My Review:

Dragos Goes to Washington is the next installment in the series and this is where politics in the realm of the Elder Races has been escalated. There are rumors of the Vice President of the United States having a evil plan to destroy the Elder Races and any trust the government and the people have built with Dragos and his people over the years. And there is the added benefit of Pia wanted to have another child and Dragos is more than willing to do whatever it takes to give Pia what she desires. This is one of the novellas that we see more depth in their relationship. I was hoping we would get a bit more with Peanut to be honest. But honestly I adored this book in every way. Political intrigue is one of my favorite things in a book and it was beyond fascinating. I was so fascinated to see where this author was going serial plot wise. I do know how it kinda ends though, so I am very fascinated to see how Dragos and Pia get to their final place. But man this baby is going to cause some drama, I just know it. I hope its a girl though. I guess we shall find out in the next installment.

Overall I found Dragos Goes to Washington to be a true delight of a novella and Dragos and Pia are proving why they are becoming one of my favorite couples. I can't wait to see more of this world. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨


First Impressions
To Catch a Raven is the finale in the "Women Who Dare" trilogy. This is also the last book that most likely we will receive from this author as I believe the author released Avon would no longer be publishing historical's for her (and they are doing this to many authors currently) So it was truly bitter sweet knowing this would probably be my last book by this author that is recently published. To Catch a Raven I was kinda on the fence on, I wasn't a fan of the cover change that much, although I found the original cover that they have----Isn't it SO much better and actually matches the rest of the series and her books? The story was very solid though. I still think the first book is my favorite though from this trilogy. But this one has the similar setting of sorts and some unique dynamics.
First Line

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Braxton
The Heroine: Raven

Summary
Braxton and Raven are both blackmailed to do a fake relationship with each other to recover the declaration of Independence which has been stolen and it needs to be recovered. They have no choice in the matter, as the Pinkerton's have a lot of Government power and will ruin both of their families if they don't fall in line with what they choose for them. Raven is a known grifter and thief of sorts, and Braxton has very little trust in her as they have had interactions previously. My heart went out to Braxton though. He is a man of honor and good intentions and makes the best of a bad situation. Raven hasn't had the best life, but a good life surrounded by her family and has a heart of gold despite her past. Raven and Braxton find a love unexpected, but Raven will have to face some challenges to embrace what loving Braxton would mean for her future.

What I Loved
To Catch a Raven was such a powerful story. I found the story to be so engaging and I just had a entertaining time with Braxton and Raven and seeing their interactions in play here. We see a prologue of their first interaction where Raven attempts to deceive Braxton and Braxton sees through it lol So they definitely don't care for each other in that way. I did find a fascinating though with them seeing how they work on slowly resolving their issues and the chemistry that builds between them. As they are posing as husband and wife, there are situations where they have such a close connection to one another.

I loved the forced proximity and some scenarios where they are forced to share a bed. I did wish that there were more intimate moments when they were forced in that situation. The romance truly doesn't blossom until after their undercover adventure. It did leave some solid breadcrumbs and we see how well these two just click for each other. I found it interesting how the story was developed a bit though. I honestly didn't know about the Declaration of Independence and so fascinating to see how rich the historic aspects of the story are relayed. I was intrigued to see how things would fare for Braxton and Raven once their "job" was over. The actual mission they are on isn't the whole story. We still have the conflict of their relationship to resolve as Braxton is from a different state from Raven and a different type of life as he is in high society and she isn't. So we get to see how she has to face up to that challenge and learn what she is capable of. The romance does have its swoony moments and I loved how all in the hero was in the relationship once he fell for Raven.

What I Struggled With
While this story had some fabulous moments and the romance was very well done, I felt like there was just something missing from it. Their connection wasn't as deep as the previous books and I felt like their relationship felt a bit sluggish at times and not enough focus in certain areas of the story. I also would have liked to see Raven show a bit more investment in the relationship. Its portrayed as Braxton doing most of the leg work and I would have liked to see Raven show more heart into it like what Braxton was willing to give to her.

Narration
Very powerfully done. I feel like the narrator really knows the writing style of this author and was able to really portray the emotion and the heart just right and the historical aspects were well focused on.

Overall View
To Catch a Raven was a splendid historical romance that really takes it deep into the era of reconstruction in the America's, how both white and blacks were effected, and how they worked together in unique ways to rebuilt. We see a love tale that builds on deep connections, conflict and resolutions. If you love this authors pen style, get ready for a thrilling adventure to make your toes curl.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Reconstruction Era
Character Types: Thief, Mr. Moneybags
Themes: Heart/Emotional Touching, Pining, Angsty
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Class Difference

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Rosanne Bittner
Alyssa Cole
Heather Graham

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.


Narrators:
Kim Staunton 

 Just a Little Promise is the third book in this series, but its my first book in the series as I saw it being available through my Libby portal. I have had a entertaining time with this duo authors work and the setup for this one was the most fascinating. I was very intrigued to see how this author team would handle this trope and see how it would unravel. I liked the aspect of the heroine having been abused and learning to rebuild herself back up and reconnecting with an old flame. I did like that the heroine did learn what it means to be a true mother. In the beginning, she has some false impressions of what having a child means. I did appreciate that she gets talked down off of the ledge she was on, wanting to be a parent but not needing a partner at all and thinking the child wouldn't need or want a father....that she would be enough. I liked that she comes to the realization that the child having a father is so much better than not. That being a parent is not about her....but its about the child and their well being. 

I did like the romance for the most part, it was a bit rushed in moments, but you are going to feel that in a 200 page novel. lol I sometimes wish these books were slightly longer than they are but they are quick listens so that is always a plus. But I do appreciate how emotionally I just become so easily invested in the story and Just a Little Promise was captivating in how invested they become in each other. I also found it intriguing that the hero was a doctor specializing in children's needs. I loved that. We rarely see that in a romance even if they are a doctor. 

Overall I found Just a Little Promise to be a interesting story and eager to see more from this series as the set up is really neat. 

 The Secret Daughter was book 4 for the historical romance readathon"Rake Meets Bluestocking" and I absolutely adored so much of this. It was at times very cozy, at others highly entertaining and in others a bit swoony in all the ways that I look forward to seeing in a historical romance. I have always found that Anne Gracie has delightful charming writing. And you definitely felt that charm and delight resonate in this one here. I was easily swept up so easily within the story. Anne Gracie takes you across the countryside of France to the captivating streets of the Ton in London. It had such a taste of adventure that I have truly missed seeing in recent historicals. 

The connect that we see between our couple Zoe and Reynard was brilliant. They both are assuming different identities, and it had such a cozy casual vibe to it. Going from strangers....to friends...to lovers and swiftly to enemies due to some misunderstandings about both of their intentions and they are both at fault for it. I did love how Reynard was so diligent in his pursuit of Zoe. I wished she had been just as diligent because was just as accountable in what caused their separation ....in fact I would say more so. Its probably one of the issues that I had with the story is how the heroine wasn't willing to take true accountability for the wrongs she committed. While the hero did take accountability and made the attempt to make amends. Its what I have struggled with modernistic heroines in historicals...we see this so much. Heroines not caring how they hurt others because all that matters is themselves. They have become very self centered. 

I did enjoy the romance though and boy did this author have me swooning all over the place left and right. I loved the intimacy .....the deep connection that they had especially in their mutual talent for art. I did find it strange the heroine thought she could just make a easy career of being a painter....like really? Do you understand societal restrictions? lol But the way that this element was written was more subtle so I do think readers who struggle with modernistic romances will still enjoy this one. As its not overdone or heavily focused. Its more in the background so you can just ignore it. 

Overall I was completely satisfied in the end and how their story wraps up and now I am curious what is on the horizon for this author and very eager to read more of her backlisted works I have yet to read. If you are looking for a cozy poignant romance that delves into the true heart of the time period and genuine desires ....I highly recommend this stunning installment that will be comforting and swoony in little moments. 

 My Review: 

Soul Deep was such a endearing poignant read with all the thrilling swoony moments you can expect from Pamela Clare. Pamela Clare is just one of those authors that I adore and I have enjoyed most of her books. Its rare for me to come across one I don't care for. I was able to grab this one up in audio. I was so intrigued to see what this one would deliver. All I knew before coming into this one is that it featured an older couple and the heroine suffered a physical trauma. 

The setup is the heroine, is a FBI agent, and she has loved her career although part of her has craved a family at times. But a career gives her stability, when a husband isn't guaranteed. While I struggle with this type of perspective from women, Pamela Clare made it resonate in a real way. I loved how she made it seem relatable even though that is not how I think for life for myself. She ends up stranded on the side of the road, and a sexy mature cowboy comes to her rescue, a man who isn't a big fan of hers. Janet is a woman that despite being focused on her career, is suffered from a severe trauma where she got shot and it damaged her hip and vagina even. Then we have our hero, who is a widow and father to a son who helps him run his ranch. He has been alone for a while now and being in such close proximity to Janet, makes him realize what he has been missing in his life. 

Janet and Jack's relationship was heartwarming and thrilling all at once. I loved the suspense plot that builds in the story, but also seeing their romance, a romance between a mature age couple was superb and that ending...LOVED it! Overall I had a blast with Soul Deep and eager to dig deeper into this series. 

 

 This was one of the most unbelievable historical romances that I have read in a long while. I couldn't believe what the heroine was doing to the hero here, she was basically a sexual predator to manipulate the hero into marrying her. This book is way overhyped and this style of spice being the focus of a historical romance just isn't for me. I did enjoy it at the very beginning, but the minute the heroine was the man of the story, I just couldn't keep going. Not the best impression being the first time I have read this author. And not sure I want to read her again lol If she has a better story that is written, let me know and I will try it out. But as of right now, I wasn't impressed in any way and this book kinda just made me sick in how the hero was treated. It definitely left me with a Icky feeling. And it just had way too much focus on the sex stuff and not enough on other aspects. Not sure if this is what the author writes or its just this book, but too many newer historicals being written where the focus is the spice and not enough attention on building a real relationship and growing that sensual yearning that matches the emotional intimacy. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

 Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

 
First Impressions
What an incredible story and I can't believe I never read this or I must have read it before I had Goodreads. There were some scenes I could swear I had read before but as its probably been more than 15 years since I have read it, and it was never marked as read and I never did a review for it, I thought reading this one would be the perfect time especially for the readathon. I have to say that I absolutely loved everything about this book. It wasn't quite a six star read for me....but it got very close. Eloisa James wrote a true masterpiece with this book and this book is testament to her writing wit and how she is able to capture all ranges of emotion so tactfully. Its a unique beauty and beast retelling with vibes of Dr. Death from House MD. 

First Line
Beautiful girls in fairy stories are as common as pebbles on the beach.

The Main Protagonists
 The Hero: Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant
 The Heroine: Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne

Summary
Linnet is the beauty of the ton but after losing the interest of a foreign prince, there are rumors that she is pregnant but all she is is blessed with a heavy chest and lots of silk in her dress. But her father is determined to get her married off before a huge scandal erupts. He arranges a match with the father of the Earl of Marchant, who is known as a doctor but also a aristocratic beast and is a recluse. She goes to Wales, where is lives in his castle, and she has two weeks to make the Earl fall under her spell of charm and wit to convince him to marry her. But her task is a bit greater than she imagined, but Linnet is a whirl of positive energy and before long Linnet and Piers are slowly falling for each other, but there is a conflict they are to face which could tear apart everything they have built...

What I Loved
EVERYTHING!! This book was just right and really fit my mood and I am so glad that I decided to pick up this book because it had me laughing and kept me entertained from beginning to end. I was charmed by Linnet. I loved her take on life and how she isn't afraid of everything. Her father thinking she was pregnant my goodness I couldn't stop laughing, it was brilliant. Our hero Piers, is broody and a recluse, and doesn't like people too much. He has the worst bedside manner, but he knows how to doctor to people so there is that haha But his interaction with Linnet was endearing. He is so sarcastic and dry in his humor, but she only sparkles in response and it seemed like they really reflected off of each other just right. I was so fascinated in how this arranged marriage would happen and I have to see it was a bit different than I expect from it but this author definitely keeps the reader on their toes in this one. While there is plenty of wit and charm and humor, there is also some difficult topics tackled as well in this one. I was beyond excited to see how Eloisa James would dig deeper into them while also keeping this romantic charm with such poise and it was handled just right. This series especially is evidence on why her writing is so delightful. I loved the darkness in the hero being balances with such light that is Linnet. The third act conflict was so heartbreaking and man my heart still hurts for these two and what they overcome. But man Piers definitely knew how to work the situation just right. 

What I Struggled With
Honestly I am not sure that there was anything that I truly struggled with. It didn't quite impact me emotionally to the point that I would give this one a six star rating, but its still a favorite read and a five star. It probably could have delivered just a bit more swoons and it would have upped it to six stars....plus I don't like third act breakups although the line for this one was a bit blurred. And I felt like the ending was a bit too rushed, but that is probably a "me" issue.

Narration
PERFECTION!!! Seriously this is the best narrator for historicals especially regency or victorian. I loved how she just made this book come alive and she really was spot on for the humor and wit in this book and reflecting it just at the right time. And the personalities for our hero and heroine was just right.

Overall View
When Beauty Tames the Beast was a superb story in every single way that melted my heart, brought simple yet beautiful emotion to the forefront, a love tale that rivals that of the original....full of magic and wonder on every page. Eloisa James needs to be on your list if you love retellings. 

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, England-Victorian Era
Character Types: Alpha Male, Broody, Earls, Doctor/Nurse, Reclusive Hero
Themes: Scandals and Disgrace, Funny, Scars or Trauma, Disability
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Fairy Tale Retelling-Beauty and the Beast

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Suzanne Enoch
Elisa Braden
Loretta Chase

Song This Book Inspires
POV by Strings of Paris (Bridgerton)

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone if needed.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
 Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Narrators:
Susan Duerden 

 My Review: 

So In The Midnight Bride, this is the second book in the "Dead Lands" series and I really struggled with the first book I think its because I read that physically. But the audio narration for this book was amazing. Now I always always give an author at least 2-3 chances. Because not all books authors write will work for everyone. I absolutely adored this book though. It was such kick ass and their banter was delightful. This is a mix of pining, unrequited love, a touch of forbidden and a bit angsty in their relationship. So the hero and heroine at first didn't care for each other, the hero said some snarky things because she is a woman and they aren't known to be capable warriors lol So I got that. But you can see how that only made her want to prove herself even more. But she has her family's safety driving her. I found the plot really interesting. I love a good forbidden love. The hero is under a blood oath to protect an artifact. The heroine can only save her family's lives if she recovers the artifact in a competition with other warriors. 

I love the strength behind both characters, for the length of the story, I sometimes felt like the sex scenes or the focus on the sex was a bit too much and not enough development on the actual love story. But it kinda felt like Ruby Dixon type of stories. So know that going in that you aren't going to get a ton of emotional intimacy. Its very quick and a good palette cleanser but I do think I will read the rest of the series in audio as this book worked better for me that time around. I did love the world building and would love to see more epic fantasy books in this type of setting. 

Overall I had a blast with this one here and very eager to get more from this author down the road. 

 Strong Silent Cowboy is the second book in the "Moving Violations" series and this is the first time that I have read this companion author but you can definitely feel the Lora Leigh influence in this book, she definitely has a A typical style that many readers will recognize. I absolutely adored this book. It starts out so SLOW though, so keep that in mind. Which is why I would recommend this in audio. Or just keep being patient with this one here. Its definitely worth it as the second half of the story is epically beautiful and so intense. But Keep in mind that if you don't like much steam in your book, to skip over Lora Leigh....she does a LOT of sex scenes lol But the good news is that she makes up for it and really builds that emotional connection in those steamy scenes. I really was intrigued by the plot. In the beginning of the story you can sense that there is so much more going on, but the pieces to the puzzle slowly start to come into place. Now there is a ton of miscommunication especially from the heroine. The hero has suffered some portion of amnesia, so much of what happens is on her. I didn't truly understand her reasoning for not communicating very well with him. Yes she is in danger, but its because of him lol and yes he doesn't remember her but she isn't curious why? And doesn't want to reveal it all to him? And I was so proud of her step father. I loved him so much because he was willing to share the truth even though she was taking her sweet time and there were some things I don't think she would have shared that our hero definitely needed to know. 

Overall I found this story to be beyond fascinating and I had such a solid time with it. It kept me on edge and even though I felt like the steam was a bit too much at times, I still had a great time and eager to read the rest of the series. 

 This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

 Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Desire by Amanda Quick is a stand alone romance and I have a goal to get through her older historical romances and I absolutely adored everything about this one. It was authentic, funny and just entertaining from beginning to end. I have to say I can easily recommend the audio for this one, and I found it so refreshing to be reading a medieval as I have only read her regency ones. And it was utterly magnificent. It was just what I needed for this readathon that I am participating in and filled in so many of the prompts but also was just a delightful experience to read.

First Line
It is extremely unlikely that the lady of Desire is still a virgin.

The Main Protagonists
 The Hero: Sir Gareth of Wyckmere
 The Heroine: Lady Clare

Summary
Lady Clare knows that she will need to marry and that she won't have a choice in the matter even though she has been running the castle and isle of Desire very efficiently. But seeing as she will need to wed to secure her place and keep it running smoothly, she sends requirements she would have for a husband. What she doesn't expect is the man that is sent to her is the very opposite of what she requires. He isn't soft spoken, or slim limbs or smaller in stature and is a warrior knight. And he isn't afraid to tell her how things will be either. At first she is exasperated that this is the man to be her husband, but before long she begins to respect him and see that he isn't what he appeared to be. But both Gareth and Clare are determined not to fall in love with each other, but before long they take the love arrow but Clare wonders if the love she has for him will be enough for Gareth who has never had a home of his own....

What I Loved
Desire was captivating in every way. And while it wasn't a perfect story in how the relationship was built, it was a solidly portrayed story that had me laughing all over the place and just truly was so entertaining. I do think the narration had something to do with that. If you are curious where to find it, I found it on Anyplay's catalog. I really was enthralled with this story. The idea of a woman running an isle that creates perfumes and fancy soaps from a fragrance of florals that are on the island. The hero being a warrior and a bastard, so doesn't have a home of his own. And is the son of the man that Clare reached out to for a husband to be sent to her. It has the trope of an arranged marriage and it was delightfully expressed in the story. This is one of my favorite tropes for a reason and this book really showcased on why that was. The romance was endearing, the intimacy scenes while not many were very sensual and almost romantic in way respects. I loved the softer feel to a love scene and sometimes which they were done more often like this. The setting and atmosphere was so vivid in its description that it almost came alive from the story. Desire is probably my favorite Amanda Quick so far.

What I Struggled With
Nothing much to be honest. There was some over dramatics lol so it didn't quite make it to a five star rating, but it came close to one. Just some drama that seemed a bit excessive at some points in the story.

Narration
STUNNING!!! One of her best works in my opinion. She really capitalized on the personalities of the characters and the atmosphere was just right.

Overall View
Desire is a vividly enthralling medieval romance that brings forth lots of humor, characters that you can resonate with on a deep level, and the story so perfectly pictured it comes alive amongst your senses. Truly a stunning novel that will be burned in my memory for a long while.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Time-England-Plantagenet Era
Character Types: Knights and Ladies, Warriors
Themes: Nautical/Isles, Angsty, Medieval, World Building A Focus
Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers

Book Perspective
3rd POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict with a slight plot conflict

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Julie Garwood
Kathryn Le Veque
Lynn Kurland

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
 Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Narrators:
Anne Flosnik