The Baby Swap that Bound Them Together is a standalone romance by Hana Sheik. Sheik is a new author to me, but I have to say, I totally judged this boThe Baby Swap that Bound Them Together is a standalone romance by Hana Sheik. Sheik is a new author to me, but I have to say, I totally judged this book by it's cover. Seeing an MC with wearing a hijab drew me in because, let's face, it's not very often we see Muslim faith or African (Uganda primarily) based romances. Also, the cover is just so stinking cute.
The story is about divorced single mother, Yusra, and single father and billionaire, Bashir. As indicated in the title, their sons were switched at birth nearly three years earlier.
First off, I was not disappointed by the fact that I was drawn in by the cover. I enjoyed reading a romance in a different culture to my own (I did find myself googling some of the food and dresses worn by Yusra). And just like the cover, Yusra and Bashir are so adorable together, they had such a sweet and understated chemistry.
Yusra and Bashir are wonderfully flawed in their own ways. In some ways they are two sides of the same coin - ying and yang - so it's easy to see how these two could possibly make a real marriage out of a marriage of convenience. They married so that neither had to give up the child they had raised individually, not knowing about the hospital mix up. And while both Yusra and Bashir are refreshing down to earth and come to the situation with the best of intentions, feelings have a pesky habit of getting in the way. The romance is sweet, wholesome and a slow burn.
On the other hand, I said say that they are both flawed. But that isn't a bad thing, because the character development as they learn to reconcile their new reality and face their respective past demons shows two strong and determined MC's. Yusra has one failed marriage to a husband that could perhaps be described as controlling and abusive, he had also left her when she was pregnant, not wanting anything to do with the baby. Bashir seems to lose all the family and people that he loves. It is a pattern that he has long since accepted and makes him keep a distance from anyone, except for his son. His demons are a lot more centre stage than Yusra's, but Bashir is a really fascinating character.
I adored this book. It wasn't about Bashir using his money to wow Yusra, this was about two adults wanting the best for their toddler sons, not expecting that they could also get their own HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
The Baby Swap that Bound Them Together is a standalone romance by Hana Sheik. Sheik is a new author to me, but I have to say, I totally judged this book by it's cover. Seeing an MC with wearing a hijab drew me in because, let's face, it's not very often we see Muslim faith or African (Uganda primarily) based romances. Also, the cover is just so stinking cute.
The story is about divorced single mother, Yusra, and single father and billionaire, Bashir. As indicated in the title, their sons were switched at birth nearly three years earlier.
First off, I was not disappointed by the fact that I was drawn in by the cover. I enjoyed reading a romance in a different culture to my own (I did find myself googling some of the food and dresses worn by Yusra). And just like the cover, Yusra and Bashir are so adorable together, they had such a sweet and understated chemistry.
Yusra and Bashir are wonderfully flawed in their own ways. In some ways they are two sides of the same coin - ying and yang - so it's easy to see how these two could possibly make a real marriage out of a marriage of convenience. They married so that neither had to give up the child they had raised individually, not knowing about the hospital mix up. And while both Yusra and Bashir are refreshing down to earth and come to the situation with the best of intentions, feelings have a pesky habit of getting in the way. The romance is sweet, wholesome and a slow burn.
On the other hand, I said say that they are both flawed. But that isn't a bad thing, because the character development as they learn to reconcile their new reality and face their respective past demons shows two strong and determined MC's. Yusra has one failed marriage to a husband that could perhaps be described as controlling and abusive, he had also left her when she was pregnant, not wanting anything to do with the baby. Bashir seems to lose all the family and people that he loves. It is a pattern that he has long since accepted and makes him keep a distance from anyone, except for his son. His demons are a lot more centre stage than Yusra's, but Bashir is a really fascinating character.
I adored this book. It wasn't about Bashir using his money to wow Yusra, this was about two adults wanting the best for their toddler sons, not expecting that they could also get their own HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Caroline Saves the Blacksmith is a enchantingly sweet historical, regency romance by Nina Jarrett. It is book five of Inconvenient Brides, and althougCaroline Saves the Blacksmith is a enchantingly sweet historical, regency romance by Nina Jarrett. It is book five of Inconvenient Brides, and although some of the previous characters are mentioned and do appear, as well as the big event of Caroline's downfall that occurs prior to the start of this book, we get more than enough information for this to work as a standalone book.
Caroline Brown is a fallen woman. She made a terrible mistake two years earlier and ever since she has been struggling. But finally, she has some good luck. With the help of a benefactor, she was able to start her own store as a modiste in a small village somewhere near Bath (well, a couple hours from Bath at any rate). She is excited and embraces her new business with all she has. The only other thing that she has promised herself is that she will never allow herself to get involved with a man.
Then we meet local, influential blacksmith, William Jackson. He took over his uncle's forge after the death of his cousin. William and his cousin were both soliders and fought against Napoleon in Waterloo. William was the only one to return and that is something that haunts him. Then he meets the new modiste, Caroline, and he is intrigued. It's not long after that the two keep being thrown together.
I love both Caroline and William. They are complex characters with complex emotional baggage from their separate pasts. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, because there is so much more to them both and as the story progresses we learn more about each of them. I also really enjoyed the part of Williams story that lends itself from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, though William is as far from Mr. Scrooge as possible.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merged review:
Caroline Saves the Blacksmith is a enchantingly sweet historical, regency romance by Nina Jarrett. It is book five of Inconvenient Brides, and although some of the previous characters are mentioned and do appear, as well as the big event of Caroline's downfall that occurs prior to the start of this book, we get more than enough information for this to work as a standalone book.
Caroline Brown is a fallen woman. She made a terrible mistake two years earlier and ever since she has been struggling. But finally, she has some good luck. With the help of a benefactor, she was able to start her own store as a modiste in a small village somewhere near Bath (well, a couple hours from Bath at any rate). She is excited and embraces her new business with all she has. The only other thing that she has promised herself is that she will never allow herself to get involved with a man.
Then we meet local, influential blacksmith, William Jackson. He took over his uncle's forge after the death of his cousin. William and his cousin were both soliders and fought against Napoleon in Waterloo. William was the only one to return and that is something that haunts him. Then he meets the new modiste, Caroline, and he is intrigued. It's not long after that the two keep being thrown together.
I love both Caroline and William. They are complex characters with complex emotional baggage from their separate pasts. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, because there is so much more to them both and as the story progresses we learn more about each of them. I also really enjoyed the part of Williams story that lends itself from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, though William is as far from Mr. Scrooge as possible.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
I was so excited to get the chance to read the ARC of RJ Scott and VL Locey's latest ice-hockey series.
For those of us who are fan's of the dynamic duI was so excited to get the chance to read the ARC of RJ Scott and VL Locey's latest ice-hockey series.
For those of us who are fan's of the dynamic duo's other ice-hockey series - Harrisburg Railers, Arizona Raptors and Owatanna U Hockey - this is the first instalment of another hockey team embraces their LGBTQI2+ players. Other fans of MM ice hockey romances will also be excited for this book - I don't think that you have to have read any of Scott's and Locey's previous books, though a number of characters pop up and some events from previous books are mentioned.
There are numerous reasons why I was excited, besides the authors and their previous books in this particular NHL universe. When the book starts, we meet up with the captain of the team (Brady Rowe), who is the big brother of the much beloved Tennant Rowe from the Harrisburg Railers. Even though Brady is not a main character (and straight and married) I was really keen to see more of the guy. And to be honest, he was a bit of a starting point for me, because he is the team's diversity rep as well as being the team captain. It was also pretty cool to see Brady and his brothers, Jamie and Tennant, pop up as minor characters, talking up a big game and imparting wisdom that comes with experience. If I wasn't lazy I would look up what team Jamie comes from, because now I want to get a bit more of Jamie Rowe in my life and I wonder if or how that could happen.
The book introduces us to Xander and his best friend Eli. They grew up together, went to school together, the works. And now by both play for the same NHL team - the Boston Rebels. When the story opens, Xander finds himself forced to tell the world that he is bisexual, something that Eli doesn't even know despite Xander having seen Eli's brother, Mason, come out of the closet as gay. And this is where life gets tricky for Xander, he may be embracing living as an out and proud bisexual person, he also has to once again face up to the fact he is attracted to his best friends little brother.
Mason has had a crush on Xander forever. Xander and ice hockey has always been apart of his life. He may pine for his brother's best friend, but he has a life that he loves. He has a great best friend and he loves his job, helping same sex couples become parents. He still lives with his brother, but he has ambitions that require him to save a lot of money. Mason knows he is lucky to have such a supportive big brother, but as the attraction between he and Xander becomes something a lot more real, life doesn't seem to be quite so easy.
The world seems to be throwing Xander and Mason together, and both men feel the trepidation of starting a relationship. However, the one thing that is strong is the passion and the spark between the them. The characters have been written to perfectly compliment each other and that has the reading cheering on this couple as they navigate their feelings.
There are going to be six book in the Boston series and with this introduction into the team, I can't wait to meet more of the guys and see them get their happily ever after. By the end of the book we know that there are going to be more big changes happen to the Rebels and I am interested to see where this brings the team. They have started a new season of hockey, and are ready to work their butts off to win the Stanley Cup. Also, I find myself wondering more about the dynamics between the teams the Rebels, Railers and the Raptors - particularly with such major personal ties between the teams.
Fantastic book, can't wait for more!
Merged review:
I was so excited to get the chance to read the ARC of RJ Scott and VL Locey's latest ice-hockey series.
For those of us who are fan's of the dynamic duo's other ice-hockey series - Harrisburg Railers, Arizona Raptors and Owatanna U Hockey - this is the first instalment of another hockey team embraces their LGBTQI2+ players. Other fans of MM ice hockey romances will also be excited for this book - I don't think that you have to have read any of Scott's and Locey's previous books, though a number of characters pop up and some events from previous books are mentioned.
There are numerous reasons why I was excited, besides the authors and their previous books in this particular NHL universe. When the book starts, we meet up with the captain of the team (Brady Rowe), who is the big brother of the much beloved Tennant Rowe from the Harrisburg Railers. Even though Brady is not a main character (and straight and married) I was really keen to see more of the guy. And to be honest, he was a bit of a starting point for me, because he is the team's diversity rep as well as being the team captain. It was also pretty cool to see Brady and his brothers, Jamie and Tennant, pop up as minor characters, talking up a big game and imparting wisdom that comes with experience. If I wasn't lazy I would look up what team Jamie comes from, because now I want to get a bit more of Jamie Rowe in my life and I wonder if or how that could happen.
The book introduces us to Xander and his best friend Eli. They grew up together, went to school together, the works. And now by both play for the same NHL team - the Boston Rebels. When the story opens, Xander finds himself forced to tell the world that he is bisexual, something that Eli doesn't even know despite Xander having seen Eli's brother, Mason, come out of the closet as gay. And this is where life gets tricky for Xander, he may be embracing living as an out and proud bisexual person, he also has to once again face up to the fact he is attracted to his best friends little brother.
Mason has had a crush on Xander forever. Xander and ice hockey has always been apart of his life. He may pine for his brother's best friend, but he has a life that he loves. He has a great best friend and he loves his job, helping same sex couples become parents. He still lives with his brother, but he has ambitions that require him to save a lot of money. Mason knows he is lucky to have such a supportive big brother, but as the attraction between he and Xander becomes something a lot more real, life doesn't seem to be quite so easy.
The world seems to be throwing Xander and Mason together, and both men feel the trepidation of starting a relationship. However, the one thing that is strong is the passion and the spark between the them. The characters have been written to perfectly compliment each other and that has the reading cheering on this couple as they navigate their feelings.
There are going to be six book in the Boston series and with this introduction into the team, I can't wait to meet more of the guys and see them get their happily ever after. By the end of the book we know that there are going to be more big changes happen to the Rebels and I am interested to see where this brings the team. They have started a new season of hockey, and are ready to work their butts off to win the Stanley Cup. Also, I find myself wondering more about the dynamics between the teams the Rebels, Railers and the Raptors - particularly with such major personal ties between the teams.
Tracked Down by the Mountain Man is a standalone contemporary romance by Opal Nicks, and is the seventh book of the Mountain Men of Cady Springs serieTracked Down by the Mountain Man is a standalone contemporary romance by Opal Nicks, and is the seventh book of the Mountain Men of Cady Springs series. This is a small town, mountain man, friends to lovers,, brother's best friend novella. It was sweet, spicy and totally satisfying.
In this story, ex-Navy SEAL Leo is the best man for his best friend's wedding. He is totally shocked and blown away when he realises that the little girl that used to get in his way has grown into a stunning woman. Ivy is that woman, she had a crush on her brother's best friend for years before she left her hometown in Colorado for Arizona. And while the sexual tension between Leo and Ivy seems to be ready to combust at any moment, Ivy has an extremely protective older brother who will judge any man she chooses to be with.
This is a high heat book, but there is also plenty of emotion, which gives the book richness when it comes to Ivy and Leo sorting out their feelings. Because of that there is maybe a touch of angst, but for the most part I felt annoyed for both Leo and Ivy for being judged as if they were still children by the people they love. But these two are totally wonderful and enjoyed the lengths they would go for love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Sun-Kissed is a standalone contemporary MM romance by Nic Starr, and is part of the multiauthor series Pride Cruise 2024. Nic Starr is one of my favouSun-Kissed is a standalone contemporary MM romance by Nic Starr, and is part of the multiauthor series Pride Cruise 2024. Nic Starr is one of my favourite Australian authors and I always look forward to her books, and always wonder if I can recognise the setting (this one I think is somewhere around the Hunter region, around Cessnock or Maitland). It's always a thrill reading an Aussie romance by an Aussie author.
This is a sweet and sexy story between Axel Zelman and Kyle Brown.
Axel a musician who has a tarnished reputation and will do anything for his little brother, who he has been taking care of for years. To help his reputation and get more work, he's been booked on a Pride Cruise out of Sydney Harbour where Axel does not relish the idea of being in close quarters with so many people that want autographs and the show-biz personality Axel.
Kyle Brown works on the farm/vineyard that he and his brother inherited from their parents. Kyle works hard and doesn't have time for a lot of fun, and finding a partner in the country isn't the easiest thing for an openly gay man. And thanks to his interfering but well meaning brother and sister in law, Kyle is going on a Pride Cruise to let loose. Problem is Kyle is dreading the entire thing.
Kyle and Axel just click together. I really appreciated that this was a celebrity romance (even though Kyle had no idea who Axel was) that was less about the celebrity drama and more about the actual person who Axel is, and in turn gave more depth and sweetness to the romance as is developed between Kyle and Axel. I am totally in love with this couple and the book left me feeling just happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
His Savage Longing is the fourth book in the Rugged Peaks series by C.L. Cruz. This is a quick and easy read (novelette/short story), for those that lHis Savage Longing is the fourth book in the Rugged Peaks series by C.L. Cruz. This is a quick and easy read (novelette/short story), for those that love a steamy small town, hot mountain man type of romance (think of authors like Lilah Hart and Opal Nicks),
This is a hot and spicy romance that features Aspen and Zane, who were childhood best friends that became estranged as young adults and now Aspen's uncle's will brings them together again. I really enjoyed getting to know them and I enjoyed them getting to know each other again, and understanding what couldn't be spoken in the past. It's definitely a wild ride.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The Nanny for My Best Friend's Brother is the second book of Lily Waters' series, Off Limits Love in Rivermint Cove. This is a standalone book, thoughThe Nanny for My Best Friend's Brother is the second book of Lily Waters' series, Off Limits Love in Rivermint Cove. This is a standalone book, though I immediately wanted to read this book because I really enjoyed the first book. There are plenty of hints at other singles in Rivermint Cove, so it's not difficult to imagine who will be the subject of upcoming books, and that is exciting to me.
This is a sweet and utterly charming romance, it's relatively clean but there is just enough spice in the right places that enhance the story and the romance between the two main characters. The story follows Emily and Kevin. Emily run a nanny placement agency, although she isn't a nanny herself, something that starts to change after a conversation with one of her close friends. And then when she has a meeting with widower, single dad and the new sheriff in town, Kevin, whose little girl needs a nanny. Kevin lost his wife a couple years earlier, but he has finally made the move to Rivermint Cove in order to be closer to his support system, his parents and sister. He has an absolutely georgous daughter who is precocious and pure sunshine.
This is a feel good, second chance at love story, a wonderful and cozy small town romance. I found myself connecting to the characters and the setting so easily that I quickly came to adore this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
An Alpha's Commitment is the second book in R. Gaen's series, Leongatha Pack Tales. Those that like a darker romance, with shape shifters and a menageAn Alpha's Commitment is the second book in R. Gaen's series, Leongatha Pack Tales. Those that like a darker romance, with shape shifters and a menage, this was a good read. However, this is a series that needs to be read in order. This book picks up the story from The Sad Omega, where Isca, an abused and timid omega, finds himself in a relationship and falling in love with mated pair Talius (the alpha) and Irian (also an omega).
In this book, Talius, Irian and Isca have become a fully fledged triad, where the two omegas are with each other as much as they are with the alpha. This story goes through the triad trying to make a proper mating bond between them. Unfortunately, Isca had been forced to mate and was subsequently abused by a sadistic alpha who gave him a mating mark. That means that even though Talius and Irian are mated to each other, and they love Isca, the three men cannot claim each other.
I have to say that my favourite part of this book involved a character we only briefly meet, Xerxes. I found the interaction with him was humorous, which was exactly what we needed and I enjoyed the insight he gave us to Irian.
This is a bit of an epic series and a dark romance that is also somehow heartwarming. I'm not sure if we will have more to the story of Talius, Isca and Irian, but I am looking forward to finding out how other members of the Leongartha Pack fare in the romance department.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Conquering the Alien Emperor is the third book of the Pandraxian series by Bella Blair. While this book probably can be read as a standalone, I would Conquering the Alien Emperor is the third book of the Pandraxian series by Bella Blair. While this book probably can be read as a standalone, I would say that there are a few scenes which refer to the couples of the two previous books, where having background on the events that happened on earth in this series would be beneficial.
Daryus is the titular alien emperor, he is the leader of the Pandraxian people. He popped up briefly in the first two books, where he had trouble accepting his brother and his second in command having human mates. But things have moved forward in this universe and the moment that Daryus realises that human woman Heather is his true mate, he is ready to step up to woo and fight for his mate. I enjoyed the element of danger and mystery in this book, which complimented the mating aspect of the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
The Naga Scavenger's Precious Mate is the fifth book of the Serpents of Serant series by Robin O'Connor.
I *think* this book could be read as a standaThe Naga Scavenger's Precious Mate is the fifth book of the Serpents of Serant series by Robin O'Connor.
I *think* this book could be read as a standalone, however, I wouldn't recommend it. There has been a lot going on in this alien world that was covered previously and previous knowledge probably would help for context when it comes to understanding the Naga clans and how the Outcast Haven clan lives.
In this book we are introduced to yet another clan (and therefore different coloured scales/skin) of the Naga species. A group of humans mysteriously crash land on an alien planet - for various reasons that we find out in each book. And now that they are on this planet, they are finding fated mates among the Naga. Naga are interesting, they were a species that rejected technology and instead of being at peace with other clans, there's fighting instead.
In this book, we meet human female Farah who really doesn't know what's going on until she is saved by the serpent-like humanoid alien Zeidon. He is a loner, and so unlike previous books, he has less issues from his people when it comes to finding out his mate is a human. Definitely the least dramatic of the series so far, it was a nice change of pace, but there is still so much that we are finding out about Serant and the Outcast Haven.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Fighting the Flames Within is a standalone contemporary MM romance by Casey Morales, and is the first book in the Heartstrings of Honor series.
This iFighting the Flames Within is a standalone contemporary MM romance by Casey Morales, and is the first book in the Heartstrings of Honor series.
This is the story of the rocky but heartfelt romance between firefighter Dane and journalist Patrick. Patrick is trying to get a hard hitting story so that he can prove his worth at the newspaper he works at, a chance meeting with Dane sets them on their path where work is mixed with pleasure.
The book description suggests that this is a passionate and funny romance, and while there is certainly off the charts passion, I don't think that comedy is really the main feature of the story. The drama, and a bit of mystery, as Patrick hunts down his story is what gives this book so much heart. The story focuses on the differences between Dane and Patrick, and uses a professional conflict of interest as the big learning curve when it comes to building a relationship. I really loved how it was done, the story and the relationship is strong and has so much heart.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Rescued by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the sixth book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders.
If you're not familiar with Lilah Hart, hRescued by the Mountain Man is a novelette by Lilah Hart and is the sixth book of the Rosewood Ridge Riders.
If you're not familiar with Lilah Hart, here's what to expect: a mid thirties guy and a early-mid twenties woman, a good dash of instalove, muscle bound and gruff mountain men, a lot of spice, a HEA... and all read in under an hour.
Outdoorsy woman Piper is camping in the woods near Rosewood Ridge Retreat when she meets Justin, one of the local bikers and all around good guy who's ready to help when Piper is in need. This is exactly what I've come accustomed to with Hart's writing, and is a satisfying and quick read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Rescued by the Mountain Man is a contemporary romance by Ella Valet. This is the second novella of the Curvy Girls and Mountain Men of Ridgeview HolloRescued by the Mountain Man is a contemporary romance by Ella Valet. This is the second novella of the Curvy Girls and Mountain Men of Ridgeview Hollow series, although these are standalone stories.
If you're into the whole mountain man and curvy girl trope, you know what you're in for and should enjoy this one. For others, this is an instalove, small town, age gap (10 years) romance where the gruff mountain man falls hard for the curvy woman, and the intimate scenes are spicy, with so much chemistry between the couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Hey, Neighbor is a standalone contemporary novella by Sierra Shipley. Shipley is a new author to me but the blurb looked like a lot of fun and I figurHey, Neighbor is a standalone contemporary novella by Sierra Shipley. Shipley is a new author to me but the blurb looked like a lot of fun and I figured I might as well give it a go.
The heroine of the story is Elsie, described as a shy and curvy girl, she is so severely introverted she is nearly agoraphobic. The hero is her neighbour in the same townhouse complex, Kane. Kane is rough and ready, he's a mechanic and much more extroverted. What starts as a friendship based upon the deal made by Elsie and Kane for him to help her get out into the dating world, ends in something both steamy with some deep emotions.
This was just a fun and charming story, a small town opposites attract that was just so satisfying to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Touched by the Ashes is a contemporary standalone romance by Madison Grey, and is the third book of the Brother's in Heat series. This will appeal to Touched by the Ashes is a contemporary standalone romance by Madison Grey, and is the third book of the Brother's in Heat series. This will appeal to those that like small town and firefighter/first responder romances.
I didn't know how to feel about this one because I saw "Fake Pregnancy" right there in the title. So for people like me, I would like to assure you (without giving too much away) that there is nothing nefarious in this aspect of the book. In fact, it really isn't a major factor in big picture of the plot.
Set in northern California where wildfires/bushfires can devastate communities, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story. Max O'Grady was a likable and real character, he is the firefighter of the story, and was just an all around good bloke and someone that definitely deserves a HEA. Lizzy was also a thoroughly likable character, who moves to small town California to take over a flower shop and start her life new. Lizzy starts the story with a heartbreak, which is what precipitates her big move but I liked her strength and resilience.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Eager Housewife is a standalone contemporary novella by Evie Rose, and is book 2 of Filthy Scottish Kingpins.
This is one of those books where you eitEager Housewife is a standalone contemporary novella by Evie Rose, and is book 2 of Filthy Scottish Kingpins.
This is one of those books where you either love or loathe the premise. We're talking mafia/crime family (set in the UK), a best friend's father age gap romance, a free use wife, very smutty and with a touch of drama. I would probably go as far to suggest that there is an element of breeding romance as well.
Incredibly hot and steamy. I enjoyed how mature both characters were, so I found it easy to get into the romance side of things.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
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
Sage Advice is the first book in the Hearts in Danger series by Sandra Carmel. I was drawn to this book mostly because it was set in Australia, becausSage Advice is the first book in the Hearts in Danger series by Sandra Carmel. I was drawn to this book mostly because it was set in Australia, because I like having a book that is set in my home country. But I was also drawn to the themes of military-type romance, danger and protection. This is also a brother's best friend/best friend's sister romance, that also includes a young crush.
Sage is a psychologist who is passionate about her work and her patients. She agrees to do a favour for her brother, when he asks her to help his best friend. Being the professional that she is, Sage will help Alexander find the right person to help him with his PTSD but that is all. After all, not only does she know Alexander too well, she also had a massive crush on him. Alexander is ex-military, ex-SAS and he has returned back to civilian life feeling broken because of the PTSD. But seeing Sage again brings back old feelings Their lives are quickly thrown together when Sage becomes the target of a stalker whose behaviour escalates.
I really enjoyed the combination of hurt-comfort, danger/stalking and a spicy romance. I found myself loving both Sage and Alexander. They are wonderfully complex and flawed characters, which made them very relatable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Orphan Bride is a standalone historical romance by Carolyn Faulkner, set in Regency era England. Overall, this was an enjoyable book, though ultimatelOrphan Bride is a standalone historical romance by Carolyn Faulkner, set in Regency era England. Overall, this was an enjoyable book, though ultimately it is a pretty common set up for a historical romance.
Felisa Heath is the titular orphan bride. She grew up in an orphanage and it was only sheer good luck that had her saved by Rune, the Marquess of Sommerville, and she becomes the companion to the elderly dowager marchioness. Rune is the perfect gentleman and seems to be content to be Felisa's knight in shining armour.
This is a book where the two main characters have a considerable age gap (think Jane Eyre, looking at around 20ish years give or take), which also means that there is also a significant power dynamic between the much older man and the younger woman.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more
Glow is the third book in the Pleasure Seekers series by Kristian Parker. This is an MM contemporary romance, set in Brighton, England and features gaGlow is the third book in the Pleasure Seekers series by Kristian Parker. This is an MM contemporary romance, set in Brighton, England and features gay men who work for a massive online sex toy store who all start out their stories as single men rooming together. These are standalone book, but readers may wish to get more context about the previous characters in the series. On the whole these are funny and relatable characters who are just living life.
Scott is the last remaining single one in his house, with his other two housemates finding love in books one and two. Seeing his friends happy, Scott is a lonely and he would like a wonderful partner for himself. Working in Pleasure Seekers HR department, Scott has the somewhat thankless task of figuring out who in the company could have been responsible for a major theft. That's how he meets IT guy Prin Lau, who thinks he can help the investigation, even if it puts his job and his team in jeopardy.
These two have an interesting dynamic. They are both down to earth and very much relatable as people. They come off immediately as great friends. And while there is a spark of chemistry there, the romance between them is a slow burn. Aside from there work storyline, there is also background into their individual personal lives. I really enjoyed the ending, especially when we got to see more from the Scott's friends who had already found love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review....more