Book Review: Sensibly Wed (Bradwell Brothers #1) by Kasey Stockton

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 344 pages
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 29th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When Felicity Thurston is caught alone with a man at a ball, she must marry him to avoid a ruined reputation. What she doesn’t know—he’s the brother of the man she loves.

I, Felicity Thurston, suffer from an incurable case of nerves. They attack with great zeal when I find myself the center of attention, regardless of whether or not I have taken measures to subdue them, and they have often made social gatherings unbearable. So when I met a man last summer who connected with me on a deeper level, I was certain at once that he could be the one. Henry Bradwell was both easy to converse with and an avid reader, and I spent the last eight months determining how I might contrive to further our acquaintance.

So when I snuck out of the ballroom during a veritable squeeze and found myself alone with a gentleman, it was my desire to vacate the room before we were discovered. Fate had other plans. Leading gossips of the ton discovered us in what appeared to be an intimate embrace, and to save both of our families’ good names, we opted to marry.

It was only after agreeing to the wedding that I discovered my husband-to-be was not only a Bradwell man, but a brother to the man I love. And there is nothing I can do about it now.

I LOVED THIS.

Which took me by surprise. I hadn’t intended on picking it up but the audio was out and my friend loved the anxiety rep in it so here we are!

I also loved the anxiety rep. It read true to how my anxiety tends to present itself and I liked that Felicity learns what best helps or hinders her and how to overcome things she truly wants to do. And I looove arranged marriages like this. It was super sweet. James was incredibly kind and loving from the get-go. I honestly loved that this didn’t have an enemies vibe, but a let’s make the best of this situation vibe. It worked perfectly and had me head over heels for the connection between these two.

My one little tidbit was that I wanted less Henry & Mother-in-law drama. Pieces were fine but it got to be a bit much towards the end.

I just really enjoyed listening to how James and Felicity found a way to make things work. Finding activities they both loved doing together. Trying activities the other found enjoyable and all of the one bed (still clean!!) moments were heart melting. I love whispered conversations in the dark and give me all of the comfort moments. Fantastic audiobook, great read, definitely going to get my hands on the next one.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: depictions of anxiety and anxiety attacks

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ARC Book Review: Where You Belong (The Abandoned Brothers #2) by Stacy Williams

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Sports Romance
Length: 463 pages
Author: Stacy Williams
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 26th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

What if you’re lost? What will it take to find your way back?

Andie has been hiding, wanting to stay in the past rather than face the uncertainty of the future. When the force of a lie pulls her out of the darkness and into the light – the spotlight she’s avoided – she has to decide if she’ll stand and fight or run for cover.

With each step, she has a choice to make. She can continue to watch life go on around her or see what might be waiting on the other side. Will fear keep her from moving on, or can she find the courage to take the leap?

Sean thought he had it all. That is…until he realized it was only surface-deep. He let himself get caught up in fame, fortune, and the life that comes with it. But when his superficial world blows up in his face, the face of the man he let himself become, he has a battle on his hands.

When the professional footballer’s career is left hanging in the balance along with a life of his own, Sean has to decide if the risk of losing all he’s worked for is worth it to get back to the man he wants to be – the man he used to be.

Where You Belong is a touching love story that reminds us that even when we don’t expect it…love shows up.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

I LOVE SLOW BURN.

Slow burn romances just hit different y’all. The tension and angst was pulled out beautifully and I was chomping at the bit waiting for them to finally kiss.

This was a beautiful love story with a lot of nuanced pieces that made of these two characters. I adored both Sean and Andie. The banter was fun and sassy, but then you can slowly see the breakdown of walls and allowing the other person to see a deeper side of you. There’s many complex situations happening in both of their lives and I love how they learned to do life together.

I do think this one felt a little more repetitive in inner dialogue, if that was scaled back the pacing would have been a little better. That’s my only iffy thing though. I love the way Stacy Williams creates a story. These are slightly heavier romances with the right amount of lightness and humor to show that hope and happiness is coming.

I absolutely loved all of the football and music content. There were some good things woven throughout and one of the cutest little characters around. Another great book in this series and I look forward to the next!

Overall audience notes:

  • Sports Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, poor mother/daughter relationship, loss of a spouse (recounted)

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ARC Book Review: Champion of Sorrows (Thief of Sorrows #2) by Kristen M. Long

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 530 pages
Author: Kristen M. Long
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 27th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

After narrowly escaping their brief touch with death at Briarhole, Isolde Cotheran, the Hood of Arnoria, and her cadre, set their sights on retrieving what was stolen. With those she loves bound in chains destined for the mines of Elenarta, Isolde is left with only one path forward. Retribution.

When a royal summons is sent to Thornwood, demanding their attendance at the Tournament of the Guard, Isolde has her way in. An open door into the wolves den, into Elenarta. Once deemed the crowning jewel of Arnoria, the capital is now ruled with a fist of steel and ice. Erebus Tenebriath, the murderous king who sits on a stolen throne, gives Isolde an ultimatum she can’t escape. One that leaves them all not only at the mercy of Erebus, but also his Right Hand, Gage.

Dwelling in the ornate halls of a palace beneath the Oronilma Mountains, Isolde, Malaki, Blyana, and Cillian will face trials, heartbreaks, and nightmares they never dreamed possible. One decision, made out of love, will lead them all down a path of no return. A path lined with secrets, power, and betrayal. Alliances will be tested, ghosts will return from the ashy grave, and sides will be chosen. And as the veil of the past is lifted, Isolde will be faced with a fate she can no longer run from. A truth she must face head on…or burn in its light.

Thank you to the author for an ARC.

STARTED WELL.

I’ve been excited to see where this story continues and I thought it started off really well. I was intrigued by the premise for this sequel. I also adore books with multi-POV and I loved that aspect here too.

One of the things I struggled with were the antagonists. I still don’t feel like I have a reason for them being evil. It’s just, they are. And I want a little more background to truly feel angry about what they’re doing.

The competition in here had some high moments, but I’m also wondering why it was a part of the plot? I think this ties back in to my antagonist issues though.

My interest has been peaked about the direction of the romance (which, FYI, this is much more fantasy than romance. Romance takes a small sub-plot here.). I think seeing more development here will help the connection with characters.

A solid good cliff hanger type ending that does make me want to know what happens next. I do love the found family aspects of this group and how much they love and look after each other.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy
  • Language: low
  • Romance: 3 very brief, low explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: blood/gore depiction, assault, near death experiences, torture, loss of life

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (The Unselected Journals #1) by Beth Brower

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 121 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Rhysdon Press
Release Date: November 1st, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

I AM INTRIGUED.

At the behest of many friends I finally picked this one up! It’s biggest hurdle is the unique writing style, but once I got the hang of it, I adored this y’all.

Emma is FUNNY. I laughed out loud multiple times and the succinct way she expresses herself is perfectly written. This is a very fast paced book (120ish pages) and offers up a lot of good beginning things to further the story as the journals go along.

I really look forward to seeing more romance, how Emma is able to take control of her situation and more. Regency fans, don’t skip this one if you’re looking for something to mix it up with.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency/Historical
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: none
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph