Friday, March 31, 2017

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story.


Burning Bright by Melissa McShane
Paranormal Regency Romance

"Elinor dreamed of fire, the unseen ground beneath her burning and the air white with heat, and woke to find her dream a reality."

Swoony Spotlights - March

Welcome to Swoony Worthy Spotlights, hosted by Bookworm NationKatie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Swoon Worthy Spotlights features 1-3 of our favorite books that we have read during the month. We will share the cover(s), our review(s) and a link to each other's post so you can check out which books we have all chosen!

March was a great reading month for me, there were so many fun books I was able to find. Here are two of my favorite contemporaries and two of my favorite historicals for the month (in random order).


by Cami Checketts
Contemporary Romance

This was such a pleasant surprise for me. I really, really enjoyed it. Cute "fake relationship" plot, with fun characters and swoony romance. Not sure I love the cover/title, but the book is definitely reading.

by Jennifer Peel
Contemporary Romance

Another great addition to the Peel library. This has the whole "friend first" storyline that really has you rooting for these two to figure things out. Great storytelling and a fun, swoony romance.

by Nancy Campbell Allen
Steampunk Paranormal Historical Romance

Lets see, a steampunk paranormal retelling of Beauty and the Beast.... yes, please! This was a lot of fun. Great leading characters with a great romance and fun mystery. This one sucked me in at page one and I had a hard time putting it down.


by Anne Gracie
Traditional Regency Romance

This one was a surprise, it is filled with memorable scenes, some funny, some swoony. The leads are both strong characters and it's fun to watch the battle of wits play out. I really loved the romance in this one, slow building and believable. (Content- this is more on the steamy clean side, no sex scenes)


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And don't for get to check Kathy Jo's post here and Katie's post here!

Do you have a blog and want to join us for Swoon Worthy Spotlights? Then grab the picture and post with us! We will be posting on the last day of each month. Make sure you share your link with us so we can check out your favorite authors as well! If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below. I'd love to hear which books we're your favorite for the month!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Can't Wait Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, which spotlights books we're looking forward to reading. Typically its books that have yet to be released, but can be any book you've been wanting to read.

I really enjoy Historicals, especially ones set in America. The premise for this one sounds really good, and I adore the cover. I've never read anything by Pam Hillman before, this looks like a great one to start with.

American Historical Fiction - 1791
Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: August 3, 2017

Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O'Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he's sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he'll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella's shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor's help, Isabella fears she'll lose her family's plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor's proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a fun weekly meme, simply grab the book you're currently reading and open to a random page. Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. Try and avoid spoilers. Share the Title, Author and page number. Leave your teaser/link in the comments section below.

My Teaser:

"I was supposed to be amused by a constant stream of lies and aspersions on my character?" That seemed unlikely.

A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M Eden
Loc 2082
Traditional Regency Romance

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast (Steampunk Proper Romance #1)Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5

I've wanted to give the Steampunk genre a try for a long time now and was excited when I saw that one of my favorite authors wrote a book in this genre. I get to try out the genre by an author I trust and throw in a good Beauty and the Beasy plot and it turned out being pretty epic.

Lucy Pickett will do anything to help her cousing Kate. Kate is newly married and has taken up residence with her new husband at the family estate of Blackwell Manor. Home to the emfamous Earl of Blackwell, Lord Miles. Lord Miles has always been an outcast, but never moreso than when his wife mysteriously dies a month into their marrige, and his sister the very next day. Lucy is a fun character, she very self-assured and tenatious. She's a rising star in her field, but puts that all on hold to help her belovd cousin. She's has a good read on people and sees through Lord Mile's rough exterior to the good man beneath. I liked Lord Miles, I always like the broody hero that secretly has a caring heart. Lucy and Miles have great chemistry, the can but heads one minute and have a swoony moment the next. Lots of tension and obstacles for them to overcome.

I read a lot of regencies (I'm not sure if this is technically a regency, can't remember what year it was supposed to take place, but it feels like a regency timeframe), and I thought the added Steampunk and Paranormal elements were fun and unique. The mystery keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat, you won't want to put this one down. Can't wait to read more from this series!

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Series: Steampunk Proper Romance, #1

Source: Netgalley, will be purchasing a hardcopy for my personal collection!

View all my reviews

Friday, March 24, 2017

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story.

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen
Steampunk Proper Romance, Book 1
Steampunk Historical Fiction

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

"It had never been proven that Lord Blackwell had killed his wife, but then the man in question hadn't actually denied it, either."

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Gallant Waif by Anne Gracie

Gallant WaifGallant Waif by Anne Gracie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a beautiful story. I'm not sure how or when I came across this book, but I'm glad I added it to my TBR pile. After skimming over other reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect. Some people loved it and others were underwhelmed. As for me, I really enjoyed it.

Kate and Jack have a lot in common. They've both been jilted, both endured horrors of the war and both are penniless. They're thrown together by Jack's meddling and endearing Grandmama Lady Cahill. I really think Jack was lost to Kate after their first meeting, but it takes him a very long time to realize it. It's interesting to see how each have handled their trials so differently. Jack is broody and depressed, while Kate is positive and doesn't give up. These two have sparks that would like up the night. They fight like cats and dogs, but also have some really tender and sweet moments. I loved his protectiveness of Kate, and hers for him. It's almost second nature in a way. I can see how his character might rub some the wrong way, he can be gruff and say cruel things, but I thought it was believable for men of the time period. And no worries, Kate can totally hold her own and had her fair share of cruel comments as well. She won't let him wallow in self-pity. Don't get me wrong, they have a totally swoony romance and the underlying love is pretty palpable. Kate is fun, kind and you can't help but admire her. Jack is charming and hurt and you can't help but hope Kate can give him the love he desperately needs. So yeah, I totally wanted these two stubborn people to find a HEA.

While I did enjoy the story, my only complaints were the head jumping, a personal pet peeve of mine. I admit, once I got into the groove of the story it didn't bother me anymore. It was a tad sensual in places (mentioned below). I also thought Jack's ex-fiancé would make an appearance, but we never see her again. I guess I wanted her to see what she missed out on. That would have been fun to see Kate really put her in her place.

Overall, I just really enjoyed this story. Oh, and that Ball scene at the end. Wow. It was pretty epic and made me cry. And that letter at the end. More tears. So many sweet moments in this book. It'll be added to my favorite regency shelf for sure.

Content PG13 for language and mild sexual content
Romance: Pretty clean. No sex scenes, but a couple scenes I should mention for my clean reader friends (view spoiler)
Language: Moderate-Heavy. Mostly a lot of D, a few B and uses of OMG type stuff. Typical of the time period, nothing overly offensive IMO, just quite a bit of it.
Violence: Mild.

Source: Kindle

View all my reviews

Can't Wait Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, which spotlights books we're looking forward to reading. Typically its books that have yet to be released, but can be any book you've been wanting to read.

That cover! Seriously, even if I didn't love Jennifer Moore books, that cover would have sold me on this book.  Can't wait to read it.

Historical Romance - Australia 1814
Release Date: April 2017

As a young child bound for a strange country, Sarah Whitaker dreamed of life with her father on his sprawling Australian ranch. But her hopes were shattered when she learned of his death and of her new role as heiress of the largest sheep farm in New Wales. Orphaned in a land greatly populated by petty criminals exiled from England, the future seemed grim. But now, ten years later, Sarah has defied the odds and become a successful businesswoman much to the chagrin of her male counterparts. Hardened by the dishonesty of both her fellow ranchers and the felons in her employ, Sarah has learned one important truth: no one is to be trusted.

Daniel Burton is a lucky man. Sentenced to death for his role in a horse-race scandal, Daniel was granted reprieve thanks to the influence of his wealthy relatives. Now, rather than death, Daniel faces exile in Australia an opportunity to put past mistakes behind him. But when he purchases land with the intention of farming it, he unwittingly arouses the wrath of his new neighbor, Sarah. What begins as a battle of wits, however, soon becomes a warm friendship and perhaps something more. But when Daniel's secret past is revealed, will Sarah be able forgive yet another deception?


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

The Hidden Prince by Nadine Millard

The Hidden PrinceThe Hidden Prince by Nadine Millard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*happy sigh*

I was sucked in from the first page and couldn't put it down. The characters and their chemistry just jumped off the pages. Lydia is a charming character, with a fun personality and has a way to saying what is on her mind. Alex is charming and handsome and keeping a secret from Lydia. As they grow closer he feels guilty for not telling her the truth. Lydia and Alex have great chemistry, fun interactions and witty banter. I also liked his sister Harriett and hope she'll get a story of her own.

I so wish this had been a full-length novel, but even being a novella I still found it to be well developed and a fun escape. Ms. Millard has a way with words and storytelling that really gets you into the story, feeling the romance and loving the characters. This was a great regency and one I will be reading again.

Content
Romance: Pretty Clean- just kissing, some mild innuendo (I really appreciate that Millard keeps her books clean)
Language: Mild
Violence: None

Source: Kindle

View all my reviews

A Rake Reformed by Shirley Marks

A Rake Reformed (A Gentleman of Worth #6)A Rake Reformed by Shirley Marks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a sweet regency.

Freddie is the Earl of Brent and has spent quite a bit of time in the gaming halls loosing lots and lots of money. When he reaches rock bottom and needs to flee London he heads North to Penshaw Manor to hid from his creditors and his father, the Duke.

On the run with his best friend Trevor, the two end up in a carriage accident where Trevor is injured. Keeping their true identities secret, they are taken in by a local family with two beautiful daughters, Clare and Rosalin. Trevor and Clare have an instant attraction, where Rosalin and Freddie have a bumpy start. It was fun to see how each relationship develops at its own pace.

I thought this was a nice story, takes place over the Christmas season, which added a nice atmosphere to the story. It was nice to see the changes Freddie makes and I felt his desire to help his tenants was sincere and that he'd leave behind his gambling ways. The romances were sweet. It was a pleasant read.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None

Source: Kindle Unlimited

View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a fun weekly meme, simply grab the book you're currently reading and open to a random page. Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. Try and avoid spoilers. Share the Title, Author and page number. Leave your teaser/link in the comments section below.

My Teaser:


"It is beautiful," she said before falling into a stunned silence.

by Deborah Hathaway
Loc 1732 - Chapter Nine
Historical Regency, 2016

Monday, March 20, 2017

To Warm a Wintered Heart by Deborah Hathaway

To Warm a Wintered HeartTo Warm a Wintered Heart by Deborah M. Hathaway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've enjoyed Ms. Hathaway's other books and was excited when she wrote another regency. And isn't that cover pretty?!?!?!

Our heroine Charlotte is kind and spunky and was a likable lead. Gabriel has his issues, but was likable in his own way. He spends a good chunk of the story avoiding his feelings for Charlotte, which can be entertaining at times. Charlotte and Gabriel get off to a rocky start, he's broody and standoffish and she is friendly and kind. A kindness he misinterprets as her wanting to catch a husband. Throughout the book they kind of bounce around from friendship to frenemies and have some fun back-and-forth. Of course, stories like this can make you want to shake the characters at times.

Overall, this is a sweet romance, with charming settings and likable characters. It has all the elements that I enjoy in a regency woven into a sweet story of two people having to overcome personal and outside obstacles to be together. Recommend to fans of sweet regency romances.

Content: Clean romance, no language, and mild violence

View all my reviews

Kathy's Regency Marathon!

I was looking over my past reading and realized I have been reading a lot of contemporaries lately and have missed my regencies. So, I decided to have a little regency marathon to try and catch up on all the regencies I've missed lately. Of course, whenever I start making lists they tend to get a little long so I'm not sure if I will get to all of these, but I hope to! Here's the ones I'm planning on reading, some are old and some are new. Some are from my favorite authors and some are from authors I haven't read yet. I think I have a good bunch to choose from. And I have to say, one of the things I really love about the regency genre is the gorgeous covers!




If you've read any great regency's let me know and I'll add it to my list, or if you want to join in on the marathon that'd be great too! Write up a post of which ones you plan on reading and share the link below.

Friday, March 17, 2017

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story.
 
The Lost Groom by Taylor Hart
Bachelor Billionaire Romance
Contemporary Romance
 
Luke Freestone ventured out on his boat to celebrate the deal of a lifetime, never expecting to run into the ex-girlfriend--the woman who had eloped with his best friend ten years ago.
Savannah Loveless, matchmaker extraordinaire, ventured back to Park City to visit her family and save enough money to get to California. There was no room in her fresh start to deal with Luke Freestone or the secret she’d kept for ten years. As far as she was concerned, the past could just stay in the past.

"The lake was like a good woman, Luke thought, captaining his way across Jordanelle Reservoir right outside of Park City, Utah. Soft and easy whens he wanted to be, or treacherous and uncooperative."

 


Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Can't Wait Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings, which spotlights books we're looking forward to reading. Typically its books that have yet to be released, but can be any book you've been wanting to read.
 
Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham
Pleasant Gap, Book One
Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 2017
 
Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?