Review: The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List. 

 

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.  

 

Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book. 

 

Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for…the wrong lady.

My Review

This is a highly entertaining book! We are quick to know best friends and cousins Bella and Issie, although the difference in their stations has Bella as more of a companion who waits and dotes on Issie, while both bear the brunt of Issie's verbally and emotionally abusive mother. I was glad that the book began with her demise so we didn't have to read those difficult scenes, but we could understand the fallout and influence on the two young women. Bella has a vivid personality- loyal, adventurous, and with a wonderful sense of humor. Her banter with Lord Brooke was fantastic, and I loved how their chemistry grew quickly from friendship to attraction to romance. Issie's health, her young doctor, the meddling aunt, and complicated family dynamics brought layers to the story and I was captivated until the very end!

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

photo: Jonathon Allain 2019

 

 Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Review: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

My Review

Stella and Teddy are both oddities in society, and keenly feel that sense of isolation, even with friends and family as supports. I love how they inadvertently came across each other, later discovering how connected they really are through their friends. It was easy to connect to the emotions of the characters, and feel the longing they both have for some sense of normalcy, yet also to follow their dreams. Teddy helps Stella embrace her differences and see herself as beautiful instead of peculiar. Stella does the same for Teddy, seeing his amazing skills and talents instead of just his limitations. They have wonderful chemistry and their interactions were so fun to read! I loved how Stella didn't capitulate to Teddy's requests out of pity, but made sure she was in the right frame of mind to embark on such a daring venture. The characters from the previous books in this series as well as some from the author's Parish Orphans of Devon series made this book feel like coming home, and now I want to read them all over again ;)  

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.

Don't miss the previous books in the Belles of London series . . .

 

 

Review: To Charm a Lady by Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Cora Atherton wants nothing more than to finally fall in love—real love, not the unrequited sort. When she is invited to attend a house party without her disapproving, overbearing mother, Cora leaps at the chance, desperate to make a match of her own. That is, until she finds that Oliver Cartwell is also attending the party. Oliver, the boy she has loved since she was a girl and the man she is determined to forget.

A house party in the country is just what Oliver needs to distract himself from the shadows of his past. When he discovers that Cora, his sister’s best friend, is in need of a little matchmaking, he resolves to help her in her search for a husband. He quickly learns that no man is good enough for her, least of all himself. Why, then, does he find himself fighting his attraction to gentle, beautiful Cora at every step?

As the two draw closer together, Cora is forced to confront the feelings that have tortured her for years. With her future on the line and a deadline fast approaching, can she trust that flirtatious Oliver has changed for the better—or will he leave her heart in pieces once again?

My Review

It's always a pleasure to read a book by Joanna Barker! Unrequited love can be so painful, and I admired Cora for doing her best to move forward with her life. Quite the challenge when the object of her former affections is front and center. It was gratifying to see the growth in both Cora and Oliver, and for Oliver to come to important realizations that will affect their futures. The humor and angst were perfectly balanced, bringing a connection to the characters' emotions and relating to them on a lighter level as well. I loved their banter and chemistry, especially when their attraction and romantic feelings become stronger and mutual. The family and friends from A Game of Hearts were fun in this new story, and I hope the author continues to write more in this 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.

Don't miss the previous book in the Cartwells series . . .

 

 

 

Review: Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

About the Book

When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.

Mediterranean Sea, 1811

May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.

Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped for—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love.

My Review

There is something special about the way this author brings her characters and the setting to life! In the first few chapters I instantly connected with May and Elias, their struggles and vulnerabilities. They are each unsure about what their future will bring, but move forward despite their circumstances. There is so much character growth on their journey at sea. May is such a cactus, and Elias seems a cowardly lion. I loved seeing them go from horrible first impressions to friendship to more. They discovered important things about themselves and life as the story progressed with the turmoil of the voyage and the danger of war. Highly recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance outside of the ballroom.

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.

Don't miss the previous companion book . . .

 

Review: Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

 

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

 

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

My Review

I loved the stories set at the Red Door Inn, so it was such a pleasure to return there for Whitney's story! She is at a crossroads in her life, feeling forced to choose a career that she can stick with, or let her parents down again, and no more safety net. I could sense how on edge she felt, working toward an end goal with things falling apart around her. Despite her circumstances, she is the sunshine providing contrast to Daniel's grumpiness. His character put off vibes of flatness and unhappiness, going through the motions, but still caring about his aunt enough to travel and help her sell her business. There are plenty of funny mishaps, but the best part of this book is the way Daniel blossomed around Whitney's light. They both gently challenged each other, and as Daniel learns to open his heart again, Whitney gains the courage to find and follow the dream authentic to her. A sweet holiday read with great romantic chemistry!

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series . . .

 

 

Review: A Trick of Fate by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

If secrets lead a fool to love...

Hunter Mortimer, known in the operative world as Trick, is only doing his duty when he steps in to save a young woman in the streets of London. Thinking she is a fellow spy, what else could he do? But when the victim proves to be just an ordinary young woman in dire straits, everything in his world grows more complicated. To add to that complication, she is beautiful, fiery, and makes him smile far too easily.

Lucy Allred did not intend to be a problem for the man who saved her but being lost in London left her helpless. When her father's new lodgings prove difficult for Trick to find, she must remain in his care and company for her safety. The more time she spends with him, the more her eyes open to a world that she had never imagined. And her heart opens to all new possibilities.

My Review

It was so fun stepping back into the world of the Agents of the Convent! The setting is Regency London, but this is not your average ballroom romance. The author takes us on a suspenseful adventure in the London underworld, where secret agents are working together and individually to take down the worst villains and uncover plots against the country. While Lucy ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time, Hunter is in the right place and time to rescue her from an abduction- one that they can't figure out the reason for. As Hunter cares for Lucy and searches for her father while simultaneously pursuing his own case, he falls hard in spite of his misgivings. His angst over his romantic feelings for Lucy is somewhat humorous, especially when the other agents learn of it and offer ribbing and advice. Lucy undergoes some wonderful character growth as she learns to stretch her wings beyond what she was raised for, and finds freedom and love in her new circumstances. Exciting suspense, danger, and sleuthing solved some mysteries only to discover more!

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.

Don't miss the previous books in the Agents of the Convent series . . .

 

Review: Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

I, Amelia Quinn, am dating again.

I must be out of practice though because I sat down at the wrong man’s table…and kissed him. And now I’m wrapped up in the middle of an FBI case… DREAM COME TRUE!

Except the super sexy agent doesn’t want my help solving this case.

I, Caleb Harris, am a stupid, stupid man. Nothing says rookie agent like kissing a civilian just to get rid of her.

But somehow that didn’t even work because she keeps showing up wherever our suspect is. And now, I’m not so sure she’s innocent in all this. Especially when someone ends up dead.

Date With Danger is a closed door, light hearted, romantic comedy with mystery and suspense.

My Review

So. Much. Fun. Earlier this year I had binge-watched all episodes of the TV show Psych, and it was awesome to get all the references the author slid into the book! There is plenty of comedy, and the author hit that perfect balance of quirky and clever, and added to it great banter, fabulous chemistry, and a suspenseful plot. An undercurrent of angst and character growth didn't take the spotlight, but added a layer of depth that I always appreciate in rom-coms since it helps me feel a connection to the emotions rather than just feel like I'm watching an entertaining fluff movie. Don't get me wrong, though- it was SO entertaining! I love when a book can make me laugh out loud, which isn't all that often. Highly recommend for readers who need some hijinks and romance with their mystery!

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.

Review: So True a Love by Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

My Review

What is it about Bow Street Runners that are so appealing? If Nathaniel represents the ideal, it's the sacrifice, work ethic, clever mind, and hunt for justice. He didn't have a chance at protecting his heart from Verity, falling for the same characteristics in her. They began as rivals of a sort, but there was always respect between them as they seemed to be solving clues in tandem. Once they began working together they were unstoppable, and so was their chemistry! I loved their banter and teasing, the way they challenged and accepted each other. So many great scenes between them!!! The multiple family dynamics we see at play brought depth and character growth, with secrets slowly revealing themselves and relationships healing and shifting into something better. The mystery and suspense held me captive and the pace was perfect for exploring our characters while also pursuing leads and resolving the case in a way I found surprising. Such a satisfying read!

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.

Don't miss the previous connected book featuring Verity's brother Jack . . .