Miss Newbury's List Megan Walker

 

Before Rosalind weds, she wants to experience ten things. Meeting Charlie wasn’t on her list. 

England, 1820 

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her time. As a child, Ros created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she has done none of them. She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. 

She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir. 

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart. 

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

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What a sweet story!  It was so gentle in nature, so endearing.  Rosalind is a character that grows on you with every turn of the page.  She is determined but in a quiet way.  I loved her desire for adventure, the bucket list and the journey it took her on.  The personal growth that led her to knowing herself better was a satisfying one with a lovely ending.

This is a super slow burn romance- actually more like a friendship for most of the book.  In fact, Charlie isn't even a friend at first but obviously that changes.  Once Charlie decides to help Rosalind with her list, he's all in.  I loved how he encouraged, supported and provided opportunities for Rosalind to accomplish her goals.  It was just all so very sweet.  If you love regency novels, don't miss this one!

Content:  mild peril, sweet ending kiss

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author: MEGAN WALKER was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn’t leave her alone, so she picked up a pen. And the rest is history. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. 

The Holly and the Ivy by Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker

 

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden
As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart.

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch
Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide.

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant
A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

“A Season to Love” by Anneka R. Walker
Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

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Oh the sweetness of this regency novella collection!  Each book was so different but ever so sweet.  Honestly, if you are looking for a feel good Christmas themed read, this should be the one you snuggle in with.  It's a rock star line up of authors and each story is fantastic.  I loved each of them for different reasons.  There will be no calling out a favorite here.

There is the love of family, Christmas traditions, matchmaking, sneaking, faking, bumbling, dancing, and yes, some sweet kissing.  Each story will make you smile and warm your heart.

Oh, and I love the cover.  💚

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Thief and the Noble by Dana LeCheminant

 

A Robin Hood Regency

“Remember who you’re fighting for.”

As the daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy—but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance.

When she unmasks the bandit Robin, he begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery in exchange for her silence, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when they discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming a champion of the poor, and a growing attraction Marian can’t ignore, can she and Robin expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves.

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If I'm being honest, sometimes I have a hard time with re-tellings and I can't really say why.  But not this time.  I lovey loved this book and it's characters.

Marian and Robin are two interesting and fun characters with such personality!  It was oozing right out of the pages and into my heart and head.  This story created a fantastic movie in my head and I love when that happens.  There was danger, adventure, mystery and growing tension throughout the book.  It led to quite the exciting ending!  

This book releases on February 7th!

Content:  mild peril, mild violence.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Five Kisses by Rachael Anderson

 

The first kiss crumbles her world. The second mystifies. The third unbalances. The fourth sends her reeling. And the fifth –ah, the fifth . . .

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, Miss Sarah Meacham has always behaved circumspectly, until an emotional outburst directed at a well-deserved gentleman earns her the nickname of Miss Shrew. As a result, she vows to never trust—or love—again. But when her father decrees that her younger sister cannot marry the man of her dreams until Sarah has secured a suitor of her own, she is faced with a dilemma: Deny her sister marital bliss or feign an interest in the next gentleman to come along, at least until their father relents.

Mr. Ian Collum is no gentleman. A tradesman and newcomer to Brighton, he has been searching high and low for the perfect house. When he at last discovers Ivy Cottage, with its magnificent views, extensive lands, and a large oak tree reminiscent of his favorite childhood escape, he will do whatever it takes to obtain it. Trouble is, the owner of the property will only sell if Ian agrees to court the beautiful and infamous Miss Shrew—a woman as intent on eluding Ian as he is on pursuing her.

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I ADORE this book.  Absolutely adore it.  I want to read it again right now.

The book is literally broken up into five sections- Kiss One, Kiss Two right up to Kiss Five and then. . . BONUS KISS.  😍  Yeah, I love that.  I also love both Sarah and Ian.  How could I not love them?  Honestly.  I'm pretty sure I just loved everything about this book, including the cover.  It hit my sweet spot and it all made me so happy.  This was a fantastic day of reading.  Yes, I finished it in one day.  I just couldn't help myself.

Content:  kissing

- I borrowed this book on Kindle Unlimited.  :)

Once Upon a Time Travel by Sariah Wilson

Once upon a time…

Recent college grad Emma Damon knows the Rose Room in Hartley Hall is off limits, which is exactly why she can’t wait to get inside. Once she enters the forbidden room, Emma learns more about the history of the museum than she ever intended to know.

Waking up confused and shocked in 1816, all Emma wants is to return to her cozy home with flushing toilets and disposable razors. But when she’s mistaken for someone else, Emma must pretend to be everything she’s not. About to be engaged to the Earl of Hartley’s brother, Emma fails miserably at playing the role of a sophisticated lady.

Hartley is determined to ensure that the quirky and adorable woman marries his brother – despite his ever-growing attraction to her. After loving and losing, he refuses to fall prey to the shackles of love. But as his desire for Emma increases, he knows he must forfeit his happiness for his brother’s future. After all, there’s no such thing as happily ever after.

Or is there?

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This book was highly entertaining to me.  I smiled a LOT and I even giggled out loud a few times.  I love when books amuse me.  Then you add in the ever growing attraction and tension between Emma and Hartley and I was completely hooked.  There were a few times I was mentally pulling my hair out and yelling, "Oh, COME ON!" only to be right back to giggling the next minute.  So fun.

There is a great cast of characters in this book and I loved the touch of the magical here.  I'd love to see this book grow into a series with some back stories about Hartley's sisters.  

Sariah Wilson is a go-to author for me.  This book is not like her others but it is surely one of her most amusing.  This is the perfect book for a romantic escape.  It will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

Content:  some kissing, making out that gets a little steamy but stays clean

- I received a copy of this book, per my request, from the publisher via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Imperfect (Disappeared Book 1) by Bronwyn Kienapple

England, 1813. Lady Theodosia feels she has no choice but to marry a man she doesn't love. That is until she stumbles into a different universe — an astonishing, mystical forest inhabited by the Nextic, a peaceful people who live close to nature.

Ahuil is fiercely independent until he meets Theodosia. Cut off from his own people, he nurses a dark secret. But in Theodosia he sees someone he can trust ... and love.

As her visits to his universe become more frequent, Theodosia is convinced she's found paradise. But a great change is coming to Ahuil's world. Half-beings roam the ruins of an unknown civilization and a growing mist appears to be preparing to wipe out his people — forever.

Torn between her family and a profound love, Theodosia is haunted by a question she cannot shake — in the face of terrible danger, how much is she willing to risk for love?

Two imperfect worlds. One unlikely romance. An impossible choice.

Imperfect takes you on an incredible journey that spans Regency England and a fantasy world unlike any you've ever imagined. Embrace the power of love and the yearning to be known in this tale of an irresistible heroine and the man who loves her, despite everything.

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This is a regency, time travel, fantasy romance.  All in one.  Crazy stuff, I'm telling you.  It was interesting to see how the author meshed all those genres together.

This book was on the shorter side, I thought.  It starts off a bit slow but it did pick up and it didn't take me long to read through it.  The end is a bit of a cliff hanger so it leaves you wanting more.  

I thought this was a good book, mostly surface for me as my emotions never got involved, but I appreciated the creativity as the author is obviously trying to create something different from most books out there.