Tag: historical romance

Book Review: Roaring by Lindsey Duga

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical + Urban Fantasy Romance
Length: 390 pages
Author: Lindsey Duga
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: July 24th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation-one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.

For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren’s voice. But he’s never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.

Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.

And it is. Because nothing about this siren-her past, her powers, or her purpose-is what it seems…

ADORED.

I technically would give this four stars, BUT GOSH DANG I enjoyed the heck out of this read y’all. I did. It was exactly what I needed to pull me out of a few books I didn’t love as much. I beg of y’all to give this a chance, it deserves it.

Why four stars? Part of the plot felt repetitive in nature. Go over here, get captured, be rescued, move on. That was the base of the story, BUT, there’s also enough else happening that I overlooked it. Once again, for pure enjoyment purposes.

Monsters and mobsters?? Oh so clever a setting. I loved the 1920’s speakeasy vibes and the clothes, the perfectly used pet names (doll? SWOON) and more. Undercover agents turned monsters?! All the urban fantasy things I struggle with absolutely captivated me here.

And the romance was sweet. It was a slow burn that grew on me. I liked how Colt had a lot of personal growth, trying to move past childhood trauma. Eris was easy to love and intensely compassionate. Both are characters to cheer for as they attempt to escape their forced upon fate.

Intense action, swoony kisses, all the monsters.

Read it.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical + Urban Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: make-outs
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: medical experimentation on children, loss of life, explosions, torture, kidnapping, gun violence

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ARC Book Review: Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories #3) by Mimi Matthews

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 285 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

ABSOLUTELY CHARMING.

I love that this book combined the best of both world’s from the previous books!! (You don’t HAVE to read them first, but highly recommend because it brought about even more feels). I loved seeing the previous couples and how things are fairing now.

But onto the main couple here, Charles and Kate!! I LOVED THEM. I love that Kate was the initial pursuer. I didn’t know how I’d feel about this switch up and I thought the execution was great. It was riveting to see her take those initial steps to show Charles she’s interested and also allowing him to do the same for her. There was a sweet balance and give and take between them. Not to mention all of those little moments that really start to add up and having me chanting KISS HER as the slow burn takes hold. And I’m sorry, SWEETHEART? Melt my soul. Oh my gosh, I love well placed endearments. Flawless.

I enjoyed the larger plot too. I like that Mimi Matthew’s books often have a dash of suspense to them that adds a great edge to the third act. It’s written so well that it feels natural to the story and has you flipping pages even faster to get to the conclusion.

No lie, I have turned completely into a Mimi Matthews fan girl and I am loving this journey for me. READ HER BOOKS.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: small dog bite, gun violence

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Book Review: The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank #2) by Esther Hatch

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 320 pages
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: December 30th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him dressed in women’s clothing, he has finally had enough. He cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away–and fortunately, his solicitor knows just the place…

Catherine Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again–even if it is only for a little while.

But the last thing Catherine expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s business while he is away. But Catherine insists that’s what she’s been asked to do. The quiet retreat is what they both need, but who will get to stay?

Not Samson, because he has never gotten the better of a woman, not since… well, not since Catherine let him kiss her years ago…

Come to think of it, perhaps it is time for Samson to win after all.

CINNAMON ROLL SWEETNESS.

I think it’s been a minute since I’ve noticeably read a more cinnamon roll/beta hero and I HAVE MISSED THIS. Samson was the absolute sweetest and just wanted a moment for himself but that turns into a wonderful second chance / childhood friends romance.

The cottage setting brought about the perfect dose of forced proximity (my favorite). I do think it slowed down a little in the middle with continuous talks of learning plays and such, but that’s my only minor complaint.

I looove the way Esther Hatch writes her characters. They’re all someone I want to be friends with and are filled with strengths and weaknesses that are worked through by the final pages. This book was light and made my heart just feel happy. Hatch’s regency romances are some of my favorite and can’t wait for what’s next!

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses

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ARC Book Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an eARC.

LET ME TELL Y’ALL.

This is my new favorite Cleeton book. I have continually enjoyed her books over the years and this is once again, no different. I devoured this in two sittings because I could NOT put it down. I love the way the author put together this fast paced story yet with gorgeous writing had me completely connected to the characters and wondering what was going to happen next.

The plot follows a bit of a murder mystery on a ship vibe. With a swoony gem thief and an heiress with a secret. I loooved the way all of these secrets started coming to light. They were well timed pieces that would have me trying to read even faster not knowing how it would all end. I loooved both Elena and Catherine. I love anything that has a women supporting women vibe and these two + their tight friendship helped bring necessary justice to many wrongs.

Historical wise, I had never heard of this ship and one of my favorite parts of historical books is reading the note at the end about the specifics the author drew from. This felt fresh and unique in the historical fiction genre and I know is one of the best books I’ve read recently.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction + Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, multiple attempted murders, drownings, arson, loss of parents (recounted)

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