Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

My Review

Slow paced with plenty of day to day life detail, this book explores Rebecca's growth as she copes with disappointment and learns to look outside herself. Ben is a tortured hero in search of respite and anonymity, but discovers an unlikely friend in Rebecca. They each have plenty of angsty moments, but my favorites were their interactions as they gradually become aware of their mutual attraction. It was frustrating for them to believe their romance is impossible, when it seems to be entirely possible if they would sacrifice for it. This story is more of a journey that follows the long healing process of their hearts, both separately and together. Readers of the first two books will be happy with plenty of characters in Rebecca's family and beyond that come together and in turn support and frustrate her during her recovery. I feel like the amount of "filler" details and scenes made my interest wane as well as the chemistry that the author had built between Rebecca and Ben. I was invested enough to read through to the end, and overall it was a pleasant diversion.

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.

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Review: The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

At thirty years of age, Susan Jennings has long been considered a spinster. Exceptionally intelligent, she has little tolerance for London and the dreaded Season—if that’s how one is expected to find love, it’s not for her. But when an invitation arrives that cannot be ignored, Susan leaves her comfortable life in the country and enters the fashion and frivolity she most despises. She quickly discovers, however, that there is more to loathe in London—and his name is George Kendall.

George, Duke of Aylesham, has learned to keep his distance from cloying females chasing the title of duchess. Susan Jennings, however, proves an entirely different challenge—a woman who has pushed him to the limit of his patience with their every encounter. But their simmering hostility is disrupted by a thoughtless slip-up: to avoid a marriage of political strategy, George claims he is already betrothed. And when pressed for the name of the lucky woman, only one name comes to mind: Susan’s. Their forced betrothal proves advantageous, but when their verbal sparring must change in order to be convincing, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred by something neither expected: love.

My Review

This book was so enjoyable and entertaining! Susan and George have horrible first impressions of each other, even though I found them to be quite similar. They don't care for society or marrying just because it is expected. When the Prince Regent gets involved however, George is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and he thoughtlessly gets Susan stuck with him. I appreciated the conversations they had that showed how much consideration Susan gave the situation and the repercussions of her choices and his, as well as the advantages to her future. The political intrigue, though light, provided another aspect to the plot and drove Susan and George closer together as they worked as a team to thwart the Prince without losing their heads. I loved the cast of characters, including Susan's protective brother and her delightful "fairy godmother" Lady Wamsley. I enjoyed the details of the era that were woven naturally in the story without being overly descriptive. Susan and George developed a strong romantic chemistry with a foundation of respect for the intelligence and capabilities of one another, and it was especially fun to see Susan solve the hidden motivations behind the Prince's "gift." 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.

Review, Sale & Giveaway: Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding’s world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth’s second failed betrothal, her father’s debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth’s fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady’s companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit’s enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

My Review

I loved the full arc of character growth in this book! We see Elizabeth in many forms- subservient yet courageous, reclusive and depressed, fragile but sassy. It was important that the author show us her behavior and struggles living under the thumb of her parents, because I loved it so much more to see her come out of her shell and with Kit's encouragement, discover and explore her true self. The list she makes of what she likes is a great touch that brought her humanity to life and shows how gratitude brings happiness and peace. Her relationship with Kit starts as an acquaintance with mutual friends, moves to a rescuer/rescuee dynamic, evolves to friendship, then naturally to romance. Kit is wonderful with Elizabeth, and while he has his own small flaws, plays a pivotal role in her newfound empowerment. Lady Walmsley, Elizabeth's benefactor, is a favorite character and I hope to be a fun and meddling person like her when I'm older! This book is a lovely and sweet romance with deeper themes that is perfect for Regency fans!

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

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Don't miss the author's previous book that shares characters from Kit and Elizabeth, The Earl's Betrothal, which is on sale for $2.99 for the e-book!

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GIVEAWAY

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Review & Giveaway: Wager for a Wife by Karen Tuft

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

William Barlow's life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William's world upside down . . .

It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.

My Review

I enjoyed this Regency romance and the characters that came to life in their unusual circumstances. I loved the premise of the plot- the difficulties that both Louisa and William are dealing with, and the relationship that slowly develops between them, despite their differences. I learned some new details about the Regency era as new plot twists surfaced. A lovely romance with emotion, angst, tension, and a wonderful ending!

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

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Review & Giveaway: The Gentleman's Deception by Karen Tuft

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis


Renowned actress Ruby Chadwick, The Darling of Drury Lane, has long planned and prepared for her final performance. With exceptional beauty comes the unwanted attention of men, and after years of fending off odious suitors, Ruby is ready to leave it all behind in favor of a quiet life. The first step is to reclaim a piece of her past: her true identity as Lavinia Fernley. But leaving town unnoticed proves impossible, and in one desperate moment, she embarks on the greatest act of her life when she throws herself into the arms of a stranger to avoid recognition.

Lucas Jennings is shocked to find the stunning redhead in his arms, but something moves him to play along with her ruse when she calls him her husband. This charade marks the start of an unpredictable journey as he escorts the lovely Lavinia and her traveling companions to Primrose Farm, far from the glaring lights of London. Soon, the tables are turned when Lucas introduces Lavinia to his family—as his fiancée. Before long, their mutual deception begins to feel all too real. But when the truth of her past is revealed, will Lavinia’s dream of a happy ending slip through her fingers?


My Review

While this is one of my favorite genres to read- Regency romance, I haven't read many with an actress as the main character, so I was intrigued to learn more about the details of that life. I found it interesting that Lavinia had to "escape" to a new life that is more respectable in order to keep men from pursuing her. I enjoyed her character and her relationship with Lucas, even though their deception provided conflict and uncertainty. The cast of supporting characters rounded out the story and it was fun to see how everything worked out in the end. Recommend to fans of Regency romance and sweet romance!

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

Follow the Blog Tour . . .

Dec. 4^th
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Review & Giveaway: The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis


Out of the war and into another, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves finds the politics of romance to be as uninviting a battle as the one that nearly cost him his life in Badajoz, Spain.

Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.

But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?


My Review

If you're in the mood for a Regency sweet romance with depth- in characters and in content, then The Earl's Betrothal is a book I recommend for you! Amelia is kind and compassionate, feeling grief not only for her own losses but the more recent losses of the family she now serves. I admired the strong foundation of faith that sustained her and helped her stand up in the face of society's disdain.

Anthony struggled with the darker aspects of war- the abuse of the citizens of Spain by his own soldiers, especially the women who suffered at their hands in the aftermath of battle. He has a soft heart for the women in his life and Amelia's presence in the family allows her to slip right under his defenses and offer what he needed most- acceptance.

I particularly enjoyed Anthony's friend Lucas, who shared wartime experiences with him and was in the unique position of providing support simply by knowing what he had been through and encouraging him to work toward forgiving himself.

The story doesn't follow a typical timeline for the developing relationship which was a bit refreshing, and kept me on my toes to see what twists would keep the plot moving forward. There are pleasing details of some fashion and dresses, balls and society gatherings, but it never distracted from the drama- instead the author used them as opportunities to develop and show the personalities of her cast.

Without revealing any spoilers, one particular twist in the story seemed out of place and incongruous with the rest of the book, adding a level of melodrama I didn't think was necessary.

Overall, the exchanges between Amelia and Anthony as they seek to protect each other are the best parts that stand out and had me reading swiftly to reach their next interaction :)

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

May 9th
Literary Time Out
Wishful Endings
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LDS Writer Mom

May 10th

Singing Librarian Books

Bookworm Lisa

Getting Your Read On

Rockin' Book Reviews

May 11th

Bonnie Gets a Say

Heidi Reads...

Mel's Shelves

May 12th

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LDS and Lovin' It

A Transparent Mom

May 13th

Books Are Sanity

Seeking With All Yur Heart

The Things I Love Most

Kindle and Me

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Review & Giveaway! Trouble in Paradise by Karen Tuft

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Andy Kendrick has always dreamed of bigger things than tiny Eagle Bluff, Arizona. So when the opportunity arises to shake off the dust of his hometown and move to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, he grabs it. But he never imagined that apiece of his past would follow him to his new life . . . Kimberly Briggs has lived her life on the fringes of the crowd, timid and afraid since the death of her brother, but when she learns that Andy, her lifelong crush, is moving to Hawaii, she's finally ready to step out of the shadows and take a risk.

Kimberly is the last person Andy expected or wanted to see in Hawaii. But when fate incessantly throws the pair together, there's little to be done but make the best of the situation. As the awkwardness fades and Kimberly begins to emerge from her shell, Andy realizes there's much more to her than he realized. But even as they revel in the adventures of island life, drawn together by a growing attraction, an unforeseen peril threatens Kimberly's life.

Can the once-timid young woman now draw upon the inner strength Andy has helped her discover so the two of them can build a life together? Will Andy grasp that love knows no geographical bounds?

My Review

First off I just have to say that I was glad to discover when reading the book that Kim does not follow Andy to Hawaii like it says in the synopsis... she moved there first in fact! It relieved my mind to know that she wasn't that stalker-obsessed with him and their meeting again really was a true coincidence. I totally identified with Kim's unrequited crush from elementary and high school- there's something about confident and charismatic boys that shy girls really admire and fall for.

Kim and Andy both have great character arcs and help each other to stretch and become better. Kim has already started the process of living outside her tiny comfort zone and breaking out of the shell of fear and overprotective parents. Andy is a typical guy- I struggled a bit with liking him in the beginning since his inner thoughts make him seem shallow and insensitive, but I eventually appreciated the realistic perspective. Kim inadvertently helps him to recognize and overcome his selfishness as he learns to get over himself and the sibling rivalry that motivates him and appreciate her for who she really is. Once he realizes how great Kim is their friendship finally blossoms and the sweet moments they share propel their relationship into something more... which brings a whole new level of drama :)

As an art major I loved that Kim was an artist and one of the ways she took risks was through her artwork. The Hawaiian setting was awesome- the author did a fabulous job painting a picture of the environment, culture, and community. The bit of mystery and action spiced up the plot and created a nail-biting climax. Since the characters are Mormon there are some occasional references specific to the religion but I think any Christian would enjoy this book.

(Thank you to Covenant communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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