather Boyd, Elizabeth Cole, Bronwen Evans, Caroline Linden, Eliza Lloyd, Suzanna Medeiros, Barbara Monajem, Ella Quinn, Lana Williams
Bronwen Evans' Betrothed by Christmas is a delightful holiday romance that warms the heart. The children's matchmaking scheme is both endearing and humorous. I particularly enjoyed the scene where the daughter created a call to her father and ended up leaving them both alone after he arrived. The author's skillful portrayal of the characters' blossoming love story had my heart warming. The Duke and Eleanor's slow-burn romance is beautifully developed, with each character's inner struggles and hopes for love shining through.
While the novella could have benefited from a bit more depth in the secondary characters, the central romance is captivating. Betrothed by Christmas is a perfect read for curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and losing yourself in a heartwarming tale of love and second chances.
Monday, November 18, 2024
The Scarred Lady’s Broken Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Scandals and Second Chances Book 3) by Martha Barwood
One woman withdrawn from society because of the death of her fiance and a man who blames himself for his own brother's death. When these two meet, they break through their walls of grief to wanting to live again. Their love rises to the challenges of machinations of society. It is a wonderful story covering the grief that each one of us carries as we try to move on with the living.
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Examining Their Bond: Resident Doctor, Friend-to-Love, Suspenseful Christian Romance (First Responders of Faith Valley Book 12) by Jenna Brandt
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Cora: An Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, Enemies-to-Lovers Victorian Romance (Virtue & Vice Book 4) by Carrie Lomax
Cora is ruined by a man who could not offer for her, then twelve years later he ruins her family so he can save her family by marrying Cora. This man is totally selfish and made this woman wait 12 years as a ruined woman before offering her marriage. Although, she ultimately forgives him, this man is unworthy of any woman. I detest bullies and men who seek to destroy others for their own gain. The author tries to pass this man off as decent but he is just another bully and pompous fool despite his desire for this woman. Although, Cora is a great heroine, Gideon Wentworth is not worth the ground that Cora walks on.
The Witness Rescue: A K9 Handler Romance (Disaster City Search and Rescue, Book 34) by Jenna Brandt
This story dealt with a lot of serious issues while keeping the story lighter than WITSEC stories tend to be. The climax was intense and the ending surprising. Alex and Everly's characters are well written and this was a slow burn as they renewed their old relationship. Love makes compromises.
I Kissed an Earl (and I Liked It) (That Wicked O'Shea Family Book 1) by Merry Farmer
This story is a fun romp and the main characters are not bogged down by society's rules. The matches are all twisted up and it's up to our main characters to marry the right partner. It's a ride into fun and a little mayhem.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Prescription from the Heart; Small Town Romance by Sisi Bee
The story is heartfelt and filled with past hurt and loss. Emily is a woman full of love to give and Hanna and John need that love in their lives. I'm not quite sure how they go so fast from friends to lovers, but the ending is sweet.
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Highlander’s Lost Heir by Fiona Faris
The story is really intense from the first page to the last. One man is good and honorable, the other is immature and selfish. Aileen grew up with both men, but has only loved Brohein. The story takes some serious twists and becomes very complicated. It is action-packed and relationships are very complicated along with the complex characters written for this story. It begins with two men vying for the love of a woman. The main thing that impressed me is Aileen always knew who and what she wanted and never strayed from her heart. The major twist in this story will change the course of two clans.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Just Right by A.M. Heath
This story has an insane plot and the story line is just above crazy. Three family members move into Georgia's house and one of them is her ex-boyfriend who is trying to get her back. The brother of the boyfriend is falling crazy in love with Georgia while the sister just sits back and smiles. The sister is without personality or character sustainability. It's a shame because the other three main characters have sturdy personalities and are vivacious, while the sister acts like she doesn't exist. The chemistry between Matthew and Georgia is intense.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Seasons of Scotland #0.5 To Love a Laird by Sophia Nye
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an excellent novella about loyalty and family. As a woman in medieval times, are you loyal to the family you were born to or the family you are married to. Nora learns that love is the deciding factor.
Wild Fever (Chiasson Book 1) by Donna Grant
This story is more erotic than paranormal. I'm not even sure what the relationship between these two is, only that they desire each other. The storyline is clear, but the story is just background for the erotica
Friday, October 11, 2024
Christmas in Nutfield: (Nutfield Saga) by Robin Patchen
There are two stories in this book. The first one is about Daniel Nolan from Innocent Lies. The second is about the Caro Neely from Convenient Lies.
Sleigh Bells & Stalkers
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a reverse stalker where the female is stalking the guy. Daniel blows it off because she is a woman and doesn't see her as dangerous, until she slashes his tires with a large and sharp knife. The story takes off from there because a woman scorn is not going to hurt the man, but the people he loves. The story is intense and the climax held me on the edge of my seat.
One Christmas Night
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blake Carmichael is an actor who moves to Nutfield to try to get a second chance with his son. Carly is the aunt of the girl that Eli takes off with to Boston for a concert. Blake and Carly find common ground on the ride to Boston as they search the concert venue for Eli and Kyleigh. The story is not as intense as the first story, but danger lurks at a concert full of drug users for two unsuspecting teens. By the end of this story love shines through for Carly and Blake and a chance of restoration of Blake's relationship with his son.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Highlander of Wrath: A Highlanders Historical Romance Novel (Highland Brides Secret Society Book 1) by Eloise Madigan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This story started out well and the main characters on the island are well written. The story gets a little off track and finally derails when Bridget's parents and fiancé find her. In the end, when Ewan saves her from the villainy of her fiancé, he should have sunk that ship. People like that don't deserve to live. It's a wonder how nice people actually emerge from indifferent nd abusive parents.
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Murder in Silver Mesa by Ashleigh Quinn (Free book for newsletter readers)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a good little cozy mystery with the right notes. The bookshop owner is a blast with all her bookly quirks. The cop on the case gives up trying to keep her out of the investigation when none of the towns people will talk to him unless Jane is there. This is a fun murder mystery with a little rom-com thrown in.
Monday, October 7, 2024
Until Now: A Wildflower Lake Prequel Novella By Lauren Elizabeth
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s a story of unrequited love and a story of self deprecation. Kate allows her boyfriend to use and abuse her in the name of what is good for his career. She doesn’t recognize Steven from high school but he does and hires her in the college bookstore. He has one chance with when she invites him to her boyfriends gala. The story is poignant and addresses a lot of issues that women subject themselves to in the name of love. I wanted to slap Kate into seeing what her egotistical selfish boyfriend does to her as he twist his truth to manipulate Kate into his life even trying to change her career for his life. Love is kind and is not selfish. This story surely proves that line in the Bible.
The Wicked Abductor (Blackhaven Brides, #9.6) by Mary Lancaster
The title of this book should be “The Not So Wicked Abductor”. After he abducts her he returns her home. I guess when you really love someone. You do what they ask of you. It’s a fun romp of love and silly parents. In the end, the girl gets the suitor she wants.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
An Inconvenient Ward (A Regency Romance): Inconvenient Trilogy - Book 1 By Audrey Harrison
A reclusive gentleman forced to be a ward to a woman until she reaches her majority finds himself entranced by the gregarious nature of t her. He talks her into a season and will give her an estate afterwards. He finds himself in love with her. The story is intense in parts and the Earl is a remains a gentleman even when his desire for her gets him to kiss her or run off gentleman from her side. You can feel the chemistry between the two as the story progresses and know that the Earl will wait for her majority. I’m glad the the author kept him to his moral code.
Fiancé for the Night (One Night to Forever, #1) by Melissa McClone
One fake engagement and love strikes ago. Typical storyline but these two fall in love after one night and keep the farce up for her family. I was getting angry with Tyrell because he was afraid of who her father was and what he could do to Tyrel’s career if he found out. Our boho bride who started this whole fiasco kept it because of guilt. Eventually the author untangled this duo only for them to realize they loved and needed each other. It’s a nice plot written well. It’s enjoyable with even all the angst. It’s a nice read.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Barely a Bride (Free Fellows League #1) by Rebecca Hagan Lee
I throughly enjoyed this romp about two stubborn independent individuals. These two find that they actually enjoy being in each other’s arms even though both knew what they signed up for. The characters are bright and engaging, and what they desired before they married is not what they need after the war. Love is not defined by expectations but by the unconditional acceptance of each other even when circumstances change who we are.
Friday, October 4, 2024
Her Highlander’s Dark Desire: Scottish Enemies to Lovers Romance (Highlanders of Cadney Book 13) By Fiona Faris
This story is exciting from the moment you open the story to the turbulent marriage ordered by the King for peace. A long standing feud plagues both of these families and the fallout is left to Alayna and Daren to sort out. Love doesn’t come easy but both are willing to abide the Kings wishes, Alayna’s wish is for her brother’s release from prison. Darren’s wish is for their finally to be at peace on the isle. Unfortunately, there is another traitor among their midst.
Miss Fellingham's Rebellion: A Regency Romance (Love Takes Root) by Lynn Messina
A Bride for the Sinful Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Vows of Sin Book 3) Daphne Byrne
This story has some sexual triggers that makes it a questionable read and there are no warnings in the description. The only good characters are the Duchess, Anne and the Duke's friend Marcus and his wife Emma. The Duke is a selfish man who only thinks about himself, his achievements and failures. He is so egotistical that he cannot see who is undermining his business and his wife. I saw it the moment the character first spoke. I don't know how this plot could have worked to this man's favor or his way because there is no divorce in Regency times, except if the wife is unfaithful. Even if she is found mentally ill, the Duke still would not have been granted a divorce. I've enjoy Daphne Byrne's stories before but this one fell quite short in the plot and execution.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
The Bride's Secret by Jane Watson
This story grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you wondering till the very end. Some of the things that came out were disappointing, and her deception from the very beginning was beyond the pale. Even knowing of her issue in Five Point, I was very disappointed in the heroine in this story. Our hero however stepped up as a gentleman and did let me down, even though she was what he expected, not the extra baggage.
Appalachian Serenade (Appalachian Blessings): A Novella by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Abigail Reynolds
A surprising variation that is sensual and more exciting with Darcy and Lord Charles fighting for Elizabeth's honor. This story stays in line with Jane Austen's story and occurs after Darcy writes her the letter explaining all his intentions and actions with George Wickham and Mr. Bingley. We learn that Elizabeth learned her ladylike grace from her time spent at Lord Bentham's, being friends with his daughter and having some of her schooling with her while she spent time with her friend. The house party is anything but dull and scandals and secrets come out in abundance.
Anger (The Chaplain's Legacy Book 3) by Mary Kingwood
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lady Farramont is a woman I could never like or get along with. She acts like a four-year-old when things don't go her way. Ian is a stable and wonderful man who loves Isabel with all his heart. He puts up with her tantrums and follows the childish woman all over England to retrieve her home while she's off deciding if there's a better candidate out there for a husband. The story is about the lesson Lady Isabel learns about her behavior and the unconditional love of Lord Farramont.
Friday, September 20, 2024
The Spinster (Forbidden Love Book 1) by Bree Wolf
The story is well written but the character Jo is completely naĂŻve to what is in her heart or the right thing to do. It seems fate steps in twice so she can end up with the right husband. Unfortunately, the characters have no real depth, and our hero is nothing but a childish boy pretending to be a man.