Tag: regency romance

Book Review: Pleasantly Pursued (Bradwell Brothers #2) by Kasey Stockton

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 338 pages
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: September 7th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Thea Northcott cannot abide Benedict Bradwell, and the feeling is mutual. Or, is it?

Thea
I would do nearly anything to avoid the lecherous advances of an eager earl, including running away from my finishing school and finding employment under a false name. The work turned out to be harder than I expected, however, and the prospect of returning to a life of comfort and a significant reduction of welts on my hands and shadows beneath my eyes just might be a temptation I’m too weary to refuse. The problem: the invitation comes from Benedict, the ultimate tormentor of my youth and brief object of my infatuation—the latter of which he can never find out.

Benedict
When I found Thea working in the belly of a grand house and did my best to convince her to return home with me where my mother awaited her, I did not expect her to agree. Our years of quarreling had solidified the woman as my enemy, and traveling alone together was a prospect that both terrified and intrigued me. Thea had only been my friend for a brief time years ago, and I do not know why she turned us against one another. But now that we’re forced together again, I cannot help but renew my determination to find out. Because a woman who would hate me with such fire was bound to love with the same fervor.

LOVED.

I just have no complaints about this. Listening to it was wonderful. I adore dual POV narration and it was narrated fantastically. This is probably my favorite of the series right now. I loooved the way that Benedict truly kept pursuing Thea. It was sweet and fiery. I couldn’t get enough of him telling her that she was going to end up with him. It just WORKED. The enemies to lovers vibes hit perfectly, the banter had me swooning and I was in love with all of it.

There were even more tropes that are easily favorites of mine: one bed (but still sweet!) and ALL the forced proximity. Benedict never gave up and Thea started to truly realize her worth. I really enjoyed her journey and the love from those around her to help buoy Thea up and see the potential she already possesses.

It’s charming and full of delight. Must read for regency fans.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents

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ARC Book Review: An Inconvenient Letter by Julie Wright

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 256 pages
Author: Julie Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Complications arise when Marietta’s secret love letters are accidentally found by the wrong man.

1828, the London countryside

For years, Marietta Stone has harbored a secret infatuation for the handsome Frederick Finch and has poured out her deepest feelings in a series of passionate love letters that she keeps in a locked drawer. But when Marietta’s private letters are accidentally delivered to Frederick’s house, she must retrieve them immediately before they fall into the wrong hands. If the letters were read by anyone else, the resulting scandal could jeopardize her reputation.

Gerard Hartwell has no time for infatuations, courtship, or even love. He must find a wife with a substantial inheritance if he wishes to save his late father’s bankrupt estate. When he accidentally discovers Marietta’s love letters at his cousin Frederick’s estate, he strikes a bargain with her. If she helps him court her older sister, Anne, he will return the letters and help Marietta win Frederick’s heart.

Marietta agrees, and the two quickly pretend to be courting in order to spend time with their individual love interests. Yet, what appeared to be a straightforward bargain becomes complicated when Gerard realizes that the more time he spends with Marietta, the more he wishes he could court her for real. But can he persuade Marietta to give him a chance when her heart might belong to another man?

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC.

WELL.

I loved the author’s previous book and was excited to pick this one up but this was lacking in a lot of facets for me. This felt like a book rather than a story. I wasn’t wrapped up in any of it and had a low emotional connection to anything happening.

Not to mention the rampant miscommunication, not only between the romantic pairing but also side characters too. It would have been way too easy to have a conversation about what was happening rather than literally running away or letting someone explain themselves before judgement.

And I was missing the romantic connection. Mentions of past childhood aspects were brought up, but that didn’t add to the present storyline. It felt like a false experience was being created that I never got around to being invested in.

It’s a short, quick read. And there are some good scenes and moments throughout. I didn’t hate any of the characters (besides the bickering mothers because that was ridiculous). Everyone kind of did their thing and this won’t be one I remember all that well.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical/Regency Romance
  • Lanugage: none
  • Romance: kiss
  • Violence: low

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Book Review: Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (Clairvoir Castle Romances #1) by Sally Britton

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 228 pages
Author: Sally Britton
Publisher: Pink Citrus Books
Release Date: November 25th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance.
As the new governess to the duke’s family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke’s houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.

Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?

As the first stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story begins the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

THIS WAS CUTE.

What a quick and delightful read I got to listen to today. I adored the fact that this had unique jobs for both characters! Well, I know governess is pretty common, but paired with an entomologist?? In the regency period? YES. I thought it was so fun (even if bug creep me out). There was a different flair to the whole story having both of them as part of the working class and it was probably my favorite aspect.

The romance was adorable. A very low angst, slow build full of good moments. It’s gentle for the soul and something I would easily recommend if you’re needing a pick me up. I loved watching Alice grow over the book and learn that she has value and deserves to be loved just as much as anyone else.

And can we talk about the Duke?? I know he was an older side character but it was my absolute favorite little tid bit that he was so incredibly kind!! He cared for his children, looked after the main characters and I thought that was a great addition to the story as a whole.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: none
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: attempted assault (very brief unwanted wrist grab), loss of parents (off page)

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

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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

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