Showing posts with label Regina Scott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Regina Scott. Show all posts

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Review: Never Marry a Marquess by Regina Scott


https://amzn.to/2XhRPVr

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.

Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn’t follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy’s sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might just discover that love, and a good cinnamon bun, can heal all wounds.


My Review

Such a sweet story! We got to know Ivy in the previous book as Charlotte helps her and her sisters prepare to enter Society. I enjoyed Ivy's growth as she determines that helping baby Sophia will bring her happiness. Kendall is kind and overprotective, completely endearing as he learns from Ivy what his daughter truly needs. His joy at seeing his daughter thrive was lovely and I enjoyed the way he and Ivy quickly trust each other and the blossoming friendship that turns to more. The subplot of Miss Thorn and Julian's relationship that has lasted throughout the entire series is finally concluded as well. I've enjoyed this series and the consistent quality of storytelling and vibrant characters. I recommend that it be read in order for full enjoyment!

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



Don't miss the previous books in the Fortune's Brides series . . .

https://amzn.to/31Alrg0https://amzn.to/31Alrg0

https://amzn.to/31Alrg0https://amzn.to/31Alrg0

https://amzn.to/31Alrg0








Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Review: Never Kneel to a Knight by Regina Scott


https://amzn.to/2OoL1P8

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When the thoroughly poised Charlotte Worthington requests that Miss Thorn and her cat Fortune find her a position, she never dreams the savvy employment agency owner would reunite her with Matthew Bateman, her brother’s former bodyguard. Matthew is about to be knighted for an act of valor, and he and his sisters could use some polishing if they’re to enter Society after his elevation. Yet how can Charlotte maintain her calm, cool demeanor as their sponsor when she harbors a secret love for him?

Matthew Bateman cannot forget the beauty who is miles out of his league. Once a boxer called the Beast of Birmingham, Matthew would like nothing better than to be worthy of Charlotte’s hand. As old enemies and new ones attempt to bring him low, can Matthew prove to Charlotte that their love is meant to be?


My Review

I love stories with a "Beauty and the Beast" theme going on! The previous book in the series hinted at Charlotte and Matthew's regard for each other, so I was eagerly anticipating their story, and it did not disappoint. At the beginning of the story they are trying to avoid each other because they  know their feelings could not lead to anything. Charlotte is so lovely with his sisters as a mentor and friend, and it was fun to see the different personalities of the girls. Matthew and Charlotte naturally warm up to each other despite their misgivings, and become a team as they work together to face a variety of obstacles and struggles. They have great chemistry and there are a few different plot threads that made the story dynamic and well-paced. Loved this escape into Regency England once again!

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


Sunday, February 17, 2019

Review: Never Vie for a Viscount by Regina Scott


Heidi Reads... Never Vie for a Viscount by Regina Scott

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The perky Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she’s always dreamed of doing, pursue a career in natural philosophy. A shame the only scientist available to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed.

The brilliant Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed too many times, including by the bubbly beauty who now wants to work at his side. How can he believe Lydia’s intentions are true this time? After all, someone is intent of sabotaging his efforts to create the perfect hot air balloon. But with the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, the enthusiastic young lady and the wary lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.


My Review

I enjoyed getting to know Lydia better and how her curious mind works. The world of inventors and scientists during this era was fascinating and I found the procedures for testing the materials enlightening. There was a big focus on the work of creating and testing the hot air balloon and the challenges involved, which was great, but I felt like it detracted a bit from the development of the romantic relationship between Lydia and Worth. There is some conflict and scandal with a rival scientist and some suspense with the sabotage that brought excitement to the story. To fully understand Lydia's relationship with her brother and friends that are either mentioned or make an appearance, I recommend reading the previous books in the series. The author includes some backstory but I think this is a series best read in order. I like the writing style and unique plots she comes up with! Looking forward to the next book and also seeing if secondary characters Miss Thorn and Julian will finally get together!

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

Excerpt

Lydia was the picture of domesticity. Scarlet fabric flowed across her lap to pool on the floor on either side of the spindle-backed chair. Head bowed so the glow from the lamp on the table beside her glinted on pale curls, she took careful, even stitches. Something inside Worth unfurled, warmed, as if he’d come to the hearth after a long time in the snow.

She inserted her needle in the pin cushion on the table, smoothed her hands over the fabric, picked it up, and …

RIP!

He took a step back, and she must have noticed the movement, for she glanced up with her usual sweet smile.

“Experiment number twelve,” she announced.

He ventured into the room, feeling as if the walls leaned too near on either side. Now that he looked closer, he could see any number of holes in the fabric, thread hanging.

“Unsuccessful?” he asked.

“I suspect it depends on your measure of success,” she said, voice cheerful. “Miss Pankhurst advised me to attempt a stronger bond between two panels. I have attempted several lengths of stitches and now width, as in rows set side by side. So far, none has prevented the fabric from tearing on a good tug.”

“Perhaps you should test the strength of your thread,” he suggested.

She held up the spool. “I was only given one strength. Perhaps you could remedy that.”

“I’ll speak to Charlotte.”

She nodded. “Nothing coarse, I think. Silk, three-ply at least, undyed.”

Here less than a day and already she was dictating. “Rather specific. Your reasoning?”

“A hypothesis, if you will.” The world sounded strange on those rosy lips. “Miss Pankhurst reports that the more tightly woven fabric best meets the criteria you provided her, which she is, apparently, not at liberty to tell me. The combing and dying process must provide some stress on the thread. Therefore, tightly woven, undyed thread might also meet your criteria.”

Flawless. He bowed to her. “Madam, you impress me.”

She picked up her needle and drove it into the fabric. “I also hypothesize that you are too easily impressed.”

Worth straightened. “Based on what evidence?”

She began sewing again. “You must have accepted my brother’s word before pursuing me last year, though I’m certain you could have found evidence to suggest it wasn’t your best course. You accepted my word initially, with insufficient evidence in the end to sustain it. You obviously accepted someone else’s word against mine.


Thursday, December 13, 2018

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: A Yuletide Regency by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore


Heidi Reads... A Timeless Romance Anthology: A Yuletide Regency by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A YULETIDE REGENCY.

Six brand new Regency romance novellas by Regina Scott, Sarah M. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, and Heather B. Moore

ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS by Regina Scott
Mary Rose has one goal for her mother’s annual Christmas Eve party: convince her childhood friend Julian Mayes to marry her. She has always admired Julian. Surely one moment under the kissing bough will convince him they were meant to be together. Newly hired by a prestigious London law firm, Julian is ready to shake the dust of the countryside off his polished boots. But he’s always had a soft spot for Mary. As the danger to her future becomes clear, will one kiss be enough to prove to him how far he will go to protect her?

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Famed matchmaker to the ton, Adelaide Northrup cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend Christmas than answering the desperate call of Mr. Porter Bartrum: widower, young father, dunderhead. The young gentleman’s first marriage was an arranged one and he hasn’t the first idea how to find a wife on his own. His dear friend, Chloe Munson, has watched his attempts with amusement and finds this latest approach, the clandestine hiring of a matchmaker, his most entertaining yet. If Adelaide plays her cards right, and she always does, she might very well manage to secure two happy endings.

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
They weren’t supposed to meet, but now that they have, nothing will ever be the same. The Duke of Salsbury blames her family. Lady Catherine blames his. Will an age-old dispute between the Salsburys and Asters rip apart any hope they have to be together? In this game of secrets and lies, can their love for each other conquer even the most tightly held family prejudices?

MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
On Christmas Eve, Eleanor Hadfield, who works as governess at her childhood home of Willowsmeade, is stunned to learn that the love of her youth, Julian Phillips, is coming back after a decade’s absence. Once the gardener’s son, he has elevated his station to navy captain. Making a match with a mere governess would lower his position, if he were to still love her as he did as a young man, which is unlikely. Unable to bear the idea of noble Julian keeping an old promise out of obligation or pity, Eleanor decides to leave the only place that has ever been a home.

FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME by Krista Lynne Jensen
With her beloved home entailed away to a wealthy cousin, spirited Arabelle Hyatt has resigned herself to marry the arrogant man, if only to save her family from destitution. But before an understanding is reached, a childhood friend returns from war, wounded in more ways than one. With Christmas coming—what may be their last at Hybrigge—holiday traditions are celebrated, memories are revisited, and Arabelle learns what lies in a man’s words is not always what lies in his heart.

THE NEW EARL by Heather B. Moore
Celia Thompson knows she can’t live with the new earl who’s come to take her brother’s place. Before she can pack her belongings and reconcile herself to a fate of living as a spinster in her aunt’s home, the new earl arrives. Yet, Aaron, now Lord Banfield, is not the pompous, arrogant man she’d imagined. In fact, he’s quite . . . interesting and handsome. Celia decides to help the man acclimate to his new role. But the longer she stays on at Banfield, the more she realizes the new earl might be the answer she’s been looking for.


My Review

What a great collection of stories!!! I enjoyed them all and had several favorites. As much as I love Regency romances, I love *Christmas* Regency romances even more! There's something sweet about the traditions that are specific to the era, like the yule log, and the ones that have stood the test of time that we still celebrate today, like mistletoe and Christmas trees. While some of the plots had more drama than the others, for the most part the novellas were pleasant and compelling, and I loved the feeling of connecting to the characters quickly and experiencing the season with them as they overcame personal and societal struggles to achieve a lovely happily-ever-after. A wonderful anthology that is perfect for reading during the busy holiday season!

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


Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Review: Never Envy an Earl by Regina Scott


Book Three in the Fortune's Brides series

Heidi Reads... Never Envy an Earl by Regina Scott

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The saucy Yvette de Maupassant is used to danger. She’s spent the last 10 years spying for England in Napoleon’s court. Now that her work has been discovered, she must hide, and what better place than the remote wooded estate of the Earl of Carrolton? Her friend Miss Thorn and that delightful cat Fortune place her in a position where she can pretend to be companion to the earl’s sickly mother. Yet one look at the earl has Yvette rethinking why she wants to stay.

Gregory, Earl of Carrolton, is used to power. So why does one moment in the company of his mother and spinster sister leave him feeling powerless? And why does the look in a certain Frenchwoman’s eyes leave him weak at the knees? As danger draws closer, Gregory and Yvette must work together to protect her, his family, and the future of England, as they discover the greatest danger and delight is falling in love.


My Review

I love how individual the characters in this series are! The author does a wonderful job of giving each one a distinct personality with a range of mannerisms, strengths, and struggles. Yvette is especially unique because she is a former French spy (for the British) with a tragic history, yet she has a way of improving the situation she finds herself in. I loved her spirit and the way she stood up to Gregory's mother and sister, while still staying in their good graces. It was interesting how she had such compassion for Gregory and felt safe with him, yet is not sure about him and his true nature because of her trust issues.I liked getting to know Gregory and how he dealt with his family dynamics. It was nice to see how Yvette's influence on them all improved their own relationships with each other. A lovely Regency romance, as always!

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



Excerpt

Men. They must have been discussing what to do about her situation, yet they all stared at her as if she’d floated down from the ceiling dressed in chicken feathers. Mr. Villers’s mouth even hung open.

“Vite, vite,” Yvette said, coming to join them. “You must be quick. Meredith is with her ladyship, but I will be wanted shortly.”

Mr. Mayes brightened. She’d met the solicitor last month at Foulness Manor, the home of her friend Harry. Of course he would want news of Meredith—unless Yvette missed her guess, he intended to court the lady.

“Miss Thorn is still here?” he asked.

“For the time being,” the earl told him. Then he stepped forward to take Yvette’s hand in his. Such a large hand. Hers disappeared inside it, yet she felt perfectly comfortable.

“Miss de Maupassant,” he said, “Mr. Mayes and Mr. Villers came to let us know they have identified the man pursuing you. You must be brave. It is your cousin.”

The room dimmed. She must have swayed on her feet, for his hand slipped around her waist as if to hold her upright. She clung to his hand, to his warmth. She could not let her fear rule her.

“I should have known Claude would be involved,” she made herself say. “I am only surprised he crossed the Channel himself. Where is he now?”

“We’re not sure,” Mr. Mayes admitted. “One of our best men, Lord Trevithan, nearly caught him in London, but he managed to escape.”

He would, even from the dashing Lord Trevithan, who’d recruited her for a spy. Her cousin was a survivor. So many wrongs could be laid at his door, yet he always escaped capture, like a cockroach scuttling away from the light.

“You’re safe here,” the earl said in his deep voice, hand still holding hers. “He has no idea where you are.”

Yvette shook her head. “He had no idea where I was. Why do you think he allowed you to see him in London? He wanted you to know he was in England. You hurried to tell me, and he will hurry to follow you.”

Mr. Villers straightened, and Mr. Mayes’ handsome face tightened.

“You’re right,” the solicitor said. “We were fools. Carrolton, there’s nothing for it now. We’ll have to find another place for Miss de Maupassant.”

The earl stiffened, but once more the room seemed to darken. Leave Carrolton Park? She had only been here a few days, but she felt as if ribbons bound her to the place.



Check out the other books in the Fortune's Brides series . . .

Book One
Heidi Reads... Never Doubt a Duke by Regina Scott


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.

Book Two
https://amzn.to/2KCUhvz


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?


Book Four

Releasing November 2018!

http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she's always dreamed of doing--pursue a career in science. A shame the only scientist willing to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed. Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed once too often. How can he believe Lydia's intentions are true? With the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, a determined young lady and a jaded lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Review: Never Borrow a Baronet by Regina Scott



Book Two in the Fortune's Brides series


https://amzn.to/2KCUhvz

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

My Review

This lovely series continues with Miss Thorn helping another lady of reduced circumstances find a new position and ultimately, the opportunity to fall in love. There is a great cast of vibrant characters that made this book such fun to read- Patience, with her up-for-anything attitude; Harry, with his hands full of spies, smugglers, and suspicious guests; Miss Thorn, trying to avoid her childhood sweetheart who is staying in the same house; Augusta, creating concoctions that terrify her guests; Lydia, all too eager to help Augusta and stir things up a bit; Yvette, a French spy with nothing to lose. The fake engagement and other secrets create quite a bit of tension, especially as Patience and Harry begin to grow closer. The weather traps everyone on the property and they have to wait for the water to subside before the guests from the house party can depart, which made the pace drag a bit after the middle of the book. The author did a good job of getting across the feeling of frustration and desperation the characters had from being stuck, and I think I started feeling that too. It picks up again with some action and the climax at the end, and leaves the door open for Miss Thorn to reconcile with her long-lost love. I'm especially looking forward to reading the next books since we were introduced to both characters who will be featured in them, Yvette and Lydia.

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



Check out the other books in the Fortune's Brides series . . .

Book One
Heidi Reads... Never Doubt a Duke by Regina Scott


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.


Book Three
https://amzn.to/2MpEDoR


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The saucy Yvette de Maupassant is used to danger. She’s spent the last 10 years spying for England in Napoleon’s court. Now that her work has been discovered, she must hide, and what better place than the remote wooded estate of the Earl of Carrolton? Her friend Miss Thorn and that delightful cat Fortune place her in a position where she can pretend to be companion to the earl’s sickly mother. Yet one look at the earl has Yvette rethinking why she wants to stay.

Gregory, Earl of Carrolton, is used to power. So why does one moment in the company of his mother and spinster sister leave him feeling powerless? And why does the look in a certain Frenchwoman’s eyes leave him weak at the knees? As danger draws closer, Gregory and Yvette must work together to protect her, his family, and the future of England, as they discover the greatest danger and delight is falling in love. 


Book Four


Releasing November 2018!

http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she's always dreamed of doing--pursue a career in science. A shame the only scientist willing to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed. Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed once too often. How can he believe Lydia's intentions are true? With the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, a determined young lady and a jaded lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.