My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis
A MOST PRIVATE BATTLE
Since
Beatrice Thornton was thirteen years old she's been living with a secret that
could ruin her family forever. Her parents are the only ones who know,
and now, seven years later, they are forced to put on a sham for
Beatrice's late first Season. The plan, make Beatrice as mousy and
ill-clothed as possible so no suitor would consider her. Then they can
all escape back to their country home in Dorset to keep the terrible
secret safe. But the unthinkable happens... Beatrice meets a man who
gives her hope of a normal life, and Beatrice dares to love with
horrible consequences.
Captain Henry Gracechurch has resigned his
commission after living through the horrors and waste of war. Recently
returned from Spain, he is cajoled by his formidable godmother to make
an appearance at one of her famous balls. When he sees a young woman
abandoned on the dance floor, honour commands him to save the day.
Nothing could have prepared him for meeting the person who is a balm to
his soul and gives wings to his heart. But winning Beatrice Thornton
will take every ounce of courage he has, and this is a war he will win,
no matter the cost.
My Review
Such an interesting and unique spin on Regency, to add a dash of fantasy/paranormal while still keeping the world very much grounded in reality. I loved the premise, the complex characters, and the riveting plot. Beatrice and Henry are absolutely perfect together, and he overlooks her unfortunate wardrobe for her wonderful personality. They have great chemistry and I thoroughly enjoyed their scenes together. It was fun to see her overthrow her mother's rules and her own inhibitions and embrace life to the fullest with the help of her friends. There are some angsty parts where Beatrice waffles back and forth between accepting or rejecting Henry that got on my nerves, but fortunately the plot veers in another more suspenseful direction and kept my interest for the climax and satisfying resolution. So glad to have discovered an exciting new 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.
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Synopsis
AN UNACCEPTABLE PROXIMITY
For
as long as she can remember, Margaret Summers has been in love with
Nicholas Ainsley, but her “gift” has shown her that he does not
reciprocate her affections, and he leaves for six long years. Her
sister’s scandal places Meg under a cloud of suspicion, and she resigns
herself to being the outcast, the unacceptable girl. Isolated and
vilified, Meg is content to live in the country with her grandfather.
When her sister is widowed young, she returns home and sets in motion
unthinkable plans, forcing Meg to break the silence of the family’s
unusual abilities to keep Nick safe from a fate she cannot allow. Little
does Meg know, she’s had the wrong of it for these many years, and Nick
has his work cut out for him to prove the truth of his heart.
My Review
This story is intense! I was filled with anxiety as Meg's sister Isabel overshadows her and the villainy in Isabel's heart is obvious to the reader but less known to the characters. Meg is trying to make the best of her situation but suffers one heartbreak after another. I loved her and Nick together and the bond they shared from their experiences and shenanigans together as youth. So many complex layers are peeled back as they grow closer, yet held back by Meg and Isabel's powers. Great romantic tension throughout the whole book! Unlike the first book which was set in London, this one takes place in the country, and I loved the setting and thought it worked so well for the story, giving it a strong foundation of a real historical era. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect as Meg learns to explore the nuances and depth of her gift- hearing the thoughts of those she touches. An exciting climax led to a wonderfully satisfying resolution. Loved it!
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.
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
Synopsis
THE MAGIC OF LOVE
Penny
Thornton loved her magic with all her heart. After being burned in a
barn fire while trying to save people and creatures, she despaired she’d
never feel magic again.
When her fingers brush a letter from
Scotland addressed to a neighbor, Penny’s heart soars. There’s magic in
that letter, and she’s certain the source of the magic is its author or
his location.
Defying convention and general good sense, which
does not recommend a high-born young lady travel alone, she constructs a
tangled ruse to deceive her family, and takes off to the wilds of
Scotland.
What awaits her are challenges she never bargained for.
But in navigating the obstacles and hurdles she encounters, she finds a
man with a heart of gold, and a family in need of the magic of her
love.
My Review
The previous two books by the author must be read first to fully appreciate this one, since it builds on aspects from both of them. Penny is the little sister of Beatrice from the first book, Her Caprice, and in Scotland she befriends an important character from The Telling Touch. I loved the unexpected nature of Penny and her decisions. She feels deeply, and has a compassionate nature, if not always patient ;) She finds herself with her hands full teaching children who have learned the hard way not to trust governesses. Her charade leads her through frustrating experiences to discover more about magic and herself, and it was fascinating to see where it led. I loved Malcolm and his dedication to his family, land and tenants. He has suffered loss but is moving forward. Penny helps him and his children embrace life and find happiness and encouragement. Malcolm and Penny have an unexpectedly fun rapport and it was delightful to read their interactions. Once again location plays a huge role in the story and the remoteness of Scotland brought its own sense of wildness and possibility. Penny's search for magic, her deception, and a danger in disguise weave together and lead to a final conclusion that made me admire the creativity of the author in building this world. 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.
About the Author
Keira Dominguez graduated from BYU with a B.A. in Humanities and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and five children.
For
many years, she co-authored The Uncrushable Jersey Dress, a blog and
Facebook page dedicated to mid-century Mills & Boon legend, Betty
Neels. Cultivating this corner of fandom confirmed the suspicion that
people who like sweet romances are as smart, funny and interesting as
readers of any other genre.
When
Keira is not busy avoiding volunteerism at her kids’ schools like it is
the literal plague, she enjoys being seized by sudden enthusiasms.
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