Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology – Review

I didn't know about this one since its a combination of four authors and three I hadn't read yet, well needless to say this was a happy surprise of how much I loved these little novellas that complete a the story around the Duke's huge Christmas party- we get to look into many different lives with this one. I loved all the writing and enjoy each of the flow with the plots, characters that build throughout the books, side characters, so many different voices, the party though many eyes, and just the whole party. We get 4 HEA's with this one! 

I'm going to have to read more of the back list of these authors as I really enjoyed this and each their novellas. I don't think I have read an Anthology before but especially around the holiday books this is a cute idea! Love love!!

5 stars
3.5 steam

From four beloved writers—Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley—comes a hilarious tale of a Christmas house party that serves up love and scandal in equal measure!

The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.

But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.

Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.  But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.

A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56816440-mistletoe-christmas?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=oa1OIVxdJM&rank=1

Bombshell – Review

WOW this one throws in secret knives, sassy sexy ladies, special bars, slow burn, and scandalous. The set up for the rest of this series was just pure amazing- I can not wait for it all! These ladies better get that HEA. Lady Sesily is just badass and we get more and more of it during this book. Caleb you will hate then love then love some more and then just yell at him as well. 

This was a wonderful HR! I can’t wait to go back and read more of her past books so I know about the side characters I know where in this one! 

5 stars
4 steam

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with a blazingly sexy, unapologetically feminist new series, Hell’s Belles, beginning with a bold, bombshell of a heroine, able to dispose of a scoundrel—or seduce one—in a single night.

After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.

No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk. 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53385509-bombshell

Not the Kind of Earl You Marry – Review

Fake engagement with the best start of it ever, I just loved loved this plot. William aka Earl of Norwood has a shock of his life when his enemy puts an engagement post in the time to Charlotte who he has never meet and is a wallflower. To be honest the author had me at scene one- I just lol – could wait to see what would happen with these two after that. William finds he is wanting to take away the pretend more and more as he spends time with her, but she is not so sure. Its very one sided until the end but still could feel the chemistry and draw to each other. 

Great add in to the historical parts but not over powering, loved the details. Loved the plot, flow of it all, super super slow burn with some steam at the end and great start to a series! I can’t wait for more of this! 

4.5 stars
3 steam

Fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series will adore this stunning historical romance debut, where a wary wallflower enters a fake engagement with one of London’s most eligible bachelors.

The one woman in London who doesn’t want to marry him is now his fiancée.

William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is as shocked as the rest of London to discover his betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both…

Miss Charlotte Hurst may be a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She would never attempt such an underhanded scheme, especially not with a man as haughty or sought-after as Norwood. Yet his suggestion to play along with the betrothal has its merits… and the longer they pretend, the more undeniably real their feelings become. But when the true culprit behind their engagement is revealed, can their newfound happiness survive the scandal?

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55878995-not-the-kind-of-earl-you-marry

How to Survive a Scandal – Review

This is one of those books you get done with and just wish it was 500 pages more. And this was a debut!! I was a little blown away with this one, I don’t know if it was my mood or what but this rocked my world. I devoured this one in one night. I just loved these two together- them trying to figure out how to work but also love- his sister- the town- the lords and ladies you wanted to punch or love- the side characters- I just loved it all. I felt like the flow of chemistry was good with some slow burn and time.

I can not wait for the next in this series with Fiona and her ex fiancé it looks like!!

5 stars
3 steam

Thanks to forever for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this whirlwind Regency romance, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?

Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.

Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him being shackled to the hoity Society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations… and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.

Add to your goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55275964-how-to-survive-a-scandal

Someday My Duke Will Come – Review

After meeting and falling a bit in like with each other Clare and Quincy find themselves into a fake relationship years later. I loved the whitty banner between them and just their chemistry. Quincy is just wonderful from the start and how he handles everything. Clare is worried and have always worked for her siblings and finally takes her time for herself. But the fake relationship moves into more through their time- growth with each other. 

I really enjoyed this series and most of the time outside of London. Epilogue was also super nice- we got them after a couple years and their love! 

4 stars
3 steam

A fake engagement becomes the real thing in the next book in the series New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes calls “first-rate Regency fun!”

Lady Clara Ashford’s world changed fifteen years ago at the hands of a rogue who took her innocence. Determined never to give into temptation again, she settles into a life as caregiver for her family. With her younger sister recently engaged and about to embark on a life of her own, Clara feels adrift and without purpose―until Quincy, the new Duke of Reigate, arrives on her doorstep in need of a fake fiancée.

When Quincy Nesbitt unexpectedly inherits a dukedom, he’s determined to do his best by the title. One thing he won’t do? Marry a woman he’s never met just because she was engaged to his older brother. So, he enlists Lady Clara’s help, since he can’t marry another when he’s engaged to her. But as they pretend for the ton, Quincy finds himself falling for real. Now, he just has to convince Lady Clara to take a chance on him.

Add the Goodread :https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53342937-someday-my-duke-will-come

The Princess and the Rogue – Review

Seb we meet in books 1 and 2 – I couldn’t wait for him to get his story! See meets Anna Brown in a brothel but she will not go with him as she is there to help the ladies learn to read and write. Anna goes to the country side to try to get away from an evil Russian trying to force her into marriage since she is a Princess. The chemistry is flying off the page with this one! The witty banter is amazing and love all the old and new side characters as well! Wonderful slow burn with some nice steamy bits! 

I think this might be my favorite of the series. Enjoyed all the Russian fairy tale parts and the added drama of it all. Loved all the ladies in this series as they are strong and get the choice of who to pick aka they don’t need to be saved. 

Overall, 4.5 stars and 3 steam

Thanks to Netgally, St. Martin’s Press, the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A princess in disguise is forced to live with a rogue in order to protect her from danger in this fun, sexy regency romance.

Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love―until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true.

Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection―and accommodation―at his gambling hell. But living in such close quarters, and aiding Wolff in his Bow Street cases, fans the flames of their mutual attraction. If Anya’s true identity is revealed, does their romance stand a chance? Could a princess ever marry a rogue?

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52174919-the-princess-and-the-rogue

The Duke and I – Review

OMG this book is brilliant! Julia was ahead of her time when writing this. It’s so funny with witty and sassy comments, full of sarcasm, family drama you can’t not laugh at, and scenes you are so glad you didn’t have to partake in. 

Daphne is one of my favorite leading ladies ever and I couldn’t get over her! You can not love her. Her mother is also a funny delightful women. Next up, you have her brothers which sometimes you love or hate depending on their actions. I also, I not wait to see them fall in love and who they end up with 🙂 

The writing is out of this world good, I can’t wait and so glad there are 8 book to this series. Quinn just became a must read author for me.

From New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the first novel in the beloved Regency-set world of her charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix.

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable…but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…

Add to Goodread: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/110391.The_Duke_and_I

Forever Your Duke- Review

WOW! What a perfect end to this series! I just loved it and can’t wait to read more of Ridley and her new series! 

Cynthia Louise Finch is known as the spinster and had no luck during her 6 years of coming out so she gave up and started to live her own life. She started to make new friends, have some fun and learn things like skiing and pool! Alexander aka Vale aka Duke is up tight and is a rule follower to the dot. He really likes Cynthia Louise but she is not titled and is known as a bad egg. He finds that she is funny, bright, fun to be around, and the life of the party. She teaches him to ski but it ends in trouble. 

I just loved these characters as they were both fighting to not like the other. The setting is so fun and loved getting one last look at all the other characters we have meet along the way! Perfect!

5 stars

From a New York Times bestselling author: A forbidden love, opposites attract romp between a meticulously proper duke and an impishly improper spinster in this witty, feel-good romance!

This year, the Duke of Nottingvale’s Christmastide house party doubles as a bride hunt. The handsome duke seeks a blue-blooded debutante as respectable as he is, and his parlor is brimming with paragons of propriety.

Inveterate spinster and unapologetic hoyden Miss Cynthia Louise Finch does not fit the mold. Any mold. Her younger cousin is perfect for the duke! By matchmaking the two, Cynthia will save her favorite cousin from a horrific fate. The only problem? Cynthia has always held a tendre for the duke. And for the first time, she seems to have caught his attention…

The Duke of Nottingvale knows his responsibilities: Duty and decorum above all else. A respectable lord would never sneak away for stolen moments with a fearless, audacious minx he cannot make his duchess. He definitely wouldn’t kiss her. Or fall in love…

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. Twelve delightful romances… and plenty of delicious dukes!

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50257597-forever-your-duke

Ten Days with a Duke – Review

Another super cute 12 Dukes of Christmas story! Olive is the famous horse breeder and trainer. Elijah would much rather be in his plant world than ever ride a horse again, but due to their fathers he is back. After hurting her years before he falls even more in love with her over time! They grow to like each other and also understand their backgrounds. 

I’m going to be so sad to see these novella be done soon. I just loved this series and hope Erica writes a new one like this. The town and people are just wonderful to see flashes of during these books. They are cute, heartwarming, Christmas-y, and we get HEA!! 
Overall, 5 stars and 3 steam 

From a New York Times bestselling author: a second chances, enemies-while-lovers reunion romance where nothing is as it first appears, and everyone’s motives are suspect…

Olive Harper’s family has been feuding with the Westons for decades. The Westons’ stud farm is the biggest, but the Harpers’ is the most famous… and she’s the sole heiress. Or was, until her father brokers a truce by offering the Weston heir the Harper farm. The only way to get it back is to marry the knave who kissed her and humiliated her, twice—or prove to her father that some rifts can never be healed.

Scholar and botanist Elijah Weston is dreadful at feuding. For one, he prefers horticulture to horses. For two, he’s been desperately in love with his mortal enemy ever since he kissed her—and, yes, publicly destroyed her—all those years ago. When he’s given ten days to win Olive’s heart, he arrives with marriage license in hand. But where lies and double-crosses abound, how can lifelong rivals learn to trust their hearts?

Welcome to a heartwarming series of fun Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49842862-ten-days-with-a-duke

All Scot and Bothered – Review

We are back with the Red Rogues and this time it’s Cecelia story. This one has a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, the leads backstory coming into play more and more. The big grumpy Scot is Ramsey who we meet in book 1 is the Duke’s big brother. He is now the Chief Justice but has absolutely no fun outside of work. This is a perfect enemies to lover romance along with the first age gap romance I have loved. Byrne is truly a master at wiring historical romance!
Cecelia is a lady with some curves, mathematician, will do anything for her friends, and know how to banter with some wit! Ramsey is the strong, large, smart, comes from commoners but can’t get a couple women out of his mind. 

Overall, 4.5 stars and 4 steam (not as much and much later- sloooow burn compared to book 1)

Thanks to St. Martin Press, Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees…

He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who’s made his own way in the world through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London’s most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met.

IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY

Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips…Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women…and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43438815-all-scot-and-bothered