Historical romance. 2nd book in the Union of the Rakes series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Commoner poses as higWould I Lie to the Duke by Eva Leigh
Historical romance. 2nd book in the Union of the Rakes series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Commoner poses as high society to keep her family business running. Falling is love wasn’t part of the plan. Nevertheless love happened.
Emotionally satisfying and beautifully written, this romance is heartbreaking and enriching. I fell in love with the Duke who had a soft heart and was essentially a nice and generous person. I fell in love with the heroine who was extremely intelligent in finance and business, who also had a soft spot for the handsome Duke. Their collision course was steamy, sexy and entertaining.
I’ve never read this author before and I was highly impressed by the engaging pace and likability of both the main and secondary characters. While historical romance is not generally on my list, I will definitely look for more books by this author.
Thanks to Avon and Kisscon for an advance paperback copy.
Merged review:
Would I Lie to the Duke by Eva Leigh
Historical romance. 2nd book in the Union of the Rakes series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Commoner poses as high society to keep her family business running. Falling is love wasn’t part of the plan. Nevertheless love happened.
Emotionally satisfying and beautifully written, this romance is heartbreaking and enriching. I fell in love with the Duke who had a soft heart and was essentially a nice and generous person. I fell in love with the heroine who was extremely intelligent in finance and business, who also had a soft spot for the handsome Duke. Their collision course was steamy, sexy and entertaining.
I’ve never read this author before and I was highly impressed by the engaging pace and likability of both the main and secondary characters. While historical romance is not generally on my list, I will definitely look for more books by this author.
Thanks to Avon and Kisscon for an advance paperback copy....more
Temptress by Jade Lee Forbidden Pleasures series #2. Historical romance. Emperor Xian Feng must choose a wife. All nobel virgins must come to the ForbiTemptress by Jade Lee Forbidden Pleasures series #2. Historical romance. Emperor Xian Feng must choose a wife. All nobel virgins must come to the Forbidden City to compete to become Empress. Dozens will become part of the harems. But only if they are able endure three trials of purity, the dowager empress and the greedy eunuchs that can make a bribe disappear in the blink of an eye. Families chance everything for their daughter to be Empress and only that one family be rewarded with riches. Most will never see their daughters again. Even if they don’t make the final selection, most will never go home. Sun Bo Tao is the emperor’s best friend and is trusted to oversee the tests and trials of the virgins. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with one of them himself. He faces possible death for touching one yet he can resist Ji Yue. Chen Ji Yue has trained her whole life to become Empress. Her mother has given her advice to think smart and be aware. She’s trained to be a political wife and look beyond the obvious. But her ivory beads are barely enough for average and many of the other virgins will undermine at every opportunity. When Sun Bo Tao pushes and tempts, Ji Yue feels more than she even has in the past. How is that he makes her feel so much when her future is for another?
A sensuous story. A historical story of a dynasty. Sad, tempting, hopeful and a bit erotic.
Viscount in Love by Eloisa James Accidental Brides series #1. Historical regency romance. Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is seeking to be a guardian to twiViscount in Love by Eloisa James Accidental Brides series #1. Historical regency romance. Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is seeking to be a guardian to twins from one his father’s mistresses. While his father never acknowledged the twins, Dominic sees the facial similarities and knows that are his step brother and sister. He felt comfortable going after the guardianship until his betrothed elopes with someone else. With a court date upcoming and a known judge for denying rights, Dominic turns to Torie, his former fiancé’s unconventional sister. Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page. Everyone in the ton knows that Torie cannot read. But just because she cannot read, doesn’t mean that she can’t teach the twins some valuable lessons. They marry for the twins. Respect is something each will have to learn if they are continue with their ruse for the judge and their continued coexistence.
From a time before dyslexia is publicly defined or understood, Torie has to survive in a world a debutant or heiress may not need to read but must certainly be cognizant of society rules. She may make light of her not being able to read but without understanding why, can she fully accept it? She has the benefit of money and privilege but in reality not everyone was taught to read. It’s an interesting concept. Here, Torie has turned to art for herself and to help the twins ease into their new home. But more than reading needs to work between Torie and Dominic to get the judge to see their marriage is real. I admired Dominic for his dedication to the twins. I think he missed the mark with Torie. They do have physical attraction on their side though and that helps. A wonderfully written romance can overcome any shortcomings. This is one of those authors. ...more
Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe Regency Tales of Love and Magic series #1. Historical paranormal romance novella. Lady Ninianne Morvoren is happy with Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe Regency Tales of Love and Magic series #1. Historical paranormal romance novella. Lady Ninianne Morvoren is happy with her rather secluded life on Myrddin’s Isle where the sea and the moonlight allow her magic to be powerful. Her reputation as a truth seer and curse breaker grows. A Spriggan friend convinces Ninianne that she must travel to the ball so his own curse can be broken. Once in Cornwall, Lady Ninianne meets a young man that is surprised she would help someone beneath her and she assures him that everyone deserves to be helped. She also meets Mr Tristan Tawstock who seems to spark her magic every time they touch. They have the same sort of power by where hers are powered by night and water, his are daylight and fire. When a dark influence spreads it’s up to Ninianne and Tristan to destroy it.
Mystical and sweet, with creatures of magic to entertain and delight. Good vs evil throughout the lands. ...more
The Booklovers’s Library by Madeline Martin Historical fiction. In the early 1930’s, married or widowed women were not allowed to work outside the houThe Booklovers’s Library by Madeline Martin Historical fiction. In the early 1930’s, married or widowed women were not allowed to work outside the house. Emma Taylor needs a job and though she will have to leave her daughter alone, she gets a job as Miss Taylor at Books’ Booklover’s Library with a little help from a kindhearted manager. Emma learns how the memberships work and who gets the priority books and how patrons may say they want a classic when in reality is looking for something else. Emma’s landlady also helps out watching Olivia until the war efforts demand she be evacuated to the countryside. As the war continues Olivia is later sent to stay with her grandparents on her father’s side who are cold and rule followers but air raids in the city prevent her from being able to come home. Intrigue at the library, volunteering and neighborhood regulars create friendships that help the time pass during the rationing, and bombings. It’s a difficult time for the world.
Sad and heartbreaking times but lives and love continue regardless of the war. It is actually heartwarming with made family while Olivia adds many poignant moments. Hopeful. 4.5 I received a copy of this from NetGalley. ...more
Wagered to the Orc by Veronika Kane and Carolyn Lee Stolen Harlets series #3. Paranormal historical romance novella with erotica elements. Can be read Wagered to the Orc by Veronika Kane and Carolyn Lee Stolen Harlets series #3. Paranormal historical romance novella with erotica elements. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. 1st person alternating POV. Effie and her two cousins were betrayed by one of the guards and kidnapped by Orcs. The bargain was for Sorcha alone but all three were taken, then split up to avoid being followed back to their village behind the hidden veil to their lands. Effie is terrified as she’s being held too tightly and then traded as spoils of war. But the scarred green Orc she’s now dependent on is careful with her, patient, and kind. From the servant class, Effie is not naive and knows how to use men for protection when necessary. It’s never pleasant but better to manage expectations. She joins in and helps with all tasks and learns everything from gardening, to caring for the horses, cooking, and even helping with the washing. Of the Orc. It’s not unpleasant.
Korvak never expected to come home with a tiny human but seeing her suffering under the hands of the Orc that claimed her doesn’t sit well with him. He claims her for himself and they end up together in his secluded cabin for two weeks to avoid being followed. He’s shocked when she offers herself to him in payment. Is that what her world has been? Trading herself for protection from others? He’ll show her kindness and a better world. And maybe eventually some pleasure as it’s clear she doesn’t expect that from any man.
A quick and steamy forced relationship turns to love and respect. They can’t resist each other. These Orcs are such gentleman and kissable at the same time. Yum. 4.5...more
The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother inThe Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull Historical romantic fiction. Multi-timeline and POV. Berlin 1961: Lise Bauer lives with her father and brother in East Berlin and is studying to be a doctor in West Berlin where she meets Uli Neumann. Uli and Lisa fall in love and get engaged. She won’t wear the engagement ring until they can have dinner with her father. Two days later, East Germany puts up a barbed wire fence, separating East from West, splitting the city into two hostile halves. Lise is on the East side when the wall goes up. They try to convince the guards they are engaged. They try to find a place to go over or around the wire but get caught. Lise is stuck behind the iron curtain when the wire is replaced with a more permanent wall of cement. Socialist East Germany will not let their citizens leave. Mail is censored. People are watched. Then Lise realizes she’s pregnant. Her life is now under a microscope.
On the West side of the Wall, Uli is devastated he can’t be together with Lise. He convinces his friends they need to build a tunnel to get Lise and other family out of East Germany. It’s a dangerous plan, more than likely to fail, but Uli was in school to be an engineer. He and his friends are sure they can figure out structure, support and placement. Digging and building will have to be in secret. This is not something that will happen in a week, but rather months. Uli and Lise will have to live on their own side and follow strict rules while waiting for the tunnel to be completed.
Devastating separation for so many families. The wall went up without warning and there was no way across for German citizens. The compelling storytelling broke my heart. I was too young at the time to remember it going up, but I do remember all the news of when the wall came down. Uli is so strong and committed to helping. Lise will do her part but living in the east comes with strict rules and so many eyes and difficult decisions. A lot of tears. When the wall comes down, and we know it did, there is a lot of healing to be done. Almost thirty years of loss, life, and missing family. This romance is difficult and long awaited. This story of Uli and Lise is a romance. So many others, weren’t so lucky.
Running from the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee 2nd in the Stolen Harlots series. Historical medieval Scottish Orc romance with light erotic elemenRunning from the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee 2nd in the Stolen Harlots series. Historical medieval Scottish Orc romance with light erotic elements. Alternating 1st person POV. Lady Roxanna Tarbert was threatened with Orcs by her nursemaid if she didn’t behave. Roxanna didn’t believe her then and is shocked when she’s kidnapped by one as an adult. He’s a pretty shade of green though. Forced to ride on his lap for days on end, heading to his family’s village, Roxanne begins to know Varkaan and realize he is treating her with respect but she still thinks she should run away. He’s a hunter at heart. Chase. Hunt. Catch. Pin. Take. Mine. Being hunted by Varkaan is actually…pleasing. In that special way of his.
Steamy, sexy and fun in a hapless and harmless prey sort of way. Whew, hot. Looking forward to next Friday’s release. ...more
The Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow GraveThe Engineer by C S Poe Magic & Steam series #1. Historical Steampunk M-M romance novella. 1881. Special Agent Gillian Hamilton is sent to Shallow Grave, Arizona to find and arrest the man responsible for blowing up half of Baltimore. As an agent for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, Gillian has gone after some of the worst criminals. He didn’t expect to run into one of the county’s most infamous outlaw’s while there and that Gunner, the Deadly, is also after the Tinkerer. They decide to work together in this job only, to stop the Tinkerer from taking control of the town’s silver mines. Even though they are on opposite sides of the law, the more time they spend together, the more they come to respect and understand each other. And maybe actual like and lust too, but they can’t expect more, can they?
A steamy opposite attracts dilemma when magic and machinations are par for the world. The steampunk world setup is intriguing and I look forward to more of this series. ...more
The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own childThe Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen Historical fiction, multi-time line. A child disappears in 1968 and the city is captivated, worrying about their own children’s safety. Liz Haughton is a reporter wasting her skills assigned to Obituaries. Tired of being treated as if she has no skills, Liz follows a friend and police officer to Dorset. They find a history of missing children and Liz is plunged into personal memories and a compelling need to find answers about the ruins of the village of Tydeham.
An intriguing mystery investigation without the benefit of today’s technological advances. It’s also many years into the past and finding the right questions and people to talk to could be like a drop in a bucket of water. Maybe it’s small town or sheer luck, but she finds the first answer which makes her keep following any connections she can find. Luck or skill? You’ll know the answers before Liz does, but the story is still skillfully crafted and worth reading....more
Good Duke, Gone Wild by Bethany Bennett Bluestocking Booksellers series #1. Historical romance. Caroline Danvers is a poor vicar’s daughter, thrown outGood Duke, Gone Wild by Bethany Bennett Bluestocking Booksellers series #1. Historical romance. Caroline Danvers is a poor vicar’s daughter, thrown out of the cottage when he discovers her hidden job as an erotic romance writer. Fortunately Caro has cousins in London and their parents who are more than happy to have her live with them and work at their bookshop. After all, Caro is a well known favorite author of the ton though they only know her pen name and not who she really is. The most recent book has the ton speculating if the hero is one of their own. Caro did in fact, use the Duke of Holland as inspiration for the novel since he comes into the shop on a regular basis. Dorian Whitaker, the Duke of Holland first met Caroline when she had just arrived in London having traveled several days to get to the bookstore and family that will help her. He’s a bit smitten and has visited the book shop on a regular basis since she arrived. He eventually hires Caro to inventory and sell his late wife’s library where she finds love letters in books that were not written by him. Dorian and Caro investigate the letters and eventually grow closer. But their class differences are sharp and a future together is unlikely between a Duke and a bookseller. Even with her secret author identity and her own money she will never be accepted into the peerage. Is there a solution or compromise?
I loved Caroline’s wit and intelligence. More so her two cousins who were behind her 100% unconditionally. I definitely want more of them in the future. But back to Caro and Dorian, their relationship is forbidden and has a lot of inequities. She was fortunate to have her book income which gave her a bit of leverage. Tough choices for them both. Engaging, and a bit unique. Lots of little inclusive details beyond the main story that added depth and richness.
Bred by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Stolen Harlots series #1. Historical erotica paranormal novella. Sorcha Tarbert always knew her purpose Bred by the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee Stolen Harlots series #1. Historical erotica paranormal novella. Sorcha Tarbert always knew her purpose was to wed a powerful laird and bear his sons to cement alliances. What she didn’t expect was to be sold out by a greedy clansmen to an Orc! Kidnapped by Drakolt who claims he is the Chief of his clan doesn’t really change her future all that much. Except the Orc says he’s going to bred her in front of his entire clan! Talk about pressure to conceive! But it’s been foretold that the union will build generations of alliances between the worlds, so who is she to complain about a little public nudity?
Sexy smutty romance with a bit of humor, green orcs and heat! Even though often virgins, these women know about their own bodies and what goes on between partners thanks to a (fictional) copy of A Harlot’s Guide to the Forbidden and Delightful Arts, written in a series called Bad in Plaid. Insta-loved and fated mates, these romances are so entertaining, I can’t help putting them to the front of my very long tbr. I’m not a fan of the public viewing of the consummation but it’s handled well here. Another new Orc romance next week! ...more
His Perfect Princess by Caroline Lee Tales of the Harlot’s Guide series #1. Historical Scottish erotica romance novella. Spin off from a fictional bookHis Perfect Princess by Caroline Lee Tales of the Harlot’s Guide series #1. Historical Scottish erotica romance novella. Spin off from a fictional book written in the Bad in Plaid series and read by most females in the author’s more recent series. Alternating 1st person POV. Insta-love troupe. Dominating vibe. In the small island country of Faencairn, the King has declared that his three sons must be married within a year. Rickard, the Crown Prince, already knows the perfect candidate to match his exacting taste of dominance and believes Clarissa will be obedient in the bedroom, but not meek. He invites her to the kingdom for lunch and a taste of their future.
The Harlot Guide book is available for discrete reading by the Victorian females in most of the author’s recent series. It gives them a bit of intimate knowledge they may not have otherwise known. This series ups the heat considerably (on the page) to an erotica level with this particular dominant and submissive just getting to know each other. The usual hilarity is tamed down a bit as opposed to her more recent series.
Still amusing to a degree with a lot of on page steaminess as the couple falls in love. We know Wulf is next and I can’t wait for him to meet his fate. ...more
How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman Her Majesty’s Rebels series #2. Historical Detective agency romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stanHow to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman Her Majesty’s Rebels series #2. Historical Detective agency romance. Alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone however the couple from the first book are included as minor secondary characters and the case is referred to in the epilogue. Eleanor Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. She’s shocked while refusing a potential new client access to her fictional male boss when a charming con man introduces himself as the head of the private investigation firm. The women created the name from a dog! What does this man think he’s going to gain by declaring himself someone else? Forced to work with Harry Bobheur to find a missing manuscript, Ellie finds herself intrigued by the skills, knowledge and adaptability of the man. He’s glib and polished and charming and relatable all at the same time. It’s making Ellie a bit flustered. The longer they work together, the more she knows there are many layers under the surface he’s always careful to mask.
This was a delightful story with witty banter, a slight mystery and two personalities that click tightly together to capture the readers attention. Unlikely coincidence but one that you will fully buy into. With a slight leaning into benevolence, loved it. Captivating and charming.
Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley The Wild Wynchesters series #5. Historical romance with a unique family and plenty of humor. Can be read as a stand-aloHot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley The Wild Wynchesters series #5. Historical romance with a unique family and plenty of humor. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series. Bold and curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves her trusty sword and vanquishing villains. Her family knows her occasional physical limitations and are totally behind her taking on the mission of finding a will somewhere inside the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle and handing it over to the orphans. Finding the castle covered in hidden traps, she’s calls on her Beth the berserker motivation to get past the rogue guarding the keep. She’ll find that will if it means breaking doors and making someone bleed. Reclusive inventor and tinkerer Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days inside his castle. Three months later, his cousin hasn’t returned and he has multiple people demanding to take possession of the castle which he is mostly trying to ignore other that setting plenty of traps and setting up listening posts around the turrets. When a beautiful and curvy woman starts using a double axe on his castle door, he knows his hiding time is up. She explains her quest for the orphanage and agrees to help repel the neighboring war games threat but she may not be able to keep her hands off him. Those abdominal muscles she accidentally exposed with her trusty sword are lick worthy!
Oh those rascally Wynchesters. They all have their unique skill sets and they are taking on more cases for the underdog. Fast action, plenty of humor, sexy longings and absurd costumes all lend itself to total acceptance for this do-good family. Don’t miss a single episode. They bring color and joy to life that you won’t be able to resist.
“Did you just say ‘measure the viscosity’? I have never heard a phrase more erotic. Prepare to lose your virginity.”
Carnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe The Kier and Levett Mystery series #5. Historical mystery with a small amount of romance. Closed door, sloCarnage from the Cursed Crown by Deb Marlowe The Kier and Levett Mystery series #5. Historical mystery with a small amount of romance. Closed door, slow burn. Can be read as a stand-alone, but better as part of the series in order. Niall Kier’s life is changing in unexpected ways. Along with his new title, Duke of Sedgwick, he has also inherited an estate at Tallenford Priory in East Lothian, Scotland. The property has been empty for a long time, but he’s confident that he and his fiancee, Miss Kara Levett, will make it into a home in no time. In the meantime, he has created a piece of art for his neighbor, Lord Balstone, a local archeologist. Unfortunately, temporary payment for the art comes in the form of an ancient cursed crown and a body at the site of the excavation. Kara and Niall have declared themselves out of the business of investigating crimes, yet when the procurator fiscal is hurt and unable to travel or take statements from witnesses, they are back at it. They follow clues and ask questions with the danger mounting as they find thieves, lies and schemes, all in trying to find a killer.
A wonderful mystery and unraveling. Poor Harold, getting stuck in the middle of the power struggle. But never fear. Kara and Niall are not amateurs any longer. Loved then ending and the hints of more to come from the witchy inn keeper. I always learn new, or rather, old vocabulary from these books. Costermonger: a person who sells goods, especially fruit and vegetables from a handcart in the street.
The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley The Wild Wynchesters series #1. Historical romance. Found family. Chloe Wynchester is entirely forgettable, usually deliThe Duke Heist by Erica Ridley The Wild Wynchesters series #1. Historical romance. Found family. Chloe Wynchester is entirely forgettable, usually deliberately, enabling her to blend into any crowd. In an attempt to recover a missing painting, Chloe accidentally kidnaps a Duke. Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, needs to marry an heiress with a generous dowry because of his father’s poor money management skills. When he finds himself in a carriage being driven by a beautiful woman who refuses to listen, he finds himself enamored. As they meet again and again, he questions his need for an heiress. Is there some other way to save his estate and choosing Chloe instead?
Humorous and adventurous. The Wynchesters are delightfully unique. A made family of former orphans, working to make their part of the world, a better place. Finding love is an unexpected bonus. They are not innocents except perhaps in romantic fulfillment of the heart. This story had me laughing out loud and cheering for the wily Chloe and rest of the family. ...more
Declan’s Bride by Hildie McQueen Highland Romp series #1. Scottish medieval historical romance. Visitors at the castle has the men drinking to avoid soDeclan’s Bride by Hildie McQueen Highland Romp series #1. Scottish medieval historical romance. Visitors at the castle has the men drinking to avoid social requirements. Declan Murray knows the women look at him with both marriage and lust in mind. He’s fine with the second but has no intention of getting married anytime soon. Too much drinking has him entering the wrong room, undressing and passing out. Declan is caught in Cairistine Reid’s room and her father insists on marriage. The two had been descretely interested in each other anyway, so decide to make the marriage real and move forward.
Let me say first that I absolutely hate the public maidenhood ritual. Beyond that, this is an amusing historical romance. Adding a wild boar and a brave and determined heroine certainly ramps the uniqueness factor up.
Fleeing France by Alan Hlad Historical WWII fiction. Inspired by real events. American born singer Ruth Lacroix has lived in Paris for many years so whFleeing France by Alan Hlad Historical WWII fiction. Inspired by real events. American born singer Ruth Lacroix has lived in Paris for many years so when the war arrives in France, she wants to help rather than sail home. She volunteers to support France and when desperate needs occur, she ends up driving an ambulance and transporting the injured. She encounters Jimmie, a British Royal Air Force pilot after he bails out of his burning plane and they travel together to Dunkirk, caring for the wounded, and orphaned. They travel hundreds of miles together, but courage and resilience offer no protection. A single stroke of luck, or a split-second decision, can mean the difference between live and death.
The Trial of Mrs Rhinelander by Denny S Bryce Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line. In 1924 New York, Alice JThe Trial of Mrs Rhinelander by Denny S Bryce Historical fiction inspired by a real-life scandal of the time. Dual time line. In 1924 New York, Alice Jones is from an English immigrant family. She meets and falls in love with Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, a shy heir to his prominent family real estate fortune. When they secretly marry, Kip’s parents threaten his inheritance, because they believe she is not white. Kip freely admits, he cannot live without the money and his father’s approval even though he loves Alice. He knew it would come to this while Alice was completely unaware. It’s the start of what will become a famous trial and news story about race, Justice, and social class. Reporter Marvel Cunningham is a pioneering Black journalist is following the trial and has formed her opinions of Alice but after they meet one night and trade stories, Marvel is realizing how much they have in common and how the world has already put them into a specific lane. In 1941 Roberta is told by her boss that she is to interview her Aunt Alice. Roberta hasn’t talked to her aunt in years, and isn’t really given a choice but to reconnect and try to get more details from the reclusive woman.
Loading...
