Series Review: Her Caprice, The Telling Touch, & The Sweet Rowan by Keira Dominguez

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A MOST PRIVATE BATTLE

Since Beatrice Thornton was thirteen years old she's been living with a secret that could ruin her family forever. Her parents are the only ones who know, and now, seven years later, they are forced to put on a sham for Beatrice's late first Season. The plan, make Beatrice as mousy and ill-clothed as possible so no suitor would consider her. Then they can all escape back to their country home in Dorset to keep the terrible secret safe. But the unthinkable happens... Beatrice meets a man who gives her hope of a normal life, and Beatrice dares to love with horrible consequences.

Captain Henry Gracechurch has resigned his commission after living through the horrors and waste of war. Recently returned from Spain, he is cajoled by his formidable godmother to make an appearance at one of her famous balls. When he sees a young woman abandoned on the dance floor, honour commands him to save the day. Nothing could have prepared him for meeting the person who is a balm to his soul and gives wings to his heart. But winning Beatrice Thornton will take every ounce of courage he has, and this is a war he will win, no matter the cost.

My Review

Such an interesting and unique spin on Regency, to add a dash of fantasy/paranormal while still keeping the world very much grounded in reality. I loved the premise, the complex characters, and the riveting plot. Beatrice and Henry are absolutely perfect together, and he overlooks her unfortunate wardrobe for her wonderful personality. They have great chemistry and I thoroughly enjoyed their scenes together. It was fun to see her overthrow her mother's rules and her own inhibitions and embrace life to the fullest with the help of her friends. There are some angsty parts where Beatrice waffles back and forth between accepting or rejecting Henry that got on my nerves, but fortunately the plot veers in another more suspenseful direction and kept my interest for the climax and satisfying resolution. So glad to have discovered an exciting new series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

AN UNACCEPTABLE PROXIMITY

For as long as she can remember, Margaret Summers has been in love with Nicholas Ainsley, but her “gift” has shown her that he does not reciprocate her affections, and he leaves for six long years. Her sister’s scandal places Meg under a cloud of suspicion, and she resigns herself to being the outcast, the unacceptable girl. Isolated and vilified, Meg is content to live in the country with her grandfather. When her sister is widowed young, she returns home and sets in motion unthinkable plans, forcing Meg to break the silence of the family’s unusual abilities to keep Nick safe from a fate she cannot allow. Little does Meg know, she’s had the wrong of it for these many years, and Nick has his work cut out for him to prove the truth of his heart.

My Review

This story is intense! I was filled with anxiety as Meg's sister Isabel overshadows her and the villainy in Isabel's heart is obvious to the reader but less known to the characters. Meg is trying to make the best of her situation but suffers one heartbreak after another. I loved her and Nick together and the bond they shared from their experiences and shenanigans together as youth. So many complex layers are peeled back as they grow closer, yet held back by Meg and Isabel's powers. Great romantic tension throughout the whole book! Unlike the first book which was set in London, this one takes place in the country, and I loved the setting and thought it worked so well for the story, giving it a strong foundation of a real historical era. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect as Meg learns to explore the nuances and depth of her gift- hearing the thoughts of those she touches. An exciting climax led to a wonderfully satisfying resolution. Loved it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

THE MAGIC OF LOVE

Penny Thornton loved her magic with all her heart. After being burned in a barn fire while trying to save people and creatures, she despaired she’d never feel magic again.

When her fingers brush a letter from Scotland addressed to a neighbor, Penny’s heart soars. There’s magic in that letter, and she’s certain the source of the magic is its author or his location.

Defying convention and general good sense, which does not recommend a high-born young lady travel alone, she constructs a tangled ruse to deceive her family, and takes off to the wilds of Scotland.

What awaits her are challenges she never bargained for. But in navigating the obstacles and hurdles she encounters, she finds a man with a heart of gold, and a family in need of the magic of her love.

My Review

The previous two books by the author must be read first to fully appreciate this one, since it builds on aspects from both of them. Penny is the little sister of Beatrice from the first book, Her Caprice, and in Scotland she befriends an important character from The Telling Touch. I loved the unexpected nature of Penny and her decisions. She feels deeply, and has a compassionate nature, if not always patient ;) She finds herself with her hands full teaching children who have learned the hard way not to trust governesses. Her charade leads her through frustrating experiences to discover more about magic and herself, and it was fascinating to see where it led. I loved Malcolm and his dedication to his family, land and tenants. He has suffered loss but is moving forward. Penny helps him and his children embrace life and find happiness and encouragement. Malcolm and Penny have an unexpectedly fun rapport and it was delightful to read their interactions. Once again location plays a huge role in the story and the remoteness of Scotland brought its own sense of wildness and possibility. Penny's search for magic, her deception, and a danger in disguise weave together and lead to a final conclusion that made me admire the creativity of the author in building this world. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

About the Author

Keira Dominguez graduated from BYU with a B.A. in Humanities and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and five children.

For many years, she co-authored The Uncrushable Jersey Dress, a blog and Facebook page dedicated to mid-century Mills & Boon legend, Betty Neels. Cultivating this corner of fandom confirmed the suspicion that people who like sweet romances are as smart, funny and interesting as readers of any other genre.

When Keira is not busy avoiding volunteerism at her kids’ schools like it is the literal plague, she enjoys being seized by sudden enthusiasms.

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