Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly

Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My sixth grade teacher was obsessed with hockey. Seriously, he had a hockey rink built in his backyard and taught us lessons on hockey and for recess we would play hockey. So, I've always had a soft spot for hockey. I love going to the games and was excited when I saw a book series centered around hockey players! Sign me up!

This was a fun read, even if you don't like hockey. Clint McCarthy has finally made it to the big leagues, he's been signed to play professional hockey. On top of that, he has reconnected with an old friend and sparks are flying everywhere! Bree Stone is working on her doctorate degree and isn't looking for romance, but cant deny the chemistry she feels with Clint. Bree and Clint have a nice, conflict-free romance. Things heat up quickly and they just love being with each other. It sort of reminds me of those couples that are all, "I love you more, no I love you more, no I do..." which is endearing but I admit, in my novels I like a little more tension. They're super cute together though and its fun to see their interactions.

This is the first book in the Northbrook Hockey Elite series, so there is a lot of characters introduced, and characters from the Belltown Six series (you wont be lost if you haven't read that series). All the different characters and set up for the series, was handled well. They were presented in a way that I look forward to reading their stories as well.

Overall, I thought this was a fun read. Once I started I was quickly sucked in and enjoyed the story. Well-written, likable characters and a fun plot. I look forward to reading more.

Content: Clean romance, just kisses. No language or violence (except for a few hockey scuffles, but what is hockey with a little fighting??)

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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

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Swoon Worthy Spotlight - June & July

Welcome to Swoony Worthy Spotlights, hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie'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!

I really did a LOT of reading this month. It was awesome! After taking a few months off of reading, it was fun to jump back in. I was on a regency kick for awhile, but also squeezed in some contemporaries and a little medieval fiction. Since I did read a little in June, but didn't post about it, I thought I'd include a couple favs for June and July. So, in random order here are my favorites...

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Be sure to stop by 

KJ's Book Nook

and

Katie's Clean Book Collection!

Grab the graphic and join in the fun!

Don't have a blog? Post in the comments

which books made you swoon

Author's Corner - Rebecca Connolly

Welcome to Author's Corner hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie's Clean Book Collection and KJ's Book Nook! Once a month we will feature either a favorite author or new to us author. We will share the author's bio, one of our favorite books of theirs and a review. Each of us will be featuring a different author each month so there will also be links to each of our posts.

For this month's Author's Corner I am going to choose...

Rebecca Connolly

I was born in California, but grew up in the Midwest, specifically in Ohio and Indiana. I consider myself a Midwest girl, with all of the wholesome sweetness and “girl next door” attributes that come along with that.

According to home videos, I have always loved to make up stories. There was nothing simple about a game of House, and every game involving imagination had some sort of plot, whether it was fighting off dragons or being a school teacher. My elementary school had a little book press for stories by students, and I had so many little books printed [but very poorly illustrated!] that I could fill a box at home.

I’ve always been a bookworm, and my grandma would send me more books almost every month so I would never run out. Book Fairs were like a carnival to me, and libraries my happy place. My creative writing professor in college once said, “In order to be a great writer, you must be a great reader.” That gave me hope, since I had been reading my entire life!

I got my bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, which is where I completed my first novel, and started collecting the ideas for several others! I worked for a few years after that, dabbling in writing and reading and other activities, and then I went to get my master’s degree from West Virginia University.

I came back to the Midwest after all of that, and I have no desire to leave it again!

Fun facts:

• I really am obsessed with hot chocolate. All year round, multiple times a day, different flavors, I love it all. For you in the States, Stephen’s is the absolute best. Anyone in the UK, go for Bewley’s or Galaxy! I’m always looking for more, so please share with me!
• I am a crazy Disney fan. I can quote Beauty and the Beast from beginning to end, and know all of the words to most of the classic Disney songs. No shame, none at all.
• In 2014, I lost my sense of smell due to a head injury. You can read about my adventures with that here.
• My degrees are in athletic training and I work in the field of sports medicine for my day job. Swimming is my favorite sport to work.
• Netflix is my friend. =)
• I’m REALLY hoping I’ll get adopted by Scotland, England, or Ireland one of these days. Maybe if I fangirl hard enough, they’ll give in. One can hope.

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The first book (and my favorite) I read of Ms. Connolly's was Secrets of a Spinster, the third book in her Arrangment series. I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed this gem of a book! I quickly went back and read the first two books and she quickly became an autobuy author for me. She writes mostly historical (regency) but also some contemporary as well. Definitely an author to keep your eye on!

About the Book

Behind every little secret… Mary Hamilton has had enough of being passed over by all of the eligible men in London, though she’s had years and years of practice, and she’s ready to give it up. But before she hangs up her dancing shoes for good, she wants one season of everything she’s never had - invitations, flirtation, and suitors. But will all of that actually give her what she’s always secretly wanted?

…there’s another secret waiting…
Geoffrey Harris is more than happy to spend his time being permanent escort to Mary during her final season in London. After all, she’s been his best friend for years, and what better way to send her off than in grand style? But when her plan actually starts to work, he isn’t so sure he wants any part of it, leaving him to wonder what it is he does want. Or who.

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Which authors do you love? Who are some of your favorites?

Be sure to check out 

KJ's Book Nook

and

Katie's Clean Book Collection

to see their author picks for June!

Swoon Worthy Spotlight: November

Welcome to Swoony Worthy Spotlights, hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie'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!

November was a great reading month for me! I finally got back into my reading groove and found some great books along the way. It was hard narrowing it down to just my top favorites, but here are the ones that really stood out for me!

 Once Upon a Time Travel

by Sariah Wilson

Contemporary-Regency Time Travel Romance

Falling for a Duke Anthology Collection

by Rebecca Connolly, Nichole Van, Janelle Daniels

Traditional Regency Romance

I really enjoyed both of these, especially if you're a fan of regencies! 

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Be sure to stop by 

KJ's Book Nook

and

Katie's Clean Book Collection!

Grab the graphic and join in the fun!

Don't have a blog? Post in the comments

which books made you swoon.

Falling for a Duke Anthology

Falling for a Duke by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love these collections! Such a fun way to read lots of stories and try out new authors. I really enjoyed this set and would definitely read it again!

On the Duke's Errand
I always enjoy Ms. Connolly's stories and liked that this is part of her Arrangements series. I thought this was a cute story, I always love when our H/h get off on the wrong foot! Makes for some fun scenes and great tension. I loved the Scottish setting and likable characters.

Vingt-et-un/Twenty-One
This was my first Nichole Van book! I've had her on my to-try list for a long time now and after reading this story I'm wondering why I waited so long to give her a try. I found this story to be quite charming, had a very Traditional Regency feel to it. I'm always a sucker for a lost-love story, and thought this was done really well. Lots of tension and build-up. It would make a good full-length story where things could be developed a little more, but I found it to be a great read and zipped right through it. Definitely look forward to reading her other books!

I Kissed a Duke
I really enjoyed this one! Super fun. I thought it had a great plot, likable characters and was well written. This was my first book by Ms. Daniels and I'm already a fan! I look forward to reading more of her books. This was a gem!

Content: Clean

Source: eBooks for Review

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Swoony Spotlights - April

Welcome to Swoony Worthy Spotlights, hosted by Bookworm Nation, Katie'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!

April has been full of regency reads for me, and it's been awesome. I love this genre, the time period and storylines are always so much fun. To be honest, it can be hard to find good regencies out there, but when you do find a good one...sigh, it's heaven. Here are a few that really stood out to me...

The Earl's Betrothal

by Karen Tuft

Traditional Regency Romance

This is not only a favorite for this month, but an overall favorite for me. This truly captured the regency feel, loved the characters and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! A bit of a forbidden-love story, with charming characters.

A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorn House, Prequel) 

by Kristi Ann Hunter

Regency Romance

Adorable! I really enjoyed this lighthearted regency. Endearing characters and a fun plot. A great introduction to the series (which I read out of order). One of my favorite things in novels is a funny "meet cute" and this one was great!

An Elegant Façade (Hawthorn House, #2)

by Kristi Ann Hunter

Regency Romance

Great character development and an interesting story. I always enjoy the whole "enemies to lovers" plots and thought it was really well done in this one. Great read and a fun regency series overall.

Secrets of a Spinster (Arrangements, #3)

by Rebecca Connolly

Regency Romance

Friends to lovers trope, and my favorite of the Arrangement series, I loved the characters and story. I thought it was well written and kept me glued to the pages.  Looking forward to many more books by Ms. Connolly.

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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!

The Dangers of Doing Good by Rebecca Connolly

The Dangers of Doing Good by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A twist on Cinderella and My Fair Lady.

We've met Duncan Bray in previous books (this can stand on its own), and I was curious to get his story. I always love it when the H/h meet right from the beginning, and these two meet in unusual circumstances. When Duncan meets the beaten and abused Annie, he can't stand by and do nothing. So he offers her the chance at a new life in London. At a fork in the road and being threatened to marry a despicable man Annie chooses to be brave for the first time in her life and goes with Duncan.

This is a sweet Cinderella-like story, Annie really comes from a poor and abused life and is thrown into a very respectable family of the ton. Duncan's family and friends take her under their wing and make her their own. While it did seem a bit implausible, it was fun to suspend belief for a bit and just enjoy the story of Annie's transformation. I loved the eccentric and endearing Aunt Tibby and how she sees the potential in Annie. I liked the friendship between Annie and Duncan's sister Marianne, and thought her reaction to the whole thing was probably the most realistic. Duncan was a good hero, always coming to the rescue, but also trying to give Annie space to grow. They have a sweet courtship, but I do wish we could have had some deeper interactions between them. And of course all of Duncan's friends and their wives added a fun element to the story.

I just have to say, I wish the author had done something similar as My Fair Lady or These Is My Words where her character starts out talking/thinking in broken English (and add in the thick commoner's accent she supposedly had) and obviously uneducated, then as the book progresses and the character learns and grows you slowly see the improvements in their speech and education. I mean, Annie is great, sweet and beautiful, but she was born into a very poor uneducated family and for at least the past few years been physically abused by her brother. The Annie we meet at the beginning is basically the same Annie we get at the end. We're expected to assume she doesn't speak well, but its not shown. Really, the Annie shown is similar to any other Lady in the book, in speech and manner. Since this is a transformation story, I would have enjoyed seeing more of a transformation, not just assuming things were changing. If that makes sense.

Overall, I did enjoy this one. Its well-written and the characters are engaging and keeps you wanting to read to see what will happen next. Even though it does deal with abuse, the book stays light and has a traditional regency feel to it. A fun addition to the Arrangement series.

Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild-moderate. Talk of past physical abuse, a couple attacks, but nothing graphic
Religious: Secular
Series: Arrangements, Book Four - can stand alone

Source: Amazon Kindle - personal copy

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Married to the Marquess by Rebecca Connolly

Married to the Marquess by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5

I'm kind of reading this series out of order, luckily the books are written in a way that you can read them as standalones. The series follows five best friends as they find their happily ever afters. Married to a Marquess is Derek's story and his situation is unique in that the story picks up after he has already been married for five years. Derek and Katherine were betrothed since childhood and never cared for one another. In fact, they basically despise each other.

I'm glad we were able to get both Derek's and Katherine's POV, you see why they don't like each other, but also get to see inside their heads and what makes them tick. They surprisingly have a lot in common and it's sad that it takes them so long to actually get to know each other. The reason Katherine calls him to London is really a turning point for them, if the event (don't want to give spoilers) hadn't happened, I don't know if they ever would have worked things out.

I liked Kate's character, it bothered me when he called her Kate at first, but gradually it grew on me. I liked her character growth and seeing her soften and really discover who she is. I liked Derek, but did think he was a little too harsh with Kate in the beginning, but I guess they have a lifetime of bitter feelings built up and they take it out on each other.

I was a bit worried about how these two would ever get over all the grief they'd caused each other. I did like that they both determined to "play nice" and attempt being friends. It's a nice turning point in the story for them to realize they actually have things in common and like each other. I enjoyed their story and watching them overcome quite a bit and end up having a pretty solid romance and connection. Since I read the third book before this I did know that eventually they'd figure things out, but it was still fun to actually see how that all comes about. I also enjoy stories about married couples since it adds a totally different perspective on falling in love. Lots of tense moments, sweet moments, swoony moments and just an overall enjoyable read.

Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Series: Book Two, Arrangement Series

Source: Kindle-personal copy


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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.

Secrets of a Spinster by Rebecca Connolly

Traditional Regency Romance

"There was something to be said for being a spinster."

Secrets of a Spinster by Rebecca Connolly

Secrets of a Spinster by Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started this one knowing it was the third book in a series, someone had recommended it to me and so I decided to try the sample. I was immediately sucked into the story, I enjoyed the characters and setting. I always enjoy a regency that takes place during the London season. This had a very traditional regency feel to it, which I really enjoyed.

Mary and Geoff had been friends since childhood, they're extremely close and have a nice relationship. Geoff is well respected and has a lot of friends. Mary is a wallflower, and most people only recognize her as Geoff's friend. Mary was a unique regency heroine in that she is twenty-seven! She decides this will be her final London season and decides to go out with a bang. Letting her sister re-make her, she suddenly becomes the toast of the season. Every eligible bachelor is vying for her attention and it's driving Geoff mad.

I liked the journey of Mary and Geoff. I thought their relationship evolution was believable, there was probably that connection forever that kept them both from really finding someone else, but it takes them time and almost loosing one another to realize their true feelings. But is it too late?

Overall, I thought this was a great regency. I enjoyed the writing style, character development and the fun plot. Now, I'm torn between going back and reading the first two books, or continuing on with the next two books. Decisions, decisions.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild (I think one)
Violence: None
Series: Arrangements, Book Three - can stand alone

Source: Amazon

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