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Showing posts from 2023

You're the Duke That I Want by Lenora Bell

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 💖💖💖💖 /5 I enjoyed You're the Duke That I Want by Lenora Bell, book one in her Thunderbolt Club series; a retelling of the movie-musical Grease, and fans will definitely see plenty of parallels. The Thunderbolt Club is a group of friends, who love to race curricles and enjoy a wild, rakish lifestyle.   Nothing exciting ever happens in Sandrine Oliver's sleepy seaside town, until the day Lord Dane Walker comes to town, pretending to be a commoner, Danny Smith, as he quickly realizes that his older brother, the Duke of Rydell, is hated in the town. Sandrine is an innocent who has been raised by an extremely overprotective mother, but believes there is more to life than the bubble wrap life her mother has kept her in. After escaping her mother's clutches for the day, Sandrine finds herself in the arms of a handsome stranger, when he mistakes her for a drowning victim. She doesn't know much about Danny Smith, only that she is charmed by him. She continues to spend

The Governess and the Duke by Lydia Drake

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 💖💖💖💖 /5 The Governess and the Duke by Lydia Drake, book three in the Renegade Dukes series, is a sweet, slow burn romance with some unrequited love between two people from very different backgrounds. Governess Viola Winslow and James Montagu, Duke of Huntington, deal with meddling family and loved ones, including manipulative teenagers and snobbish, small minded matriarchs on their journey toward having an unexpected future together. There is also a background of abuse and assault in Viola's background, and when her secrets come to light, she deals with her feelings of shame, though what it reveals is her strength and fortitude to James. The dynamic between Viola and James is a perfect mixture of slow burn and sizzling chemistry. The supporting characters add a quirky yet realistic flavor to the tale, making it all the more enjoyable.   I highly recommend The Governess and the Duke to other readers.   #entangledpublishing

An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London

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💖💖💖💖 /5   An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London, book four in her Royal Match series, is a wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous, comedy of errors, tale of avoidance.   Emma Clark, Lady Dearborn, finds herself in quite the predicament when her not-so-nice husband abandons her to go on an expedition to Egypt; leaving her home to manage the estate and his siblings, his unpleasant sister and sweet young brother, in his absence. Emma is quite good at keeping her husband Albert’s estate in excellent working order while he is gone. She is the only person to know of the death of her abusive husband while he was abroad; finding herself free for the first time in her life and is reluctant to give up the chance to enjoy some time before coming clean to the rest of the family about her new status. She is enjoying the time without her overbearing and inadequate husband telling her what to do. When a Westlorian Earl named Luka Olivien arrives on her doorstep, to return her husband’s pocket

Second Duke's the Charm by Kate Bateman

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💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Second Duke the Charm by Kate Bateman, book one in Her Majesty’s Rebels series, is a sweet, fun and romantic story. This close-knit group of smart, strong, intelligent women are not only close friends, but the secret owners and investigators of King & Co., one of London's most exclusive investigative agencies; working to take down criminals. It was unheard of for women to indulge in such brash behavior given the times, but Tess Townsend and her friends are good at what they do, and they enjoy the independence it affords them.   Tess Townsend, was bartered off in marriage by her father to a repulsive older man, was saved when her husband dropped dead on their wedding night; leaving her not only the Dowager Duchess, but also a virgin. Attending a masked house party, hoping for a little flirty fun, she gets more than she bargained for when her fling turns out to be the new duke. Shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom but, when the woman

The Fearless One by Lori Foster - Intrigue & Romance

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Diah and Memphis’ love story in by Lori Foster, book two in the Osborn Brothers series, is an emotional, non-stop action, twists and turns, emotional, touching, gripping, intense, and riveting tale ; one I struggled to put down. Jedidiah (Diah) Stephens is a woman on a mission; arriving in the Colorado Rockies with one plan, to find out what happened to her family; the details about their deaths has bothered her for years. Looking for answers, she applies to work at a campground, left as a clue for her. While she's working she can do her own investigating and see what she can find. It’s the perfect way to find the answers she needs; except she never expected to also find love. While Diah, and her dog Tuff, searches for clues about her family, she befriends her boss Memphis Osborn; a man she could easily fall for. Her life does not have room for love in it, as she is always on the run; never feeling safe, or settled, enough to put down roots. Then again, she has nev

Amish Love Letters - a sweet collection

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💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Amish Love Letters by Shelley Shepard Gray, Charlotte Hubbard, and Rosalind Lauer is a sweet collection of novellas that are reminders about the power of writing and receiving a letter. In each of these three sweet Amish romances, written communication might work much better.   In Love Letter Courtship, Jennie's family loves Matt so much that they monopolize his time when he visits. Jennie and Matt learn about each other through their words shared through the letters they send. S.W.A.K. is a cute, funny story filled with confusion and learning the importance of speaking up from the start. A trip back to Promise Lodge, Fannie knows she wants Eddie but things don't go exactly as planned when pink paper and love get mixed up. Don't assume anything in matters of the heart. The Wrong Valentine story wasn't so wrong. Martha, a young widow helps the giggly young girls at work create Valentine's. When a card accidently gets mixed up with another, a roman

Merry Beachmas by Kate Angell

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 I loved Brogan and Dani’s second chance story in Merry Beachmas by Kate Angell, a holiday novella in her Barefoot William/Sunkissed Key series. Ten years ago, Danielle Adams left her college boyfriend, Brogan Worth without a word. Even worse, it was after he proposed on the night he was drafted by the Richmond Rogues. Dani seemed to disappear into thin air as Brogan never saw her again nor heard from her. When Brogan arrives on Sunkissed Key for his sister’s wedding he is shocked to see Dani there; as the manager of the Worth Mansion. Between wedding festivities, fun activities, and interruptions, these two need to find time to talk; hopefully clear up some misunderstandings from ten years ago. The magic and ghosts of Worth Mansion and Sunkissed Key will help Dani and Brogan get the closure they need or will they be given a second chance for a love that never died.   Ms. Angell wrote a wonderful, emotional, heartwarming, sweet second chance story that is not to be m

The Something Borrowed Sister

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💖💖💖💖 /5   The Something Borrowed Sister by Shirley Jump, book three in her Harbor Cover series, is about family, friendship, and love in Harbor Cove.  This book is about Margaret (Meg) Monroe, the oldest of three close sisters, and her husband Mike.   Meg has been keeping secrets from her sisters Emma and Gabby. They think her marriage is happy but it's not. After ten years of marriage, Meg and Mike have drifted apart; feeling more like roommates than lovers, all stemming from a lack of communication. Despite loving each other, neither is willing to take the steps to move toward each other rather than away. When they try to move toward each other, all the baggage and hurt makes it impossible to stay together. Meg has decided that divorce might be for the best; especially with her keeping a big secret from everyone. Sometimes, it is best to take some time to think about yourself, deal with the things that you have been neglecting, heal yourself from the inside out. Their st

Housebroke by Jaci Burton

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 💖💖💖💖 /5 Housebroke by Jaci Burton is a cute and funny rom-com with forced proximity, strangers sharing a home, and foster dogs that is delightful. Hazel is dead broke after a failed marriage to a thieving ex, so she and her five foster dogs are staying in a friend’s home, who moved out of state until they can sell it. Linc is a millionaire who likes to personally renovate and flip homes. Linc is surprised when he gets to his new flip house and finds Hazel and her dogs squatting. After they calm down and talk, Linc hires Hazel to cook his meals in exchange for a small salary and room and board. Linc doesn’t tell Hazel his true story; worried she won’t see him for who he is, just his money. Both have been hurt and burned before and are determined not to have a relationship; except it’s becoming more difficult for them to fight the strong magnetic attraction, and sizzling chemistry they share. Ms. Burton wrote a wonderful , thought-provoking romance that is a must read. She did an

Finding Sunshine by Lea Coll

  💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Sarah and Knox’s story in Finding Sunshine by Lea Coll, book two in the Monore Brothers series, is a wonderful, heartwarming and romantic holiday romance between a single mom and a grumpy landscaper. Sarah’s daughter, Addy, was a welcome addition, adding depth and layers to the story while not only stealing Knox’s heart, but many of the scenes she was in.   Knox and his family own and operate a Christmas tree farm. Each brother also has a side hobby/business, for Knox it’s his landscaping business. Knox is putting up Christmas decorations for Sarah, a single mom, because her adorable and outspoken daughter, Addy, told Knox that she wished their home could look like the others in the neighborhood. Sarah is overwhelmed with work and other daily things; unable to really afford to decorate their home. Wanting to pay Knox back, she invites him in for a snack. When he notices that they don't have a tree and might put up an artificial one, he offers to have them come

The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish

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 💖💖💖💖 /5 The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish, book two in the Cold Springs series, is a second chance romance for Wren and Jesse. Wren thought Jesse was only interested in a friends-with-benefits relationship, while Jesse believed he wasn’t good enough for Wren. These two have been unofficially together for over a year. Each does not know how the other is feeling because they don’t take the time to talk about their feelings. If it wasn’t for some unlikely family drama these two might not have gotten together. The small town is embroiled in a divorce between a high profile couple which will affect the whole town. Wren, a city attorney, has to renegotiate a contract for a housing development because the construction owner is part of the divorcing couple. Jesse is the site manager for the construction company and he and his team of workers are impacted by the legal aspects. When Jesse sees the divorce lawyer Oliver trying to get friendly with Wren his hackles rise and he decides to le

The Gentleman's Gambit by Evie Dunmore

💖💖💖💖 /5 Catriona and Elias take us on an emotional journey in The Gentleman's Gambit by Evie Dunmore, book four in her League of Extraordinary Women series. For the introverted and highly talented Lady Catriona, nothing is more important than her scientific work and the fight for women's rights. She also secretly longs for love; but only with a man who would allow her to remain herself and not try to change her. Elias Khoury, a young scientist from the Middle East, enters Oxford and Professor Campbell's circle with ulterior motives. While he tells everyone he's there to classify ancient artifacts, he really wants to take them back to his homeland in the Middle East. When he's introduced to Catriona, he sees an opportunity to use her to get what he wants.   For the first time in her life, Catriona feels like someone really sees and appreciates her for who she is; little does she know that Elias is in England for completely different reasons than he claims. It

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale

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💖💖💖💖 /5 The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra is a delightful and heartwarming retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Kantra pays homage to the classic tale while putting her own unique spin on it. The parallels between Dee's journey and Dorothy's are evident, but the story also stands on its own as a unique and engaging narrative. The way characters and elements from the original story were transformed into modern day people and places were delightful.   Dorothy "Dee" Gale, a grad student struggling to find her place in the world, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Dublin, far from her comfortable surroundings. Determined to rebuild her life after enduring a devastating tornado of humiliation and heartbreak, Dorothy begins a life-changing journey.  The process of healing from deep wounds, examines the essence of home, and celebrates the victory of reclaiming one's own narrative, is deeply examined. A highlight is found family: Dee finds so

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne, book two in the Heart of the Amish series, is full of faith, hope, supportive friends, and romance. Ruth Helmuth, a widow, has been managing her profitable goat farm alone since her husband passed away a year ago. Bishop Troyer, bishop of her Amish community is pressuring her to sell her farm to another family, who would make better use of the space; as he doesn’t believe she can manage it by herself. Ruth ends up pursuing several money-making opportunities with the help of her friend Jonas Hershberger, a widower. Jonas, father to 4-year-old Abigail, is in need of a larger place to house his growing business and Ruth’s big red barn may be just the answer. While working together, running business ideas by each other, and spending time together, an unexpected attraction simmers between Ruth and Jonas. Before exploring or admitting their feelings, Ruth needs to share a secret with him, while Jonas, cautious about allowing

Cherish Me Forever by Layla Hagen

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Reese and Dom’s love story in Cherish Me Forever by Layla Hagen, book eight, and the last, in The Maxwell Brothers series, is a wonderful, heartwarming romance that will have you swooning and falling in love, right along with them.   Reese Maxwell is the loveliest and kindest person; always thinking of others. When she attends a charity function, she finds herself face to face with her ex-fiancé and his wife; her former best friend who also happens to be the woman he cheated with. Meeting recently divorced, gorgeous but grumpy Dominic Waldorf was definitely not a “meet cute” when Reese accidently spills her drink on him. From the moment they met the sparks flew, Dom convinced that Reese is hitting on him soon learns that it’s anything but, as she is trying to avoid her ex. When Dominic realizes what Reese is facing he steps in to help her through a bad situation and in talking with her more he realizes he wants to help her for as long as she needs him around. Wha

Faked and Fumbled - Knoxville Coyotes Football series

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 I loved Raia and Cohen in Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi, book one in her Knoxville Coyotes Football series; a brother’s best friend, friends to lovers story . Raia Callaway, is about to take the field to play a big soccer game when her longtime boyfriend decides to breaks up with her; destroying her concentration and resulting in her being seriously injured. Heartbroken and reeling from the betrayal and the hiccup in her career, Raia moves home to her parent’s house; needing to heal, regain her strength and rebuild her confidence.   Cohen Miller, her brother’s best friend and teammate on the Knoxville Coyotes football team, has been looking out for Raia for years. He is able to bring her back to the world of the living through positive messages and caring for her. Cohen is so patient when Raia struggles. He shows his affection for her by building her up and encouraging her; restoring her happiness. When it’s time for Raia to go on a ski trip with her friends, Raia a

The Amish Christmas Promise

💖💖💖💖 /5 The Amish Christmas Promise by Amy Lillard, is a heartwarming story about loss, healing, keeping a promise, inspiration, shunning, and forgiveness. Mattie Byler is pregnant and widowed, with two little girls and a farm to take care of. One day her late husband’s twin brother, Samuel, appears at her door; claiming that he had made a promise to his brother that he would look after his wife if anything happened to him. In Samuel’s mind, that meant he needs to marry her. Unfortunately, he has been shunned and has been living among the English. At first Mattie doesn’t want anything to do with him, but she reluctantly allows him to do work around her farm. Slowly they form a friendship, with Mattie realizing she’s falling in love with him and Samuel has fallen in love with her. Before anything more can happen, Samuel needs to confess his sins to the community and return to the church; something he’s been struggling with. I highly recommend The Amish Christmas Promise to other

When Hattie Finds Love

  💖💖💖💖 /5 When Hattie Finds Love by Amy Lillard, book four in the Paradise Valley series, features Hattie and Christian; an older couple and have loved and lost before getting a second chance at love. Hattie, an optimistic and happy person, is bothered that fellow community member, Christian, never smiles. Hattie’s cousin, Elsie, makes a bet with her that Hattie won’t be able to make Christian happier. While getting to know Christian, Hattie finds herself facing both personal challenges and the surprises that come with falling in love.   Ms. Lillard wrote a sweet and engaging story, bringing readers to a charming small-town where love blossoms in the most unexpected ways. With a touch of humor, a dash of Southern charm, and characters you can't help but root for. Themes of family, self-discovery and the power of second chances are skillfully woven throughout. I highly recommend When Hattie Finds Love to other readers.   I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of

A Lady's Rules for Ruin

  💖💖💖💖 /5 A Lady's Rules for Ruin by Jennifer Haymore, book two in the The Lions and the Lilies series,  follows Frances Cherrington, who wants to avoid marriage and remain free as a spinster, plans her ruination . Frances connects with the charming Evan, an earl with secrets that could ruin him. Evan and Francis are interesting characters; well developed and layered with complicated lives and family situations. The pair has an epic swoon-worthy romance. Filled with secrets, family betrayals, difficult decisions, and wonderful journeys, their romance is positively wonderful. I highly recommend A Lady's Rules for Ruin to other readers.   I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Wright Together by K.A. Linde

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 Wright Together by K.A. Linde, book six book in the Vineyard series, is an enjoyable story featuring Whitt and Eve , a heartfelt, funny and romantic story. Eve Houston is used to things not going her way and when she is late for a job meeting she hopes it’s not too late. She thinks her life is finally turning around, between her wonderful roommates and being a real estate agent; despite barely scraping by. She is ready to be seen as a professional and get her life headed in the right direction. Whitton Wright knew the first moment he saw Eve at a wedding that he wanted a relationship with her. Except, she wasn’t looking for more than one night and Whit wasn’t interested in that; wanting more. When he gets a promotion at work he learns he is going to be dealing with an outside local realtor and is surprised when Eve walks through the door. It’s going to take a lot of convincing by Whit to convince Eve that he is serious about her and wants a relationship with her. Eve h

Balancing Act by Emily March

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 💖💖💖💖💖 /5 I loved Balancing Act by Emily March, book two in her Lake in the Clouds serie s; a story that was heartwarming, emotional, and beautifully weaves the story of Genevieve Prentice and her daughter Willow Eldridge. Set in the picturesque Lake in the Clouds, the story explores the complications and difficulties within family relationships and the challenges of rediscovering love after loss. Willow, a newly widowed mom with two young children, has followed her Mom to Colorado, ready to swallow her pride and come clean about her life in Nashville. The guilt she feels about her broken relationship with Genevieve is only one layer of the trauma she's struggling with. While there she meets a reclusive neighbor, Noah Tannehill, an irresistible man fighting demons of his own. He is recovering from injuries sustained as a firefighter; some are psychological and/or PTSD. Maybe this sweet town can provide the answers and healing she, her family, and Noah needs; and maybe th