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: Something Borrowed by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Forsaking all others...

Gage Trembath is getting married. He is the only one who knows it, but the statement is true nonetheless. The woman he had once loved has been married elsewhere for a time, and he can put off his own marriage no longer. The woman he has chosen to marry, without love, is sensible, quiet, musical, and amenable, which should enable him to have a good marriage and a content life. That is all he wants now, and Honora Berkeley makes the most sense.

Honora cannot believe that a handsome and wealthy man like Gage has any interest at all in marrying her, even without love. She has certainly very little to recommend her, but escaping her life of criticism and abandonment is something she cannot resist. But what about the woman Gage had once loved? The one who was perfect for him and the one who made him determined to abandon love? Are his feelings for her truly gone? Will Honora ever have his affection along with his respect?

My Review

I was so happy to see these two make a match, but disappointed that Gage went into the marriage with unresolved baggage from his previous experience. This is a bit of a marriage of convenience for Honoria since it gets her away from her abusive family, but her feelings naturally grow swiftly for such a considerate gentleman. Their individual hangups provide the conflict in their relationship- Gage thinking he will never love again, and Honoria completely insecure about his affections. I was glad they had the support of their friends and family- the characters from the previous books- that helped them along their bumpy road to happily-ever-after.

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 Cornwall Brides series . . .

Review: Of Mist and Mirrors by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

To thine own side be true...

Minerva Dalton is an experienced operative among the Agents of the Convent and not easily ruffled by the nature of her work. But when the first social event of her assignment is interrupted by another operative using the same alias surname as her own, she has to make a sudden adjustment that changes the course of both missions. And that of her life.

Griffin Russell did not expect the surprise that was Minerva when he'd taken this assignment, but he was not about to argue with a woman who was stunning as well as dangerous. He takes up an unlikely partnership with her to protect them both from discovery and failure, and discovers just how skilled and accomplished an agent she truly is.

Working together, can they accomplish both missions and not kill each other in the process? Or will something far more complicated and far less expected arise from their predicament?

My Review

What a dynamic couple! Minerva and Griffin are both skilled and experienced spies for England, but this is their first time working together. I loved what they both brought to the table, and their banter was always entertaining. Griffin is a charming antagonizer, and Minerva is alternately stoic, annoyed, and sassy. Their first meeting was memorable for them both, and their attraction grows as they develop trust and respect for the true person beneath each of their facades. The layered plot kept the pace moving as Minerva and Griffin establish their position as a power couple in society, seek out traitors, and search for clues of a missing person of interest. I'm always intrigued and enthralled by this author's Regency books with suspense woven in with the romance!

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: Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

One good scandal deserves another...

Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.

Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.

Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.

And that he would do almost anything to claim it.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.

It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.

My Review

This author has the wonderful skill of writing characters that come to life with mannerisms and personality! I loved Taft and Alix together, and they way they choose to get used to each other, with open honesty and hope for the future. Their relationship becomes unexpectedly fun! All the small moments build into a strong friendship and romance as they find compromises and support each other. I think my favorite moments were when Taft realizes that he wants to be a father and Alix sees how amazing of a father he will be with her son. A perfectly delightful marriage of convenience with witty banter and lovely romance!

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 Supposed Scandal series . . .

Review: Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

London is not the only place to find love . . .

SPRING AT TRIBBLEY HALL by Sian Ann Bessey
When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William's sheep's disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

LOVE OF MY HEART by Sarah M. Eden
Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

MISS SMITH GOES TO WILTSHIRE by Rebecca Connolly
Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status, but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother's approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha's romantic sensibilities, and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great.
Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he'd already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he's more than willing to work for it.
Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.

My Review

I loved each story in this collection! From my limited understanding, the Georgian era is just before the Regency era, which is quite a popular genre in sweet romance. The authors weaved in some historical details that showed some of the differences between the eras, especially in fashion. With each novella I was drawn in quickly, enjoyed the characters and felt connected to them as they journey to the country and discover love along with the wonders that make the countryside so different than the cities. I admired the country gentlemen with their work ethic and strengths. I'm so excited for more from this new line of Timeless Georgian Collections!

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 Authors

Sian Ann Bessey

Born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales, Sian left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today bestselling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.

She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 

Sarah M. Eden

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs.

Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 

 

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than two dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place.

She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

 

 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Review: Something New by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

   

Synopsis

Harrison, Lord Basset, wants a simple, polite marriage of convenience. Nothing emotional or dramatic, nothing that will give him any cause for concern or strife. Arranging a match with the beautiful Miss Adelaide Dyer fits his needs perfectly, and all seems rather straightforward. Until he meets her.

Adelaide has no say in this marriage her father agreed to, but that does not mean she must submit quietly. Lord Basset might be strikingly handsome, but if he thinks to have a calm, biddable wife, he is mistaken. And as for living an uncomplicated married life in the wiles of Cornwall... Well, she would see about that.

When fire and ice come together, til death do they part, will either of them succumb to their growing attraction? Or will their mutual stubbornness keep the tension at bay?

My Review

What's not to love about a marriage of convenience story? Especially when Adelaide and Harrison are such opposites! They sure know how to push each other's buttons (which brought a good amount of humor to their interactions), but I appreciated that they respected each other and tried their best to communicate, in their own flawed ways. They are both a product of the society of their time, and have perceptions of marriage that come with it. What I loved the most is that they ultimately wanted a future of happiness and peace with each other, and worked towards that goal with all the bumps in the rocky road of a new marriage. I was definitely invested in their journey as I read. It was gratifying to see them both grow so much through the process and of course it was fun to have characters from the first story involved as well. I'm enjoying this series from one of my must-read authors!

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 Cornwall Brides series . . . 

Review: The Ears Have It by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

  

Synopsis

To see or not to see…

Emmeline Bartlett has a secret. By day, she is the polite, proper, sometimes teacher of writing and rhetoric at the prestigious Miss Masters Finishing School. But by night, she disguises herself as the mysterious Ears, exploring and investigating the darker sides of London, writing articles about her discoveries under a pseudonym and exposing scandals. When a handsome Spaniard crosses her path, Emmeline discovers new adventures in London by night, as well as new dangers.

Teodoro de Vickers y Mendoza isn’t sure what he is going to do with the title he inherited from his estranged English grandfather, but he’s come to England to find out. Meeting Ears on a nighttime walk isn’t part of the plan, nor is finding her intriguing, exciting, and beautiful. The further Teo gets into her world, the more he wonders about his own, and the less certain he is about everything.

Except for her.

My Review

Such a fun book! I love the way Ears and Teo meet... and meet again. Their spirits have a connection and they feel that connection passionately. They don't act on their attraction until well into the story, giving time for them to develop a foundation of trust and companionship. The idea of a secret underground network of male and female spies working such a wide variety of cases is intriguing and it's always entertaining to see how the adventure, danger, and romance weaves together. Teo's Spanish heritage adds a fresh dynamic and definitely ramps up the romantic persona of our hero. This series is connected to the author's previous series, the London League, so it was great to see some of the characters from there pop up, especially the Gent. Can't wait for the next book!

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 first book in the Agents of the Convent series . . .