It Takes Two to Tangle by Theresa Romain

Henry Middlebrook returns from war weary and wounded and he knows he needs to go back into society expect he feels the pity of the ton with his injury.  Deciding that having the right wife will soothe the pathway, he sets his sights on a lovely widow and asks her companion for some help in securing her hand.  Frances Whittier agrees to help Henry even though Henry has captured her attention in way she has never felt before.  Attempting to draw his attention through a letter, he concludes the wrong lady wrote it and Frances is forced to put up a charade to keep her feelings hidden.  As time passes though, it becomes clear to Henry that Frances is the woman he is looking for but when he finds out the truth about the letters, will forgiveness be found especially as Frances is holding out a secret about her first marriage that she feels makes her entirely unsuitable for Henry?

This is the start of Theresa Romain's new Matchmaker trilogy and I enjoyed it just as much as her other works.  Frances was such a refreshing heroine with her quiet strength and decisive talk.  I really wished she had just told Henry the truth about the letters much sooner than she did though and I thought her secrets were also refreshing from what I have read before and thought the resolution to them was handled well (in fact, how Henry deals with it made me tear up a bit!).  Henry is dealing with his own after effects of war and finds his well meaning, forgiving family a bit off putting.  Frances challenges him to move past the past and strive towards new beginnings and shows him that he still has all the respect he had before the war.  Overall I really enjoyed this book however it was a bit slow in places and heavy on details in parts for my taste but the characters with their vibrant. well written natures brought the book to a solid conclusion.  Subtle humor, passionate encounters and heartfelt letters made this a very lovely read!

eARC provided by Sourcebooks via netgalley

The Matchbreaker Trilogy
Two more titles to come

New Covers

New covers from out and about lately. . .

I love this cover!!  The color is just lovely and I am so excited for a new series from Katharine Ashe!  Look for I Married the Duke Aug 27th.

Lily Dalton is a new author and her debut, Never Desire a Duke sounds very intriguing!  The cover is just perfect for the holidays and the wintery setting of this book.  I will be grabbing this one Sept 24th!

A new Maya Banks highlander?  Yes please!  Super sexy cover off set by a nice bold blue.  Highland Ever After, book three in a series, will be out Sept 24th.

I love all the covers on this cover!!  The green just pops but the red and purple add a lovely background.  I have really enjoyed Erin Knightley's books and I am very eager for Flirting with Fortune, out Sept 3rd.

Gah!  I can not wait for this book!!!  Is it Oct 1st yet?!?  And what a sigh worthy cover.  The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie is going to be such a wonderful addition to this amazing series, I know it :)

Oooh, look at the pretty red dress!  And the wonderful attention to detail, such as the quill (which Theresa Romain said is part of the story).  I love when a cover matches a book and It Takes Two to Tangle, the start of a new series, looks to fit the bill nicely.  Very eager for Sept 3rd!

Well, I believe I have all of these pre-ordered and I really adore all the covers.  What about you?  Which ones are you most eager for or are drawn to because of the cover?

Season for Surrender by Theresa Romain

Alexander, Lord Xavier, makes yet another bet with his cousin Lord Longwood.  Its pretty basic--get the proper Lady Louisa to attend his holiday house party and stay the entire two weeks.  No seduction is necessary and is strictly off limits (can't ruin the young lady's reputation and get leg shackled!).  As Xavier always wins his bets, in fact, he is quite known about the ton for his wagering and his wickedness, he sees this as an easy win.  Yet when a simple game of cards needs to be paid out in the format of time, he finds himself spending more time with Louisa than he thought he would....and also opening up to her in a whole new way.  Louisa sees right through his facade he has built up.  She sees past all his 'Numbered Expressions' (Expression Number One: Veiled Disdain, etc).  As Louisa has a keen sense of observation, she notices all sort of little things that no one else ever has and it starts to affect him.  Their meetings in the library that Louisa adores, leads to heartfelt confessions and daring kisses.  However, when Lord Longwood uncovers a secret in a coded book, he threatens to harm Louisa if Xavier does not finally lose a bet to him.  As Xavier wants to do everything he can to protect Louisa, he hurts her in a way that cuts deep with her without giving her a proper explanation.  Will Louisa find a way to set Xavier free or will the betrayal be too much to overcome?

This book is a delight, plain and simple.  It was like eating a delicious cupcake, one you savor, then being a bit disappointed once its gone but yet it leaves you happy and fulfilled.  I enjoyed watching the proper, quiet bluestocking Louisa develop into a confident, lovely woman who will stand up for whats right while surrendering her body and heart.  I loved the fun wit between Louisa and Xavier and how the library becomes their 'spot' (and yes, it gets a bit heated).  I loved watching Louisa slowly uncover Xavier and discover the man he thought he never could be...Alex.  She opens his eyes to so much of what he was missing beneath his rakish facade, with his need to have the regard of the world.  Having been orphaned as a baby, Xavier has always craved the seemingly unattainable affection of others.  Xavier turns out to be quite a delicious hero, even when he hurts Louisa while trying to protect her.  I will admit, I am not a fan of books that feature a bet prominently but Ms Romain tackled it well with a nice twist from Louisa that made the book flow much easier for me.  The holiday elements are nicely done without overwhelming the story while the secondary characters for the house party add a dose of humor, excitement and tension (and are ones I hope to see again in the future!).  Overall, a perfectly delightful holiday romance filled with cheer, strong characters with real flaws, love and laughter.  I am truly sad I read it so quickly and I am anxiously awaiting Theresa Romain's next book!  4 cheery stars

eARC provided by Kensington Books via netgalley.com

Related books
Could be read as standalones but best enjoyed in order

New Covers

This weeks new covers that I have seen, also know as the white dress edition :)

First up is Season for Surrender by Theresa Romain.  This is the follow up to her debut book and I love the little touch of holiday and as the author said herself, it looks like Louisa is up to no good :)  This one will be released October 2nd.

Blackstone's Bride is a new book from Kate Moore and I don't see much information about the story line yet.  I have not read anything by this author but I do like the cover so I guess I will wait for more info on it.  Look for it August 7th.

Oh, look what Julianne MacLean shared this week!  I love it and I love the super sexy stepback as well :)  I am so excited to read this new series and this will be book two and Princess in Love is set for a November release.

I know I have shared the cover of The Bride Wore Pearls previously but Liz Carlye shared the stepback this week and as I love stepbacks, I thought I would share it with you in case you did not see it.  This one will be out July 31st.

Having really enjoyed the first book in Lorraine Heath's new trilogy, Lord of Temptation is on top of my list to read in October.  I like how the author name is bigger than the title :)  I wonder if there will be a stepback for this one because I can imagine it would be nice and sexy...

I don't have much information about this newest title from Stephanie Laurens as I see no info on her website yet and for some reason it is on Amazon and not goodreads yet.  It looks to be a new title as it says 'first time in print' and the release date is set for Sept 25th.  And it has yet another lovely white cover.

Look--a non white cover! :)  I'm really liking this cover!  The shade of blue is lovely and I like the fact the heroine looks like she is about to -- ahem get 'ruined by the moonlight.'  Ruined By Moonlight: A Whispers of Scandal Novel will be out Sept 4th.

And one last one to add quickly-- A Most Naked Solution is a novella by Anna Randol that is set for release June 26th and the cover sure is pretty and gold!  Doesn't necessarily scream 'historical' to me but definitely alludes to the naked part of the title.  This will feature the sister of the hero from her debut book and I'm eager to read it.

So, which covers are your favorites of this batch?  What do you think of the white trend?

Upcoming October historical releases

Here are some upcoming historicals being released in October! 

Oct 4th


Phew, lots of good ones being released on Oct 4th!  I know I have said it before, but grab Theresa Roamins debut, Season for Temptation,if you are a fan of fun romances (sort of like Julia Quinn).  I know I will be buying Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish as it continues her series with a great family (though it is the start of a trilogy just about the sisters, I think the brothers are separated into their own series).  I have not seen alot about Suzanne Enochs upcoming release, A Beginner's Guide to Rakes, but the little I have seen has been very positive so I am looking forward to it as well :) A Bride Unveiled is book two in a series that I have not yet tried but is on my huge mountain to read. The Accidental Courtesan is also book two in a series and while some didn't love the first one, I enjoyed it so I will be picking this one up.  And I just saw a mini review from a goodreads friend for Tis the Season to Be Sinful that has me looking forward to a delightful story in this one.  Yeah, looks like I am going for broke in about a week with all these titles!

Oct 18th



Sigh...I don't think I need to say much about this book as I have said numerous times I am dying to read this one...right now!

Oct 25th




Another book I am just dying to read right now is the last of Maya Banks Highlander series, Never Love a Highlander! Loved the last one so very eager for this one as well :) Engaged in Sin sounds like a promising book from a new to me author and a very pretty cover as well. Too Wicked to Wed is the start of a new series from Cara Elliot and as I enjoyed her past trilogy, featuring strong woman with male-dominated professions, I have high hopes for the new series.  And finally, only two historicals from Avon this month (though they do have a contemporary from one of my favorite authors, Toni Blake coming out, Holly Lane).  One being All About Seduction which is another new to me author and the premise for this one is quite interesting and I hope to get to it as I have it from Netgalley.  The last one for the month is book three in a trilogy from Sara Bennett, To Pleasure a Duke and I hope to read this one early as well as I read the first in the trilogy and enjoyed it.

So overall, another good month for historical romance fans.  What about you?  Which books are you looking forward to in October?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my WoW title is a book I have had the pleasure of reading an ARC for, Season for Temptation by Theresa Romain.  You can find my full review here.  This is one seriously delightful book and I can't wait for you all to have a chance to read it when it is finally released on Oct 4th!  I have not read alot of Julia Quinn but the humor in this book reminded be a bit of JQ and if you enjoy JQ, I really think you are going to enjoy Season for Temptation.  Theresa Romain is a new author and one that I am really looking forward to more from and a long, happy, fun career. Here is the summary from goodreads:

Two Sisters...

Julia Herington is overjoyed when her stepsister, Louisa, becomes engaged--to a viscount, no less. Louisa's only hesitation is living a life under the ton's critical gaze. But with his wry wit and unconventional ideas, Julia feels James is perfect for Louisa. She can only hope to find a man like him for herself. Exactly like him, in fact...

One Choice...

As the new Viscount Matheson, James wished to marry quickly and secure his title. Kind, intelligent Louisa seemed a suitable bride... until he met her stepsister. Julia is impetuous--and irresistible. Pledged to one sister, yet captivated by another, what is he to do? As Christmas and the whirl of the London season approach, James may be caught in a most scandalous conundrum, one that only true love, a bit of spiritous punch--and a twist of fate--will solve...

A perfectly witty, fun book with a bit of Christmas that will help get you into the holiday spirit!

Season for Temptaion by Theresa Romain

I won an arc of this book from Theresa Roamins blog, http://theresaromain.com/blog/.  Thanks!

Julia Herington makes quite an impression on James, Viscount Matheson and newly betrothed to Louisa, Julias stepsister, the first time he meets Julia.  James is nervously awaiting the arrival of Louisa when in blows this muttering woman who grows quite embarrassed upon seeing this dashing young man.  They start up a delightful conversation while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive and Julia and James just hit it off together right away.  And the more time that James spends with the family, the more she knows she wants a man just like him for herself.  Unfortunately,  James is for her sister and she needs to keep reminding herself of that fact...as does James.

James needed to quickly get engaged to help overshadow a scandal involving his sister and when he meets the lovely Louisa one night at a ball, hiding out in the library, he quickly starts a courtship and asks for her hand in marriage within a couple weeks.  There is no love between Louisa and James, just an understanding that they will do well together.  Louisa is intelligent and poised and will do well as a viscountess.  However, as the story progresses you just get the feeling that Louisa is getting more and more unhappy with their arrangement.  She has a dislike for the dealings of the London ton and is truly most happy in a library.  Julia gets more and more distressed listening to her beloved sister and James, all she wants is for him to call her "my dear", as he refers to Louisa.  But this seems to be something that will never happen.

The sisters and their utterly fun aunt travel to London for the holiday season and to meet James' family.  Oh, what a disaster that was!  His mother is not too pleased with the match, even though she was the one that insisted that James find a bride quickly.  She makes her displeasure known and just ignores Julia for the most part.  Thankfully they need to suffer only the dinner with her rude behavior but it also gives James a chance to explain the reason behind his hasty proposal to Louisa.  Not long after Christmas, James is to escort the sisters and their aunt to a ball but Louisa pleads a headache and just Julia and Aunt Estella.  They end up taking the carriage home alone and Julia being Julia, finally speaks her mind to James about her feelings and she is overjoyed with his response.  This leads to a very heated kiss (but nothing more which I was thankful for as I dislike cheating) that they know must never happen again.  But what happens in the morning changes everything....for the better or the worse?  You will have to see.  I don't want to give away anything about the ending but I will say, I started this book with laughter and I ended the book with laughter.

Overall, this is a delightful, witty debut from Theresa Romain!  Each chapter has a little header, an example of one such quirky one liner : In which baboon behavior leads to unfortunate consequences.  And looking back, each header matches what happens in the chapter, though its not revealed how until you read that chapter.  As for the story, I was a bit hesitant about possible cheating but I was happy with how the situation played out but as it took most of the book, the heat factor is on the lower end.  Yes, there is a small misunderstanding at the end but it is only small and very quickly resolved.  As for our characters...what a cast Ms Romain assembled here.  Julia is true delight to read.  She speaks her mind and mutters and swears and I really enjoyed her.  Louisa is kind and understanding, maybe a bit too much so, but I know she has a more of a story to tell and I hope she gets one.  James is steadfast and honorable and prepared to follow through with his decision and does whatever he can to try to make Louisa happy.  But the real scene stealer is Aunt Estella.  What a hoot she was!  We can all wish we could have someone like her in our corner.  Like I said before, I began this story laughing and I ended the story laughing and that is a true winner in my book.  I look forward to many more books from Theresa Romain.  4 solid heartwarming stars