Rumors, Ruin and the Duke is a standalone regency/historical romance by Karla Katovil and is the first book of The Lost Lords ser4.5* rounded up to 5*
Rumors, Ruin and the Duke is a standalone regency/historical romance by Karla Katovil and is the first book of The Lost Lords series.
The reclusive Duke of Hartwick is back in London and it is the Season. He's only in town because he's found a lead on the investigation that has consumed him for the past five years - the murder of his father and older brother. He has been so consumed that he has pushed away his great aunt, Aunt Trudy, and her companion, Miss Lucy Middleton, where a connection was hinted between the two.
Lucy seems to understand Hart more than most people and she is determined to help him. Although the duke, as their attraction intensifies, is determined to protect Lucy at all costs. Even though he loathes the idea of his aunt finding her a husband. Between the intense feelings between the two, there is mystery and danger. I really enjoyed some of the other characters we met along the way (I won't go into them, because potential spoilers, but I do hope that we get to hear more from at least one of them).
I enjoyed this book, although it didn't blow my mind, it was fun and I enjoyed the drama and the romance. I am looking forward to seeing what else comes in this series and what characters we will meet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
A Spark of Romance is the third book of the Romantic Encounters series by Paullett Golden. This is a history romance set in regency England. The combiA Spark of Romance is the third book of the Romantic Encounters series by Paullett Golden. This is a history romance set in regency England. The combination of sweetness and comedy, combined with elements of gothic romances made this clean (behind doors romance) a totally charming read.
Golden has a pretty good set of with her books - there is the main book, which is most of the page count. Then there are a number of short stories following the book, which may or may not be related to the main story, but the themes are all very similar. They are sweet little vignettes that are pretty enjoyable.
The main story follows Isobel Lambeth, she is a gentleman's daughter who has dreams of being a gothic romance novelist. She's a day dreamer and always is dreaming up what she will next write in her book. Alistair Trowbridge bursts into her life and a subtle and sweet courtship begins.
Alistair Trowbridge wants a change in his life. He grew up in India, his father like himself was a man of the East India Company. His mother was Persian and his father from a wealthy English family. Now he is in England and must decide what he wants to do next with his life. Arriving with his friend and mentor, he was originally going to be matched to one lady, but finds himself enchanted with another.
Totally, totally charming book. I loved the rom-com aspects, with many little amusing events and words exchanged, it kept the story light and well paced. Alistair is a swoon worthy hero and Isobel's romantic outlook seem both charming but not in any way naive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
This Marquess of Mine is a standalone historical romance set in Regency era England by Sylvie Sinclair. This is the second book of the Romancing the RThis Marquess of Mine is a standalone historical romance set in Regency era England by Sylvie Sinclair. This is the second book of the Romancing the Rogue series. I like this one, because we get to see the best friend's older brother/sister's best friend trope play out in Regency Society.
Lady Olivia Blakely is the daughter, and currently the only child, of a Viscount. However, since her father had recently remarried, she had been given an ultimatum from her father that she is to find a husband by the end of the Season, or her father would be finding a husband for her. Olivia has a complex relationship with her father, and that along with the desire to make a good Society match, she is aiming for a duke. The problem is, the gentleman that she hard once harbored a crush on until he broke her heart is in her life again.
Griffin Denfield, the Marquess of Keswick, is in London to escort his sister to the various balls and soirees of the Season. His injured mother had asked him to take over the duty. But this job also brings him into the orbit of the flighty, snobbish miss, Olivia.
This story is also an enemies to lovers type of romance. Both Griffin and Olivia are complex characters and they need to learn how to see beyond the surface in order to get to know each other. I also enjoyed the exploration into Olivia's relationship with her father. I found it really heartfelt and Olivia's feelings towards her father make perfect sense as we get to know more about the Viscount while he off page.
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Passion's Lasting Promise is a standalone historical book by Amanda Mariel. it is set in Regency England, mostly in the countryside and around the decPassion's Lasting Promise is a standalone historical book by Amanda Mariel. it is set in Regency England, mostly in the countryside and around the decaying bones of a medieval castle. Really, the perfect setting for a historical romance. Amanda Mariel is fast becoming one of my favourite go to authors for historical romance. Mostly because I really enjoy the style and format of her books, they are just so easy to read and get swept up in the romance.
Rebecca Summerville lives a somewhat idyllic life, with the exception that she still grieves for her brother who had died in action while fighting Napoleon's forces two years earlier. As part of her grief, Rebecca doesn't want to get close, especially romantically, to another soldier. She fears loss and grief. However, when the owner of Almerry Castle, a soldier who fought at Waterloo, Captain Camden Beauchamp, Rebecca begins the process of facing her demons. Camden also has his own demons to face, and he looks forward to the peace of the countryside and the work that restoring his family's old castle would do for his mind. Romance isn't obvious from the start, but the feelings do grow.
I enjoyed the emotion of this story, mostly because I feel like this features a trope not explored in too many romances - the fear of loss that comes with loving a man in the army. I also loved who the story of Camden's ancestors is woven into the book, adding an enchanting atmosphere to the romance. I will admit that I have some confusion when it comes to Rebecca's family. Her father is an earl. Her brother that died appears to be the heir of an earl, so him joining the army would have been a massive deal. Not that big a deal in the big scheme of things but something that crossed my mind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
A Rekindled Attraction is the first book in The Ball of Sin series by Ramona Elmes. It is set in Victorian England and presents us with a rather unconA Rekindled Attraction is the first book in The Ball of Sin series by Ramona Elmes. It is set in Victorian England and presents us with a rather unconventional romance.
Leonora Walker comes from a wealthy family in the higher circles of society, but that isn't enough to protect from the scandal and gossip of her divorce. She also has a couple other demons besides that, so is naturally reticent when it comes to anything as deep as romantic love. But Lord Bennet Hendricks, the Early of Bromley, is ready to show his intentions and woo his best friend since childhood.
This is a sweet historical romance. Lord Bromley is a very dapper gentleman, in many ways opposite to Leonora, but his passions and wit are equal to her intelligence. They were both loyal characters and it was easy to empathise with both of them. They both have a lot of spirit and the epilogue for their story is perfect.
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The Mysterious Marquess Next Door is a standalone historical romance by Kristina Earl. This was such a fun book, filled with action, mystery, suspenseThe Mysterious Marquess Next Door is a standalone historical romance by Kristina Earl. This was such a fun book, filled with action, mystery, suspense and a strangely sweet romance.
When a merchant and his family move into the estate next door to the Marquess of Wexford, everything changes. Matthew does not have marriage on his mind any time soon, though he needs an heir. As it is, he has a complicated life with his work for the Crown as a spy, operating within England.
Miss Abby Sinclair is intrigued by their new neighbour when she moves next door. She is a devoted daughter, a wonderful sister to her two younger siblings, the perfect young lady and something of a bluestocking. She also has a bit of an adventurous streak and that leads her to trying to figure out what is going on with her Marquess next door.
Abby and Matthew share the same adventurous spirit and sense of justice, but they are also opposites in many ways. Matthew is more reserved and cautious, while Abby is the opposite. I loved their contrasting nature. When Abby manages to join Matthew on his work assignment, if only because she also has a personal interest in the outcome, their differences prove that they make a wonderful team. But does spy work translate to romance?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is a standalone historical romance, set in Regency era England, by Isabella Hargreaves and is the second book of The OxfThe Kidnapped Christmas Bride is a standalone historical romance, set in Regency era England, by Isabella Hargreaves and is the second book of The Oxford Friends series. It's a rather dramatic romance about a gentleman who finally has the stability to marry the lady he loves, but she's already engaged in what will be a marriage of convenience.
Margaret Johns has spent six years nursing her father and then spent a year in mourning. Because of this, she never got her chance to have an opportunity to have her Season in London, and more importantly find a husband. Being a spinster, relying on her older brother (and his wife) who inherited the family fortune, Margaret decided that she had to change things. And so she found herself a marriage of convenience.
Everything changes when Lord Alistair Dunridge comes back into her life. Alistair is the third and often ignored third son of a marquess. He and Margaret had a connection seven years earlier, but he had nothing to offer her in terms of money back then. However, things have changed for Alistair and he needs a plan to convince Margaret to do the scandalous thing and break off her engagement and marry him.
This was fun and full of drama. I really enjoyed both characters. Alistair and Margaret's motivations were both understandable and made perfect sense. There was some big chances taken and that made the characters seem so much more real.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Mr. Darcy's Passion At Pemberley by Maria Dashwood is a novella that gives us a different spin on the Jane Austen classic. I'm sure Austen purists whoMr. Darcy's Passion At Pemberley by Maria Dashwood is a novella that gives us a different spin on the Jane Austen classic. I'm sure Austen purists who would poo-poo any attempt to change the source material will be smart enough to stay away from this. For those of us that don't mind a different take on a classic, this is a fun ride. When I came across the book, I figured why not give it a whirl.
This story changes up many details from the original work, including some rather steamy scenes. The biggest change being that Darcy and Lizzy meet for the first time at Pemberley, which is also where she meets Wickham for the first time. This gives an interesting vibe to the whole story, especially as Lizzy sees Wickham and Georgiana through "fresh eyes" and we get a different exploration of the characters. Lizzy's personality is also more free spirited from the Austen creation.
What I appreciated most about this is that while this is set in regency England, as was Austen's work, it's been refreshed with a bit of a modern take, with modern descriptions/phrasing and more exploration of desires. A lot of fun. Don't take it too seriously.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The Viscount's Daring Cinderella is the fourth book in Hayleigh Mills' series, Damsel in Distress. This is a standalone historical regency romance, feThe Viscount's Daring Cinderella is the fourth book in Hayleigh Mills' series, Damsel in Distress. This is a standalone historical regency romance, featuring so many delights and scandals of the ton.
Lady Beryl is now an orphan. She lost her mother as a child, and just in recent months her beloved father has also passed away after an illness. Being a woman, Beryl is at the mercy of her aunt after losing her home (presumably to her father's heir). Beryl is of marriageable age - she missed her "come out" Season to nurse her ailing father. Life with her aunt and cousins is miserable, she is nothing more than a servant to them. Her life starts to change when she meets the most dashing rake, Lord Theodore, the new Viscount of Bowden after the death of his beloved older brother.
This is a wonderful take on the Cinderella story. This is a charming story as Theodore and Beryl get to know each other, they are both recovering from loss. They also have a shared goal when Beryl becomes governess to Theodore's orphaned nieces. The parallels between Beryl and the little girls is obvious, but the differences between them is also stark. Likewise can be said for Theodore and Beryl and their unconventional courtship.
In the end, this is a heartwarming and utterly charming historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Ladies and Scoundrels: The Complete Series, the title says it all. This is a historical/Victorian romance series by Amanda Mariel, an author I've enjoLadies and Scoundrels: The Complete Series, the title says it all. This is a historical/Victorian romance series by Amanda Mariel, an author I've enjoyed immensely in the past. While these books may be read as a standalones, I've not read all the books, so I really appreciated the opportunity to get all the books in one place together and just binge them all.
This is going to be a long review, so buckle in as I sum up and “go around the grounds”, as they say in some sporting circles: Scandalous Endeavours - the story of Richard Collingsworth, Duke of Goldstone (the swoon worthy Scottish Duke), and Lady Amelia Cosgrove. Richard isn't keen on matchmaking mamas, and Amelia isn't keen on living in America with her beloved uncle now she has lost both parents. And they are both within the orbit of Lady Grace Stratton, the Dowager Duchess of Abernathy. I found this to be an endearing and overall wonderful read with characters that I truly connected with.
Scandalous Intentions – the romance of Lady Sarah Roseington and Lord Julian Carrington, Marquess of Luvington and heir to the Duke of Tisdale. A rake in desperate need for a wife to keep his inheritance, Julian has set his sights on Sarah. But Sarah is no wilting flower, she’s a strong and totally delightful lady who won’t bow down to anyone.
Scandalous Redemption - this is the one book that I know that I've definitely read for sure and loved. This is the story of Lord Henry Shillington and the widow Lady Claudia Akford. Claudia had a rather unfortunate first marriage, but now she is widowed she is ready for something more. However, things haven’t turned out quite as she hoped. Lord Henry is every bit the gentleman and it is this chivalrous nature that brings them together initially.
Scandalous Wallflower – and this is the second book in the series I know that I've definitely read. So it was cool to read it in context with the whole series. This is the story of Lady Jane Shillington and Lord Caleb Wesley, the Duke of Keery. This starts off as a wrong bed story and ruining a lady. These two have a lot to learn before they find themselves at the altar.
Scandalous Liaison – this story might rate as my top favourite in this series. It is the romance between the Duchess of Abernathy, Lady Grace, who has been present throughout the series, with Mr Lewis Duffield, who we were introduced back in book one as the American uncle of Lady Amelia. This is a star-crossed-lovers and a later in life romance type of set up, the romance spanning two decades and a whole host of social pressures particularly on Lady Grace.
Dancing With Serendipity - this story is the shortest of the series and is a sweet prequel that starts around the same time as Scandalous Liaison. This is the story of the American mother and English father of Lady Amelia. It’s a sweet romance set at the end of the Regency period. I feel like this story rounded off the series perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Scandalous Wallflower is the fourth book of the Ladies and Scoundrels series by Amanda Mariel. This book can be read as a standalone book, although soScandalous Wallflower is the fourth book of the Ladies and Scoundrels series by Amanda Mariel. This book can be read as a standalone book, although some of the ladies and lords from the previous book pop up to give their sage advice and friendship. I personally, have only read three of the books, including this one.
The story starts off with a wallflower caught in a compromising position with a well known rake, and to make matters worse she was caught by her brother, sister in law and a well known gossip. Lady Jane quickly finds herself swept up into a marriage with Lord Caleb Wesley, the Earl of Keery. Caleb is a rake, but he's also a rake with principles.
It was wonderful to see these two characters find love despite their circumstances. They are kind of two sides of the same coin. Caleb has a good character arc, where he learns about communication and finding out more about a person that what is below the surface. He does have his reasons for how he is, that certainly humanises him and makes Jane his saving angel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
A Duke Once Lost is the second book of the Rockliffe Dynasty series by Jane Maguire. Although it is a series, I think this book works pretty well as aA Duke Once Lost is the second book of the Rockliffe Dynasty series by Jane Maguire. Although it is a series, I think this book works pretty well as a standalone, although it took me a bit to get my head wrapped around the intricacies of the Rockliffe family and the tragedies that brought them to where they are.
Lord Jonathan Astley was never meant to have a title. He was the neglected son of a duke who already had an heir. His uncle and cousin were villains in their own right as well. And now, eleven years after he thought it was best to part ways with Amelia, they are back in each other's orbit. And now, Jonathan has inherited the title as the Duke of Branscombe.
This is a regency romance that follows the story of Lady Amelia Prescott, she's recently one brother, her other brother with the Rockliffe title shows no sign of returning, and has a borderline meddling and villainess mother. Also, eleven years ago she had fallen in love and was ready to elope with the nephew of a duke. But he disappeared and Amelia was crushed.
For readers that love regency romances that skirt the bounds of "society" and "propriety" for the time, then this is a book with a lot of hope and drama and rediscovering lost love. There is certainly more than enough drama and misunderstanding going as we get to piece together both the past and the future with Amelia and Jonathan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The True Heir is the sixth and final book of The Secrets of Nedworth Hall series by Merry Farmer. Set in Victorian Era, this is a series you need to rThe True Heir is the sixth and final book of The Secrets of Nedworth Hall series by Merry Farmer. Set in Victorian Era, this is a series you need to read in order, because as the series title suggests, there's a secret (or a dozen) that are ready to be uncovered at the Cambourne's summer house party. The main secret of the series that we've been promised to get an answer for was, who is the illegitimate heir of Lord Carshalton.
Miss Millicent Silverstone (aka Millie) is at the house party as maid to Lady Eleanor, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of GIllingham. However, Lady Gillingham has always been kind to Millie and her parents since she was a child. The first person she meets at the house party is David, who turns out to be the very stressed and hard working Duke of Foxley.
This is a charming romance that starts off with a mistaken identity, then becomes a sweet romance where class is the only thing blocking these two wonderful characters. A clear shout out to the operetta HMS Pinafore at the end was also absolutely perfect. A fantastic ending to what has been a wonderful series, and a rather dramatic Victorian house party.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Betting Against the Scoundrel by Mariah Stone is the fourth book of the Dukes and Secrets series set in Regency Era England. This has been an amazing Betting Against the Scoundrel by Mariah Stone is the fourth book of the Dukes and Secrets series set in Regency Era England. This has been an amazing series to read and it has finally come around to a wonderful conclusion, with happily ever afters for many characters.
This is a series that needs to be read in order. The series follows the Seaton siblings in the mystery of what happened to their oldest brother, Spencer Seaton who was Duke of Grandhampton until he was declared dead. Preston, the new duke, Richard and Calliope all found love while trying to find out exactly what and why had happened to their older brother.
Now, in the final book, Spencer is back from the dead (though not back in the title), and turns out he was press ganged as a way to get rid of him (not a spoiler, this was discovered in the previous book). Following a common theme in this series, it is now Spencer who has decided that it is his turn to take revenge. He knows who tried to get rid of him, but he needs to find out why. And it just so happens that there's a lady whose brother and sister have also been wronged by the very same villain.
I loved seeing Spencer go through his own revenge and healing process. I also loved the strength that he both gave and accepted from Joanna. Though traumatic Spencer has undergone a massive character arc and it was just so satisfying that he also went up against a woman that was his equal in every way.
There are still a couple dukes that I have questions about, and no doubt a quest for closure or revenge from both of them. I can't wait for the next series which will be kicked off with the story of one of those dukes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
What a Duke Wants is a standalone romance erotica by Viola Grey and is part of the Her Wicked Lord series.
This is one seriously hot and relatively quWhat a Duke Wants is a standalone romance erotica by Viola Grey and is part of the Her Wicked Lord series.
This is one seriously hot and relatively quick novella to read. Set in Regency era England, Lady Violet finds herself in an arranged marriage to the darkly handsome and aloof Duke of Ashton. Part of the interview before setting up the marriage contract include a private examination with the duke's best friend and doctor, Richard.
As soon as the marriage is sorted, Violet's new husband is quick to consummate the union. She is confused when Richard is also involved, but Ashton and Richard are easing Violet into their unique arrangement. The men want to share their woman. While this is a purely erotic book, there is also a slight element of instalove.
A wildly erotic ride with a Duke, his duchess and their lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Wish Upon A Christmas Duke is a standalone novella by Amanda Mariel, it is set in Regency Era England and is the seventh book of Fated For A Rogue serWish Upon A Christmas Duke is a standalone novella by Amanda Mariel, it is set in Regency Era England and is the seventh book of Fated For A Rogue series. This is a wonderfully charming love at first sight romance between the Earl of Brookfield, Everett St. Giles, and Lady Elizabeth Breckenridge. This a sweet and charming romance that most people want in their regency romances, of dashing titled men and the ladies that capture their love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Long Live the Baron is book six of the Inconvenient Brides series by Nina Jarret. This is a standalone historical romance. While some of the other chaLong Live the Baron is book six of the Inconvenient Brides series by Nina Jarret. This is a standalone historical romance. While some of the other characters from previous books pop up, all characters are introduced and appear within context. However, this has been such a wonderful series to get lost into, I would say you might as well read the rest of the books.
This is a book for people that love the whole marriage of convenience and avoiding a scandal trope. It is a regency romance with the major plot revolving around a murder mystery. It's both fun, keeps you guessing about the identity of the murderer and we get to read about a relationship that starts with marriage, goes to friendship and then becomes love.
The story all starts with Lily Abbot, the daughter of a viscount. She has loving parents and a protective older brother. Her mother despairs that Lily will never find a man to marry and will end up being a spinster - although Lily longs to marry for love. Lily doesn't know a lot of Lord Brendan Ridley, she has quietly met him through mutual acquaintances and observed him quietly.
Then Brendan's uncle is murdered, who is a wealthy baron. The problem is that Brendan is suspected. His alibi won't put herself out for him, though she would be in a position to do so being a widow. What Brendan doesn't realise until it's all happened, is that there was a witness that knows he is innocent. Lily saw Brendan and knew he couldn't be a murderer. There isn't much she can do, but her conscience forces her to do something - which is how Brendan and Lily find themselves being married.
They are strangers. Brendan barely recognises his bride when he sees her dressed properly as a young woman, rather than the childish demure dresses her mother favoured on her. Both are ready to make the best of their situation. Yet, Brendan is aware that there is still danger because the real murderer is still on the lose.
I loved the depth and complexity of Brendan and Lily as we get to know them, and as romance takes a hold. I also loved the murder mystery aspect, though I had figured it out, I needed to know how the pieces fell into place.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The Wishful Governess is the second book of Laura A Barnes False Rumours series. This is a regency romance set in 1813 Scotland (particularly EdinburgThe Wishful Governess is the second book of Laura A Barnes False Rumours series. This is a regency romance set in 1813 Scotland (particularly Edinburgh), which I am a complete sucker for.
I've read this book as a standalone, however, I will admit now I am just about to start reading book one to see where it all started. While I was provided with enough description and context to understand what was going on, I still had questions about some of the particulars.
Grace Penrose was forced to leave London, and England, after she and her friends were embroiled in false rumours that led to them losing their positions. That's how she made it to Scotland, it was through one of her friends also involved in the scandal that she got a position for the aristocratic Lockhart family.
Callum Lockhart is the oldest son, he became the family head and inherited the family titles after the death of his father. His younger siblings are far younger than he is, four of them still children, and one brother who is only a couple years his junior. The stress makes his snappy, especially when it comes to the new governess that his mother hired.
This is a true enemies to lovers kind of book. Callum and Grace clash over just about everything. Callum is ready to send Grace packing but his mother has other plans.
I really loved the comic relief by the Lockhart matriarch and her younger children. This crazy bunch of five made me laugh out loud more than a few times while I was reading. The lady in particular is one person that does not know the meaning of no, and she enlists her more than willing children to make her vision for her oldest son's future (and happiness) a reality. The mischief of her second oldest son, Cameron, to help her mission is simply delightful.
The false rumours is an ongoing part of the series. There have been some odd happenings, some of which were solved. These elements added an interesting mystery, and some danger, that helped the couple see each other as more than just adversaries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Project Duke is book three of Dukes and Secrets series by Mariah Stone. I got caught by Stone's writing when I stumbled across some of her time travelProject Duke is book three of Dukes and Secrets series by Mariah Stone. I got caught by Stone's writing when I stumbled across some of her time travel romance series, but I've been really loving this regency romance series.
There is an overarching plotline in the Dukes and Secrets series, so I recommend not reading this book as a standalone. The Seaton family have been trying their best to discover the fate of their elder brother, and heir to the family's dukedom, after he had disappeared under strange and perhaps scandalous circumstances. In fact, the whole Seaton family have been toeing the line between propriety and scandal as they occasionally discover the darker side of the ton to find their brother.
Now, in book three, it's the Seaton sister, Calliope's, turn to see if she can discover what has happened to her beloved older brother. In book two we had discovered that perhaps the brother wasn't dead and was in fact. Calliope knows that she can get help from Nathaniel Fitzgerald, the Duke of Kelford, who she has spoken to, despite being a bit of a wallflower, at some society events.
Nathaniel cannot deny to himself that he is attracted to Calliope. And now it seems like they are constantly being thrown together. An arranged marriage could help them both achieve what they need. Nathaniel hasn't been marriage minded, but he has two younger sisters that he has been raising and he needs money to do so. Money he can get if he marries and produces an heir. Calliope had never really thought of marriage. In fact, she longs to become a private investigator. At the moment, thoughts of her missing brother drives her determination to make her own path, despite what you two other brothers say.
I enjoyed Nathaniel and Calliope's romance. While there is a lot of adventure and mystery, they are members of the aristocracy and there are certain expectations of behaviour. Calliope's insistence that she help Nathaniel track down her brother is a point of contention between the couple and puts pressure on their budding romance, as their feelings become more involved. While their circumstances bring them together quite quickly, their feelings take longer to develop, though always seems to get a bit of a shove when either one of the characters find themselves in danger.
I can't wait for the fourth book and find out what happens with Spencer!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Falling for his Pretend Countess is book three in Lauri Robinson's series, Southern Belles in London. I've not read the first two books, and honestly,Falling for his Pretend Countess is book three in Lauri Robinson's series, Southern Belles in London. I've not read the first two books, and honestly, when I had got this book I had been expecting a completely different title. Even though it is book three in the series, this reads fine as a standalone.
Regardless, I was instantly charmed and lost into the world of Suzanne, in London via the US, her homeland is currently ravaged by war (US Civil War). Because of her background, Suzanne is on the edges of polite society, although she is welcomed through her friendship with the two other southern belles of this series who have already married into the aristocracy. While she misses her home, things change as she gets to know her neighbour, Henry, the Earl of Beaufort.
While Henry and Suzanne embark on a fake relationship, there is also the the mystery that surrounds who is framing Henry for the murder of some young women, one of his was his half sister. The romance between Suzanne and Henry is a slow burn, as we learn about Henry and Suzanne's background in more detail. Both are strong and interesting characters. Henry to be the epitome of a sweet gentleman. On the other hand, while Suzanne is a strong and generally likable character, the countenance she presented to the world didn't seem to mesh with her past.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
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