[Review] Daring And The Duke, by Sarah MacLean

Title Daring And The Duke
Series: The Bareknuckle Bastards #3
Author: Sarah MacLean
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 384
Publication date: June 30th 2020

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the much-anticipated final book in her Bareknuckle Bastards series, featuring a scoundrel duke and the powerful woman who brings him to his knees.

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London’s darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns.

Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back…and make her his duchess.

Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether—something she can’t resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed…and the heart she swore he'd never steal again.

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

I can't express how happy I am to have received this book, and just before my birthday. What a wonderful gift.

If you've read any of Sarah MacLean's books, you know she's great at turning a villain around. And this book is testament to that. Although I'll say, I liked Ewan from the first book, even though I didn't like what he did.

The Bareknuckle Bastards series follows the life of four siblings. Three boys (Devil, Whit, and Ewan) born of the same man, but different women, and a girl with no blood connection to either of them, but family nonetheless. Devil and Whit's stories are the previous books in the series, and this one is the story of the girl. The girl whose name was given by Ewan, the fourth boy. Because she didn't even have that.

Grace loved Devil and Whit as brothers, but with Ewan it was always different. And that's why it hurt so much when Ewan behaved in a way that made the Bareknuckle Bastards run away from him, scared and feeling as betrayed as possible. Their pain prevented them from seeing what was really happening.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in just a few hours. Sarah MacLean's writing is so compelling, and so sexy! Her characters come to life before your eyes and just amaze you with their behaviours and actions.

Grace is this strong, independent woman. A queen in her turf. Covent Garden was her home, even though she was not born there. She knew it from Ewan's stories, and when the time came, Grace, Devil, and Whit all ran to it. And when Ewan could, the first thing he did was chase Grace and track her down. No, not chase. Search for her. And his heart and mind couldn't take it when his brothers told him she was dead. Because he knew he could feel her. And when he started to believe them, nothing could stand in his path to destruction for they had let the woman he loved die. Which is something Whit and Devil ended up admitting they would have probably done, if their loved ones had died in the same way.

I loved the heart to heart talks between Grace and Ewan, and how their trust starts to rebuild, and how Ewan realizes it has to be Grace's choice. It could not be in any different way.

The one thing I missed in the book was a reunion of the brothers at the end. Ewan told Grace what happened, but I would have liked a talk between the brothers. Devil and Whit learn the truth just as Grace, but if only we had a scene with the brothers being closer, or at least that open door...

The way Ewan suffered broke my heart. And I have to admit I shed a tear or two when Ewan made his confession of what his dreams were: "“You, and me, here [Covent Garden]. With a collection of flame-haired babes.” She closed her eyes. “My brothers. Their children. A family.”".

I am usually not a fan of second-chance romances, but this one... it's golden!

In short, read this book. You won't regret it, and you'll love the Bareknuckle Bastards.

[Review] First Comes Scandal, by Julia Quinn

Title First Comes Scandal
Series: Rokesbys #4
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 384
Publication date: April 21st 2020

Synopsis:

She was given two choices...

Georgiana Bridgerton isn't against the idea of marriage. She'd just thought she'd have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she's abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he's close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time—or interest—to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton—his literal girl-next-door—is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she'd say no. Georgie doesn't want to be anyone's sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends... or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship, they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love...

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

Julia Quinn is one of my favourite authors, and I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was when I saw that I had been given the opportunity to read the last book in the Rokesby series, the Bridgerton prequel.

This is the story of Nicholas and Georgiana (Georgie). I like marriage of convenience stories, and I thought I would really enjoy this one, pretty much until I got to 98% of the book. Because that’s when I realized I had been waiting for the plot to move, for the twist, the drama, something. And there was none of it. I even went to check if this was a novella or something of such, because I couldn’t believe so little had happened and the book was now over. I’m pretty sure my flatmates think I’m slightly crazy as I was rambling around the house talking to myself about how this didn’t make sense, and I was confused, and not happy.

First things first. It has lots of banter, it’s a funny book, and has great Easter eggs. I mean… young Anthony and Benedict, and always hungry baby Colin. How adorable is that? I loved the glimpse into Edward and Violet’s wedding bliss, but it wasn’t enough to make me forget that in truth… there really isn’t a proper, full, complete plot in this book. And it breaks my heart to say this, as I love, love, love Julia Quinn’s books. But this one… it almost felt like she didn’t have much to give us, and so this is what was available…?

It probably isn’t as bad as you might be thinking, reading this. I loved getting to know Nicholas, a med student, and Georgie, a young lady who has a very clever mind, who just wants to learn everything related to Medicine. And cats, I loved the cats, but they disappeared after the carriage ride from Kent to Edinburgh. What happened to Cat-head, and Judith, and Blanche? Did Cat-Head ever warm up to Nicholas, and vice-versa?

We have a virgin hero and a virgin heroine in this book, and it’s adorable, and sexy, and romantic, to see them grow together as a married couple. But… that’s just it. There was no conflict. Maybe the beginning of the book was supposed to be the conflict? With Nicholas and Georgie being slightly reluctant to marry one another? But that was fixed from day to night, literally. And then… that was it.

I actually enjoyed the book, I just feel that it wasn’t complete. So… I’m giving it 3.5* but plot wise (and I can’t believe I’m saying this)… It probably wouldn’t reach a 3*.

Still funny, and romantic, but definitely not as good as the previous books.

[Review] Heiress for Hire, by Madeline Hunter

Title Heiress for Hire
Series: Duke's Heiress #1
Author: Madeline Hunter
Publisher: Zebra Books
Number of pages: 304
Publication date: April 28th 2020

Synopsis:

In this stunning series debut from New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter, a duke's mysterious bequest brings fortune—and passion—to three young women...

Minerva Hepplewhite has learned the hard way how to take care of herself. When an intruder breaks into her home, she doesn't swoon or simper. Instead, she wallops the rogue over the head and ties him up—only to realize he is Chase Radnor, the man who nearly got her convicted of her late husband's murder. Now, he's insisting that Minerva has inherited a fortune from his uncle, a wealthy Duke. Only one thing could surprise her more: her sudden attraction to this exasperating man...

Chase can't decide whether Minerva is a wronged woman or a femme fatale. Either way, he's intrigued. Since the scandal surrounding her husband's death, she has set up a discreet detective business to rival Chase's own. She may be the perfect person to help him uncover the truth about his uncle's demise. But as proximity gives way to mutual seduction, Chase realizes he craves a much deeper alliance...

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

I’ve been a fan of Madeline Hunter’s books for a long time, even if her most recent ones haven’t always had the charm of her earlier books. But this one… it was a book that got out of a reading slump!

I really liked the premise of the book, a duke dies, and three unknown women get almost all of his inheritance. Why? That’s what the whole family is thinking. And Chase Radnor, pretty much the only one who knew he wasn’t getting any money – let’s face it, he didn’t need it – wants to know what happened to his uncle, because his death was not an accident in his mind. And, of course, we understand very quickly that he was right. So, was it one of the women? Was it a family member? A business partner? A member of the household? A complete stranger? These are the questions that go with us as we read the book, and follow the inquiries of both Chase Radnor and one of the mysterious women, Minerva Hepplewhite.

When Chase finds her, he knows there’s something she’s hiding. Is it that she’s killed the duke? He doesn’t think so. Even if his intuition had disappointed him once, he believed he was right.

Minerva has survived her fair share of problems, and she is immensely grateful to Beth and Jeremy, her friends and former employers in her household. When this mysterious inheritance appears, she’s afraid it might disturb their recent peace. And she’s found she’s good at conducting discreet inquiries – very much like Chase. And she wonders: why would someone she’s never met give such a large amount of money?

And this is how Minerva and Chase get involved. I really liked their relationship, how it evolved, with a slow-burn, and more than just a physical thing, they admired each other’s minds, and worked so well together.

I loved the mystery, and following along with our main couple, learning what they learned and seeing their love and steaminess grow.

I also enjoyed seeing how Minerva got through her own fears and past experiences to enjoy her new life, and fall in love again.

It was a great story, filled with romance, and mystery. I can’t wait to find out more about the other heiresses.

[Review] Never Kiss A Duke, by Megan Frampton

Title: Never Kiss a Duke
Series: Hazards of Dukes #1
Author: Megan Frampton
Publisher: Avon
Number of pages: 384
Publication date: January 28th 2020

Synopsis:

A disinherited duke and a former lady are courting much more than business in the first novel in Megan Frampton's newest titillating series, Hazards of Dukes.

Everything he had ever known was a lie…

Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.

Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to take

Two years ago, Ivy gambled everything that was precious to her—and won. Now the owner of London's most intriguing gambling house, Ivy is competent, assured, and measured. Until she meets Mr. de Silva, who stirs feelings she didn't realize she had. Can she keep her composure around her newest employee?

They vow to keep their partnership strictly business, but just one kiss makes them realize that with each passing day—and night—it becomes clear to them both that there's nothing as tempting as what is forbidden…

Review:

I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.

First of all, don’t do like me. I read two historical romances all about gambling places/casinos in a row, and it did not help.

I believe this was my first book by Megan Frampton, but having heard good things, I expected a great book. And I almost got. Almost.

This book is… soft. Not in an “oh no, there’s no sexy times” way (on the contrary), but it just didn’t deliver.

I cared more about the side characters, than the main ones.

Ivy had a great premise, a lady who had a gambling house, who wagered to save herself and her sister, she seemed like she had all that was required for a great character. And that is true for the first half of the book. After that her character just changed in a way that didn’t make sense to me. Yes, we can be confident and still have times when we have self-doubt, and our self-love isn’t as high as it normally is, but is just felt like she Ivy was a completely different person.

For our former duke, Sebastian de Silva, everything seemed to simple. He lost all he had ever known, yet, he gets a job immediately and that pretty much makes the story flow in a way that does not allow him to discover himself, and when at the end he decides to actually do that we get, what? Two pages where nothing happens even if he spent two months thinking and getting to actually know himself and his feelings? It lacked depth.

Ana Maria (Sebastian’s sister), Nash (Sebastian’s best friend), and Octavia (Ivy’s sister) seemed way more interesting than our hero and heroine.

The writing was good, it just wasn’t compelling to me. But I am curious about the next couple in the series so, I might have better luck with the next book.

[Review] Someone to Wed, by Mary Balogh

Title: Someone to Wed
Series: Westcott #3
Author: Mary Balogh
Publisher: Berkley
Number of pages: 361
Publication date: November 7th 2017

Synopsis:

When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life...

A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past...

Review:


Mary Balogh is one of my all-time favourite authors. Her books are always feel-good books, they make me happy. And this one was no exception.

I have to say, even if I do love a good rake/rogue book, I miss the beta heroes so much. And Alexander Westcott is a beta hero. And it made me so happy.

He’s a practical man, who had a title and property dropped on his lap without any warning – and property/land that desperately needs money. And Alex is a good man, so he will do whatever it takes to bring it back to its glory, even if that means marrying for money.

This is where Wren comes in. I really liked her character. She’s so lonely, and all she wants is a family, but she believed almost all of her life that she would not be able to have anyone love her – don’t we just love an “unlovable” trope?

Wren is rich, young, and when she discovers Alex’s predicament, she invites him over for tea – actually for a marriage proposal, but surely that can be discussed at tea time?

I felt so much for Wren. Her life had been defined by what she covered with her veil, and as we follow her in this journey, taking baby steps to meet more people, to connect, we see and feel her pain, and her growth. And Alex is right by her side, supporting her, cheering for her, calling her out when needed, without ever being a brute.

Before getting this title, Alex dreamed of respect, family, and hopefully love, and in the beginning he’s not sure he can have that with Wren. It’s a pleasure to see his relationship with Wren grow, and when things don’t work and he’s confronted with other possibilities, Wren is his choice. And they both learn how to love each other, and love their lives, on their own, and together.

As always, a pleasure to read.