Tag: Book blog

Book Review: A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon #3) by Mimi Matthews

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 352 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: October 22nd, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She Needed a Husband…

It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

He Wanted a Fortune…

Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.

From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?

SWOON.

My Mimi Matthews back list quest continues! I loved this one. The romance was utterly swoony and had me in a chokehold with the angst. I liked the way it was set up and how explosive the chemistry was between Alex and Laura. There were fantastic character arcs and I loved seeing Alex come to terms with his past. The epilogue brought about all of the happy feelings because I loved seeing where this journey took him.

I adored Laura and her ability to say what she means and to pursue her goals. I loved how she kept pushing forward even when the next thing kept falling apart. There were so many beautifully sweet sentiments between Laura and Alex that I was left in a puddle again and again.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: low

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ARC Book Review: Roots of Darkness (The Ashen #2.5) by Demi Winters

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance Novella
Length: 178 pages
Author: Demi Winters
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 10th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla’s troubles.

The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istré—beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla ‘Rib Smasher’ is determined they’ll complete their job all the defeat the evil mist with a heartbeat and keep the citizens of Istré safe. What she didn’t expect is for Istré’s bull-headed chieftain to block her every move.

Exasperated, Hekla throws caution to the wind for a single passion-filled night. But to her horror, the mysterious, red-cloaked warrior to whom she’d spilled her deepest secrets, is the Bloodaxe Crew’s new temporary leader and ally—Eyvind Hakonsson.

Hekla must now learn to play by Eyvind’s rules while guarding her heart. But when it becomes clear that his plans align with the chieftain’s, Hekla takes matters into her own hands.

Nothing will stop her from keeping the innocent people of Istré safe—not even the man who haunts her thoughts.

Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istré—and perhaps all of Íseldur. This Ashen Series novella should be read after Kingdom of Claw.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam and the author for a gifted copy.

SUCH A GOOD STORY.

This was a novella I didn’t know I needed. I loved getting this deeper glimpse into Hekla and the way this excited me for book three. Hekla is a fierce FMC who has walked a hard road and I think getting her back story made me fall in love with her more. It made her character feel layered and complex and I hope we get to see more of her POV.

The romance was heated and a good example of making a one night stand trope work well for a short story. I am highly invested in these two and them finding a way to work together as the mist starts closing in. This is one of my favorite active fantasy romance series and I beg of you to pick it up.

Note this is a companion novella and must be read after book two!!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance Novella
  • Language: molderate
  • Romance: 3ish open door scenes
  • Violence: moderate – high
  • Content warnings: spousal abuse (recounted), ableism

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Book Review: An Improper Scheme (Improper Agreements #3) by Audra Wells

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 292 pages
Author: Audra Wells
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: October 10th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sleep—something Henry longs for yet cannot seem to attain. It had never been the case before, but since his younger sister Louisa has been out in society, he is plagued by dreams of failure. And to top it all off, an old acquaintance has asked for his assistance in watching out for another young lady during her first season. He should say no. But his good nature will not allow it.

Violet dreams of lords and balls, and is all that is innocent and naive. Soon after arriving in town, she finds out her brother-in-law has arranged for another man to keep an eye on her. In a moment of boldness, she turns the tables and asks for a favor of her own. But when she sees how much Lord Wood does for others, and not for himself, she decides to help him instead. Only, he does not know of her secret scheme, and would likely not approve of her methods if he did.

But what happens when they gain feelings for the one they are supposed to be helping?

An Improper Scheme is a clean Regency romance and the third in Audra Wells’ Improper Agreements series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it best enjoyed in order.

CHARMING.

This was another fun read in the Improper series. I adore Audra Wells writing style and I’m happy that I finally decided to pick them up. I love that they are shorter, lighter reads that bring plenty of swoon and heart. I loved Henry and Violet. They had a great opposites attract vibe and lots of good forced proximity moments.

I enjoyed the plot. I didn’t looove the shenanigans Violet and Louisa got up to, but that’s okay. I liked the growth from Henry and Violet and that they both got resolutions to things they were working through.

A cute read and I’m looking forward to the next book!

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low

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ALC Book Review: A Far Better Thing by H.G. Parry

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fantasy
Length: 416 pages
Author: H.G. Parry
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: June 17th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

H. G. Parry’s A Far Better Thing is a standalone, portal fantasy where Jonathan Strange & Mr. NorrelI meets A Tale of Two Cities in a heart-rending fantasy of faery revenge set during the French Revolution.
I feared this was the best of times; I hoped it could not get any worse.

The fairies stole Sydney Carton as a child, and made him a mortal servant of the Faerie Realm. Now, he has a rare opportunity for revenge against the fae and Charles Darnay, the changeling left in his stead.

It will take magic and cunning—cold iron and Realm silver—to hide his intentions from humans and fae and bring his plans to fruition.

Shuttling between London and Paris during the Reign of Terror, generations of violence-begetting-violence lead him to a heartbreaking choice in the shadow of the guillotine.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

THIS WAS GOOD!

After enjoying H.G. Parry’s previous book I knew I wanted to read this book. NOW I haven’t read A Tale of Two Cities so I can’t speak to the retelling aspect of this one but apparently that book would hurt me because A Far Better Thing HURT ME.

I loved all of the magic and fae and how it was woven into this historical time period. The writing is still solid and lyrical without being overdone. I fell in love with the MMC and honestly wasn’t bugged that this was a no romance book. It doesn’t need it. There’s many meaningful and important relationships throughout that make this story feel well rounded. This was dark and emotional and full of sacrifice. It’s a story that will stick with you.

Also, I loved the audiobook narrator!! Highly recommend.

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