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This is my first Diana Quincy and I will definitely be back for more! This is the first in a new series. She also has Accidental Peers (4 books) and Rebellious Brides (4 books) as series.
This premise totally sounded like a book I would not like. Leela is on the road heading to see her step daughter and meet her almost betrothed for a house party and due to the rain, shelters at an inn. She meets a stranger, Elliot Townsend, and they have a night of passion. As she continues on her journey the next day, she finds out that the man almost married to her own step daughter is the same man she just spent the night with. Wow. Talk about awkward. I was a bit anxious to read this hahaha. I am usually not a huge fan of early sex in books, and I also don't love when the hero/heroine is promised to another (like a love triangle), and experienced heroine's aren't my favorite, but I adored this book. I was really pulled in by Daina Quincy's writing.
Elliot, or Hunt, was a hero I liked, even though he comes off at first like a total scoundrel. But I felt like he did stand up for himself to Daina. He's usually a predictable man, someone who plans out the aspects of his life and follows them through. Staid. Steady. Completely unlike his reprobate dead brother. Rumors say there is a curse on his family where irresponsibility and scandal covers every other generation. He is from the scandal laden generation and must do what he can to avoid scandal and be an upstanding member of society. Yet from the moment he meets Leela, it's like he's lost his mind. He does things that are out of character for him. He has a hard time controlling himself. He wants to do what he can to make Leela happy and Leela insists it's to marry her step daughter and make her happy.
Leela in this book truly shines. I am usually all about the heroes, and while I did like Hunt, I LOVED Leela. She was so fun. She is super independent and while her pride went a liiiiiittle far for me in some parts, it was easy to forgive. She was wed to her step children's father at the age of 17. Her step daughter was 9 and her step son was 19. After being married for 9 years she found herself a widow. She's the daughter of the Mad Marquess. Mad because he dared marry and Arab woman, the daughter of a shopkeeper. With her low social status on her mother's side and her mixed heritage, she has never fully been accepted by the ton and has faced catty remarks her entire life. Even once she secured her husband, an Earl, it continues. As a dowager countess, she just wants the freedom to explore the world, learn her culture, and have financial independence from her step son.
Give this book a try if:
-you like a forbidden love trope. Stepdaughters betrothed? Pretty forbidden...
-heroine with a diverse cultural background, she has an Arab mother and has traveled the world meeting some of her family members and learning their way of life
-a steamy read – plenty of partial scenes, full length scenes, fade to black scenes. Not erotica but it definitely doesn't shy away from the sex
-a bit of angst. There's no villain or mystery to solve here, but there's plenty of obstacles for the couple to overcome. Society, cultural, financial, family, I didn't know how they would make it work, but it does!
-I can't call this heroine older...she's only 26 (? I think) but she feels like the older woman here. She's similar age to Hunt and I love that he wanted her instead of the new debutante.
-An independent heroine! A secret writer heroine! A working heroine!
-Very light enemies to lovers. They have some animosity throughout the book and it leads to some great dialogue and steamy angst.
This story did have a few obstacles I wasn't a huge fan of. Also there was quite a bit of back and forth about why they couldn't be together. Some parts dragged a tiny bit, more of when Hunt was still engaged to her stepdaughter (but that could have been me just being really anxious over the situation). STILL. I LOVED parts of this book. There is a scene where she chases the duke down and chucks a golf ball at his head. I loved her then. I loved her before but she might be one of my favorite heroines at that point. And what follows is so steamy and good and then filled with angst and stomped on my heart and I'm pretty sure my eyes actually filled with tears. Me, who thought her emotions dead at this point.
Writing this review has filled me with so much emotion about the book I want to read it again. I think I'll go buy another by her. Can't wait to try her again. Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to a new forever author for me. All these opinions are my own gushing love for this novel.
This premise totally sounded like a book I would not like. Leela is on the road heading to see her step daughter and meet her almost betrothed for a house party and due to the rain, shelters at an inn. She meets a stranger, Elliot Townsend, and they have a night of passion. As she continues on her journey the next day, she finds out that the man almost married to her own step daughter is the same man she just spent the night with. Wow. Talk about awkward. I was a bit anxious to read this hahaha. I am usually not a huge fan of early sex in books, and I also don't love when the hero/heroine is promised to another (like a love triangle), and experienced heroine's aren't my favorite, but I adored this book. I was really pulled in by Daina Quincy's writing.
Elliot, or Hunt, was a hero I liked, even though he comes off at first like a total scoundrel. But I felt like he did stand up for himself to Daina. He's usually a predictable man, someone who plans out the aspects of his life and follows them through. Staid. Steady. Completely unlike his reprobate dead brother. Rumors say there is a curse on his family where irresponsibility and scandal covers every other generation. He is from the scandal laden generation and must do what he can to avoid scandal and be an upstanding member of society. Yet from the moment he meets Leela, it's like he's lost his mind. He does things that are out of character for him. He has a hard time controlling himself. He wants to do what he can to make Leela happy and Leela insists it's to marry her step daughter and make her happy.
Leela in this book truly shines. I am usually all about the heroes, and while I did like Hunt, I LOVED Leela. She was so fun. She is super independent and while her pride went a liiiiiittle far for me in some parts, it was easy to forgive. She was wed to her step children's father at the age of 17. Her step daughter was 9 and her step son was 19. After being married for 9 years she found herself a widow. She's the daughter of the Mad Marquess. Mad because he dared marry and Arab woman, the daughter of a shopkeeper. With her low social status on her mother's side and her mixed heritage, she has never fully been accepted by the ton and has faced catty remarks her entire life. Even once she secured her husband, an Earl, it continues. As a dowager countess, she just wants the freedom to explore the world, learn her culture, and have financial independence from her step son.
Give this book a try if:
-you like a forbidden love trope. Stepdaughters betrothed? Pretty forbidden...
-heroine with a diverse cultural background, she has an Arab mother and has traveled the world meeting some of her family members and learning their way of life
-a steamy read – plenty of partial scenes, full length scenes, fade to black scenes. Not erotica but it definitely doesn't shy away from the sex
-a bit of angst. There's no villain or mystery to solve here, but there's plenty of obstacles for the couple to overcome. Society, cultural, financial, family, I didn't know how they would make it work, but it does!
-I can't call this heroine older...she's only 26 (? I think) but she feels like the older woman here. She's similar age to Hunt and I love that he wanted her instead of the new debutante.
-An independent heroine! A secret writer heroine! A working heroine!
-Very light enemies to lovers. They have some animosity throughout the book and it leads to some great dialogue and steamy angst.
This story did have a few obstacles I wasn't a huge fan of. Also there was quite a bit of back and forth about why they couldn't be together. Some parts dragged a tiny bit, more of when Hunt was still engaged to her stepdaughter (but that could have been me just being really anxious over the situation). STILL. I LOVED parts of this book. There is a scene where she chases the duke down and chucks a golf ball at his head. I loved her then. I loved her before but she might be one of my favorite heroines at that point. And what follows is so steamy and good and then filled with angst and stomped on my heart and I'm pretty sure my eyes actually filled with tears. Me, who thought her emotions dead at this point.
Writing this review has filled me with so much emotion about the book I want to read it again. I think I'll go buy another by her. Can't wait to try her again. Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to a new forever author for me. All these opinions are my own gushing love for this novel.
1793
This is the first in a new series by Anna Bradley, whom I LOVE. I think she's my favorite writer. I just adore her descriptions and her tensions and her love scenes and kisses are so hot and poetic at the same time...sigh.
Anyway. This book had a different feel than the others by her I have tried. This book has way more plot going on, more danger, more mystery/crime solving and less on the romance. This makes me very sad. Very, very sad. The romance in this book is SO GOOD. But I do think it was secondary to building the entire case and main problem taking place in the story. Some of you may prefer this. I'm hoping her future books amp up the romance in this series because she does it so so well.
In this story, our heroine Sophia became an orphan at a young age. Her story is quite heartbreaking. She was rescued by Lady Clifford and schooled at the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls. A school where more goes on than it seems behind the closed doors. Sophia has spent her life in the shadows. She's very agile, invisible in the London night, and ready and eager to stalk those that must be stalked and brought to justice. She's a tiny thing, and prefers wearing trousers to get around, especially since she's developed a love for traveling on rooftops.
Tristan was a bow street runner. Was, because he has now had to take on the responsibility of the earldom and is now Lord Gray. But it's very hard to leave his past career behind when he suddenly spies someone on his neighbors roof lying in wait. Tristan still isn't over the gruesome murder of his colleague and fellow bow street runner. He refuses to return to his country estate until justice is served. But when he meets Sophia, she challenges everything that he thinks he knows about justice.
This book is not particularly steamy. It has a few kisses, then 1-2 full open door scenes around 80%. She does write explicitly, but they aren't especially long in this book. I find her love scenes and kisses filled with feelings. I adore them. Though in this book I was desperately wishing for more. More balance with the love and crime solving. A bit more tension.
Give this book a try if you like:
-a splash of enemies to lovers. There's a bit of time in the beginning when they are feeling each other out and they definitely aren't friends.
-Some type of crime/murder mystery to solve. This one is the main plot in the book and some of it might surprise you as you get to the conclusion.
-A bit of action. There's plenty of running through the London night, some attacks, stalking
-class differences – hero is an earl and heroine is born in the gutter of seven dials
-a non virgin heroine. Yes, I know, the title. I was pretty disappointed. But Sophia has had one lover but she's not vastly experienced.
-Heroine disguised as a man – she regularly runs around in trousers and Tristan actually believes she's a boy when he first meets her.
-A bit of darkness with a crime to be solved, multiple murders taking place/talked about, and a corrupt justice system being experienced
So, I liked a lot of this story. I was interested in the solving of the murders and the look into the justice system. However, I have also been feeling really depressed about things going on in current events and I didn't love it all in my face during my 'escape time'. But Bradley did it wonderfully and I was still interested in everything going on and wondering what was going to happen. I wanted more romance, more of them focused on each other instead of the crimes that were paramount here. I was also sad that Sophia wasn't a virgin, the title made me expect it, but as I read I also understood about her group of swooning virgins and that it didn't mean they themselves were virgins. I just prefer that, I'm sure others won't care about it. The action was fast paced and wonderfully written and I was super engaged and waiting on my toes for what would happen.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions about the book are my own.
This is the first in a new series by Anna Bradley, whom I LOVE. I think she's my favorite writer. I just adore her descriptions and her tensions and her love scenes and kisses are so hot and poetic at the same time...sigh.
Anyway. This book had a different feel than the others by her I have tried. This book has way more plot going on, more danger, more mystery/crime solving and less on the romance. This makes me very sad. Very, very sad. The romance in this book is SO GOOD. But I do think it was secondary to building the entire case and main problem taking place in the story. Some of you may prefer this. I'm hoping her future books amp up the romance in this series because she does it so so well.
In this story, our heroine Sophia became an orphan at a young age. Her story is quite heartbreaking. She was rescued by Lady Clifford and schooled at the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls. A school where more goes on than it seems behind the closed doors. Sophia has spent her life in the shadows. She's very agile, invisible in the London night, and ready and eager to stalk those that must be stalked and brought to justice. She's a tiny thing, and prefers wearing trousers to get around, especially since she's developed a love for traveling on rooftops.
Tristan was a bow street runner. Was, because he has now had to take on the responsibility of the earldom and is now Lord Gray. But it's very hard to leave his past career behind when he suddenly spies someone on his neighbors roof lying in wait. Tristan still isn't over the gruesome murder of his colleague and fellow bow street runner. He refuses to return to his country estate until justice is served. But when he meets Sophia, she challenges everything that he thinks he knows about justice.
This book is not particularly steamy. It has a few kisses, then 1-2 full open door scenes around 80%. She does write explicitly, but they aren't especially long in this book. I find her love scenes and kisses filled with feelings. I adore them. Though in this book I was desperately wishing for more. More balance with the love and crime solving. A bit more tension.
Give this book a try if you like:
-a splash of enemies to lovers. There's a bit of time in the beginning when they are feeling each other out and they definitely aren't friends.
-Some type of crime/murder mystery to solve. This one is the main plot in the book and some of it might surprise you as you get to the conclusion.
-A bit of action. There's plenty of running through the London night, some attacks, stalking
-class differences – hero is an earl and heroine is born in the gutter of seven dials
-a non virgin heroine. Yes, I know, the title. I was pretty disappointed. But Sophia has had one lover but she's not vastly experienced.
-Heroine disguised as a man – she regularly runs around in trousers and Tristan actually believes she's a boy when he first meets her.
-A bit of darkness with a crime to be solved, multiple murders taking place/talked about, and a corrupt justice system being experienced
So, I liked a lot of this story. I was interested in the solving of the murders and the look into the justice system. However, I have also been feeling really depressed about things going on in current events and I didn't love it all in my face during my 'escape time'. But Bradley did it wonderfully and I was still interested in everything going on and wondering what was going to happen. I wanted more romance, more of them focused on each other instead of the crimes that were paramount here. I was also sad that Sophia wasn't a virgin, the title made me expect it, but as I read I also understood about her group of swooning virgins and that it didn't mean they themselves were virgins. I just prefer that, I'm sure others won't care about it. The action was fast paced and wonderfully written and I was super engaged and waiting on my toes for what would happen.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions about the book are my own.
This is my first Kaitlin O'Riley. This book is third in the series, but fine as a stand alone read. The characters from the prior two books in the series make appearances as side characters but nothing that spoils the previous stories for you (I think we all know they end in a happily ever after!) and nothing that would be confusing jumping into this story. I love series like this because there's no long and confusing recap needed. Just enjoy!
Meredith has just lost her father and uncle in a tragic accident. With her mother already gone, her aunt decides to bring her to London so they can both find husbands. They plan on posing as obscenely rich oil heiresses, which would be true if they haven't just lost their entire fortune and are now penniless. Meredith isn't in love with this plan, as she would rather support herself by writing intriguing mystery stories. Time in London is made more bearable when she finds the most wonderful book store to spend her time in. This is where she meets...
Philip Sinclair. Earl of Waverly. Son of book store owner? Yes, his father, a marquess, married a working class woman and they have continued running the book shop after marriage. Philip only cares about not being bored right now, and he's having a fabulous time with his mistress and torturing his poor parents. Yet, when he comes across Meredith he starts acting in ways that are unlike him because he suddenly doesn't care about all the gambling and drinking, only the next time he'll see her.
Give this story a try if you want
-Victorian era London
-no murders, mysteries, crimes to solve. It is focused on the romance, with a few held secrets and family/mistress drama
-a story line with the OW (other woman). She's here, and she doesn't leave until almost the end of the book. Technically there's OM (other man) as well, so this relationship has its challenges!
-Working heroine/secret writer – we have an author heroine! Not published in London yet as the story takes place, but not exactly secret either ;)
-Lower steam. You get open door sex scenes (2) and a few kisses but these scenes are filled with poetry and feeling and not much explicitness. They are fairly short too. I think people that like closed door usually wouldn't mind this story. Of course this made me sad. Hahahaha.
-American heroine and British hero
-some diversity included in side characters – there is a gay relationship of a family member
Specifics on the kissing/sex! Possible spoilers of percentage of book they take place in.
Second kiss – 52%
First sex scene (open door but brief) – 60%
Second sex scene (open door but brief) – 92%
I am so sad I didn't love this book. It has a lot of to love for other people I'm sure. I usually adore books that have no mystery/murder going on. But as soon as I met Philip, I hated him. Then I got to know him a bit more and I hated him even more. Then the story continued and I found myself more and more annoyed with everything he did. Everything. Philip is a spoiled man-child. I foresee not a marriage for poor Meredith but a never ending babysitting job trying to manage his immaturity, irrational mood swings, and overblown ego. I am usually not harsh on my heroes, but. Well. Philip is not my cup of tea. Or coffee. Or anything else. Just go away, Philip. Go. Away.
I really liked Meredith. I also really love that the author titled each chapter. I've always loved when authors do that and I don't see it very often. So I give 2 stars because of those things.
I'm going to get into heavier specifics about why I didn't enjoy this book. Please avoid for spoilers if you plan on reading the story.
Philip disappoints everyone in his family repeatedly. He makes his mother cry. Everyone's expectations for him are an inch off the ground and he can't even meet them. He flirts with the shopkeepers. He doesn't want to get married until his mother begs him not to marry his mistress then he thinks about marrying her. Philip is child that does whatever he can to test boundaries. He needs reverse psychology used on him to get him to behave appropriately because he wants to do the opposite of what everyone tells him. He cannot seem to think for himself or make up his own mind about anything without external interference, which I'll go about in more detail later.
The beginning of this book, and by beginning I mean like 1/3 of the book, the hero and heroine are barely together. They meet in the book store and he looks at her and she leaves. Another scene they waltz together and it's basically an 'enemies' feeling clash. They nitpick at each other. Scene done. Then they have another dance at another ball and talk for a few moments. Then after 30% they finally start to talk to each other and actually spend some time together. But, not too much time. Because there's plenty of side characters talking through the middle of the book and even a side story about a family member's relationship. If I wasn't wanting so much more from the MC relationship I probably would have been okay with this. As it was, to me it was made into too big of a deal and filled the already lacking story.
Philip runs hot and cold. He is rude to Meredith. Then he's charming. Charming enough to make Meredith feel like they are friends. He brings her gifts. He kisses her. He demands to be written in as her next character in her book because he's THAT annoying. Then he brings his mistress to a ball and is cold and aloof towards her. After hurting her he hunts her down and apologizes. Then things are on the upswing again. In fact, they now love each other. How, I have no idea. I think Meredith loves him because he bought her presents. Philip loves her because she's a shiny new toy.
Insert other man. Other woman wasn't enough so we need other man too. I was fine with this plot, except the author also gave page time in his head. It was totally unneeded. And as I get the feeling he DEFINITELY won't be getting his own book, there really wasn't a reason for it. His actions were totally explainable in the circumstances and learning about his past and feelings was pointless. As I was wanting more interaction between Meredith and Philip *shudder,* as they were barely together in the beginning and then the middle is filled with side characters and plenty of scenes that didn't have either Philip OR Meredith in them, in the other man's head was the last place I wanted to be. Anyways, other man causes some drama. And Philip, who KNOWS this man is competition and wants Meredith, decides he should believe everything he says and not even give Meredith a chance to defend herself. But he loves her so much, so it hurts that he has to do this. Give me a break. The scene should have been angsty and heartbreaking, but it was such a joke after everything Philip had already done to her. I would have tolerated it better if he didn't love her yet. You don't treat someone you love like that and not even give them a chance to speak.
Then he doesn't even do what he has to do to mend the relationship. He needs his brother, who has become a friend to Meredith, to go over and have circle time with him and tell him what to do to fix it. In fact, he doesn't even believe the relationship is worth fixing with this woman he loves until his brother says, yes it is worth fixing, then he realizes he should fix it. I couldn't stand this. What kind of man has no idea what he wants or how to go about it? Not a man I want around.
Ok I will stop complaining now. Sorry anyone that suffered through this. Not the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Meredith has just lost her father and uncle in a tragic accident. With her mother already gone, her aunt decides to bring her to London so they can both find husbands. They plan on posing as obscenely rich oil heiresses, which would be true if they haven't just lost their entire fortune and are now penniless. Meredith isn't in love with this plan, as she would rather support herself by writing intriguing mystery stories. Time in London is made more bearable when she finds the most wonderful book store to spend her time in. This is where she meets...
Philip Sinclair. Earl of Waverly. Son of book store owner? Yes, his father, a marquess, married a working class woman and they have continued running the book shop after marriage. Philip only cares about not being bored right now, and he's having a fabulous time with his mistress and torturing his poor parents. Yet, when he comes across Meredith he starts acting in ways that are unlike him because he suddenly doesn't care about all the gambling and drinking, only the next time he'll see her.
Give this story a try if you want
-Victorian era London
-no murders, mysteries, crimes to solve. It is focused on the romance, with a few held secrets and family/mistress drama
-a story line with the OW (other woman). She's here, and she doesn't leave until almost the end of the book. Technically there's OM (other man) as well, so this relationship has its challenges!
-Working heroine/secret writer – we have an author heroine! Not published in London yet as the story takes place, but not exactly secret either ;)
-Lower steam. You get open door sex scenes (2) and a few kisses but these scenes are filled with poetry and feeling and not much explicitness. They are fairly short too. I think people that like closed door usually wouldn't mind this story. Of course this made me sad. Hahahaha.
-American heroine and British hero
-some diversity included in side characters – there is a gay relationship of a family member
Specifics on the kissing/sex! Possible spoilers of percentage of book they take place in.
Spoiler
First kiss – 44%Second kiss – 52%
First sex scene (open door but brief) – 60%
Second sex scene (open door but brief) – 92%
I am so sad I didn't love this book. It has a lot of to love for other people I'm sure. I usually adore books that have no mystery/murder going on. But as soon as I met Philip, I hated him. Then I got to know him a bit more and I hated him even more. Then the story continued and I found myself more and more annoyed with everything he did. Everything. Philip is a spoiled man-child. I foresee not a marriage for poor Meredith but a never ending babysitting job trying to manage his immaturity, irrational mood swings, and overblown ego. I am usually not harsh on my heroes, but. Well. Philip is not my cup of tea. Or coffee. Or anything else. Just go away, Philip. Go. Away.
I really liked Meredith. I also really love that the author titled each chapter. I've always loved when authors do that and I don't see it very often. So I give 2 stars because of those things.
I'm going to get into heavier specifics about why I didn't enjoy this book. Please avoid for spoilers if you plan on reading the story.
Spoiler
Philip is introduced as a lazy, gambling, drinking loser. He has a mistress that he is still with sexually until at least chapter 6. He kisses his mistress after he kisses the heroine. He is still WITH his mistress in some form of a relationship until 57% of the book. Way. Too. Long. I will say the mistress was refreshing in that she's not super catty and rude and just out for her own selfish ends. The author does give page time in her head, which is another thing I really dislike, but I'm assuming she's going to have her own book at some point. I'd hope anyway. She deserves it. And I wouldn't want my page time wasted. Hahaha.Philip disappoints everyone in his family repeatedly. He makes his mother cry. Everyone's expectations for him are an inch off the ground and he can't even meet them. He flirts with the shopkeepers. He doesn't want to get married until his mother begs him not to marry his mistress then he thinks about marrying her. Philip is child that does whatever he can to test boundaries. He needs reverse psychology used on him to get him to behave appropriately because he wants to do the opposite of what everyone tells him. He cannot seem to think for himself or make up his own mind about anything without external interference, which I'll go about in more detail later.
The beginning of this book, and by beginning I mean like 1/3 of the book, the hero and heroine are barely together. They meet in the book store and he looks at her and she leaves. Another scene they waltz together and it's basically an 'enemies' feeling clash. They nitpick at each other. Scene done. Then they have another dance at another ball and talk for a few moments. Then after 30% they finally start to talk to each other and actually spend some time together. But, not too much time. Because there's plenty of side characters talking through the middle of the book and even a side story about a family member's relationship. If I wasn't wanting so much more from the MC relationship I probably would have been okay with this. As it was, to me it was made into too big of a deal and filled the already lacking story.
Philip runs hot and cold. He is rude to Meredith. Then he's charming. Charming enough to make Meredith feel like they are friends. He brings her gifts. He kisses her. He demands to be written in as her next character in her book because he's THAT annoying. Then he brings his mistress to a ball and is cold and aloof towards her. After hurting her he hunts her down and apologizes. Then things are on the upswing again. In fact, they now love each other. How, I have no idea. I think Meredith loves him because he bought her presents. Philip loves her because she's a shiny new toy.
Insert other man. Other woman wasn't enough so we need other man too. I was fine with this plot, except the author also gave page time in his head. It was totally unneeded. And as I get the feeling he DEFINITELY won't be getting his own book, there really wasn't a reason for it. His actions were totally explainable in the circumstances and learning about his past and feelings was pointless. As I was wanting more interaction between Meredith and Philip *shudder,* as they were barely together in the beginning and then the middle is filled with side characters and plenty of scenes that didn't have either Philip OR Meredith in them, in the other man's head was the last place I wanted to be. Anyways, other man causes some drama. And Philip, who KNOWS this man is competition and wants Meredith, decides he should believe everything he says and not even give Meredith a chance to defend herself. But he loves her so much, so it hurts that he has to do this. Give me a break. The scene should have been angsty and heartbreaking, but it was such a joke after everything Philip had already done to her. I would have tolerated it better if he didn't love her yet. You don't treat someone you love like that and not even give them a chance to speak.
Then he doesn't even do what he has to do to mend the relationship. He needs his brother, who has become a friend to Meredith, to go over and have circle time with him and tell him what to do to fix it. In fact, he doesn't even believe the relationship is worth fixing with this woman he loves until his brother says, yes it is worth fixing, then he realizes he should fix it. I couldn't stand this. What kind of man has no idea what he wants or how to go about it? Not a man I want around.
Ok I will stop complaining now. Sorry anyone that suffered through this. Not the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1816
This is the second installment to Jess Michael's newest series The Duke's Bastards. A duke had no problem spreading his seed all over London, and having multiple children. After the duke passes, his legitimate son, Robert, gathers them together to help them succeed in life. Robert has his own story in a previous series. If you are on that wants the whole world in order, then start there, as he and his wife are characters in this book. If you don't care about that, this book is perfectly fine as a stand alone.
Selena is Robert's half sister, a bastard child of the prior duke. She is the Faceless Fox, a thief that has been eluding investigators for years and stealing jewels. Robert wants to see her living life and invites her to a house party in the country where, conveniently, one of her next target jewels will also be.
Derrick Huntington (the last book I read, Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, also had a hero named Huntington!) has spent time in the army but now is working as an investigator. His main goal is to catch the Faceless Fox and stop their crime spree. He wrangles and invitation to the house party to continue his search for the suspect.
Their chemistry is immediate. I think they both feel some instalust for each other. Selina is trying to keep an eye on him and monitor his investigation, but it turns into her hands she can't keep off. And Derrick keeps telling himself he has other things to focus on, but is instead drawn to Selena repeatedly. This book is really, really steamy. If you don't like multiple explicit sex scenes, then pass this one by. It's all here, against a wall, masturbation, blowjobs. I think it was probably balanced, or even leaning more heavily to the romance/sex compared to the investigation portion of the book.
I did find the heroine on the unique side. Not very often I read of a heroine criminal, it's usually the hero I feel like. So that was a fun change.
But I only give this book 3 stars. I didn't feel the tension and wanting between them, I felt like they jumped into sex really fast. I wanted that build up. I also wasn't a fan of the deceit. I get it was going to happen but it continued for way to long in the book and the heroine had an opportunity to make it right and chose to continue to deceive until the very end. I will admit I am harsh on that stuff. Anything deceitful usually pushes me off big time so you might like this book more than I did. The sex was really hot, but to me it didn't have the feelings behind it that I wanted. I think I liked the first story a little bit more than this one in the series.
This is the second installment to Jess Michael's newest series The Duke's Bastards. A duke had no problem spreading his seed all over London, and having multiple children. After the duke passes, his legitimate son, Robert, gathers them together to help them succeed in life. Robert has his own story in a previous series. If you are on that wants the whole world in order, then start there, as he and his wife are characters in this book. If you don't care about that, this book is perfectly fine as a stand alone.
Selena is Robert's half sister, a bastard child of the prior duke. She is the Faceless Fox, a thief that has been eluding investigators for years and stealing jewels. Robert wants to see her living life and invites her to a house party in the country where, conveniently, one of her next target jewels will also be.
Derrick Huntington (the last book I read, Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, also had a hero named Huntington!) has spent time in the army but now is working as an investigator. His main goal is to catch the Faceless Fox and stop their crime spree. He wrangles and invitation to the house party to continue his search for the suspect.
Their chemistry is immediate. I think they both feel some instalust for each other. Selina is trying to keep an eye on him and monitor his investigation, but it turns into her hands she can't keep off. And Derrick keeps telling himself he has other things to focus on, but is instead drawn to Selena repeatedly. This book is really, really steamy. If you don't like multiple explicit sex scenes, then pass this one by. It's all here, against a wall, masturbation, blowjobs. I think it was probably balanced, or even leaning more heavily to the romance/sex compared to the investigation portion of the book.
I did find the heroine on the unique side. Not very often I read of a heroine criminal, it's usually the hero I feel like. So that was a fun change.
But I only give this book 3 stars. I didn't feel the tension and wanting between them, I felt like they jumped into sex really fast. I wanted that build up. I also wasn't a fan of the deceit. I get it was going to happen but it continued for way to long in the book and the heroine had an opportunity to make it right and chose to continue to deceive until the very end. I will admit I am harsh on that stuff. Anything deceitful usually pushes me off big time so you might like this book more than I did. The sex was really hot, but to me it didn't have the feelings behind it that I wanted. I think I liked the first story a little bit more than this one in the series.
I don't normally read contemporary.
I love the cover. And the title. I bought a few contemporaries and those things are what really pulled me to this one first.
You get time in both the heroine, Four, and the hero, Ever's, heads. It's heavier in Four's side. But really....Four Ever.....It's so silly. I did laugh. Then I was mildly annoyed. Then I got over it.
These two are seniors in high school and honestly that was a sticking point for me. The book does a great job of letting you rather forget that and focus on their romance and the other plot devices going on. But when I did remember it, I felt like some old hag creeper. High school, and all it's wonderfulness is a long way from me it feels like.
So I mostly got annoyed with things related to that. The partying, the bad attitude to the parents (Oh, you are SO bad ass), all the fuck yous...
Yet, there was something about this that kept me reading. I did enjoy a lot of the story and the dialogue. I especially loved Jamie's character. I loved it enough that I kind of want to read his story, but you can already see it's more of a 'second chance enemies to lovers' and that's also not my thing. Though I think some day I will pick the next book up.
The relationship was okay to me. It had some great parts that gripped my heart, then thudded me down into annoyance again.
I can also now see what all the talk is about 'happily for now'. I never really knew what that was because all of the books I read that were romance were clearly happily ever after. But this, while it is a stand alone about this couple, and their romance is happy, and they are together at the end, there's obvious problems that still need to be solved and that will come in the other books.
There was a decent amount of sex in here, yet somehow it didn't feel SUPER steamy to me. You get a few fully fleshed out scenes, but aren't short, but they aren't super long either. Plenty of kisses. A few orals for her. I liked that she was a virgin. Can't ever find that in contemporary it seems.
So, yeah, I guess I'm a little conflicted. I don't know if this one counts as a 'bully romance' haha. They did horrible things to each other but it wasn't especially dark. I wasn't shocked with anything. I wasn't disgusted. Maybe I'm just a jaded b, I don't know lol.
So, while I didn't love it, and that could totally be my mood because I haven't seemed to love anything, I didn't hate it ether.
I love the cover. And the title. I bought a few contemporaries and those things are what really pulled me to this one first.
You get time in both the heroine, Four, and the hero, Ever's, heads. It's heavier in Four's side. But really....Four Ever.....It's so silly. I did laugh. Then I was mildly annoyed. Then I got over it.
These two are seniors in high school and honestly that was a sticking point for me. The book does a great job of letting you rather forget that and focus on their romance and the other plot devices going on. But when I did remember it, I felt like some old hag creeper. High school, and all it's wonderfulness is a long way from me it feels like.
So I mostly got annoyed with things related to that. The partying, the bad attitude to the parents (Oh, you are SO bad ass), all the fuck yous...
Yet, there was something about this that kept me reading. I did enjoy a lot of the story and the dialogue. I especially loved Jamie's character. I loved it enough that I kind of want to read his story, but you can already see it's more of a 'second chance enemies to lovers' and that's also not my thing. Though I think some day I will pick the next book up.
The relationship was okay to me. It had some great parts that gripped my heart, then thudded me down into annoyance again.
I can also now see what all the talk is about 'happily for now'. I never really knew what that was because all of the books I read that were romance were clearly happily ever after. But this, while it is a stand alone about this couple, and their romance is happy, and they are together at the end, there's obvious problems that still need to be solved and that will come in the other books.
There was a decent amount of sex in here, yet somehow it didn't feel SUPER steamy to me. You get a few fully fleshed out scenes, but aren't short, but they aren't super long either. Plenty of kisses. A few orals for her. I liked that she was a virgin. Can't ever find that in contemporary it seems.
So, yeah, I guess I'm a little conflicted. I don't know if this one counts as a 'bully romance' haha. They did horrible things to each other but it wasn't especially dark. I wasn't shocked with anything. I wasn't disgusted. Maybe I'm just a jaded b, I don't know lol.
So, while I didn't love it, and that could totally be my mood because I haven't seemed to love anything, I didn't hate it ether.
This is book 3 in this series, but I found it okay as a stand alone. It would probably be better to read these in order since there's a bit of backstory and the characters from previous books are in there. I would think that Matilda and Reginald were mentioned in the previous books as well probably building their characters. That said though, you won't be confused or feeling you are missing anything by picking up this book first.
Matilda is an orphan. She was brought to the doorstep of the Keiths as an infant, her only identity tied to a necklace she has had since her arrival. She has been working to find out who she is, but when she gets answers she feels she must keep it all a secret.
Reginald has worked as a traveling knight his whole life, always making time to appreciate the lasses. Given orders to find out what Matilda is hiding, he makes it his goal to shadow her at every turn.
Give this book a try if you like
-class differences – though, it's not a huge part, it's mentioned many times that Matilda is a servant in the Keith house and eats and sleeps with the servants.
-Fake relationship – Matilda and Reginald pretend to be married on part of their journey
-Highlander fun with rival clans and plenty of secrets and revenge
-Not super steamy – one kiss and one full scene (I believe)
-friends to lovers - this couple has known each other for years and have schemed together during their free time in the castle
I found parts of this book refreshing. Especially in the fact that Matilda and Reginald always seemed ready to talk about their feelings for each other. There never seemed to be any risk of a big miscommunication going to happen. Reginald is very against marriage, so they have that struggle. The beginning was fun with some nice tension building.
But I found the book tapered off for me around halfway. My interest waned as lots of family and clan intrigue started happening and the main focus wasn't the relationship anymore. There wasn't a lot here that stood out to me against the many other highlander books I've read to make it unique.
I give 3 stars.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Matilda is an orphan. She was brought to the doorstep of the Keiths as an infant, her only identity tied to a necklace she has had since her arrival. She has been working to find out who she is, but when she gets answers she feels she must keep it all a secret.
Reginald has worked as a traveling knight his whole life, always making time to appreciate the lasses. Given orders to find out what Matilda is hiding, he makes it his goal to shadow her at every turn.
Give this book a try if you like
-class differences – though, it's not a huge part, it's mentioned many times that Matilda is a servant in the Keith house and eats and sleeps with the servants.
-Fake relationship – Matilda and Reginald pretend to be married on part of their journey
-Highlander fun with rival clans and plenty of secrets and revenge
-Not super steamy – one kiss and one full scene (I believe)
-friends to lovers - this couple has known each other for years and have schemed together during their free time in the castle
I found parts of this book refreshing. Especially in the fact that Matilda and Reginald always seemed ready to talk about their feelings for each other. There never seemed to be any risk of a big miscommunication going to happen. Reginald is very against marriage, so they have that struggle. The beginning was fun with some nice tension building.
But I found the book tapered off for me around halfway. My interest waned as lots of family and clan intrigue started happening and the main focus wasn't the relationship anymore. There wasn't a lot here that stood out to me against the many other highlander books I've read to make it unique.
I give 3 stars.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Plant Protein Revolution by Robin Robertson
This cookbook is a great collection of 96 plant based recipes. I am so happy to see more cookbooks available focused on whole foods and plant based versus just vegan.
This book will give you some background reading but doesn't drone on. It discusses the differences between plant and animal protein, and why plant is king. It will cover around how much protein you really 'need' in a day and why you don't have to worry about the non stop question “Where do you get your protein?”. There's a small section on powerhouse foods nutritional yeast and spirulina, that might not be familiar to some people. (Note: if you try nutritional yeast and hate it, make sure to switch your brand. I couldn't believe the taste difference between the fortified and unfortified yeast. The unfortified was so much better).
There's so small talk about the protein power houses in whole foods including beans, soy, nuts and seeds. It will also give you some tips for how to pack some extra protein into every meal and also the breakdown of the protein count in certain foods.
There's over 60 recipes with no pictures and just over 30 with pictures. This makes me sad, as I love pictures in the cookbooks. It's what really drives me to buy a physical copy and have it on my shelf ready to pull out and admire. Still, this book is great with plenty of good recipes to try. You won't have a million different ingredients in the recipes. You'll find how tasty and wholesome whole food, real food can be. I was surprised to find oil mentioned at all in this cookbook. There usually is a optional tag, or a note that you can sub for water, etc. But oil is not a whole food and is best avoided.
I give 3.5 rounded to 4.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This cookbook is a great collection of 96 plant based recipes. I am so happy to see more cookbooks available focused on whole foods and plant based versus just vegan.
This book will give you some background reading but doesn't drone on. It discusses the differences between plant and animal protein, and why plant is king. It will cover around how much protein you really 'need' in a day and why you don't have to worry about the non stop question “Where do you get your protein?”. There's a small section on powerhouse foods nutritional yeast and spirulina, that might not be familiar to some people. (Note: if you try nutritional yeast and hate it, make sure to switch your brand. I couldn't believe the taste difference between the fortified and unfortified yeast. The unfortified was so much better).
There's so small talk about the protein power houses in whole foods including beans, soy, nuts and seeds. It will also give you some tips for how to pack some extra protein into every meal and also the breakdown of the protein count in certain foods.
There's over 60 recipes with no pictures and just over 30 with pictures. This makes me sad, as I love pictures in the cookbooks. It's what really drives me to buy a physical copy and have it on my shelf ready to pull out and admire. Still, this book is great with plenty of good recipes to try. You won't have a million different ingredients in the recipes. You'll find how tasty and wholesome whole food, real food can be. I was surprised to find oil mentioned at all in this cookbook. There usually is a optional tag, or a note that you can sub for water, etc. But oil is not a whole food and is best avoided.
I give 3.5 rounded to 4.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To Win a Widow by Alexa Aston
Soldiers and Soulmates #5
This is book 5 in the series. Okay as a stand alone novel, but probably better in order as characters are in this story from previous books.
Dalinda is going to be forced to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather, and with terrible manners to boot, all because of 'the incident'. Luckily she is saved from that fate by befriending a handsome widowed duke, who offers for her first. While not a love match, they have a friendship and have 2 children together. The story picks up after she is a widow.
Rhys begins this story as a groom working hard taking care of horses for a nobleman. He is shocked when he is contacted on behalf of an Earl, stating that he is the next closest living relative and must attend school and be ready to take up his place if the current Earl's son passes. He has a commission bought for him and spends a dozen years fighting the war on the Continent before returning to England.
Give this book a try if you like
-soldiers – hero has served plenty of time in the Continent during the war
-class differences - though they aren't 'really' class differences, the hero is very open about his beginnings and doesn't see himself as any more than that, a simple groom that took care of horses
-an experienced heroine - she's been married, widowed and has 2 children
-moderate steam - a few kisses and a few full scenes. The scenes aren't long at all and not extremely explicit, though one happens very early in the book.
Sadly this book was NOT my thing. While the beginning was rather interesting getting to know their backgrounds, it was a long time before the characters even meet each other. Over 20% into the book before they even know each other exist in this world. That's a long time. And I could forgive it if there wasn't even more separation further into the story.
The fact that they have just met and barely know each other and then fall into bed with each other was also a turn off for me. I thought the book was going to border on erotica with the way it started like that, but then there is a very, very, very long dry spell. Not even close to erotica. And the scenes aren't extremely long, detailed or explicit really so it didn't even have that going for it. I just totally lost interest. I couldn't see what was drawing them together other than pure physical attraction. Once they had sex the book lost any sexual tension it had. Which wasn't much. :(
I give 2.5 stars rounded to 3. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Soldiers and Soulmates #5
This is book 5 in the series. Okay as a stand alone novel, but probably better in order as characters are in this story from previous books.
Dalinda is going to be forced to marry a man old enough to be her grandfather, and with terrible manners to boot, all because of 'the incident'. Luckily she is saved from that fate by befriending a handsome widowed duke, who offers for her first. While not a love match, they have a friendship and have 2 children together. The story picks up after she is a widow.
Rhys begins this story as a groom working hard taking care of horses for a nobleman. He is shocked when he is contacted on behalf of an Earl, stating that he is the next closest living relative and must attend school and be ready to take up his place if the current Earl's son passes. He has a commission bought for him and spends a dozen years fighting the war on the Continent before returning to England.
Give this book a try if you like
-soldiers – hero has served plenty of time in the Continent during the war
-class differences - though they aren't 'really' class differences, the hero is very open about his beginnings and doesn't see himself as any more than that, a simple groom that took care of horses
-an experienced heroine - she's been married, widowed and has 2 children
-moderate steam - a few kisses and a few full scenes. The scenes aren't long at all and not extremely explicit, though one happens very early in the book.
Sadly this book was NOT my thing. While the beginning was rather interesting getting to know their backgrounds, it was a long time before the characters even meet each other. Over 20% into the book before they even know each other exist in this world. That's a long time. And I could forgive it if there wasn't even more separation further into the story.
The fact that they have just met and barely know each other and then fall into bed with each other was also a turn off for me. I thought the book was going to border on erotica with the way it started like that, but then there is a very, very, very long dry spell. Not even close to erotica. And the scenes aren't extremely long, detailed or explicit really so it didn't even have that going for it. I just totally lost interest. I couldn't see what was drawing them together other than pure physical attraction. Once they had sex the book lost any sexual tension it had. Which wasn't much. :(
I give 2.5 stars rounded to 3. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kind of disappointed in this book. Its my first Rosemary Rogers and I was expecting...legendary like her well known name.
Talia is jilted at the altar. His brother, Gabriel, steps in and marries her. This book takes you all over the place, spies, France, the english countryside, London. The writing itself was good, I was immersed in the story. The action is good.
However it had ZERO feels for me. I'm going to be pretty specific about why I didn't get into this story, so spoilers ahead.
They have long drawn out sex immediately after marriage, even though Gabriel supposedly hates her for "making" him marry her. He just couldn't understand all of his feelings during sex, which is just absurd because there was nothing that happened to turn his hatred into anything else. He then sends her out the countryside where they are separated for a month. Talia is oh so happy to be out of London and frolicking around with the local vicar. Gabriel is oh so sad in London that his wife isn't writing him begging to come home. Spying happens, Talia finds out some shady stuff and is kidnapped and brought to France. Gabriel finds out and goes to rescue her where they both know they love each other. Ummmm WHAT. You literally had sex, didn't talk for a month but now you love each other. Its only 200 pages in. I'm sure there's more emotional turmoil but I'm just over it. I read romance for the feelings, the longing, the falling in love, and I felt like that was missing from this story.
However, aside from all that, it has an enjoyable plot. Just not for me.
Talia is jilted at the altar. His brother, Gabriel, steps in and marries her. This book takes you all over the place, spies, France, the english countryside, London. The writing itself was good, I was immersed in the story. The action is good.
However it had ZERO feels for me. I'm going to be pretty specific about why I didn't get into this story, so spoilers ahead.
They have long drawn out sex immediately after marriage, even though Gabriel supposedly hates her for "making" him marry her. He just couldn't understand all of his feelings during sex, which is just absurd because there was nothing that happened to turn his hatred into anything else. He then sends her out the countryside where they are separated for a month. Talia is oh so happy to be out of London and frolicking around with the local vicar. Gabriel is oh so sad in London that his wife isn't writing him begging to come home. Spying happens, Talia finds out some shady stuff and is kidnapped and brought to France. Gabriel finds out and goes to rescue her where they both know they love each other. Ummmm WHAT. You literally had sex, didn't talk for a month but now you love each other. Its only 200 pages in. I'm sure there's more emotional turmoil but I'm just over it. I read romance for the feelings, the longing, the falling in love, and I felt like that was missing from this story.
However, aside from all that, it has an enjoyable plot. Just not for me.
My Saving Grace by Danelle Harmon
Heroes of the Sea #10
This being book 10, IDEALLY you will want to read this in order. There's plenty of characters in this story that have had their own stories. Very little recap, just a story told her and there among family members that I would assume were in previous books. This was my first by Danelle Harmon, and even with it being book 10, it felt okay to me read out of order. I am not a stickler for that though. I wasn't left confused or annoyed by other characters or anything. It was nicely done.
This book takes place in 1814. Lady Grace's mother is celebrating her fourth marriage and Grace herself has her sights set on her future husband, naval officer Ponsonby. She will do anything to catch his attention, but so far it has consisted of extremely embarrassing moments that are from endearing her to him. She believes if she can just learn the basics of sailing, he will finally look upon her favorably. Lucky for her, Captain Delmore Lord is attending the wedding celebration and she soon ropes him into a scheme to get her married.
Del is a rather quiet, stoic individual. He blends into the background easily. He controls his emotions. He has had his heart broken and has backed into himself to prevent it from happening again. Grace's spunky personality keeps him engaged and on his toes and he finds himself drawn closer to her at every turn.
Give this book a try if you like
-roadtrip romance – this couple is on the go with a house party, quick sale on a frigate, visiting family members, and back to the ship
-sea captain hero with a decent amount of ship talk/learning and sailing
-low steam – this romance is almost sweet. Two very short kisses and one full scene that was short and not very explicit. The full scene happens after 90%
-A bit of angst and a bit of action. There's a bit of a 'villain' here, but it's not overwhelming. Just a few things here and there that causes instigation
-hero is involved in a duel
-a book where one of the main characters has another love interest in the beginning
I'm so conflicted with this book. The writing was wonderful. I was totally engaged in the story. I really loved the hero and my heart broke for him. But. The heroine. She drove me bonkers. I dislike when the hero or heroine is interested in someone else in the book. I find it really annoying unless it's a short part. But this was not a short part. I could have even forgiven her if by 70% she was willing to give it up. But she wasn't. No. She kept it going until the very end of the book. She put the poor hero through the ringer. Stomped on his heart. Kicked it. And that made me really angry. He deserved better than her I think, especially after the build up of the prologue for him finding the woman meant to be his.
Also the steam was really low in this book. There was some decent tension building and if there was one explosive scene or even just a scorching kiss I think I would have been pacified. But it was all rather tame and I kept waiting for someone to lose it and it never happened.
Yet, there was something about this book that called to my heart. It had so much that I loved about it. I found myself thinking about it the next day and just wanted to get back to reading it. It really did have that historical feel in regards to propriety. The hero was always very concerned about the heroine's reputation. It gives a simple talk after night on a bench the most risky feeling. The breathlessness of if someone will catch them, even though they are just sitting, yet it feels so indecent. That is something I love about HR that I find lacking in more modern writers generally. Everyone seems to be doing whatever they want now. Not here. There's a scene where Del carries a seasick Grace to her cabin and sits with her. Unsupervised. Unchaperoned. And I was almost giddy with the forbiddeness of it.
So I will definitely be trying more by her in the future. I think she's a great storyteller. I do wish there was more steam, but I think with a few plot tweaks I could love it even being low steam.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are totally my own.
Heroes of the Sea #10
This being book 10, IDEALLY you will want to read this in order. There's plenty of characters in this story that have had their own stories. Very little recap, just a story told her and there among family members that I would assume were in previous books. This was my first by Danelle Harmon, and even with it being book 10, it felt okay to me read out of order. I am not a stickler for that though. I wasn't left confused or annoyed by other characters or anything. It was nicely done.
This book takes place in 1814. Lady Grace's mother is celebrating her fourth marriage and Grace herself has her sights set on her future husband, naval officer Ponsonby. She will do anything to catch his attention, but so far it has consisted of extremely embarrassing moments that are from endearing her to him. She believes if she can just learn the basics of sailing, he will finally look upon her favorably. Lucky for her, Captain Delmore Lord is attending the wedding celebration and she soon ropes him into a scheme to get her married.
Del is a rather quiet, stoic individual. He blends into the background easily. He controls his emotions. He has had his heart broken and has backed into himself to prevent it from happening again. Grace's spunky personality keeps him engaged and on his toes and he finds himself drawn closer to her at every turn.
Give this book a try if you like
-roadtrip romance – this couple is on the go with a house party, quick sale on a frigate, visiting family members, and back to the ship
-sea captain hero with a decent amount of ship talk/learning and sailing
-low steam – this romance is almost sweet. Two very short kisses and one full scene that was short and not very explicit. The full scene happens after 90%
-A bit of angst and a bit of action. There's a bit of a 'villain' here, but it's not overwhelming. Just a few things here and there that causes instigation
-hero is involved in a duel
-a book where one of the main characters has another love interest in the beginning
I'm so conflicted with this book. The writing was wonderful. I was totally engaged in the story. I really loved the hero and my heart broke for him. But. The heroine. She drove me bonkers. I dislike when the hero or heroine is interested in someone else in the book. I find it really annoying unless it's a short part. But this was not a short part. I could have even forgiven her if by 70% she was willing to give it up. But she wasn't. No. She kept it going until the very end of the book. She put the poor hero through the ringer. Stomped on his heart. Kicked it. And that made me really angry. He deserved better than her I think, especially after the build up of the prologue for him finding the woman meant to be his.
Also the steam was really low in this book. There was some decent tension building and if there was one explosive scene or even just a scorching kiss I think I would have been pacified. But it was all rather tame and I kept waiting for someone to lose it and it never happened.
Yet, there was something about this book that called to my heart. It had so much that I loved about it. I found myself thinking about it the next day and just wanted to get back to reading it. It really did have that historical feel in regards to propriety. The hero was always very concerned about the heroine's reputation. It gives a simple talk after night on a bench the most risky feeling. The breathlessness of if someone will catch them, even though they are just sitting, yet it feels so indecent. That is something I love about HR that I find lacking in more modern writers generally. Everyone seems to be doing whatever they want now. Not here. There's a scene where Del carries a seasick Grace to her cabin and sits with her. Unsupervised. Unchaperoned. And I was almost giddy with the forbiddeness of it.
So I will definitely be trying more by her in the future. I think she's a great storyteller. I do wish there was more steam, but I think with a few plot tweaks I could love it even being low steam.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are totally my own.