Review: The Earl's Winning Wager by Jen Geigle Johnson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lord Morley's life will change forever when he wins a game of cards and a family of sisters to go along with it.

Miss Standish in none too pleased to have become the responsibility of yet another Lord, even if he is full of charm and goodness. Her responsibilities are to her sisters first.

With the repairs on the castle moving forward nicely and concerted efforts in a season in Bath made to find suitors for them all, Miss Standish and Lord Morley must determine where duty stops and matters of the heart take over.

Read this warm tale of family, sisters, loyalty and love to get a huge dose of the best part of a regency romance fans of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer would enjoy.

My Review

This is a sweet Regency romance that kept me entertained as Morley generously cares for the castle and Standish sisters, while June tries to resist falling in love with him. Morley reminded me of Laurie from Little Women where he can't help but cherish the familial closeness and the way he feels a part of their sisterhood- but as an honorary brother. He's a true gentleman and even though June resents that he feels responsible for them, she also appreciates all he has done to bring them back into society and provide for their future. I loved the dynamic with June and her sisters, and look forward to the rest of the series where each sister will find her own happily ever after.

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

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Don't miss the other books in the Lords for the Sisters of Sussex series . . .

Review: Rakes and Roses by Josi S. Kilpack

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Mayfield Family Romance

Lady Sabrina endured an abusive marriage, a miscarriage, and early widowhood to emerge as a smart, successful, confident woman who found a way to make her mark in a man’s world. She has friends and purpose, but cannot hide from the emptiness she feels when the parties are over and the friends have gone home to families she will never have.

Harry Stillman may be charming and handsome, but he’s a gambler and a rake who has made a mockery of his privileges. He turns to the mysterious Lord Damion for financial relief from his debts, but still ends up beaten nearly senseless by thugs and left in an ally.

When Lady Sabrina comes upon Harry after the attack, she remembers the kindness Harry once showed to her six years ago and brings him to her estate to heal. Though their relationship begins on rocky footing, it soon mellows into friendship, then trust. But Lady Sabrina needs to keep Harry at a distance, even if he is becoming the kind of man worthy of her heart. After all, she is keeping a secret that, if exposed, could destroy everything she’s so carefully built.

My Review

Rakes and rogues are not my favorite type of hero in the Regency genre, but this author did a wonderful job of exploring the redemption of a young man from a life of dissolution. The lifetime of choices Harry made in response to his harsh upbringing and negative experiences eventually brought him to rock bottom, where he was more than desperate to escape his debts and dangerous lenders. The second chance he receives might have been wasted, but Lady Sabrina rescues him in more ways than one. The transformation of Harry was the most fascinating part of the book for me, and even though I wasn't really feeling the romantic chemistry, I loved his friendship with Sabrina and her housekeeper Therese. I think because Harry was in such an early state of transformation, it was hard for me to trust him and his feelings of attraction. Maybe a longer timeline on the latter side of his sobriety would have helped me, but I think the pacing of the plot was right with respect to the intrigue of Sabrina's secret and Lord Damion's involvement. I thought the ending was done rather well and appreciated how Harry's character came full circle. This is the third book in the series but can easily be read on its own or out of order.

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

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Praise for Rakes and Roses

"Uplifting...Kilpack flips the typical Regency romance script, with the heroine rescuing the hero. Kilpack's strong, upright heroine who finds a way to claim her power in Regency society sets this love story apart. This magnetic tale will appeal to fans of emotional romance." — Publisher’s Weekly 

 “Kilpack takes traditional regency roles and challenges them. She shows how one person can make an impact in the world. I found the story and premise unique.” — Heather Gardner, Fire and Ice

“This is a story of redemption above all else…the ending was perfect.” — Lucinda Whitney, author of Rescuing the Prince

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Don't miss the other books in the Mayfield Family series . . .

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About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance and Proper Romance Historical series and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children. 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Review: The Mischief Thief by Johnnie Alexander

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Two wrongs don’t make a right . . . except when they do.

For con artist Chaney Rose, life hasn’t been easy. In desperate need of cash, she readily accepts a gig from an unethical attorney to recover Mischief, a stolen racehorse. Hunting for clues, she breaks into the suspected thief’s home only to be caught—with a few pilfered items in her pockets—by the police detective who’s tailing her.

By-the-book Adam Thorne was fired from his church ministry because of his father’s involvement with the valuable racehorse. He arrives home to find a detective arresting the young woman who broke into his house. In a burst of Les Miserables-inspired charity, he claims he gave Chaney the stolen items.

Adam needs Chaney’s help to find his father who has disappeared along with Mischief. But when Chaney learns that Mischief’s owner intends to kill the horse, she needs Adam’s help to expose the cruel plan before it’s too late.

Can a con artist with a conscience and a minister without a ministry team up to do the wrong thing for the right reason?

My Review

This was an interesting story! I didn't know quite what to expect since I haven't read this author before, and I was pleasantly surprised. The character development was great, and the plot was exciting. The only thing I missed was a romantic thread and a spiritual thread. Adam sees Chaney as a younger sister, but because she's portrayed as only a few years younger than him, I was waiting for a romance to develop, which never did. They had a genuine friendship though, and Adam feels protective of street-smart Chaney who allows her vulnerability to peek through. Adam shows her how compassionate and kindness are not weaknesses but admirable qualities. She feels guilty for her deception as they work together to solve the mystery of the missing horse, but is motivated by more than meets the eye. While about one half to two-thirds of the book is focused on discovering the hiding place of the horse and Adam's father, a big chunk is also about what happens after, with plenty of twists and turns. I was engaged the whole time I read and was satisfied with the ending... even though there was no kissing ;)

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

Review: The Innkeeper's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Bestselling author Kathleen Fuller returns to the Amish community of Birch Creek, where an inn provides the perfect backdrop for romance.

Levi Stoll moved to Birch Creek with his widowed father, sister, and grandmother to run a much-needed inn in the small town. Within this thriving community Levi has found his purpose and joy in the new inn. It doesn’t hurt that the move also provides him a fresh start, leaving behind some mistakes he’d much rather forget.

Selah Ropp has returned to Birch Creek after trying to outrun her own unhappiness. Genuinely glad to be back with old friends, Selah starts to work at the inn and can’t deny the sparks that fly between her and the handsome innkeeper. He’s like no man she’s ever met.

But Selah has a past, and she knows Levi will reject her if he discovers it. What she doesn’t know is that Levi is overcoming his own past mistakes while trying to ignore his attraction to his employee.

With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us all that with God’s grace, the past is forgotten and love will reign supreme.

My Review

I was so happy to see Selah get her own happy ending! She was a complicated character in the previous books in the series, so it was nice to learn more about her past and understand her struggle with depression. I enjoyed the cast of characters which included Levi's family, Selah's friends and family, and a non-Amish guest at the inn with secrets of his own. I thought the plot was interesting and added another dimension to the story when it delved into the father-son relationship of Jackson, the guest, and his father who owns a local motel and feels threatened by the new Amish inn. We also see the elderly couple, Cevilla and Richard, hit some rocky spots along their relationship journey. Levi is such a likeable guy, and even though he and Selah have their own ups and downs, their friendship was wonderful and naturally blossomed into more. This has been a delightful series with fun characters and a heart-warming community.

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

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Don't miss the other books in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series . . .

Review & Giveaway: The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!

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My Review

Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes because I love seeing the characters get to know each other in such close circumstances and overcome unique obstacles to become partners in heart. The themes of trust and integrity are explored here as secrets play a big part in the conflict and plot. Evan and Diana both have traumatic experiences they are dealing with- Evan from the war and Diana from her abusive father. I loved the way these two hurting people were able to come together and help each other begin to heal. The romance was perfect and I appreciated the subtle humor that was woven in. This is the first Regency book I've read where the Prince Regent plays such a meddling role! The author hit a perfect balance between development of the characters and their relationship and the suspense and intrigue that kept the pace of the book moving forward toward the climax and satisfying conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Definitely one that fans of sweet romance won't want to miss!

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

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About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Connect with Erica Vetsch and learn more about her books: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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The next book in the Serendipity & Secrets series is available for pre-order!

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Giveaway

Review: The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.

My Review

What stood out to me first was the era- late 1700's. The politics of the time come into play along with powdered wigs, but both were used moderately- thank goodness! ;) Elizabeth and Jonas both rescue each other in turn, and their bond forms quickly. They instinctively trust, even before they know the secrets the other is hiding. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation and suspense throughout the entire story as they work together to end the smuggling through more than one avenue, and uncover the mystery behind Jonas's father's death. I especially enjoyed the mother and sister of Jonas and the unpretentious way they accept and embrace Elizabeth into their fold. Elizabeth never aspires to join the upper class, feeling more comfortable with a future as a maid, but her role in undermining the master of the smugglers keeps her uncovering clues with Jonas and his family and friends. All the while the danger mounts from both the smugglers and her unscrupulous father and corrupt magistrate. While I wished for more chemistry and romantic development between Jonas and Elizabeth, the strong plot kept me glued to the pages as I read to the satisfying conclusion.

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