Tag: Book Review

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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Book Review: Clandestine (House of Oak #3) by Nichole Van

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Time Travel Romance
Length: 330 pages
Author: Nichole Van
Publisher: Fiorenza Publishing
Release Date: May 26th, 2015
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Fate will draw two people together, traveling centuries if necessary. But even so, predestined lovers still have the choice to walk away . . .

In 2014, Marc Wilde–martial artist and actor–finds his life a mess. His latest film, Croc-nami, is being trashed on social media, sending his acting career into a tailspin (crocodile pun . . . nice). His dating history isn’t much better. Romantic love? Not so much. And then there is the tiny matter of blackmail. Someone knows about the time portal in the cellar of Duir Cottage and is threatening to tell the world unless Marc pays up. So yeah . . . life not going so well.

In 1814, Kit Ashton has problems of her own. Her brother has disappeared (again), leaving Kit penniless and forcing her to take up employment as a lady’s companion (sigh). Worse, there are French spies in the area, and Kit finds herself pulled into the conspiracy. Add in the sudden appearance of a wind-swept, silver-tongued rogue who makes Kit want to flirt, flirt, flirt . . . it all leaves her one misstep from disaster. Kit is determined to find her brother and return home, all while guarding her heart and (most importantly) keeping her secrets . . . well . . . secret.

This hilarious, quick-paced installment in the Amazon bestselling House of Oak series can easily be read as a stand-alone book.

HMM.

I liked this one, but it also isn’t a favorite of the series. The audiobook is great, I loved that. And I’m intrigued by the complexities of the time travel.

I did struggle with the FMC though. She was so adamant about one plot point and refused to see any other side to the story or believe the person directly telling her how they wanted to handle things.

The romance brought some good enemies to lovers swoon and lots of flirting. I liked the interactions between them and progressively enjoyed the moments they had together. I’m curious where this larger plot line will go next!

Overall audience notes:

  • Time travel romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low-moderate

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Book Review: Beautifully Broken Life (Sutter Lake #2) by Catherine Cowles

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Romantic Suspense
Length: 322 pages
Author: Catherine Cowles
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: June 25th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She’s on the run…

Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions.

He can’t escape…

Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he’s desperate to retreat and find his voice again.

Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither expected.

But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows…

And you never know when they might strike.

ADORED.

I am on a mission to work through Catherine Cowles back list and I have found myself back in Sutter Lake, and I am loving being here.

I loved the patience Liam showcased in getting to know Tessa. There were many walls to breakdown and I loved seeing them work together to get there. It was swoony and sweet and full of that slow burn passion as Tessa found a safe place to be in Liam.

Fantastic suspense as always, while this one had more of a clear indicator on where the action was going to come from but that didn’t take away from the intensity. I loved it all, and a great audiobook too!

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantic Suspense
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 3ish open door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, murder, partner abuse (primarily physical), a stalker with mental health issues

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