Review: A Midnight Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

At the Midnight Masquerade, hearts and affections may be revealed . . .

A Double Masquerade by Elizabeth Johns
Arthur, Lord Claremont finds himself unexpectedly in need of an heir, but loathes the idea of putting himself publicly on the Marriage Mart. When a masquerade provides the opportunity to survey the crop of eligible ladies whilst in disguise, he cannot resist. Phoebe Cartwright was forced to live with her aunt during her mourning for her father. Unfortunately, it was during the Season when her cousin was to make her debut. Fearing competition, her aunt tries to keep her hidden away. However, when her cousin becomes ill, Phoebe finds herself pretending to be her cousin at a masquerade. Arthur finds his ideal bride at the masquerade, but appearances can be deceiving.

Their Masked Secret by Jen Geigle Johnson
A duke’s ultimatum carries power. James Holbrook and his fellow lords in London have one more ball before they must tow the line and find wives, wealthy wives—One more chance to be frivolous, to flirt, to outrageously flaunt themselves about without a care until the dawn when they can never do so again. With masks on, everything will be done in complete anonymity. And even though James has reservations about such a jaunt, he agrees to at least keep the others’ secrets.

Meredith attends the ball with great trepidation. How will she see through the duplicity of the marriage mart and find a man sincere enough to marry her for who she is? She doesn't expect to. And she doesn't expect to fall for one at her first ball, without even knowing his name. How will the two navigate the ensuing weeks of secrets, misunderstandings and prejudice to eventually fall in love without their masks on?

Masquerade A-la-Mode by Annette Lyon
When Charles Ballam returns from war, his former commander, Doughty, is determined to see him happily wed—the least he can do after Charles maimed his hand saving his life. The first attempt leads to a humiliating spectacle involving Charles’s injury. He’s loath to ever attend a ball again. Doughty convinces him to try a relatively new, scandalous method: lonely hearts advertisements.

Mr. Amesbury doesn’t approve of such things, but that doesn’t stop his daughter Clarissa or her companion, Mary, from reading them secretly and then strolling past meeting places in hopes of finding the individuals mentioned in them. When an advertisement with striking details appears, Clarissa is certain that the man behind it is one she could have a love match with. She answers, suggesting they meet at an upcoming masquerade. But identities aren’t what they seem, and her future happiness—or spinsterhood—may rest on the man who placed the advertisement . . . or on his mate, who assumes his identity. Instead of being the man of her dreams, he may be nothing more than a deception.

My Review

A Double Masquerade (5 stars) was my favorite of the collection, with Phoebe in the background of her cousin's Season while she finishes her mourning, a bit like Cinderella in how she's treated. The swap for the masquerade is fun for Phoebe since she gets to wear the beautiful costume she helped design, and participate in the dancing incognito. The banter between her and Arthur is sweet and sincere, and I loved that they are a perfect match for each other. I also appreciated that they were able to get to know one another in a natural way in the days that followed, strengthening the foundation of their love.

 

Their Masked Secret (3 stars) features the famed Vauxhall Gardens as the location of its masquerade, with Jamie being pushed into finding a wealthy bride, and Merry wary of fortune hunters. The premise was set up well, but I had a difficult time connecting with Merry and Jamie's insta-love during their little adventure. The ensuing hunt for identities afterwards was anticlimactic, but it was humorous to find them at odds with each other and then later so sappy.

 

Masquerade A-la-Mode (4 stars) had an entertaining twist- the couple finds each other through a newspaper advertisement! Charles is a wounded former soldier, and these heroes always melt my heart. His friend makes it his duty to see him happily wed, and they get a bit creative in their methods. Clarissa and Mary are both likeable ladies, and I enjoyed their friendship. They push societal boundaries a bit by reading the ads and looking for real love stories to unfold before them. When both sets of friends meet up to discover if there is potential for romance, their own stories unfold, but not in the way they anticipated! 

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 Timeless Georgian Collection series . . .

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: An Evening at Almack's by Sally Britton, Elizabeth Johns, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE HEART'S CHOICE by Sally Britton
To keep her family from scandal, Mattie Rayment needs to marry off her flirtatious younger sister before the Season ends. Vouchers for Almack's are her best hope to secure a suitable match. When the Rayments cross paths with Oliver Bolton, the nephew of their steward, his interest in the younger sister threatens all her plans. It is up to Mattie to steer Oliver away, but before long she finds herself losing her heart to him, unsuitable match or not.

MY UNFAIR LADY by Elizabeth Johns

A lost bet. An underestimated country bumpkin. Who will win in this war of wits? Why, love, of course! Rua Postlethwaite has lived a sheltered, content life in the country until she is orphaned and forced to find work or make a hasty marriage. Her neighbors come together to try to help her have a successful Season after she receives an unexpected offer to go to London. Lord Deverell is the quintessential bored aristocrat with too much time, money, and handsomeness. When he loses a wager over a game of billiards, he finds himself doing more than dancing attendance on a nobody from Yorkshire. 

SIX WISHES by Sarah M. Eden

Felicity Bandbury has come to London with one aim in mind: give her dying sister the Season of her dreams. But it is a tall order for a young lady who knows nothing of Town or Society. She enlists the help of their neighbor and childhood friend, William Carlisle. He’s not been home in years, not since the sudden loss of his parents. Felicity’s request offers him the hope of healing from his own grief as well as a connection to home he desperately needs. Can two grieving souls find room in their hearts for love?

My Review

I love the Timeless Regency Collections! Each of the stories has a common element, but they always end up so unique from each other. I love discovering new-to-me authors and always enjoy the stories from my favorites. I felt like these three had great character development and plots that were interesting. I had known about Almack's from other books I've read in the genre, but I learned some new tidbits from this one as well! It is a perfect example of the nuances of the various levels of Society, the ton, and their rules- both known and unspoken.

I especially liked Sally Britton's story, with Oliver being drawn to one sister initially but after a deeper look, realizes who would make the better match. Their mutual admiration brings nice chemistry to their relationship, even while they are each working on an agenda that sometimes puts them at odds.

My Unfair Lady brings elements of humor as Rua enlivens a group of friends with some borderline antics as she and her friend seek to trick the men after learning she is the subject of a wager. It is an entertaining story but the characters were a bit two-dimensional.

Six Wishes by Sarah Eden brought depth with the bittersweet elements of bringing happiness to Felicity's sister and helping William overcome his long held grief for his family. The genuine friendship between Felicity and William develops into something more as they support and encourage each other through their times of emotional hardship.

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

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Elizabeth Johns, Sale & Giveaway

 

    

  

Surrender the Past 

After suffering a brutal attack at fourteen, Elinor Abbott avoided men, finding refuge in America until war sent her back to England's shores. Viscount Easton, wounded and sent home, falls for the unrefined beauty on the voyage home. Can Easton help her overcome her aversion to men? Can Elinor conquer her fears and give love a chance? 

Seasons of Change 

Cruel pranks motivated by jealousy spoil her betrothal and send Lady Beatrice Chalcroft, daughter of a Duke, into rustication at an orphanage in Scotland. Lord Vernon decides to move on and forgo love, until a chance meeting awakens his heart to Beatrice, but he isn't sure love is enough to overcome her shrewish ways. 

Seeking Redemption 

Lady Lydia Markham and Lord Nathaniel Fairmont find love in a whirlwind season, but a tragic incident caused by his wild behaviour force him to leave abruptly and join Wellington. He comes home and unexpectedly runs into Lady Lydia--but will secrets and war spell disaster for rekindling their romance? 

Shadows of Doubt

Gwendolyn Lambert's finds her life reduced to penury and homelessness after her father is killed in a duel, and her invalid mother dies. Her godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Loring, is determined to see Gwendolyn taken care of and restored to her rightful place, and schemes to bring her handsome grandson up to scratch as Gwendolyn's perfect love match. But will they be able to overcome being separated by oceans, storms, and the interference of scheming mamas? 

Second Chance 

The Dowager Duchess of Loring has a chance meeting with a flame from the past- Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno- a man who was never able to forget the woman who stole his heart. Fate gives them a second chance, but will their love be enough to keep them together forever the second time around?

 

     

  

"Johns' wonderful,well-crafted characters come alive in this engaging series...These characters are well written and lovable and will keep readers turning the pages." -LibraryJournal 

"Elizabeth Johns' books have never disappointed. From the cover to the last page, these books are amazing. The stories are all well-written, and while they can stand alone, they are even more enjoyable with every additional book in the series." -K. Simpson 

"I had a hard time putting them down! I also love that she is so talented in redeeming characters into honorable and endearing heroes. Each story stands alone but I found myself leaving each one wanting to know more. She delivers in each book. I'm hooked and will hunt down everything Elizabeth Johns writes. Bravo!" -C. Miller

    

  

 

   

Author Elizabeth Johns 

National bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen’s clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was “forced” to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.  

  

  

 

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/13/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Falling in Love Event: Author Elizabeth Johns, Sale, & Giveaway

 

   

   

Through the Fire: A Traditional Regency Romance by Elizabeth Johns 

When two people have walked through fire, can love bring the healing and help they need? Spurned by love, Lady Margaux Winslow, daughter of the Marquess of Ashbury, has no use for the other eligible gentlemen of London. Despite her beauty, her sharp tongue soon earns her a reputation as a dragon. Convincing her parents to let her retreat to their Scottish estate, a home for abandoned young women, Margaux feels she can do something meaningful with her life. At their wits' end, her parents believe a few months in seclusion will teach her to appreciate her privileged existence, and accept the next gentleman of worth who offers for her. Margaux has no plans to yield. But neither she nor her parents bargain for the proximity of the gorgeous, blue-eyed Scotsman on the neighbouring estate. Gavin Craig, content with his life as a country doctor, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of aristocratic society after the accidental deaths of his brother and nephews. With all the duties his new title entails, and his adoption of three orphans, Gavin desperately needs a wife. She should preferably a lady, trained since birth to manage a noble house, servants and family. His former disdain for a marriage of convenience has been rapidly overcome by the colossal task of learning to run a large Scottish barony. One lovely candidate is right next door … except that she's inexplicably determined to be a spinster… 

Amazon * iBooks * Kobo * Nook * Audible

 

  

 

Gavin looked at the letter in his hand in utter disbelief. His heart was tearing in two. His brother, wife, and children had been killed when their carriage had slipped down the side of a cliff.

“This canna be true.” He shook his head and fought back tears.

“I am afraid it is, my lord.”

“My lord? No. I doona wish for it. I’m a simple country doctor. I have a humble life and practice here.”

“I am terribly sorry for your loss, my lord. But you are, in fact, the eleventh Baron Craig now, and thus have some rather large holdings that are your responsibility.”

“This was not supposed to happen. Iain had three strapping young lads!”

The solicitor looked grave. “Perhaps, my lord, it would be best for you to return to Castle Craig and see for yourself.”

The solicitor was met with a blank stare from a set of startling blue eyes; a look that was common to those who had been met with grievous news, but who had not yet assimilated the ensuing change in circumstances.

“Verra well. I will join you there as soon as I have made arrangements.”

Gavin went through the motions of closing up his house and seeing his practice into the capable hands of his apprentice, a graduate of Lord Easton’s school. Of late, Gavin had taken many trips into England to the school in Sussex and had toyed with joining it as an instructor on a full-time basis, but he had never been able to cut ties with Scotland. How would he practice medicine as Lord Craig? He would have to find a way, while at the same time doing his best to carry on with his brother’s works in Parliament.

Gavin had seen more death than most, but he had not been prepared for the loss of his brother, or of Iain’s wife and children. They had been the last family he’d had left. He had never before given a thought to running the large Castle Craig estate, and hoped desperately that his brother had appointed a trustworthy steward.

His carriage was loaded with immediate necessities. His servants would send the rest of his belongings with those of his staff who wished to join him at the new residence. He had one final stop before setting off to bury his brother and begin his new life.

~*~

“What are you pondering, mon chere?” Margaux heard her mother ask.

“Very little, Maman,” she remarked, as they sat darning socks for some of the children. Her parents had remained with her, hopeful to change her mind.

“We are having a guest for dinner tonight. Someone interested in contributing to the orphans.”

“Très bien,” she said absent-mindedly. Guests were a normal occurrence with her parents.

“You should wear the emerald satin—bring some colour to your face, non?”

“If you wish, Maman.” Margaux cared little for what she wore these days.

“Allons y.” Lady Ashbury stood and directed her daughter to do the same. “I will see you at dinner.”

Lady Margaux went through the motions of dressing. Her maid arranged her hair in a manner worthy of a ball, she noticed. She had to admit she had been experiencing a mild case of the dismals. Once she established a routine here she would come out of it, she was certain. She had never been one to sulk, but she needed to find something useful to occupy her time. No, she corrected her thoughts. To make a new life.

She made her way downstairs, determined to be more cheerful. If she could only convince her parents she was happy here, then they would be satisfied she was content.

“Ah, there she is now, Lord Craig,” Lord Ashbury said as he saw her.

“Dr. Craig?” Margaux said, stunned as she met the eyes of the handsome doctor who had been enamoured of Lady Beatrice.

 

  

"Johns' wonderful, well-crafted characters come alive in this engaging series... These characters are well written and lovable and will keep readers turning the pages." ~Library Journal 

"Elizabeth Johns is now one of my top 5 authors! Her style of writing is easy to follow and keeps you hanging on." ~Lavender24 

"Great googily moogily. Scotsmen in kilts... This is a good one." ~The Doctor's Companion   

  

 

    

 

   

Author Elizabeth Johns 

National bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen’s clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was “forced” to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.  

    

Giveaway Details Ends 10/1/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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