A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch + Win A Copy of This Book!!

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

*Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

You guys.  I am having THE BEST reading week!  If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I just read Jennifer Peel's new book that comes out next month.  (review coming soon) I was in full hangover mode heading into this book and I was worried.  Now I'm just laughing because THIS.  BOOK.  <sigh>  Now I have two book hangovers back to back.  It's a completely awesome feeling.

This is the kind of book for girls who love a "bad boy" and the woman who finally claims him.  Misunderstood, unfairly (and sometimes fairly) judged, a bit on the dark side and pushing the social norm boundaries of his day.  Meet Lord Bryant.  He's yummy.  Honestly.  So, so yummy.  You can tell this just from the cover, right?  I feel like I just watched the loveliest movie play out in my head.  Right up there with Pride and Prejudice.  Seriously.  I was so engaged from beginning to end.  Invested.  Right there with these characters.  

This feels a bit gushy, right?  It is.  I can't help it. 😍

Go get this book.  Or enter to win a copy below!  Block out some time to read it uninterrupted.  (especially the last third of the book)  This book is what reading is about for me.  I loved it.

Content:  kissing

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

 

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Let It Be Me (A Misty River Romance #2) by Becky Wade

 

Having graduated college at 18, Sebastian Grant has continued to leverage his intelligence and determination to become a pediatric heart surgeon. The more accolades he receives, the more he's driven to pursue. Then he meets high school math teacher Leah Montgomery, and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop.

Solving advanced math equations by the age of five, Leah has always wanted to pursue a PhD in mathematics. She willingly put that dream on hold to raise her brother. Now that he is of age, she's set on avoiding any obstacles to her goal--including romance.

When Leah receives surprising news in the process of taking a test for tracking her ancestry, she asks Sebastian to help her comb through aged hospital records to learn more. Soon his presence isn't so easily ignored. But when Sebastian learns his best friend also has feelings for Leah, he begins to question his resolve to win her. Attaining their deepest desires may require more sacrifices than they ever imagined.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I love how well this author tackles tough issues in a way that I can feel and relate even though I might not have personally gone through the same things the characters are going through.  This story filled me with all the feelings I long for as a reader.  I was attached to these characters and I was invested in their story and most especially, in their success.  There were some twists I didn't see coming and I love to be surprised in good ways.  This book was so well written and I loved it from beginning to end.   Loved it.

Content:  Christian elements, kissing

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

Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

 

Manchester, 1850

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time. Alexander Osgood is handsome, well-known, and wealthy, but he is distant and aloof, spending much of his time at his textile mill.

Moreover, Northern England is nothing like Isabelle's home in the Lake Country, and her marriage is far from the fairy tale she expected. Conversations with Alexander are awkward, when they happen at all, and Isabelle struggles with loneliness.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander brings Isabelle to his country estate. During their time together, the couple begins to build a friendship, opening up to each other about the details of their lives. But when a tragic accident leaves Alexander unable to walk, their fledgling relationship is tested.

Isabelle is determined to see to her husband's recovery, and in caring for him, she discovers within herself an untapped well of strength and courage. In learning to rely on each other, the couple has an opportunity to forge a love connection that they both have longed for but never dreamed could be.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

So, I have some mixed feelings about this book.  It's told in first person, entirely from Isabelle's perspective.  This allowed a very extensive knowledge of Isabelle's thoughts and feelings, making her personal journey of growth obvious and gratifying.  Sometimes I got a little impatient with her internal musings and found myself skimming.  I liked Isabelle but I didn't love her.  I did love how she stood up for Alexander and wanted the very best for him regardless of how she was treated.

I liked Alexander but I didn't love him.  It was really hard to build a connection with Alexander given his personality and Isabelle's single viewpoint.  Especially when she didn't understand him for most of the book.  I didn't have a real emotional connection to either of them.  

The textile mill was a great part of the book and I enjoyed learning about that through Isabelle's eyes.  I liked this story, it was interesting and I liked the secondary cast of characters too.  It was good, just not my favorite.  Oh, and I think the cover is lovely.

 3/5 stars

Content:  mild peril

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

About the author:

By night, Rebecca Anderson writes historical romances. By day, she sets aside her pseudonym and resumes her life as Becca Wilhite: teacher, happy wife, and a mom to four above-average kids. She loves hiking, Broadway shows, food, books, and movies. You can find her online at beccawilhite.com 

A Torn Allegiance (Royal Regency, #2) by Jen Geigle Johnson + Win A Copy of This Book!

 

Peace is tenuous in the small kingdom of Oldenburg, and the looming threat of invasion from Napoleon weighs heavily on the royal family. Their country’s best chance for safety lies in strengthening their alliance with the English. So it is that Prince Hayes Wilhelm finds himself returning to England, where he hopes a prominent duke can help him protect his country.

Lady Elsie longs to make a difference in the world, but spying was not quite what she had in mind. So when her father, the Duke of Shelby, approaches her about keeping a close eye on the visiting crown prince of Oldenburg, she reluctantly agrees. But the outspoken young woman did not anticipate finding in Hayes a man who shares—and respects—her progressive ideas. Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but Elsie cannot forget her charge to spy on the man who is quickly stealing her heart. With the threat of war looming ever closer, Elsie and Hayes must consider carefully whom to trust—before their secrets tear them apart.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Hello, Prince Hayes, future king.  

It's a pleasure to meet you.  I met your brother in the last book and got a glimpse of your other brothers as well.  There sure are a lot of you!  I'm pretty sure that everyone that meets you loves you.  You have a winning personality and I love your fierce loyalty to your country and people.  Your desire to learn from others is impressive.  Others may doubt you and your intentions, but I never did.  Not once.  

I especially loved how you stood up for Elise.  You listened to her and you made her feel seen and heard.  Respected.  That makes you the best kind of man.  Elise is something else, isn't she?  A rare kind of woman in these days but thank goodness for that!  Bucking social norms and forward thinking can only lead women to better places.  Thank you for supporting her in this.

I am pleased to know you and I look forward to getting to know your brothers just as well.  Have fun with your sheep!  I hope they help the people in your country!

Your loyal and humble fan.  I mean, servant.

Aimee

Content:  mild peril, kissing

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

 

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An Uncommon Earl by Sian Ann Bessey + Enter To Win This Book!

 

 

Alexander Allerton, the Earl of Bloxley’s, greatest desire is to alleviate the suffering of the poor and less fortunate of England. So when his hackney carriage is involved in an accident that results in the death of one of those he is determined to help, he is devastated. Alexander vows to keep the promise he makes to the injured woman as she takes her final breaths: he will not rest until he finds her young son.

After a crippling accident years ago, Jane Hadford is accustomed to being largely ignored at social events. But being overlooked has allowed her to hone her observational skills—and she quickly perceives that all is not well with the handsome Lord Bloxley. When an unexpected opportunity arises to talk to the earl, he surprises them both by sharing with her his fruitless search for the child. Touched by Lord Bloxley’s story and by his desire to make things right, Jane determines to help him fulfill his promise. What she cannot anticipate, however, is that the quest she has chosen to undertake will bring into her life a small boy who will steal her heart and a gentleman who might well do the same.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

I am in complete character love right now.  Lord Bloxley (Alexander), Jane and little Asher literally stole my heart away.  Oh and Aunt Millward!  I cannot forget her!  Great characters make great books.

Okay, yes.  The whole story was good.  I just love when a story includes real historical events that I can learn more about.  In this case it was chimney sweeps and the law to change the age of the young workers.  The book flowed gently and easily with a great buildup in the end and the sweetest epilogue but for me this book was all about those characters.  They just shine bright throughout the whole book.  Kind and gentle but strong Alexander who fights for the downtrodden, the underdog.  Jane is observant, smart and brave.  Her heart is so big and it expands to include sweet little Asher.  I adored them all.

Clearly this was a delightful book.  It made me happy.

Content:  kissing, mild peril

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

 

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The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson

 

The movie star and the dog groomer are one kiss away from the perfect love story. That’s the hiccup in a warm and witty romance by the bestselling author of Roommaid.

The meet-cute award goes to dog groomer Juliet Nolan. It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest nights when she volunteers as a seat filler and winds up next to movie heartthrob Noah freaking Douglas. Tongue tied and toes curling in her pink Converse, she pretends that she doesn’t have a clue who he is. It’s the only way to keep from swooning.

She’s pretty and unpretentious, loves his dog, and is not a worshipping fan. No way Noah’s giving up on her, even if his affectionate pursuit comes with a bump: Juliet has a pathological fear of kissing and the disappointments that follow. What odds does romance have without that momentous, stupendous, once-in-a-lifetime first smooch? Patient, empathetic, and carrying personal burdens of his own, Noah suggests a remedy: they rehearse.

The lessons begin. The guards come down. But there’s another hitch they weren’t betting on. As for that cue-the-orchestra-and-roll-credits happy ending? It might take more than practice to make it perfect.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh, wow.  Wowza.  Wowza yumma stuff.  Loads of it.  So, so good.  Swoony everything.  I'm having a problem with full and complete sentences, obviously.

The banter?  Yeah, top notch.  The buildup?  Two thumbs up.  The kissing?  Get my fan and a cold glass of lemonade.  No joke.  This story was SO. MUCH. YUM.  Sigh.  I want to go back and read it again right now.  I probably should since I read through it so quickly.  That happens when you can't put it down.  And yeah, now I have a book hangover which is also what happens when you have a book like this.  It's hard to move on.

So yeah, read this book.  Carve out some time so you don't have to put it down and be angry at the people around you for living and mistakenly assuming you want to leave your book world for the other world we live in.  Just giving you a head's up.

Content:  PG-13 intimacies (kissing, making out)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but have since bought my own copy. 😍

River's Song: Spring Flings and Engagement Rings by Stephanie Fowers

 

A country singer rediscovers his passion for music when he meets a spunky small town girl who lives her life to the fullest. Too bad she's his best friend's ex.

Now he'd better forget his racing pulse so he can get a photograph back from her that could ruin his career.

The trouble is that spending time with her feels like a good old fashioned love song, and he can't get that stupid tune out of his head... or out of his heart.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Isn't the cover on this book pretty?  I loved that is goes perfectly with the story.

Wowza, River and Liv have some sparking chemistry!  I loved all the kissy kissing.  It was swoony fun.  I also loved that Liv was a photographer and brought out emotion through her pictures.  It was the perfect way to bring her into River's world, or, maybe more accurately, River into her world.

The story progresses nicely, with some minor bumps in the road and an ex you love to hate.  I enjoyed the feeling of family and community and the two little boys who helped everything feel natural and brought a few smiles too.  I sure hope there are more stories to be had in this small town- it sure feels like there will be.  (fingers crossed)  4/5 stars

Content:  mention of substance abuse, Christian elements

- I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited