Review: Timeless Victorian Collection: The Queen's Ball by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE QUEEN'S BALL: Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, and Jennifer Moore.

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson
Eleanor Tremont never expected her father to pass away unexpectedly – leaving her with a horrible stepmother, two grasping step-sisters, and no dowry whatsoever. Relegated to a servant in her own home, she struggles to come to terms with her bleak new life. Summoned to Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball, can Ellie find her happily-ever-after despite impossible odds? Add an absent-minded Godmother, an orange carriage, and a dancing-slipper mishap, and prepare to be swept away into this fairytale romance…

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly
Abigail Sterling is not at all pleased to see that the man who broke her heart is in London, and even less pleased that he wants to renew their friendship. But, against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, just as she always had been. Letters from a secret admirer keep her from completely giving into Matthew again, and soon her heart is torn between a familiar love and a mysterious one.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore
After the sudden death of her father, Clara Brightly is sent far from her home in India to live with relatives on the Isle of Wight. The islanders are suspicious of newcomers, and none more so than a local landowner, Grant Mason who, at first meeting, considers Clara to be arrogant and disdainful of the island he loves. When the two are appointed to lead the church choir in an island-wide competition, Clara discovers that she may have a place on the island after all. Grant comes to realize that what he took as haughtiness was merely shyness, and Queen Victoria’s ball at Osborne house seems the perfect place to tell her. But when Clara is offered a chance to return to India, she must decide once and for all what “home” really means.

My Review

I can always count on the stories in these collections to be unique, creative, and very different from each other despite a common theme! I liked getting to know the writing style of a new-to-me author, Anthea Lawson, and her Cinderella retelling. Rebecca Connolly and Jennifer Moore are favorites, and I really felt they shined with bringing the emotions of the characters to life and making me hope for a happily ever after. Each story felt fully formed and took me through the obstacles the couples had to overcome in order to find their true love.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS

Review, Author Interview & Giveaway: The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis


Poor, unfortunate Spinster...

Prudence Westfall, spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune, and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution.

Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.


My Review

I loved Prue! She is so sweet and unassuming, and I couldn't help but root for her as she deals with her new circumstances- a status that puts her in the spotlight of society and the focus of fortune hunters, and a formerly neglectful mother who now takes too much interest and the verbal abuse that comes with it. The support of her friends is invaluable and essential to her journey of independence and self-confidence. The personalities of the Spinsters are each distinct and vibrant, and I loved coming back to the dynamics of their group. Camden is so charming, but in a likeable way- not over the top. He sees past Prue's stammering for who she truly is, and their friendship and developing romance was a pleasure to read. Another lovely Regency romance from Rebecca Connolly!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Author Interview 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

Sure! I’m an Indiana girl and just recently moved back (WOOHOO!) for a new job in orthopedic medicine. I’m a music lover, especially movie soundtracks and fabulous orchestra parts. Period dramas are hands down my favorite movies and TV shows, especially British ones! I drink hot chocolate all year wrong, collect blankets, eat raw cookie dough, and find sweats and hoodies to be the best clothing ever created. I teach 4 year olds at church, which is a riot, and love love LOVE being an aunt!

What do you do besides writing? 

Work! Haha, I work full time in the medical setting in an orthopedic department. I love to do anything with my family, even if it’s just hanging out on the couch and watching a movie. Long walks are fabulous, and, when I have time, I love to devour a good book!

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process? 

Sure do! I love to find visual representation when I can. I usually start off with an idea, and sometimes that changes as I write. Or a new actor will comes across my path, and I’ll think,”Oh, maybe he/she would be better!” Here’s how I picture the main characters in The Spinster and I, Prue and Camden.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book? 

Oh, this book had an AMAZING song for inspiration. I have never ever had a song be so perfect for a story. We All Need Saving by Jon McLaughlin. It seriously changed everything about this book. I also have selected songs from the soundtracks of Crimson Peak and Becoming Jane in there.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book? 

I want them to see the beauty in the deeper sides of these characters, to see how people can change, and to find value in the loyalty that these characters have for each other.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future? 

Oh, lots! I have more in the Spinster Chronicles, a few more London League books, an exciting companion series to the London League, and an intriguing little series set in Cornwall coming in the next few years!

About the Author

 Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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Review: A Rogue About Town by Rebecca Connolly

Book Two in the London League series

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A disgruntled operative…
 
Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case.

A determined client...
 
Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.

My Review

I loved the clash of personalities between Amelia and Gabe. They each have a plethora of secrets, and it was fun seeing them grow closer together despite their lack of trust in certain areas. Although they aren't attracted to each other at first, they have great chemistry and are somewhat taken by surprise by their passionate feelings for each other. The mysteries they are working to solve keep the pace of the book hopping, and I loved how each layer unfolded with some surprises along the way. The dynamics of the various members of the London League are fascinating and I can't wait for more books in this series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss Book One in the London League series

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

A woman of great fortune…

 

Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…

 

Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

Review: The Lady and the Gent by Rebecca Connolly

Book One in the London League series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A woman of great fortune…
 
Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…
 
Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

My Review

This was a fun book to read and I loved the undercover mystery man persona of Rafe. He and Margaret have an undeniable connection, even before they officially met. It was sweet how they always looked for each other to make eye contact and while Margaret knew that he probably wasn't as he seemed, it didn't stop her from fantasizing. Fortunately for her he was even more than what she hoped ;) I was surprised at what Margaret allowed herself to endure at the hands of the chaperone/companion/matchmaker her parents hired sight unseen. It was strange that she, her parents, and friends who might have rescued her allowed someone of a lower class, obvious animosity, and questionable taste to have that much power over her life. I loved the time Rafe and Margaret spent together and how they were able to get to know one another. Their time with the gypsies was especially fun and exciting! There are plenty of great kissing scenes and I enjoyed their chemistry and the dynamic of their relationship. The intrigue of Rafe's work added an element of suspense and made this an enthralling book I didn't want to put down. Fans of The Suspect's Daughter by Donna Hatch will definitely enjoy this book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the next book in the London League series . . .

Now available!

Synopsis

A disgruntled operative…
Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case.

A determined client...
Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.

Review: The Merry Lives of Spinsters by Rebecca Connolly

Book One in The Spinster Chronicles series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis


Spinster is as spinster does...

Georgiana Allen is a spinster and everybody knows it. She also happens to be one of the writers for the Spinster Chronicles, and everybody knows that as well. She’s accepted her lot in life, and, along with the other spinsters in her circle, takes great pride in the articles she writes and the influence she has. Then Captain Anthony Sterling infiltrates their group, and her life, and Georgie impossibly begins to hope once more.

Tony Sterling had no idea what to expect when he agreed to break up the Spinsters for his cousin, but he certainly did not expect Georgie Allen. From the very first meeting, she upends everything he thought a spinster would be, and her beauty and wit keeps him on edge in thrilling ways. The more he gets to know the Spinsters, the less he wants to break them up. And the more he wants Georgie in his life. Permanently.


My Review

This is such a great idea for a series of books! I already can't wait to read the next one. It was fun to get to know each of the very different young women in the group that has bonded together as friends and supporters. By today's standards, mid-twenties are not old maids, but in Regency times they are past their prime. Each woman has a unique personality and situation that has brought them to this point, whether it's too selective, too shy, too opinionated, too independent, too cynical, or undesirable family. For some it's a mystery why no man has taken an interest. Georgie has had a desire to marry and have a family, but she never received any offers, despite her beauty and moderate dowry. We get to see her conflict and angst over her pride in what she has created with the Spinsters, but also her regrets and unfulfilled dreams. The first part of the book was slow for me and I felt it was too wordy, with lots of inconsequential conversation, even though it was giving a good feel for the dynamic of the group of friends. I would have liked to see more plot-based action with their role as Spinsters and models/mentors for the younger girls of Society. Tony really livened things up and the more time he and Georgie spend together, the more I became interested and involved in the book and their relationship. Their romance was unexpected for both and their delight in those falling-in-love feelings was a pleasure to read. They both revel in the affection they have for each other and the joy in expressing it, especially with sweet kisses ;) I liked the first part of the book okay, but I loved the second part!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Falling for a Duke (Timeless Regency Collection) by Rebecca Connolly, Nichole Van, Janelle Daniels

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

ON THE DUKE’S ERRAND by Rebecca Connolly. Lord David Chambers has one goal—to put his father’s Scotland estate to rights. Even if it means leaving in the middle of the London Season and avoiding the matchmakers. As the second son of a duke, David looks forward to facing the wilds of Scotland, and trying to make something of himself and prove his worth to his father. But David’s not prepared for the censure he receives from the local Scottish gentry, especially Ceana Shaw, the baronet’s daughter who not only mistakes him for the duke himself, she seems determined to think the worst of David.

VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE by Nichole Van. Eliza Mail had found the perfect place to live out her days as a young widow, away from the pain of her past and lost love. Seemingly by chance, Eliza’s childhood neighbor, Liam Trebor, Duke of Chawton, comes to her village for a visit. Eliza hasn’t seen Liam in over five years, and his presence panics her. Will he reveal what he knows to her friends and neighbors, destroying her current life? Eliza must avoid Liam at all costs, but he seems equally determined to flush her out of hiding. What happens if Eliza’s past does not stay where it belongs . . . in her past?

I KISSED A DUKE by Janelle Daniels. Madeline Maybury will do anything to be invited into the inner circles of the ton. She takes on a challenge from a high society lady to kiss the Duke of Hargrave. When she finds Ethan alone and explains that she needs to kiss him, instead of turning her away, he’s amused. He also obliges. Madeline believes she can report back and achieve all of her ambitions. Instead, she’s given an even greater task. Once she accomplishes it, she realizes that the Duke of Hargrave is a very different man than she expected, and she’s in grave danger of falling in love.

My Review

Such a great collection! Each story captured my interest and held it with interesting characters, unique plots, and great settings. I especially loved the creative way the author incorporated the past with the present in VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE. The story starts with Eliza and Liam resenting each other, but as we learn of their former friendship layer by layer and see them come together again in spite of the obstacles, the emotions heighten and I could not stop reading! I KISSED A DUKE was pretty fun and I liked seeing Madeline learn to stand on her own in a demanding and unforgiving society. ON THE DUKE’S ERRAND had an amazing setting in Scotland and it was interesting to learn about the conflicts there and how David did his best to get to know the people and their circumstances. He and Ceana had great chemistry and worked together well with his charm and her fiery personality.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
 
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
A HOLIDAY IN BATH
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE (January 2018)
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN (May 2018)

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:

SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR (November 2017)
THE ORIENT EXPRESS (March 2018)

Review: A Season in London (Timeless Regency Collection) by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

My Review

I get so excited when there's a new Timeless Regency Collection! Thank goodness they release so often ;) I love that they are a bit longer than your average novella so the stories get a good wrap up. This one was fun because two of the authors are new to me.

The first story "Poor Relations" by Elizabeth Johns is very plot focused, and although I was interested at first, I didn't form a strong connection to the characters so my attention waned as the mystery became more drawn out. There is a strong Regency setting and I think the story will be enjoyed by many. (3 stars)

"Edward & Emily" by Heather B. Moore was amazing and definitely one I'll read again in the future. I loved how Edward and Emily's acquaintance quickly develops into friendship then more over a longer period of time and correspondence. The admiration and encouragement they share for each other's secret hobby creates a bond of understanding. They also join forces to unite star-crossed lovers which gives them more opportunities to be together and their sweet romance was just lovely to read. (5 stars)

There are lots of fun scenes in "A Sporting Season" by Rebecca Connolly as Daphne does her best to repel any and all potential suitors. It showed just how desperate she was to avoid marriage and risk having her trust broken again, which stemmed from a heartbreak in her past. Fortunately James sees through her charade and finds her fascinating for it, and withstands her efforts to push him away. He launches a mission of his own, to make Daphne see that there are other desirable options (such as himself) and help her overcome her fears. I loved the way they interacted and that Daphne was able to finally process her hurt in a healing way and come out triumphant. (5 stars)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)