Summer is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston

This was another refreshing, light hearted romance from the up and coming Jennifer McQuiston!  While I did not like it quite as much as her debut, What Happens in Scotland, I really loved that this was set in Brighton and the entire aspect of swimming.  Our heroine, Caroline, grew up in Brighton swimming in a secluded cove and when she rescues a man one day, her heart is lost to him forever.  Daniel has demons that he keeps locked up tight and feels he is not good enough for the willful, eccentric Caroline so he pushes her away, even though it pains him.

While this book was enjoyable, I did feel like it all moved just a bit too slow.  There is plenty of simmering tension between Caroline and Daniel but I really just wanted to smack Daniel upside the head and tell him to move on from his grief to this wonderful woman waiting for him.  I really enjoyed the addition of Caroline's sister, Penelope and hope to see her get her own happily ever after!  What makes this story stand out is the attention to detail regarding swimming in this era and that makes this book a real treat. Delightful and charming, this is a story about acceptance and finding yourself stronger with a partner.  I eagerly look forward to more even though this one lacked a bit for me.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Back cover blurb from Goodreads:

His heart is unavailable.

Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…

Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature. 

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her. 

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society’s rules, all a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more.

The Governess Club: Claire by Ellie Macdonald

This was a very refreshing debut from Ellie Macdonald.  Our couple, Claire Bannister, a governess who is trying to make ends meet following the death of her father so she can get her childhood back and Jacob Knightly, an Earl posing as a tutor to show his family he can be respectable and not just wild, find a deep attraction to each other for who they truly are.  When they are caught out by her charges (the children were so well done in this story!) her life alters drastically and the truth about Jacob's identity throws it even more so.  How can she love, marry and fit in in an Earl's lifestyle?  As this is a novella, the resolution is quick but very satisfying and we get just enough teases of Claire's three other governess friends to make you anxious for their stories.  Well written with a dose of steam, enjoyable humor and realistic characters, I know I will be keeping an eye on Ellie Macdonald in the future!

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss

Blurb:

Claire Bannister just wants to be a good teacher so that she and the other ladies of the Governess Club can make enough money to leave their jobs and start their own school in the country. But when the new sinfully handsome and utterly distracting tutor arrives, Claire finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance that could change the course of her future.

Jacob Knightly has a secret. He is actually the notorious Earl of Rimmel. He's just posing as a tutor to escape his reputation in the city. He never expected to fall in love with the kind and beautiful governess. She is the first person to love him for himself and not his title.

But when Jacob's true identity is revealed, Claire realizes she has risked her reputation and her heart on a man she doesn't truly know. Will Jacob be able to convince her that the Wild Earl has been tamed and that she is the true countess of his heart?

Governess Club series

     Sept 17th
Governess Club: Sara
Governess Club: Louisa  (release dates to be announced)

The Trouble with Being a Duke by Sophie Barnes

Isabella Chilcott has dreamed of going to the Kingsborough Ball since she was a girl watching the fireworks from her bedroom and with the passing of the duke, the ball has been on hold for a few years.  With the announcement that it will resume, Isabella knows she must attend before she is married to the stuffy man her parents have picked for her.  She dons a beautiful gown stuffed away in the attic and sneaks in and captures the attention of the new duke, Anthony.  Even knowing that Isabella snuck in he finds himself captivated by this vibrant, cheerful woman and when she slips away his only clue in finding her whereabouts is a drawing they had done together and also the fact that someone recognized her gown as one that has been missing.  Taking these pieces he attempts to find the woman that has captured his heart in a glance but when he finds out the truth, will he be able to overcome all the objections, especially when a jealous lady spreads vicious lies?

The start of Sophie Barnes newest series is a feel-good, happy romance and I was very charmed by it.  This was a delightful spin on one of my favorite fairy tales, Cinderella and I loved how all the pieces fit together but were a bit fresh from what I have read before.  Isabella adores reading and finding her own happily-ever-after but the man her parents have chosen for her will help the family financially (as they are struggling) but he does not inspire her or treat her with the respect she deserves.  Meeting Anthony changes everything but she knows he is well above her class station and that they can not have a future, no matter how much Anthony says that they can.  Her mother has very strong feelings against the aristocracy and this adds some weight to the story.  I did feel like her parents refusal to even consider the duke as a suitor was overdone but as the story unfolded, it made sense.  Anthony had been feeling the weight of all his responsibilities following his beloved fathers death and meeting Isabella makes him feel happy again, the desire to have fun resurfaces and his load feels lifted with Isabellas sense of humor and forgiving nature.  Stolen kisses, vengeful peers and a strong family bond complete this romance and one scene in the book will leave you very anxious to read the next book in this series and find out what else happens at the Kingsborough Ball.  This book made me smile, laugh and sigh which is what all of Sophie Barnes charming romances make me do!  4 stars

Review copy provided by author

At the Kingborough Ball

    Dec 31st
Untitled book 3 August 2014

How to Lose a Bride in One Night by Sophie Jordan

I love books that start with a unique beginning and the newest from Sophie Jordan certainly does that!  Annalise Hadley thinks she has struck gold, not only has she been reunited with her wealthy father and found she has sisters, but she is marrying a duke.  A duke who seems to care for her in spite of her limp and normal features.  However on her honeymoon barge the horrible truth comes out about her duke as he tries to kill her and she is thrown overboard.  Unconscious, she washes up on shore and is found by the reclusive Earl of McDowell, Owen Crawford.  An unconscious woman is not what Owen wants to deal with but something about her grabs him and he know he can not let her die.  With the help of some gypsies Annalise starts to heal on the outside but her emotions are quite strained.  Unwilling to trust another man, she decides to keep the truth about herself from Owen but after a time, her past comes back to haunt her and she must decide if Owen is worth the risk of the truth.  Owen is battling his own inner demons following his turn as a solider and Anna seems to heal him but will the truth of her past shatter the bond they have created?

This story grabbed me from the beginning and never let go!  Annalise grew up not knowing her father and suddenly she is thrown into a whirlwind and she handles it well but she is used to being alone in her solitude.  Owen shows her that she can be stronger and smarter with knowledge and skills to protect her from anything bad happening to her again.  Annalise also helps Owen see that he needs to honor his past by living and helping him move forward from the horrors of war.  I also really enjoyed watching this relationship slowly develop.  We get to see each part and how all those parts fit together to become whole and complete.  The only thing I wished that would have been different is when Annalise finally told Owen the truth.  Secret keeping always is hard for me to accept and I think it would have suited Annalise better if she had explained the truth sooner, especially after her past catches up to her.  Overall though, this is a enjoyable romance with a dash of intrigue with forgiveness, love and heat.  Well done.  4 stars.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Forgotten Princesses series
Could be read as stand alones but the novella really ties in with this story

Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

Ever since Tristan, Lord Burke, burst into Joan's bedroom as a child she has been half in love with him.  When fetching a promise from her brother one morning she is greeted by Tristan all grown up and the sparks, and snipping, fly between them both.  When Joan's parents leave town suddenly, she is left in the care of her aunt who sees that Joan's fashion choices, which are guided by her mother and the height of fashion, are all wrong and helps Joan feel comfortable in some different dresses.  Coupled with the promise that Tristan made to Joan's brother about keeping an eye on Joan, this couple finds themselves together more and more.  During their time together they bicker, laugh, kiss and go on a grand adventure while developing their relationship.  A relationship Joan's mother has forbidden due to Tristan's wild ways and seemingly cold ways towards his only family he has left following his parents death.  Can Joan help her parents see the true nature of Tristan, the side he has shown her?

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, fun romance that was a perfect read for a lovely afternoon,  It was light, not overly angsty, humorous, sexy and the cover perfectly fits the book (a huge bonus in my book).  I loved watching the sparring between Tristan and Joan slowly grow into something more and also how Tristan saw her for who she was even before she started dressing in a more flattering way.  Joan is practically on the shelf and she attributes this to her height and non-willow like figure but Tristan sees past this to the warm, clever, kind-hearted and determined woman she is.  And though Joan's family think Tristan is too wild, Joan sees past the wildness to the man who just wants a family, a place to finally belong after being alone since a child.  I do wish the ending had not seemed so rushed, everything happened rather quickly compared to the nice easy pace of the rest of the story.  Overall, one of my favorites from Caroline Linden--light, funny, sexy and a romance that is true and deep with a couple learning to accept who they are and what they can be together.  4 stars

eARC provided by Avon via edelweiss

Hopefully this is part of a series as I would love Joan's brother and her friends to have their stories told!

It Happened One Midnight by Julie Anne Long

What I liked:
Jonathan Redmond:  He was strong, sexy and much deeper and smarter than most people, including his own family, give him credit for.  When his father gives him an ultimatum-marry or lose the family money-he scoffs it off until the lovely Tommy captures his attention. When he learns the true nature of what Tommy is dealing with, he can not help but be drawn in and help her, protect her...fall in love with her.
Thomsina de Ballesteros:  Tommy holds many secrets close to her and has built up a persona that London believes.  Is she a courtesan? Does she have Spanish princess blood in her?  Beneath all that is the scars from her past and running into Jonathan one midnight changes her life forever.
The romance:  Tommy and Jonathan just connect right away and it was such a delight to watch it grow into a deep, permanent love.  Jonathan handles his arrogant father in a good way and it really showed his depth of feelings for Tommy.
The mystery aspect:  I'm a little bit vague here since Tommy's secrets come out in their own time and they add a deeper undertone to this story.  I loved how the mysterious gypsy reading Jonathan receives in the beginning comes true in a most unexpected way!
Family:  I loved Jonathan and his expecting sister Violet together.  It added humor and heart which I enjoyed.

What I did not like;
Not much really but I did feel like the romance almost moved a bit too slow.  Nitpicky I know, but I felt my attention shifting a little too easily.

Overall, another solid winner from Julie Anne Long in a very strong historical romance series.  This story could easily be read on its own but it will make you anxious to read previous ones and new ones yet to come.  Wit, charm, true love, heat, family with a deeper undertone that is sure to touch your heart, It Happened One Midnight is sure to please historical romance fans!

eARC provided by Avon Book via edelweiss

Pennroyal Green series
Can be read out of order but best enjoyed in order as it focuses on two families

                 
Between the Devil and Ian Eversea March 2014

The Mad Earl's Bride by Loretta Chase

When Gwendolyn Adams is asked to marry a man considered mad and soon to die, she takes it in stride and accepts the offer. By marrying the Earl of Rawnsley she will gain his name and position which will make it easier for her to accomplish her dream of opening a hospital. What she does not expect is to be drawn to this 'mad' earl. She researches his condition, and that of his late mother, and attempts to help him find ways to cure him. During there discussions together, this couple find a type of love they never thought possible. But with Dorian certain he is going to die, he tries to distance himself from Gwen while at the same time, encouraging her to discover as much as she can about medincine. He learned at a young age to keep his feelings to himself so these emotions he feels for the steady, level headed Gwen are new and a bit terrifying. The truth of Dorian's disease is revealed and watching this couple come to the new terms was enjoyable. Well written, emotional (the storyline is a bit dark) and sexy with a bit of humor, this novella was a treat to read! 4 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

The Secret Life of Lady Julia by Lecia Cornwall

I have really enjoyed all of Lecia Cornwall's previous works but this one just did not click with me as much.  It features a plot with political intrigue and that is just not a plot I enjoy personally.  I also felt like the romance between Julia and Thomas needed a bit more attention.  After a passionate meeting in the beginning, they do not speak to each other again until half way into the story.  There were a lot of people and names and it got a bit confusing and overwhelming for me and I would have just like a bit more time focused on the couple and their personal issues.  After all, Julia has a very large secret that Thomas does not find out about until the very end and I felt like it was all glossed over a bit too easily.

However, I did really enjoy the different locale we saw.  Quite a bit is set in Vienna which was refreshing and exciting and the attention to detail was very well done but a bit overwhelming for me.  So while this did not work for me, it will appeal to romance fans who enjoy the political angle with some mystery and heat.  But for me, 3 1/2 stars this time.

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

I just adore this series!  I love the fact that I am laughing within the first couple of pages and that is exactly what I was doing, reading the interaction between Griffin York, Duke of Halford, and his mother.  His mother who has taken him to Spindle Cove to find a wife (she wants grandbabies desperately).  To thwart her, he chooses the girl that stumbles into the room covered in sugar...a barmaid.  If she can turn Pauline Simms into a duchess within a week, he will marry her.  However, he is not going to fall in love with the smart-mouthed woman.  He is going to overlook the fact that he can talk with her, really just talk.  He is going to help her achieve her dream of opening her own shop...even if returning to Spindle Cove to open her dream separates them.  Because a duke can not fall in love with a barmaid and be happy...right?

Loved it, plain and simple.  There is something magical about Tessa Dare's writing and she can not write fast enough to make me happy!  I adored watching the romance and friendship grow between Griff and Pauline.  She talks to him like he is a normal person and not a duke and her boldness and proud demeanor appeal to the generous, decent, good-hearted Griff.  Pauline can see that Griff is burying something very hurtful from his past and it has caused him to change.  He has not told his mother, with whom he has a good, though not talkative, relationship with and the distance is putting a strain on things.  Pauline, for her part, knows she will never be a duchess but she can not help falling for Griff but even after she does, she knows there can be no true future for them together.  I thought the difference in class situation was handled well in the end.  Yes it was all tied up neatly in a bow, but it was a pretty, sigh worthy bow.  Every time I read a Tessa Dare romance, I know I am going to laugh, sigh, cheer and fall in love with the characters she has created and Any Duchess Will Do is the perfect example of this!  A perfect romantic delight!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Spindle Cove series
Can be read as stand alones, but most enjoyable in order as characters are recurring

Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James

Gowan Stoughton of Craigiever, Duke of Kinross, is organized and precise and everything follows a routine, just as it has for years.  Knowing it is time to marry, when he meets the lovely Lady Edith Gilchrist and dances with her and finds her serene and likeable, he promptly asks for her hand in marriage.  Edie, who was suffering from a high fever and was not quite herself the day of the ball, or after when she agreed to the marriage, finds herself betrothed to a man she knows nothing about.  They exchange a few letters and Edie finds herself vastly relieved to find out Gowan has a sense of humor and that they seem to rub along well together.  Passion quickly blooms and after they marry...disaster strikes.  While they are compatible outside the bedroom, inside the bedroom is another story.  Edie finds herself reaching out to her stepmother and when the truth of the matter reaches back to Gowan, tempers explode and hurtful words are spoken and leave a damaging impact.  Determined to teach her husband a lesson, Edie retreats to the castles tower and awaits her husband.  Will Gown realize how much his words hurt and help bridge the gap with Edie?

Eloisa James' take on Rapunzel, with a bit of Romeo and Juliet thrown in as well, was a delight to read, plain and simple.  The build up to Edie locking herself in the tower was very well done and thought out.  I loved how straightforward she was to not just Gowan but his regimented staff as well.  I absolutely loved her dedication to her cello and learning little snippets of how to care for a cello and such (a whole separate carriage was needed just to carry it).  She takes no arguments from anyone and this is new to Gowan as everyone has always done what he says without question.  He leads a very ordered life and reveals his true heart and feelings to almost noone.  The heartbreak that follows his terrible words to Edie is raw and emotional.  I also really enjoyed a secondary storyline involving Edie's father and stepmother.  Edie has a close relationship with her stepmother and that was a pleasant experience to read!  This was one of my favorite stories so far by the esteemed Eloisa James.  Heartbreak, laughter, joy and determination make a sigh worthy romance that is sure to please many romance fans! 4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Fairy Tale series
Standalone stores, ebooks are loosely connected to some full length books

                

Lord of Wicked Intentions by Lorraine Heath

What a lovely, heartbreaking, satisfying conclusion to Lorraine Heath's Lost Lords of Pembrook series!  At long last we get the story of the youngest brother, Lord Rafe Eason and the woman who breaks down the walls around his heart, Miss Evelyn Chambers.  Evelyn is saddened by the death of her father but her half brothers promise to look after her takes a very unexpected turn when he sells her off and after one glimpse, Rafe knows he has to have her...and no one tells him no.  Yet when the circumstances become clear as to what Eve is to become to Rafe, he sees her shock and dismay and for some reason, gives her time to adjust.  He finds himself fascinated by this slip of a woman, this woman who talks back to him and does not back down in fear.  Rafe knows his dark and tortuous past will be too much, even for Eve and he realizes he must let her go before she finds out about how much pain he has caused and try to avoid causing pain to Eve.  Eve is stubborn though and when his life is threatened he can only hope for Eve to find him so they can find a new life together. . .

I have been eagerly anticipating Rafe's story since I read the previous books in this series as I knew that underneath that gruff exterior was a kind, caring soul and I was so happy to see this all unfold.  Rafe is tough and comes across rude and unbearing to those around him, which helps immensely in the running of his club, yet Eve with her boldness and gentle heart seeps into the cracks he has built around himself and sinks in in a way that Rafe never thought possible.  I loved watching the relationship between Eve and Rafe develop but also that of Rafe and his brothers.  They have overcome so much and dealt with so much at a young age, it has been hard for them to find common ground to start anew on, even after many years of being reunited.  As Rafe still struggles with how he was seemingly abandoned by his older brothers, Eve is there to charm and help heal.  I was drawn to the story straight from the beginning as was sad to read the epilogue as I knew this tale was over.  Equal parts joy, love, heartbreak, heat and humor this romance will be a winner for all romance fans alike!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon books via edelweiss

The Lost Lords of Pembrook series
Could be read as stand alones, deeper sense if read in order

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

Miss Diana Highwood, the perfect beauty of her family, is destined to be a noblemans wife, at least according to her mother and Diana has accepted this until they arrive in Spindle Cove to address her health and she meets the local blacksmith, Aaron Dawes.  Now with two years of glances and delicious thoughts, she is pushed by her sister to live her life her way and Diana decides to finally act on her thoughts and desires, much to the delight of Aaron.  Never in his dreams would he expect a lady to give up a genteel life for the life of being a blacksmith's wife but Diana seems determined too even though she refuses to tell anyone about their relationship.  Matters come to light that force this couple to explain themselves (seriously, I about died laughing at that scene...oh, her poor mother!) and you just hang on for the happily ever after that is sure to come!

Oh my goodness, what a clever, hilarious  tender and sexy romance!  I devoured it and was so disappointed when it was over!  Tessa Dare has become an auto buy author for me with her Spindle Cove series and this novella is the reason why.  I know when I read a Tessa Dare book I will get a smoldering romance with trials and grit mixed with some laugh inducing scenes that will keep you up all night until you finish and Beauty and the Blacksmith is no exception!  Diana is quite a beauty but through her actions, Aaron learns that beauty goes all the way through and helps showcase her strength, determination and intelligence.  However, he learns that maybe she isn't the right fit for a kitchen :)  Aaron is protective (having had to raise two sisters), affectionate, honest and strong... especially in the forearm area and he is a wonderful counterpart to Diana and takes her mishaps in stride and helps give her the courage to follow her heart.  Clever wit, charm, smoldering heat and a true love destined to be make this a keeper for both new and old Tessa Dare fans!  4 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Spindle Cove series
Could be read as standalones but characters are recurring and probably best enjoyed in order

                                                                                                                         May 28th

A Gentle Grace by Jillian Eaton

Lady Grace Deringer thought her life complete with her engagement to her dream husband, Lord Stephen Melbourne, Earl of Terraview as she has loved him from the first moment they met.  He seemed to see past her clumsiness and lack of beauty and see her for her true self but then he suddenly calls off the engagement and she is heartbroken as Stephen heads out of England.  Now months later, he has returned and is determined to win back Grace and tell her the truth of his leaving.  But will Grace be able to forgive Stephen and open her heart to him again?

A Gentle Grace brings us to the conclusion of the delightful Wedded Women Quartet and each one as been a winner for me.  I loved seeing what happens after the 'happily-ever-after', how love needs to be rekindled sometimes to find that true, everlasting love.  Grace and Stephen's love story was no different.  A family secret came to light and Stephen thought his course of action was the best thing to protect Grace, even though it hurt her the most.  I do wish the secret had been revealed a bit sooner, but I am always impatient for details like that.  I enjoyed how Grace, with some coaxing from her friends, took matters into her own hands and it turns the tables on Stephen a bit which was a treat.  Stephen is warm and caring and I was glad to see him in this light as I was not too sure about him in the previous novellas and I adored how Stephen and Grace met and fell in love.  Another wonderful tale of redeeming love and the true strength of friendship.  All four of these women know that family runs so much deeper than blood and together they can help you through heartbreak and triumph.  I look forward to going back and reading each of these novellas back to back and loving their stories again.  Recommended for fans of second chance romances with a dash of heat and a lot of friendship.  4 stars

Review copy provided by author, thanks so much!!

Wedded Women Quartet series
Best enjoyed in order

And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle

I love when a title fits a book perfectly and that is just the case with the newest from Elizabeth Boyle.  Daphne Dale answered an advertisement in a newspaper on a whim and it has grown into so much more and she is determined to meet the mysterious Mr. Dishforth.  When they agree through their corresponding to meet at her friends betrothal ball, she is elated to meet the man she has fallen for yet one look at Lord Henry Seldon, sworn adversaries of the Dale's, leaves her confused.  She thinks Henry is the same man yet can not be sure and the family feud leaves her even more indecisive.  Henry, for his part, can not fathom falling in love with a Dale yet he also can not deny the attraction between himself and Daphne and he too questions if she is his mysterious Miss Spooner.  A house party, a rainstorm and a lot of determination during an attempt to run away add up to a fun romance.

While I really enjoyed this Regency take on You've Got Mail, I didn't love it and I really can not pinpoint why.  I wish we had seen a bit more of Daphne and Henry's relationship grow through the letters instead of just a chapter or two about it but at the same time they had to meet face to face to have that connection.  I loved the instant attraction that they both tried so hard to deny, especially after they found out who they were in relation to the family feud.  As to the family feud, the reason behind it was a bit silly and I do wish it had been something a bit more dramatic so it added a bit more to the storyline.  Daphne and Henry make a cute, fun couple and are ones you just can't help but cheer on.  I really enjoyed the ending and how Daphne took matters into her own hands (finally) and thought it was very well done.  Overall, a fun, light hearted, witty romance that will leave a smile on your face.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Avon Books via edelweiss

Rhymes with Love series
Could be read as a stand alone, but previous characters are in this one quite a bit

If Wishes Were Earls Nov 26th