Tag: historical romance

REVIEW: Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan

REVIEW: Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Primrose Ainsworth has finally made it. After years of watching her older sisters enter Society and entertain suitors, it’s finally Prim’s turn. She’s turning 16, the magical age when she can finally stop waiting and start living.

But Primrose’s parents are consumed with final details for her sister’s wedding. And with another sister already out looking for a husband, their parents have decided that Primrose needs to wait another year. Or more.

With her birthday essentially ignored and her debut postponed, Prim decides to take advantage of the family’s distraction. She and her friend, Olympia, sneak out to Vauxhall for a night of fun.

When things in a tavern get out of hand, Prim is separated from Olympia, but she is rescued by a young gentleman. When his chivalry turns to criticism, she’s ready to ditch him as quickly as possible. But when she has to rescue him in turn, it seems as though they are better off together. While Prim should be focused on finding Olympia and getting home before either of them are caught, she finds herself distracted by this young man. But she must keep reminding herself that even if the touch of his hand makes her heart flutter, all she truly has is this one night of freedom.

Review

This was so sweet! I loved Prim and Jacob together. (And I despised Primrose’s mother. She’s the worst!) I was heartbroken for Prim as she was ignored and shunted aside, essentially a commodity for her parents to wheel and deal to Society whenever it was in their best interests. To them she seemed only to be a means to an end, and it was awful. I loved her plan to have one night of freedom that she could always hold onto that was hers and hers alone, even if it was super risky. The ending/resolution of all this was perfect.

Anyone who routinely reads Victorian fiction/romance will find some familiar pieces here. I don’t know that there was anything super original in the story, although there wasn’t any of the usual “she’s ruined for being unchaperoned” that I often find in books like this. But the characters are a delight! Their banter and bickering, flirting and pining, was right on target for me. I loved every bit of the relationship.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction and sweet love stories should give this a try!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

BONUS REVIEW: To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Marquess of Willingham had always made her heart race a little. Even when she was newly debuted and on the hunt for a husband of means, the Marquess was a tempting distraction. But Diana knew the only way she’d have any sort of future would be by marrying well. While handsome and charming, Jeremy had a reputation as something of a womanizer. And he had no money.

As a second son, Jeremy had been happy with his life of leisure – and pleasure. But the death of his older brother left him holding the family responsibilities – and debts. On a whim, one night five years ago, he had teased at marriage with Diana, and she shut him down, hard. Those debts were a dealbreaker for a woman hoping to secure a good match.

But now Diana is a wealthy widow. And Jeremy is still single. The two can rile one another up like no other. In their squabbling, Diana bets Jeremy that he will be wed within a year – something he protests vehemently. But it gets him thinking that Diana could help him with a bit of a “problem.” His last mistress critiqued his skills in the bedroom, and he needs someone who will be brutally honest with him to give him some feedback. The arrangement will help Diana out, too. She doesn’t want to marry again, enjoying her freedom. But she would like some romantic company, and an affair with Jeremy would signal to the ton that she was interested in such relationships. What could go wrong with such a proposition where both parties should come out winners?

Review

This was fun! I had skipped the first book in this series because I didn’t care for the couple or the premise. It just wasn’t a good fit for me. But the sassy, snarky couple at the center of this story was a much better fit. Their story of finding love was delightful. And I could see the author setting up some possible sequels with other couples from the social circle, and I would definitely pick those up.

As tropes go, this is enemies-to-lovers in a way. But the sass of the characters always has a flirty undertone, so I don’t think they were ever really “enemies.” But they had some baggage to work through before they could see each other clearly. The bedroom skills story thread was thankfully not as awkward as I feared it might be. It really was a smaller bit of the story than the summary led me to expect. I enjoyed watching Jeremy find himself again through Diana’s encouragement. He needed someone to see him and speak truth to him that he would hear. It was supremely satisfying.

Historical romance fans, romcom fans, and fans of the first book, To Have and to Hoax, should be sure to check this one out. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: Duchess If You Dare by Anabelle Bryant

BONUS REVIEW: Duchess If You Dare by Anabelle Bryant

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Scarlett Wynn and the rest of the Maidens of Mayhem seek to right wrongs and protect the less fortunate. When Scarlett’s seamstress goes missing, and the search leads to a brothel, Scarlett becomes worried for the young woman.

Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, is beside himself over his brother’s irresponsibility. In fact, right after a big speech and cutting off his brother’s funds, Ambrose is summoned to a brothel to bail his brother out of trouble once again.

Soon, Ambrose and Scarlett are both looking for the missing seamstress. Their stations allow them access to different areas of town for sleuthing. But those differences also cause a lot of complication as the two become closer and start to explore the draw they feel toward one another.

Review

This is a good romance/mystery centered around a dark topic – prostitution and the sex trade. This is the first title in a new series – the Maidens of Mayhem. And while we meet the other women, we don’t get a good feel for them in this book. I assume the other women will star in their own future stories. (This has a similar set up to the Wallflowers of West End, although that series, or at least Capturing the Earl, which is the one book I have read so far, has a much lighter tone than this story. )

I appreciated the mystery in this book. The author put together a great set up where the two main characters are at odds with one another while searching for answers on what will amount to the same case. It’s quite clever. But the subject matter is dark and I found it disturbing. It made it difficult to enjoy the rest of the story. The ending for the couple was a happy one, but the heinous crimes of the book were not really resolved in a satisfying way for me.

Historical fiction fans who enjoy stories like this where women defy conventions in order to be themselves and right wrongs and such should check out this series. (Sex, TW: Assault, sex trade)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good/solid/fine

REVIEW: Capturing the Earl by A. S. Fenichel

REVIEW: Capturing the Earl by A. S. Fenichel

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Lyrical Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

A woman of no title or money, Mercy Heath knows she is likely to wind up a spinster. And the one man who makes her pulse race, the Earl of Castlewick, would never pursue her. She’s nowhere near his level. And she keeps telling herself that, even when he asks her to dance out of the blue, or when he pays her any bit of attention.

Mercy’s best friend, Aurora, Lady Radcliff, is widowed and has no intention of remarrying. Ever. But the Earl of Castlewick has decided to court her. She owns a parcel of land that used to belong to his family. As her husband, the land would return to his family’s holdings. That has been the driving focus of Wesley’s adult life – buying back the land his grandfather lost yeas ago.

Wesley is committed to this plan for the sake of his family and the promise he made to his father before he died. And Aurora is lovely and bright and would make a good wife. But he can’t stop thinking of Mercy and wishing she was the woman he was pursing instead.

Review

This was lovely! It’s book 3 in the Wallflowers of West Lane series. I have the first two books on my TBR, but I haven’t gotten to them yet. After enjoying this so much, I’ll be bumping them up the list. I adored all four of the Wallflowers, and I can’t wait to read the first two stories. (I had no issues jumping into this series with book 3.)

The first thing I loved about this was the quartet of friends. I didn’t have to have read the previous books – The Earl Not Taken and Misleading a Duke – in order to enjoy and understand their bond. They are like sisters in all the best ways – fiercely loyal and protective of anyone in their circle. These ladies are amazing.

I especially liked Mercy as the odd woman out in this book. No title, no money, but fully secure in who she is and in the love of her friends. It was obvious from the start that Wesley was captivated by her. But he stubbornly clung to his plan to marry Aurora, despite his feelings and her clear disinterest. I felt like a stronger case could have been made for why this land mattered to Wesley so much. (I also would have liked much stronger repercussions for something that happens later in the story.) But I liked everything else so much that I didn’t let those pieces distract me from the story.

Historical romance fans who enjoy stories with characters thwarted in their pursuit of love and with excellent, strong women, should be sure to check this book out – as well as the rest of the series. (Sex, TW: sexual assault)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg

BONUS REVIEW: Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and 47 North in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

In Elsie’s world, she was rare – a spellbreaker. In her mind, spells were like complicated knots she was able to untangle. She could also sense magic – visual signs for physical spells, sounds for spiritual spells, smells for temporal ones, and a certain sense in her mind for rational spells. But Elsie is self-taught and unregistered. Elsie’s secret caused a lot of trouble for her recently. And in the end, she discovered a killer. {Spellbreaker – ♥♥♥♥}

Now, she’s trying to figure out what to do with her discoveries. No one will believe her accusations. And despite the ways she was manipulated, Elsie bears some guilt for all that happened.

Then, someone reveals Elsie’s secret. And she is arrested for unregistered spellbreaking. Bacchus has a plan to get her released, though. Elsie will have to pretend that she just discovered her abilities. And they have to get married to keep with his story.

But a quick wedding and life with a man she’s sure will abandon her like everyone else in her life is only one of Elsie’s many problems. There’s still a killer on the loose who knows all too well what Elsie is capable of – and whose full plans have not yet come to fruition.

Review

This is a satisfying wrap up to the story begun in Spellbreaker. These books absolutely should be read in order. In fact, I read them back to back which helped a lot because there isn’t a lot of recap in Spellmaker for those who may have forgotten all that happened in the first book. The world building, while present and explained to a degree, relies on the reader already having a grasp of what has come before. For me, these books have a bit of the feel of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, but without the steampunk elements.

I liked the first book a bit more than I enjoyed this one. This adds the romantic pieces that for me became a distraction at times from the magic and action of the larger story. Those were the things loved in the first book. I appreciated the deeper look into Elsie’s psyche as she struggles with doubts about Bacchus and fears that she will be abandoned again. But the larger mystery/suspense pieces were more of a draw for me.

While I liked Elsie and Bacchus together, they didn’t stir up much for me feeling-wise. They were a logical match. And I appreciated how he saw and responded to Elsie’s insecurities. But I didn’t feel there was any “chemistry” there.

The fantasy/magical crimes story was really well done across the duology. I am eager to check out the author’s other work because I really enjoyed the fantasy elements here! And if she chooses to return to this world again, I will happily dive back into any books set in this universe.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

BONUS REVIEW: A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

BONUS REVIEW: A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Violet Hughes, Lady Greycliff, is finally free. Free from her controlling, disapproving husband and her disappointing marriage, and free to pursue her experiments. Free to operate her women’s club, Athena’s Retreat, a secret society for scientifically minded women, posing as a simple social club.

But Violet’s work, helping her step-son and the authorities with an antidote to a chemical bomb used by terrorists, has put a target on her back. So Lord Greycliff brings in Arthur Kneland, a bodyguard.

The attraction between Violet and Arthur is undeniable. But it is something neither can afford to give in to. Violet’s reputation is too shaky for a fling – or more – with a man below her station. And Arthur is running from his past, eager to retire into obscurity. Life would be simpler for both of them if he could just find the culprit causing all of Violet’s trouble. But the culprit continues to up the ante. And in the case of Violet’s work and Arthur’s assignment, distraction could be deadly.

Review

This was great! I enjoyed the romance as well as the mystery. And I was inspired by the idea of a place in the 18th century where female scientists could gather. The community of people connected to Athena’s Retreat desperately needed a haven from the world – abusive fathers, scandals, disapproval over sexuality and gender identity, etc.

I enjoyed the relationship between Violet and Arthur. Violet had been broken in many ways by her husband’s treatment of her. Arthur understood her and helped her find herself again. I especially liked watching Violet discover what she wanted for her own life and what she would and would not do to get it.

The mystery was secondary to the rest of the story, but still twisty and engaging. I can see where the author might be headed with future books in the series. And I’ll be eager to check them out! (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

BONUS REVIEW: To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ]

Summary

Gabriella Goodhue grew up a thief on the streets. She used to work with a partner – Nicholas Quinn – but when she was caught at age 12, her street “family” abandoned her. She spent her teen years in an orphanage.

Gabriella is pulling her thieving skills out as an adult to help a friend. Miss Jennette Moore has been accused of stealing her fiancé’s family fortune in jewels. But Gabriella knows that’s not Jennette’s character at all. She’s obviously been framed. When Gabriella’s prime suspect hosts a party, Gabriella uses the opportunity to sneak in and check the woman’s safe.

Instead of finding jewels, though, Gabriella finds Nicholas breaking into the same room. Gabriella is angry and bitter that Nicholas never came after her when she was caught as a child. But Nicholas has his own version of what happened.

The ladies at Gabriella’s boarding house, calling themselves the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, are determined to use every skill, secret, and connection they possess to clear Jennette’s name. While Nicholas says he is working toward the same end, he has changed so much, Gabriella is not sure she should trust him ever again.

Review

Another excellent book from Jen Turano. I thoroughly enjoyed this “found family” story that kicks off a new Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Hopefully, each one of the Bleeker Street ladies gets a book. I am here for every single one of them!

There’s a TON going on here, and I was captivated by all of it. Jennette’s case launches the Inquiry Agency, and also pulls Gabriella and Nicholas back into one another’s orbits. From there the author adds in several other cases for the ladies and their growing ensemble of helpers. The story also includes more information on what happened in the years since Gabriella and Nicholas have seen each other – as well as some secrets neither knew before. It felt like easily three books’ worth of story, in only the best ways. The pacing never dragged, and I never felt like the author didn’t have her various story threads firmly in hand. The faith pieces of the book are subtle and felt natural, something I am a stickler for when I read Christian fiction.

I was invested in every single part of this book. The ending was fantastic and supremely satisfying. I truly can’t wait to read book 2, To Write a Wrong, which is scheduled to release late in the summer of 2021.

Fans of the author should not miss this one. I love finding a terrific series right from the first book. And while you wait for book 2, you can check out the author’s extensive backlist.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Notorious by Minerva Spencer

REVIEW: Notorious by Minerva Spencer

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Secretly, Drusilla Clare has been in love with her best friend’s step-brother, Gabriel Marlington, for years. He makes her pulse race – and her temper flare. He goads her, and before she knows it, they are bickering. She never expects him to end up challenged to a dual over her honor.

When Drusilla’s aunt fell sick at the party, Gabriel became the responsible chaperone for Drusilla and his step-sister Eva. When he went looking for the women after an absence, he found Drusilla alone with the foul Lord Visel. And he was NOT acting like a gentleman. Things only went down hill from there.

In the end, though, the only way to salvage the situation for Drusilla – besides the duel – was for Gabriel to marry her. But each of them bring burdens and expectations to this new marriage. Assumptions and Lord Visel piled on top could derail their relationship before it even has a chance.

Review

This is the first book in a new Rebels of the Ton series. (Book 2, Outrageous, is scheduled to release in the summer of 2021.)

This starts primarily with Eva, Drusilla, and Gabriel. The villain is more of an annoyance than a true threat until after Drusilla and Gabriel become engaged. I expected a bigger, larger story to start the novel, and then for that larger story to carry all the way through the book. The larger story eventually comes, but in the second half of the book.

I struggled to feel connected to the characters and the story early on. I didn’t have a good feel for Drusilla or Gabriel. And in some ways that made sense for the story. They had serious trust and communication issues. And as they slowly worked through those, I got a better sense of both of them. But that meant for the first 1/3 or so, I wondered why there wasn’t “more.” I loved Eva, but she shifted into the background (probably in part because of the set up for book 2), which left me with Gabriel, who I didn’t really like, especially early on, and Drusilla. It took longer than in some other books for me to get a good feel for them.

By the second half of the book things clicked into place. The larger story took center stage, and Drusilla and Gabriel started to thaw towards one another. And at that point I was engaged in seeing what would happen in the end.

If you enjoy historical romance with brooding heroes and an antagonists-to-lovers story line (They are never really “enemies.”), be sure to check this one out. There’s a nice teaser in the end for the next book! (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥=Good/Fine/Solid

 

BONUS REVIEW: Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain

BONUS REVIEW: Mr. Malcolm’s List by Suzanne Allain

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is the hottest bachelor of the 1818 London season. He has no title, but he’s inherited funds and a country house. He’s feeling the pressure from debutantes – and their mothers – constantly. One dance or conversation – or a trip to the opera – can convince a young woman that he’s interested. But Mr. Malcolm knows what he’s looking for. When it comes to a woman he’ll spend the rest of his life with, he’s determined to be as careful about the choice as he would be about choosing a prize horse or a business investment. There are certain qualities that are non-negotiable. Mr. Malcolm has a list!

When one of those young women gets word of Mr. Malcolm’s list, she is incensed. She invites an old school friend to town under the auspices of helping her meet some eligible men at society events. But in truth, Julia only wants Selina to help her turn the tables on Mr. Malcolm. To string him along until he’s hooked and then dump him for not meeting her own list. Selina has numerous reservations, but she also has no where else to go if she wants to meet the right sort of men. Julia knows this and will not be dissuaded from her plot.

Review

With the exception of Selina, who is a delight, the other main characters in this book are infuriating. I despised the spoiled, bratty Julia from her first appearance. She is arrogant, smug, and manipulative, and I audibly grumbled about her for 2/3 of the book. Mr. Malcolm is no Prince Charming. He’s arrogant as well, and also entitled. Maybe the author was trying to show that the more plain-born Selina has better character than the wealthy, privileged people in the story. Julia’s cousin, who is supposed to be Mr. Malcolm’s friend, was just as awful. While I waited for everything in the story to inevitably fall apart, I grumbled about the lot of them.

The “Hallmark movie moment” – you know, the spot in 90% of these sorts of stories where all the secrets are spilled – was fairly predictable. But I was surprised that Jeremy thought so little of Selina that he immediately wrote her off. Sure, be angry. He was manipulated and lied to. But there was no grace offered and no opportunity for Selina to explain things.

I would have loved for this moment to happen sooner in the story so that when Selina gets riled by Jeremy’s dismissal of her, she could really make him feel the pain of his decisions. I wanted him to “suffer” his losses a little more. And sadly, Julia has no consequences whatsoever for her part in things. She becomes a somewhat better person, magically, because of love. This was not satisfying. These two pieces would have improved my mood considerably.

Despite all of that irritation and emotional upheaval, I could not put this down! I had to see if Selina would triumph over these yahoos around her. And to see if they could ever be worthy of her friendship and her love. I read this compulsively, from start to finish. And even with all of my grumbling, I enjoyed the overall story. Jeremy’s mom alone was worth sticking with the book through the aggravating parts; she’s a hoot!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥