Review - Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No one writes a book quite like Sarah MacLean. Bombshell is a heavy hitter of a historical romance, and has all of the best MacLean hallmarks. Deeply broken characters who fit together like puzzle pieces, angst, steam and the best hard-won happily-ever-afters. This new series - Hell's Belles - promises to be such a wild adventure exploring London outside of Mayfair.

Sesily Talbot does what she wants without regard for Society's rules - after all, they've never worked for her. She doesn't care if she's labeled as scandalous, and doesn't let anything bother her - except, that is, Caleb Calhoun, her sister's business partner, who seems to want her, then runs away to America whenever she gets too close. Sesily and her friends, the Hell's Belles, make it a point to help women who have been wronged and serve up their own brand of justice, however their latest target is a little too close to Caleb's own secrets, and he has to try to keep Sesily from getting too close to danger (or so he thinks).

It's hard to understate just how thoroughly MacLean's books are able to grab your attention and keep you hooked. Bombshell is a wonderful novel, and I am so glad to have read it.

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Review - A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman

A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am really loving Kate Bateman's Ruthless Rivals series. The tension between the Davies and Montgomerys is so much fun, especially when they keep pairing up! Every book in this series has been a true adventure, and this third installment, A Wicked Game, is no different. Harriet Montgomery (cousin to the landed Montgomerys) has taken over her father's mapmaking business. When a seemingly faulty map leads Captain Morgan Davies to be captured, he sets out to make the cartographer pay, not knowing it is in fact the woman who has captivated and infuriated him for years.

This was such a fun book, Morgan and Harriet are both enamored of each other from the start but neither wants to say anything, so they frame everything as bets and games. There is plenty of adventure and craziness in this historical romance, and was a joy to read. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

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Review - Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch

 

I really enjoyed this book - Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch. This is a sweet historical romance featuring a scientist duke with no time for frivolities (i.e. everyone and everything outside his lab) and a debutante who has perfected the art of seeming airheaded (after all, that's what women should be). When their paths - and dogs - cross, they both find that they are more than what they'd previously thought.

I thought that this was a very interesting book - there are at least five point-of-view characters, which is unusual. There is also a secondary romance subplot featuring a dog-napper and a circus performer!

This is a clean romance - the main couple embraces at the end. I usually like books with higher heat, but I didn't even notice the lack until nearly the end of the book. The chemistry feels very authentic between the main couple, as well as their reluctances.

I would recommend this book and will read more from Suzanne Enoch!

Review - The Return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath

The Return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book by Lorraine Heath, as always! The Return of the Duke is the third book in this series, centered around the sons of the former Duke of Wolfford who was hanged for treason. Marcus Stanwick was the heir, and had spent his life preparing to be a duke. For the past year he’s been trying to find the people who led to that future being taken. That search leads to his father’s former mistress, Esme Lancaster, who he quickly realizes is much more than what he assumed.

I really enjoyed this book; Marcus and Esme are both very well written characters who just can’t keep their hands off each other. Esme is a spy, so if spy romances aren’t your thing you might want to skim this one, but honestly I didn’t feel like she got much in the weeds. One thing this definitely has is competence-both Marcus and Esme are extremely capable, and each admires that in the other. This wasn’t quite a tear-jerker for me the way some of the others have been, but I still really liked it and will definitely read whatever she writes next!

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Review - A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman

A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Daring Pursuit is the second in Kate Bateman's Ruthless Rivals series, which focuses on the Montgomery and Davies families, who have been feuding for centuries. The first book, A Reckless Match, was one of my 2021 favorites, so I couldn't wait to read the second installment. Bateman didn't disappoint! This book was just as much fun as the first!

Carys Davies has been scandalizing the ton for two years, and none moreso than Tristan Montgomery, her archenemy. When Tristan finds out a secret that Carys would rather hide, however, they enter into a deliciously intriguing bargain (sex deal!!). They agree to be "enemies with benefits", the only problem is they can't seem to remember that they're supposed to be enemies.

I loved the characters of this book so much. The angst-level was just right, with both pining for the other, and it was just such a delight to read. This can definitely be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading the first book just because it's amazing as well. I can't wait to read the next entry in this series!

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Review - Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in Janna MacGregor’s Widow Rules series, Rules for Engaging the Earl is a good read. Constance, along with two other women, found out they’d all married the same man upon his death. Heavily pregnant, Constance writes to her old friend, Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston to ask him to marry her and save her reputation.

Injured in the war and with the nebulous threat of a court martial hanging over him, Jonathan is reclusive but would do anything to help the girl who had meant so much to him.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and thought this one was good as well. MacGregor uses this book to tackle some heavy issues. Jonathan has a lot of trauma from the war and from trying to find his footing both literally and figuratively. Constance is almost unbelievably cheerful and kind-hearted. While she eventually finds her voice, there were several points that I was upset she was allowing herself to be treated in the way she was. This book felt heavy, and the HEA was very hard-won.

I did enjoy Rules for Engaging the Earl and can’t wait to read Beth and Grayson’s story!

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Review - The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan

 

I finally finished Sophie Jordan’s The Duke Goes Down! I started this one a while ago, but then I had a bunch of library holds come in so I stuck it on the back burner, but it’s seriously so good!

Perry Butler was the Duke of Penning until it was discovered that he wasn’t actually legitimate. Now he’s living with his mother and trying to find an heiress to marry in Shropshire, which would be significantly easier if it weren’t for the salacious rumors circling about him. Imogen Bates is the vicar’s daughter, and can’t forget how cruel Perry has been all her life. The ladies of her father’s flock deserve better than to be married solely for their money.

This is a delicious slow-burn, enemies to lovers book. Sophie Jordan does such a fantastic job of telling a story expertly, layering emotions and exposition and action seamlessly. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

5⭐️

Review - The Devil's Own Duke by Lenora Bell

Devil’s Own Duke is the latest in Lenora Bell’s Wallflowers vs Rogues series, and is so much fun! Hetty is the only child of a duke, and when a man turns up claiming to be the long-lost heir her father insists they marry. Ash Ellis is a gaming hell owner and scoundrel who wants to turn Hetty’s beloved vineyards into stables, and the two have absolutely nothing in common. Except for intoxicating attraction, of course.

I loved the repartee between the main characters, although the “falling” did seem a little fast. The inclusion of their very opposite cars was fun, as was the ‘mystery’ woven in to the plot. Overall I very much enjoyed this book, and can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Review - When You Wish Upon a Duke by Charis Michaels

When You Wish Upon a Duke is Charis Michaels' second fairy-tale inspired romance, this one featuring Tinkerbell. Isobel Tinker runs a travel company, which she is very good at. She has successfully buried her unsavory past, which is just how she likes it. When North, the Duke of Northumberland, comes seeking her assistance with rescuing a wayward cousin from Iceland, she is scared of what returning to that place might do.

This story feels almost like fantasy, which I'm sure is exactly what Michaels intended. There are pirates and plots and the northern lights. The romance plot is wonderful, and I really enjoyed the whole book. I can't wait to read what Michaels writes next!

Review - Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lisa Kleypas can do no wrong, honestly. Devil in Disguise is a fun, witty book that was a joy to read. This is the seventh book in the Ravenels series, and I really don't think you need to have read any of Kleypas' previous books to enjoy this one, it definitely helps.
Widowed Lady Merritt Sterling is happy enough running her late husband's shipping company, and is doing a fantastic job. Until, that is, she meets Keir MacRae. The big, burly Scotsman shouldn't be so darn tempting, but something about him invites Merritt in, and sparks fly. Quickly, though, they learn someone is out to kill Keir, and Merritt must do what she can to keep him safe.
I really loved this book. There is an amnesia plot done so very well, and the dynamic between Merritt and Keir is exquisite. I also loved all the Wallflowers characters that made an appearance, although I admit it felt like maybe a little too much Kingston? Overall wonderful though, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

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Review - Ensnared by Innocence by Larissa Lyons

Ensnared by Innocence by Larissa Lyons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise of this book, Ensnared by Innocence, was what drew me in. The heroine, Francine, needs to be betrothed for a few months until she reaches her majority and takes control of her inheritance. She asks one of the ton's biggest rakes, Lord Blakely, to pretend to be her fiance for that long. He agrees, but he has a secret - he turns in to a lion.

The story was delightfully bonkers, and for the most part I enjoyed the plot. My biggest issue with this book was the language. The author stated that she tried to keep all terminology, etc. period-appropriate, and it's obvious they did a lot of research toward that goal. My problem is that I'm not reading this book in 1812, I'm reading in 2021 and I don't know what a lot of those words mean. The phrasing really slowed down the pace of the book and made the writing feel "clunky", whereas I think if she had just written what she meant directly it would have came across a little easier.

The introduction of Blakely's brother near the end of the book felt abrupt and a little shoehorned in, and while I appreciate that the author was setting him up for his own book, it was still very unexpected, and I wish the characters had explored that a little more.

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Review - A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman is a truly fantastic historical romance book. Full of adventure, longing, and wit, it's a book that's just a joy to read from start to finish.

Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies' families have been enemies for centuries. Gryff has been antagonizing Maddie since they were children, and now that he's returned from the war, nothing has changed. When Gryff and Maddie stumble across a nefarious plot, however, they'll have to work together, and who ever heard of a Montgomery and a Davies working together?

Honestly this book is great, it was so much fun to read, I couldn't put it down. This is childhood enemies to lovers done perfectly right. There is a ton of action and plot in the book, but it doesn't ever feel like it overpowers the romance, which is really the story. Bateman has set up several other couples as well, and I can't wait to find out whose story we'll get next!

Review - West End Earl by Bethany Bennett

 Wow, where to even begin with West End Earl by Bethany Bennett? Bennett's first book, Any Rogue Will Do, was phenomenal and I fell in love with it immediately, but you never know if a second book will live up to a first. Let me tell you, she knocks it out of the park with West End Earl. 

Ophelia Hardwick has been masquerading as her dead twin brother for over a decade. If she can last until "Adam" comes of age, she'll receive the inheritance that is her due, but she has to steer clear of her grasping uncle until then. As Adam, Phee works as a steward/assistant to Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle, who is always having to clean up his father's messes, and must give his sister a grand debut, not to mention manage the finances of himself, his father, and several friends who come to him for investment advice. He couldn't function without Adam Hardwick, aka Puppy, who is also one of his closest friends and confidants. When Cal finds out that Puppy is actually a girl, he also realizes he's wildly attracted to her. Of course, she's been in love with him for years, so everything should be fine and dandy, except of course it isn't - between his wayward sister, her terrible uncle, and his father's meddling, it seems like they'll never find their happy-ever-after.

This book could have gone in so many ways. The main female character has been parading as a man - and continues to as well. Bennett is so careful, though, and handles this whole situation with such ease and aplomb, it's astounding. It never feels condescending or insensitive. Cal is a great character, and so is Phee. She's not afraid of telling him like it is, and is utterly unapologetic about who she is. The whole book is so matter-of-fact and it's just a joy to read.

Thank you so much to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Bethany Bennett is one of my auto-buy authors, and I can't wait to get this one on my shelf, too.

Review - A Wicked Bargain for the Duke by Megan Frampton

 Megan Frampton's A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is the third book in her Hazards of Dukes series - all of which are wonderful, and this one is no exception. Thad had no expectations of ever being a duke, but now that he is he plans to run it with the same military efficiency he's known for. To that end, he makes a list of attributes he must have in a duchess, and somehow finds them all at his first social event. Lady Jane is perfect - except for her pesky sister, Lavinia, who is too loud, too opinionated, and far too sensual to ever be his duchess. Until, that is, they are caught in a compromising position and forced to wed. He proposes a bargain: they produce an heir, then they can lead separate lives. Lavinia agrees, but decides that if they're going to be intimate, she'd better enjoy it!

This book is so good for so many reasons. Frampton is so aware of the power dynamics and is so careful with them - Thad is constantly aware that Lavinia is at a disadvantage in their relationship, and tries to even their footing however he can. Lavinia is determined to make the best of her situation, and is fiercely loyal. 

SPOILERS!!!

One thing that really stood out to me while reading: Lavinia is secretly a romance author, and her books are gaining wild popularity. Her half-brother is pretending to be the author at signings and events, but all the work is Lavinia's. During a reading at their home, Thaddeus realizes that Lavinia is the true author of the novels, and this is the "low point" for the novel, as he is livid. However, what really stuck out to me is the reason for his ire - he isn't upset that she has this secret, he's upset that she didn't trust him enough to share what he realizes is an essential part of herself with him. It's so sweet and heartbreaking all at once, proving that Frampton is a master.

Overall, this is a wonderful book, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!!

Review - Outrageous by Minerva Spencer

Quick review: Fun road-trip romance with a spunky outspoken heroine and a jaded hero.

I really enjoyed Outrageous by Minerva Spencer. It took me a little while to really get in to it-the heroine is 16 years younger than the hero and it felt a little squicky, but it was something that was addressed and turned in to a joke, and by the end of the book I was over it.

Eva de Courtenay is 19 and wants to protect her brother from the Earl of Vesil, Godric, who has been antagonizing him all Season, so she kidnaps him. Only a day out Godric is free of her, and now that they've been alone together in a carriage her reputation is ruined, so off to Scotland they go to get married, since he's suddenly seen the error of his ways. (Side note - his villiany is entirely off-page and I believe a major plot of the book preceding this one which I haven't read. In the first chapter he "wakes up" and realizes he's being ridiculous, which is a little "hand-wavey" but I let it slide for romance reasons.) On their way to Scotland they are besieged by pretty much every calamity that can happen to a carriage, and overall the whole book is just shenanigans, which is a lot of fun to read.

Quick facts: Dual POV; not crazy-steamy but definitely not closed-door, either. There are like 4 intimate encounters with sex-on-page.

I enjoyed this book a lot, and will be reading the next book for sure! 

Review - A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

A Duke in Time is the first book in Janna MacGregor's The Widow Rules series, and it is delightful. Katherine's husband abandoned her immediately following their wedding breakfast, and now he's dead. Upon the reading of his will, Katherine finds out he not only married her, but two other women as well, and spent all of their dowries. Christian, her husband's brother and the Duke of Randford, is determined not to fix any more of his ne'er-do-well brother's messes, but there's something about Katherine he just can't resist.

This book was wonderful, I really loved Katherine's character. She runs a successful textile business and is willing to do what it takes to make it a success. Christian is a former soldier and is trying to find a way to help other soldiers who have come home to nothing. Both of the protagonists are trying to do so much to help other people, and it's so nice that they can get their own HEA. 

I will definitely be reading the next book in this series when it's available! Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy!

Review - The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

 Oh, Lorraine Heath. I don't think it's possible for her to write a book I don't love immediately. The Duchess Hunt, the second in the Once Upon a Dukedom series, is no exception to that. 

Hugh, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of an heir, but has no wish to waste time trying to find a bride. He's placed an advertisement for a duchess, and set his faithful secretary, Penelope, to work to sort through the candidates and choose him a wife. The most important talent she must possess: to be quiet. Kingsland is devoted to investing and making money, and as a genius has little time for conversation. Penelope Pettypeace, his secretary, sets out to do the job the very best she can - the only problem is that she is in love with the duke!

This book is wonderful. The mutual pining between Hugh and Penelope, the attraction they both try in vain to fight, all of it is perfect. The plot moves pretty slowly until the second half, but the characters are developed so wonderfully that it hardly matters. 

As always, Heath tackles subjects with aplomb that in the hands of other authors might have fallen flat. The way she deals with female agency and female sexuality in this book is spot-on. Penelope is strong and fearless, while still being feminine and vulnerable.

Overall this is a wonderful book and I'm only sorry I have to wait to read the next one!

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Review - A Scot to the Heart by Caroline Linden

A Scot to the Heart, the second book in Caroline Linden's Desperately Seeking Duke series, is just as good as the first! Andrew St. James is the presumptive heir to the Duke of Carlyle, but he's just an army captain, and not prepared for the role at all. The Duchess of Carlyle gives him six months to become a respectable gentleman, and he is determined to do just that. When he gets to Edinburgh to tell his family, however, he meets the vivacious widow, Ilsa Ramsay. Ilsa has lived her whole life under the thumb of first her father, then her husband. Now, she's finally free to do what pleases her, and intends to live her life to the fullest. When she meets Drew, her friend's brother, though, all her plans might go out the window.

This book was very fun - the characters are great, both are infinitely likeable and very believable as well. Their path to falling in love is filled with such joy that it's a pleasure to read. The climax of the story is unexpected and very riveting. There is no third-act breakup common in novels, which felt unusual - I kept waiting for it to happen but it didn't - and it didn't need to, which is nice. Because the majority of the conflict was external, they could just be together. I love it.

Overall it's a great story. Great characters, unexpected plot, and a good amount of steam. Also, ghosts! Definitely read this book if you like Linden's other work. I am for sure looking forward to the next book in this series!

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Review - Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath

Scoundrel of My Heart is the first book in Lorraine Heath's new Once Upon a Dukedom series. The hero of this book, Lord Griffith Stanwick, is the brother to the heroine of the last book (Beauty Tempts the Beast) and this book does overlap somewhat. However, I believe that this book can be read without having read the other books first.

Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman in order to claim her inheritance: a lovely cottage by the sea, where all of her fondest childhood memories take place. Lord Griffith Stanwick, her closest friend's brother, is a second son and so will never inherit. Raised as a spare, Griff dreams of making his own way in the world. When he learns of Kathryn's trouble, he sets out to help her achieve her dream of her cottage: by convincing a duke to court her. Finally with her future in her sights, Kathryn should be overjoyed, but can't help but miss the younger son who understood her so completely.

As always, Heath does an amazing job of creating characters you just can't help but love. In Beauty Tempts the Beast, the Griff that we saw was surly and unreliable, however here in Scoundrel of My Heart we get to know him much more intimately and you can't help but fall in love with him, too. Kathryn is fiery and headstrong. There is a scene where she is trying to make an impression on a man who is looking for a quiet bride who won't bother him, but she can't hold her tongue at all, and I found myself cheering her on. They are a wonderful couple, and though the road to their happy-ever-after is difficult (is it ever easy in a Lorraine Heath book?) the payoff is so completely worth it.

I loved this book, would highly recommend. I can't wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager.

Review - The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere by Anna Bradley

The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere is the third in Anna Bradley's Swooning Virgins Society series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Georgiana Harley is a member of Lady Clifford's school, which does some clandestine investigating (it seems, it wasn't exactly spelled out). When a duchess asks her to find a missing person and not tell anyone, it seems like an easy enough task. Until, that is, the duchess' brother butts in. Benedict, Lord Haslemere, is London's most beloved scoundrel, and Georgiana can't stand him. Benedict, likewise, could do without Miss Harley and her sharp tongue. When the missing person case starts to unravel, however, they have to work together to solve a mystery six years in the making.

This book is very action-packed, and so so much fun. A little bit enemies-to-lovers, and a pretty slow burn. Bradley does a great job with making the plot and character development progress pretty evenly, with both being dependent on the other.

I can't wait to read more from Bradley, both of the books I've read of hers are really good, with amazing characters and mysteries that you want to unravel as much as you want the leads to get together.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.