This is a story that I just needed to finish off this pair in the series. I absolutely adored seeing them get married and their honeymoon. I also really liked the way that they work through more BDSM aspects and there is some great growth in their relationship that is surprising considering how short this book is. You get plenty of hot scenes though as well. So this was a fun treat to get another look into this couple and seeing them together more. I have really loved the way that their dynamic has been written.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

First Impressions
Mistress is standalone by Amanda Quick, and this is a book that had come highly recommended through Instagram, and I was really excited to read this. I have heard some great things about these old-school books from Amanda Quick. The premise of the story really pulled me in, and from the first chapter, I was immediately drawn into the story. I really wanted to see how this story would unfold. I will say that this is not my first Amanda Quick, but I can definitely see how this one would be a fan favorite for many readers. I was curious to see how the plot would unfold. I have missed this style of historical where there is an equal focus on plot and character building. And even though this was originally published in 1995, it didn’t feel like it was written back then and didn’t have an outdated feeling to the story at all. I think modern-day readers, will be able to read this one and truly enjoy it.

A young man did not go off to either Cambridge or Oxford in order to study. He went there to obtain a social polish and to mingle with the young men with whom he would later do business for the rest of his life. He went there to form friendships with the scions of the best families, families from which he would eventually select a suitable wife.

Summary

Iphiginia, has been touring the ruins and is fascinated with the study of history and antiquities. She never imagined that when she would return to England, that her life would be more exciting than traveling Europe. She poses as the mistress of the Earl of Master, who is believed to be dead, as there are rumors of his disappearance and with her Aunt being blackmailed, so she is hoping with posing as his mistress, she can find the identity and location of the blackmailer. But her plans get a bit messed with when her disappearing Earl arrives at a ball but when she explains the situation to him, surprisingly, Marcus agrees to play along with Iphiginia scheme. She finds herself attracted to the aloof and arrogant Master who is a man of science and understands her fascination with antiquities but he is also not afraid to stand up to Iphiginia but as they work together to ferret out their enemy, a love neither of them expected will blossom, but will the headstrong bluestocking of a female be willing to open herself to marriage and life with the Earl?

“Yes.” He framed her face with his strong hands. “The name Lady Starlight suits you, Iphiginia. You were born to walk in starlight.”

What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that I truly loved. The writing was so addictive, and I was so easily drawn into this one here. I absolutely adored the way that this author developed the story. And the story will immediately suck you into the story from the first chapter. There is a vibrant chemistry between our pair, and I adored seeing their level of bantering. We have two main characters that are so alike, that they tend to clash at times. I had such an entertaining time with their interactions and these are the type of characters I truly love to see in a historical romance. I adored the way that they come together, and are working on solving this mystery surrounding the blackmailer. We have some fun times with the supporting cast that played a role in the building of the plot. I found the romance itself to be sexy and endearing. These are characters that are so well developed and I had a blast seeing their story unfold the way it does. And it doesn’t turn out the way that I expected either, Amanda Quick delivers in some unexpecting reveals.

“Sir, I have taught students for several years. I have discovered that they do not always learn the lesson you believe that you are teaching. Too often they learn something else entirely.”

What I Struggled With
I think my biggest issue is the pacing in this story, once you get about midway, is when the story lurches to a halt and it threw me for a loop, because the author really pulled me in so quickly, but then in the last third of the story, the pacing picks up again, so this is an important value to keep this book from a five star of a read.

Overall View
I found Mistress to be an intriguing, delectable read that delivers in strong character building, a well-balanced plot, unique witty moments, and a sweet entertaining romance to curl your toes!

“Because I know how very easy it is to fall in love with you, my lord. Indeed, I have done so myself.”

Getting School was such a fun entertaining read and I have no clue why I have been putting this one and highly recommend that you listen to this one is audio, its so SUPERB. I really was drawn into this one so quickly, and we do have some fun elements and a bit of a "Student Teacher love " trope but not quite. The heroine is more of a teacher assistant but she does grade the hero's paper so there is that haha I really got hooked on this author's writing style and just wanted to see more of this couple. My only complaint is that it was too short and too abrupt of an ending. I would have liked more happy couple page time, as it had a more HFN ending instead of a HEA ending. The romance was sweet and endearing and the fun bantering between these two was delectable. I am definitely going to be picking up more of this authors work because now I see why she is so well loved and popular. Her writing style has a level of charm that is unique and I need MORE! haha

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for you

First Impressions
Maybe We Won’t is the finale in the Silver Harbor trilogy (or at least I am pretty sure its the final book) and I have to say that I am completely impressed with this book and definitely deserves the high ratings. Melissa Foster is becoming such a favorite author of mine, and if you are a fan of small town romances, then this is a must read author for you. The way that she beautifully balances out the charm of a small town, with the humor and spice but also delivering in the solid relationships that easily captivate the reader is so satisfying. I always know going into a Melissa Foster what I will receive and I am completely in love with what was delivered here. I do think that this one is the best of the series and I never thought any book could get better than the first book “Maybe We Will” but somehow this book had so much character building and unique set up with our pair and had a almost magical nature feel to it that it just worked for me in every way. I am so impressed with what Melissa Foster was able to cultivate in this book and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

“Take a leap of faith. For once in your life, follow your heart instead of your head.”

Summary
Maybe We Wont begins with our heroine, the oldest of the sisters, who is a workaholic attorney, Deirdra has taken a hiatus from her job and come back home to Silver Island. Deirdra is not as excited to be home as her sisters were, Silver Island is not a comfortable place for her as it brings back some bad uncomfortable memories for her, especially in regards to her relationship with her mother which whom she has bitter feelings toward. But she most especially has zero interest in developing anything with Josiah “Jagger”, who she likes to label “the hippie” because she fears what he can bring to her life. Deirdra is the type of woman that likes everything in order and in place, and doesn’t understand any version of a laid-back lifestyle. But it’s not until Jagger starts to dig deep with Deirdra and has her forget about her rules and organization, that she starts to truly feel and experience life at the moment. As Jagger and Deirdra start building on their relationship, Deirdra knows that even though it’s just supposed to be a fling, it’s becoming far too real for her….but will Deirdra be able to be content with her strict orderly life now that Jagger has shown her a different path to living…

He said there’s only one place where a person is irreplaceable, and that’s in the hearts of their loved ones.

What I Loved
Maybe We Won’t was such a magical experience to read this book with. And I have to say I am so happy that I decided to listen to this one as a narration instead of reading it physically, and this was the best decision that I could have made. I knew very quickly that this would be a book I would fall in love with. There is something so addicting about opposites attract and with a mix of enemies to lovers, I was adoring the bantering that plays on between Jagger and Deirdra. They have such instant chemistry and Deirdra is so resistant to Jagger’s lifestyle and charm which only made the story so much more entertaining. I really related to Deirdra in many ways, especially as the older sister, I really understood why she was the way she is, when you are the oldest child, you learn to grow up super FAST and I connected with her character in this aspect. There is such vulnerability within the heroine’s character, you see that she hides it beneath a tough exterior. You can just sense from the beginning that she wants to fly free, but her upbringing and nature restrict her from embracing the inner child she was never able to explore with. Jagger is such a light and carefree hero, he sees the beauty in the moment, and we see how he connects with Deirdra and helps her slowly learn to shed her restrictions and embrace the woman she was born to be. Their romance was so endearing, seeing these small moments of intimacy and breathes such life into the story. The setting is beautifully captured here and from beginning to end I was fully invested into the romance.

“If there’s one thing I’m learning from you, it’s that life is what we make it, and sometimes that means reimagining parts of ourselves.”

What I Struggled With
Nothing, honestly I don’t think there was anything I had issues with. Maybe a bit of a longer epilogue but the romance and story were 100% real and satisfying

The Narration
This is a duo POV narration and so well done, I don’t see this type of POV used very often by this author, but very well done by both narrators in showcasing the different personalities of each character. They really gave the right voice for both Jagger and Deirdra. They used the correct emotional inflections and have nice voices that are lovely to listen to. The narrators are highly engaging in how they narrate the story that you will be quickly pulled into it.

Overall View
I found Maybe We Won’t to be a stunning finale to a captivating series that warmed my heart in its real voice that speaks to the heart of the reader. It’s a story that will have you living easily in the moment, fighting for their happy ever after and be brought to the emotional peak that is so effortlessly penned by this author! A PERFECT GEM OF A SUMMER READ!

We don’t stop loving people because they’re hurting or they do things to try to push us away. That’s when we hold them tighter, because that’s when they need us the most.

Whispers in the Dark is where we continue on with the series and the story sets off with our hero who is being tortured and held captive for two months. Then we have our heroine who has capabilities of telepathy and healing and gives hope to Nathan Kelly who is at the end of his rope and about to give up hope that his family could ever find him. Then, after through a set of events, the heroine helps get word to his family, but now she has disappeared and Nathan fears that he imagined this woman who saved his life but then he finds out that she is very much real and she is in danger and Nathan immediately goes after her. Together as they try to evade their enemies and the Kelly family comes together united against those that would harm one of their own, some secrets are revealed and truths are revealed about the identity of Shea and her family.

I found this to be a thrilling kick-ass romance that I just gobbled up, I couldn't get enough of this couple and their journey. And Maya Banks really steps up the danger and intensity in this book and I think somehow its my favorite of the series (so far) I absolutely adored everything about this book and the intensity of their connection was so masterfully written. You see from the beginning the incredible connection that they have together. I really enjoyed seeing their bond explored while at the same time they are trying to discover who would destroy them. I really found the plot of the series being in danger and on the run so fascinating. We don't get all the answers who is behind them but we do get a HFN type of ending as the danger to them is still high, but I adored the way that the Kelly family just comes together in this book and rallies to protect Nathan and Shea and sending out protection for her sister. The romance is sexy and intense and so many heartfelt moments that just had me at the edge of my seat with these two. Definitely a WINNER!!

Echoes at Dawn was such a fascinating book and I just had to pick this one as it picks up after Whispers in the Dark. This is a story that features a heroine, that is on the run because she was genetically manipulated and has healing capabilities and someone is after her. Then steps in Rio, who works for the KGI and has his own team, and he goes after her. But instantly they have a connection to each other and help each other survive.

I was so fascinated by this story and the heroine truly impressed me. She has capabilities but she is also smart and has this trust in Rio that is essential for her survival. Rio is one uber alpha male, probably the most alpha I have seen in the series so far and has a Latino background and I really enjoyed how the author handled the representation. We see how well matched our characters are, and they truly fit each other so right. The ending though was such a shocker, and I wasn't expecting it at all (don't worry there is a form of a HEA but not quite that satisfying) I am hoping through the buildup of the series, we see these two couples find their way to a more satisfying HEA though.

So this is a book that I got as a freebie some time ago and I decided that I really needed to pick it up and it was one of those random pick ups and I was instantly drawn into this story and I really wanted to see what Melissa Foster would deliver with this one. The "Wild Boys After Dark" is a series that focus on one family of brothers who are so close knit to each other. In this book we have "Logan's" book who is a P.I. and he comes across Stella "Stormy" and saves her from a man sexually trying to assault her, but she is in much more trouble than he realizes. There is such a strong protector within Logan and I he truly fights for Stormy and getting to the bottom of her fear. Stormy has been living in fear, as her ex will be released from prison, and she knows that he will come after her. I adored seeing how Logan and Stormy connect, the bond between Logan and his brothers and how protective the siblings are with their mother. I am so intrigued to see where Melissa Foster will take this series and what will happen with the brothers. I can safely say that every single book from this author has never been a disappointment, (and is still a freebie if you want to grab it up on Amazon). I truly was endeared by this book and was such a quick and easy read. Definitely a endearing and sexy romance that any romance reader will be gravitated towards!

Because of You is the first book in the "Coming Home" series and after last Christmas when I read the novella that follows this book, I had been wanting to return back to this series. I liked that this is mainly just a military romance (without a ton of the suspense or danger factors) and I really loved seeing how our pair comes together. They first meet at a night before deployment celebration and there is a connection between them. But then Shane gets injured and Jen is a nurse at the hospital that Shane is brought to. I really liked what we see here with these two and seeing how Jen helps Shane get through his injuries and come to terms with overcoming them. I really like how Jen is exactly the type of woman that Shane needs. She has a kind gentle heart, but she can also be firm when she needs to be and gives the push that Shane actually needs. I really responded so well to this and seeing them bond in the way that they do here. I loved the antics from their friends and seeing how this book builds into what happens with "Book 2--and yes I immediately jumped into that one" and I was so captivated by the way that this author charmed my heart so quickly with this one here. There is such focus on character building and seeing how each our hero and heroine handles their disabilities and struggles with their health. I was so captivated in that our heroine has fought cancer and how that has affected her but seeing the beautiful way that Shane proves to her she is beautiful just the way she is and *my heart* was just captivated. Definitely intrigued to see what she builds within this series.

Back To You is the second book in the series and the first book and novella built up the conflict that we see arise in this story here. I was so intrigued as I always love a marriage in trouble type of story and in this one we see a big marriage in trouble and the realism of this felt so emotional and raw at times. My heart ached for both the hero and heroine as you can see how much they love each other but are also hurt and damaged in different ways. Seeing them learn to reconnect with each other was so endearing. Our hero has been withdrawn from his family and has been focusing on his deployments as facing up to the home life is easier to ignore if he is away. But our heroine, Laura is done being put second when she learns her husband volunteered for the last four deployments, that he would choose to be away from them especially when she came so close to losing him. But now its a year later since she delivered the divorce papers and he still can't sign them. When a traitor in his platoon has framed him for theft of military property, he needs Laura by his side, but more than that he wants to repair the damage he has caused and return to the man he was.

We see journey in the growth of these characters as they work past the hurts and disappointments and try to find their way together. Seeing our hero reconnect with his wife and children was so precious and heartfelt. You can see how he is learning to face up to what the war has done to him and such healthy representation of this depression and psychological damage he is working to overcome and what a professional psychologist can do to help. I absolutely was won over by these characters and in their earnest to work through the challenges and become the couple that they were meant to be. This book was beyond beautiful and I adored seeing their journey!