Tag: Merriwell Sisters series

REVIEW: Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath

REVIEW: Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Galahad is in the market for a building where he can open a gaming hell. And he’s found the perfect opportunity in an ideal location. Except for the neighbors.

Galahad’s business opportunity is next door to an orphanage – the one where Venus teaches. The two of them have NEVER gotten along. But he needs to smooth things over between them if they are going to be “neighbors.”

But just as things start to get even cozier that just “smoothed over,” Vee finds out about Galahad’s real estate deal – and how it impacts the orphanage.

Review

This was a fun conclusion to this great series! I didn’t adore this as much as I did the two earlier books. At times this felt too introspective, with long passages of the characters thinking through their feelings and dilemmas. But I loved Galahad. He was a fascinating character and I loved his interactions with the boys from the orphanage.

This feels like a book newcomers could start with. There are several references to what came before, especially with how Vee and Gal initially met. But it’s not so much that it would keep a new reader from enjoying this without the full backstory. I personally enjoyed Never Fall for Your Fiancée and Never Rescue a Rogue even more than this one, so I’d definitely recommend new readers go back and check out the earlier books, too. Series fans should absolutely finish out the series and check out this final installment. (Sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath

REVIEW: Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

Giles has been keeping the secret surrounding his birth for years because he knows the consequences of the truth getting out are too dire. Possible jail for him and the Duke. And a different heir who would destroy the legacy and everyone who counts on it.

But something has spooked the Duke into shoring up his lineage. Before he can take any action, though, he’s dead and Giles is left holding both the estate and the secret. He needs help.

Diana is thriving in the independence granted her by her sister’s marriage. And she’s certain there’s only bickering and one-upmanship between herself and Lord Bellingham. But he’s in a place where he could use a friend – especially one as adept at investigation as Diana is. So they team up, each resistant to the pull between them, determined to free Giles from his trouble and then return to their constant bickering.

Review

What a fantastic sequel to the delightful Never Fall for Your Fiancée! This is all I hoped for after I finished the first book. I enjoyed the shift to Diana’s story and the bickering and banter with Giles. The mystery they team up to solve is also supremely satisfying. I was completely captivated by it to the point of being oblivious to everything going on around me until I finished. Logically, Vee’s story will be next, and I am here for it, first because this series has been exceptionally good, but also because of the hints at a possible direction for that story. I can’t wait!

Historical romance fans, and fans of the first book should not miss this one! I think newcomers can start here. You’ll be missing some of the family context, but the central story can stand alone. But you will definitely want to read both books in this great series! (sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath

REVIEW: Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath

Posted on by Jaymie

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

Summary

In order to keep his mother from scheming to find him a wife, Hugh made up a fiancée. He named her Minerva. And since his mother lived in America with his step-father, Hugh could keep up the lie with detailed letters full of fabrications. And it was all working so well. But then his mother announced she was boarding a boat to come meet her future daughter-in-law and start planning the wedding.

When Hugh stepped in to help the lovely young woman arguing over money, he did it, sure, because she was lovely. But Hugh could never resist an opportunity to rescue a damsel in distress. The fact that her name was Minerva was a shock. The fact that she was arguing over money meant she needed some. And might therefore be open to his scheme.

Minerva would play fiancée for Hugh’s mother. Then they would find some way to break things off so they could both go back to their old lives.

What could possibly go wrong?

Review

I don’t read historical fiction often, but when I do, it is usually a story just like this. I love fake relationship stories! Even though I know the awkward moment is coming where everything falls apart, I still love the trope.

But this book felt different from the start. The tone, the voice, the characters – it all sparkled. There’s great chemistry between the main characters. There’s a ton of humor and some truly laugh-out-loud moments. Even as it’s all unravelling, I am cackling. But the author never loses track of her story. She brilliantly balances the conflicts with the romance and the humor. It made for a delightful reading experience. And now I HAVE to read book two.

I don’t know what it will be (although I am guessing Diana’s story – it’s called Never Rescue a Rogue), and for now it seems it won’t release until November of 2022, but it will be at the top of my TBR when the time comes.

Historical fiction readers, and others who love a good fake relationships story, should not miss this one! (Sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.