Neighbors Like That by Carina Taylor

Neighbors Like That by Carina Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure how I stumbled across this one, but I'm sure glad I did. It was delightful. Kylie and Hagen are new neighbors and they don't get off on the best foot. Things continue to escalate and an all-out prank war is declared. It was really quite cute. I liked how their pranks were woven into the story.

While it was cute and entertaining, I did think the writing could be tightened up a bit. Some things could have been left out or didn't add to the progression of the story. It stays lighthearted throughout, but does have some ex drama (could have been developed more) and some stalker drama (definitely could have been developed more). Overall, this was a fun read and one I would totally recommend. If you enjoy lighthearted, romantic comedies, this hits the spot.

Content
Romance: Clean, kisses
Language: None
Violence: Very mild (view spoiler)[kidnapping at gun point, scuffle & rescue (hide spoiler)]

Similar Books You May Enjoy....
 
View all my reviews

Heart Thief by Taylor Dean

Heart Thief by Taylor Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really really good.

I forgot to come back and do my review, so I'll have to wing it. Mila is disappointed when her boyfriend askes her to housesit, instead of propose! She begins to question everything about their relationship and if they're really meant to be. Things get more complicated when his estranged brother, Zane, shows up and they get along so well.

This was a really fun "forbidden love" story, really sucked me in and turning the pages. I liked Mila and Zane, they have good chemistry. I also liked that nothing actually happens with them until after they're both well and single.

Content: Clean romance, no language or violence

Similar Books You May Enjoy...


View all my reviews

Home Run Fiance by Marika Ray

Home Run Fiancé by Marika Ray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute read! Marika Ray is a new-to-me author that my friend Kathy Jo recommended. I'm glad she did, I enjoyed Ms. Ray's writing style and look forward to checkout more of her books.

I enjoy the whole 'fake relationship' trope and thought Home Run Fiance had lots of great tension. Our leads, Rhys and Jake don't like each other at first, neither are too happy about the relationship, so it adds some fun tension to the story. As these things go, they of course slowly come to like each other. I thought it was a fun, entertaining read. I liked it!


Content: Clean romance, mild language, no violence
Series: Book Two, but stands well on its own

Similar Books You May Enjoy...
The Thirteenth Chance The Catching Kind

View all my reviews

To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams

To Con a Gentleman by Sarah Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5

I love discovering new authors, almost as much as discovering new favorite books. I really enjoyed To Con a Gentleman, it is definitely being added to my 'read again' shelf and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Adams. This was reminiscent of those old traditional regencies (that I love) by Valerie King, Joan Overfield and a bit of Georgette Heyer.

This book is filled with charm, likable characters that have a lot of depth, a nice flowing writing style that sucks you into the story and makes the world around you disappear. If you know me, you know I love a good "meet cute" and this one, between Rose and Carver was just so much fun. I enjoyed all their scenes actually, full of fun, tension and loads of chemistry.

Overall, this was an entertaining read, I'd consider it Regency-Lite, but one I'd recommend to any regency fan.

Content:
Clean romance, kissing
no language or violence

View all my reviews

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Utterly Charming!

I was first drawn to this book by its beautiful cover. It's very inviting, warm and makes you want to go exploring the beautiful grounds. And you know, some book just call to you, begging to be read. I felt early on that I would enjoy this book and even had to start recommending it to friend when I was only about halfway through!

I was quickly sucked into the story and connected with our heroine, Amelia early on. She is a likable lead, she'll do anything to secure the happiness and security of her sister, even if it costs her own. I thoroughly enjoyed when Amelia and Peter meet for the first time, I'm a sucker for a good "meet cute" and thought theirs was great. The chemistry between them was swoon-worthy and it was fun watching their feelings develop. The pacing was nice, believable and just enough tension to keep things interesting and kept me grinning throughout. Lots of great scenes in this one.

I enjoyed Ms. Walker's writing style, the story has an easy flow to it that makes you forget you're reading and get carried away in the story. This was the first book I've read of hers, but I eagerly look forward to reading more. Reminiscent of Edenbrooke, so if you enjoyed that book you'll want to give this one a try.

Highly recommend to everyone!

Content (G): Clean romance, kisses, no violence or language

View all my reviews

Promised by Leah Garriott

Promised by Leah Garriott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for a pretty cover and Promised has a gorgeous cover. Lucky, the inside is just as pretty. This is Ms. Garriott's debut novel and I'm impressed! I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future.

I enjoyed the story of Margaret and Gregory, and all they went through to gain their happily ever after. This has a fun storyline, unique and filled with likable characters. This is one of those books where I don't want to give away too much in my review. I will say, it kept me turning the pages eager to find out what would happen next and thought it was a captivating and charming story. Would recommend to any romance fan.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

View all my reviews

Blog Tour: Leah Garriott

Synopsis:

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Warwickshire, England, 1812

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match—to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage—to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

My Review:

I'm a sucker for a pretty cover and Promised has a gorgeous cover. Lucky, the inside is just as pretty. This is Ms. Garriott's debut novel and I'm impressed! I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future.

I enjoyed the story of Margaret and Gregory, and all they went through to gain their happily ever after. This has a fun storyline, unique and filled with likable characters. This is one of those books where I don't want to give away too much in my review. I will say, it kept me turning the pages eager to find out what would happen next. Would recommend to any romance fan. 

About the Author:

Though she earned degrees in math and statistics, Leah Garriott lives for a good love story. She has resided in Hawaii and Italy, has walked the countryside of England, and owns every mainstream movie version of Pride and Prejudice. She’s currently living her own happily ever after in Utah with her husband and three kids. Leah is represented by Sharon Pelletier at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret. 

Visit the author at www.LeahGarriott.com

“Garriott’s impressive debut distinguishes itself with its expertly evoked Regency setting, a cast of realistically flawed yet eminently relatable characters, and a sweetly satisfying love story. Teen fans of Austen-era love stories will fall hard for this impeccably crafted romance.”

-Booklist

“Promising Regency-set debut. Vivid period details and the hero’s grand romantic efforts will please fans of historical romance.”

-Publishers Weekly

Lord Heartless by Barbara Metzger

Lord Heartless by Barbara Metzger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

"One of those very rare authors with a fine talent for zany humor and touching emotion."
-Romantic Times

This was quite the story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun characters, witty writing, sweet romance and overall charming tale. I really enjoy some of these "old" regencies, they're totally different than a lot of the ones coming out today. Lord Heartleigh stumbles home from a night of debauchery to discover a baby left on his doorstep! Needless to say, his whole life is turned upside down. It's hilarious, and cringeworthy, as he and his trusty valet try to figure out what to do with a baby. They finally decide to ask the housekeeper, Mrs. Cariss Kane, across the way to help them. She reluctantly agrees, and a very fun adventure unfolds. Mrs. Kane isn't as uptight as Heartleigh first assumes and has secrets of her own.

Carissa and Heartleigh have a great relationship, I loved watching it bloom. I loved the subtle ways we see Heartleigh fall in love with Carissa and her daughter, Pippa. Heartleigh turns out to be a pretty charming hero, and despite his rakish ways, you can't help rooting for him and Carissa to end up together.

Ms. Metzger is a hit or miss for me, some of her books I've really enjoyed, while others not at all. I did enjoy this one. Even though this was published in 1998, I think contemporary readers would enjoy it as well. A bit reminiscent of Heyer, but I think more easily readable. Would recommend to any Regency fan looking for a lighthearted, witty romp with a different storyline than your typical regency romance.

ContentPG13-mild
Romance: Pretty clean. Just kisses, closed door intimacy (view spoiler)[No on-page sex scenes. One scene where she goes to his room to sleep with him, he turns her down, but makes an innuendo comment that he is "interested." At the end, they consummate their relationship a day or so before marriage. Closed door. (hide spoiler)]He is also a rake, so mentions of mistresses in the past.
Language: Very mild (a couple D, I think that's it)
Violence: Mild. Talk of a servant being raped, resulting in a pregnancy. A mild fight scene. Kidnapping. The whole book is done in a very lighthearted tone.

Source: Amazon Kindle

View all my reviews

Fall from Trace by Rebecca Connolly

Fall from Trace by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't usually pre-order books, but when I saw Fall from Trace was up for sale, I couldn't resist. And that cover...spot on! I than anxiously waited for it to be released so I could finally learn Trace's story. Alex Sommerville has long been thought dead, his closest friends and love of his life have spent the last five years mourning his passing. But, he wasn't really dead, at least not physically.

This is not a standalone story, you could probably read it as one, but it is much better if you've read the other books in the series. It really makes the story a lot richer if you do.

This was a great story, very well written. Alex has had a very rough five years, to put it mildly. So, it's not a happy lighthearted story, but rather one of finding himself, healing and overcoming a lot to return to himself and of course the power of love. Poppy and Alex were childhood friends, turned sweethearts. They have a phenomenal connection to each other, understand each other. Their scenes together are probably my favorite. Alex went through a lot in captivity, the author doesn't gloss over it or make him heal too quickly. I appreciate that there are no gory details, but you also are given enough information to know he went through hell. But, we also get to see him heal.

The story is well rounded, I thought it was well paced, kept me glued to the pages. I liked that we were reunited with past characters. I appreciate that they didn't steal the show, which can happen in series like this. It was still very much Alex and Poppy's story, but also nice to have them woven in. (view spoiler)[I did wonder about Alex living with Poppy, alone, while he recovered. Of course the town is going to gossip. I also wondered when he regained his title and eventually marries Poppy, how did the town react to all that? (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Its been a really fun series to read and get into.

Content:
Romance: Clean
Language: Very mild
Violence: Moderate: nothing on page, but memories of torture & abuse, ptsd

Source: Amazon Kindle

View all my reviews

Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van

Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Superb!

It's books like this that really keep me reading. Ms. Van has really taken the time to develop a wonderful story with complex characters, swoony romance, an intriguing mystery or two and takes you on a journey of discovery for our leads Rafe and Sophie. I'm not exaggerating when I say I couldn't put this one down, as soon as I started I was sucked right into the story. I did pause to text some friends letting them know early on this book was a keeper. So, despite wanting to savor it, I did end up reading this in one day. I HAD to know what was going to happen.

The writing was spot on, a great flow to the story that kept me engaged. The characters were really well developed, so many layers to them. The mysteries were great, I had no clue how things were going to play out, but watching it all come together in the end was epic.

I love a good romance, and the story of Rafe and Sophie is just so yummy. Very believable emotions, trials and heartache. The both face quite a bit and there are some heavy themes, but I appreciate that it was kept positive and even had some great lighthearted moments. Lots of swoony tension as well.

I remember loving the first book, and this one was equally great. I eagerly look forward to the rest of the series, this is one I will read over and over. HIGHLY recommend to everyone.

Content:
Romance: Clean, kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild-moderate (view spoiler)[Our villain is a true villain, very controlling and manipulative. Talk of mental asylums and what goes on there. Also spousal abuse is touched on, verbal and emotional type abuse. Nothing overly detailed, but definitely see the effects it has on those targeted. Good message about how to overcome. (hide spoiler)]
Series: Brotherhood of the Black Tartan, Book Two - Stands well on its own

Source: Review copy, views 100% my own

View all my reviews

The Solicitor's Son by Rachael Anderson

The Solicitor's Son by Rachael Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Regency that really stands out from all the rest!

Regency's seem to be really popular right now, which is great for fans of the genre, but can also be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which to read. I love that Ms. Anderson really takes the time to develop her characters and the writing is always spot on. I know when I grab one of her books I will always get a great story.

I've really enjoyed the Serendipity series and have been looking forward to reading Sophia's story for quite a while now. With her family estate in jeopardy, family pressure, she is left with little choice but to marry. I liked Sophia, she was easy to root for, she came across as believable and relatable. I also really enjoyed Hugh's character, we get some of his POV (I wouldn't have minded more) and their interactions are always full of emotion and draws you in. I love a good forbidden love story and these two by society's standards shouldn't even be friends! I loved their friendship and felt that connection between them early on. It was fun to see how their story unfolds. We also get to catch up with characters from the previous books which is always nice.

Overall, a very pleasant, sweet regency. I enjoyed the summer house party aspect and being away from the busy London season. Fun setting, good characters and well written. Would recommend to any regency fan.

Content (G): Clean romance, no language

View all my reviews