Wilde Child by Eloisa James (Review)

 

Oh boy! There were times I was blushing with Lady Joan and Thaddeus. Somebody get me a fan. Other than a higher steam factor, Wilde Child is amazing. LOVE these two. It's amazing to watch these characters to grow in the series to finally get their story. Plus, amazing to see them actually come together when we watch Thaddeus court to of Joan's sisters. 

Honestly, Thaddeus wouldn't have worked with her sisters, he was to stuff. He needed to let loose, who better to help with that other than Joan. I love when Joan realize that she might like Thaddeus when she was a little butt-hurt in the past. As they hang out more, passion ensues. However, both have things hanging over their head. It's been a while since I read the other books, so I can't remember if Thaddeus circumstances was mention on why he had to marry a certain type of girl. However, Joan's is mention since she's a walking scandal. I mean when your mother walks out of the family to be with a Prussian Prince it makes the news. It doesn't help that you look more like the Prussian Prince. Hey she has royal blood. 

Wilde Child was a fantastic way to end a series. I know the Duke of Lindow has more kids, but you never know when they will popup in a series, and Eloisa James is amazing at doing that. Honesty, we are probably not done with the Wilde, but the others a little too young to get their own stories. Thaddeus and Joan make this story go way too fast. I completely melted when Thaddeus would look Joan *self fan*. One thing that sticks out in the story is that Wilde's stick together. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating: 5 Stars

Dance Away with Me by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Review)

I basically devour Dance Away with Me by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Usually her stand-alone end up getting mix reviews. A lot of time they get judge against her series. However, I pretty much loved this story. I couldn't put it down, and I did lose sleep over this book. It was a rough couple of days, but it was worth the read. However, fair warning do not compare to the Chicago Stars books or any other series.

Let us take a trip to Runaway Mountain, Tennessee where we will meet Tess Hartsong who is a young widow who wanted to runaway from her pain. Next we meet Ian North a tortured artist, and Bianca. SEP makes an interesting trio in this story. Of course they live in area that is a little small minded. We have Tess's tragic backstory, but we learn more about her marriage as the story goes on. Here is a slight spoiler another tragedy is introduce in the story. I understand why it was introduced, and it helps the characters grow. Along with tragedy more things pop up.

If you are willing to get wrapped up in the pain in the story, you are going to need some tissue. After all Tess does go through some struggles in Runaway Mountain, but she comes out stronger in the end. She eventually finds her way home. Dance Away with Me was a wonderful read. Heart-warming, but a few bumps in the road. If you are willing to take a chance with this story, you might be surprise with the story.

Copy provided by William Morrow via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Star

Audiobook Review: Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

The last couple of books were rough. I wasn't sure I wanted to finished the series. I'm glad I did, because this one was worth it. We finally got Russell Hankleburg's story. He did go a little AWOL in the series. However, he's out to find Han. Yet, he's not the only one out for Han, Jia wants Han too. Jia is a were-tiger princess, who watched her family murder by Han.

I actually enjoyed Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire. I wasn't sure after the last couple of books, but this story made up for the last couple. Over the course of the series the tone of the series did change, but I did like the tidiness of this story. Kerrelyn was able to close up the loose ends of the story, and we were able to find out who's Han. Towards the middle I made a guess who Han was, and I waited and see who he was. By the way I was right. We watch a relationship blossom between Russell and Jia. We also see everyone get back together, I guess this was a good way to say goodbye to the gain. Overall, it was a pretty good listen. Even though there were some stories that weren't stellar they still helped move the story along, and I didn't feel like this a waste of time.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
5 Stars

When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath (Review)

I finally got a chance to take a look at When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath. I'm really loving this series. We get to hang out with Gillie Trewlove in this story, and she happens to put a Duke into his place. We get to know the Duke of Thornley. His pride was severely hurt, so he went hunting for his runaway bride. Which he ends up getting accosted by thugs, but fortunately Gillie was near by to save hime.

Anyway, the story progress when Thorne is recovered, and he asks Gillie to help him find his fiancé. As they journey about Whitechapel he finds himself drawn to her more than his bride to be. However, he's trying to figure out if love is worth more or if he should honor his father's dying wish. It would be hard to marry Gillie after all she has a few marks against her: 1. She was born on the wrong side of the blanket. 2. She's a tavern owner. I'm sure we can make the list go on. However, she's a the best sort of person to have in your corner.

When a Duke Loves a Woman definitely a good read. I love that Gillie was strong woman that she didn't need a man to rescue her. I mean her brothers meant well towards the end, but it would have been awkward. I'm glad Thorne realized he needed Gillie.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Stars

Audiobook Review: Idiot by Laura Clery

First off, I enjoy Laura Clery and her type of humor. She makes me laugh. Right now her Pamela Pumpkin videos are pretty funny. Especially with the quarantine workout. She's not for everyone, but that's okay. Anyway, she wrote her personal story about her life and trials she went through to get to where she is now.

I LOVE IDIOT! It's a fantastic story. Since I checked out the audiobook, I got to hear Laura read her story. She did a fantastic job. There are some parts where her husband Steven reads too. However, the story is about her journey. Her life was roller coaster that was turning into a train wreck waiting to happen. However, she manage to find herself and create this image that she image, but never thought she would get there. It's pretty amazing that she even made it, because she was lucky. Deep down she's a kind person. Some may not like her, because her language can be crude. However, it fits with her life. I totally recommend this book, and I would recommend checking out her content. She's funny!

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
5 Stars

BIshop's Queen by Katie Reus (Review)

I finally got a chance to read Bishop's Queen. Oh my goodness this story was amazing once I was able to dive into the story. Okay in the previous book, we saw Evan and he wasn't doing too well. He basically broke off with Isla. He did it pretty callously.

Isla is ready to move on, even though she still loves Evan.  Evan knows he made a big mistake when he dropped Isla, but he's willing to win her back. He realizes that she might be endanger, and he hopes he can keep her safe.

Oh my goodness, I didn't expect Bishop's Queen to be so much better than Bishop's Knight. This story can be read as a standalone, but why would you. You find out things that happen in the first book, and I hope that we get the answer in the next book about the final Bishop. I wonder if they are all completely tied together in a weird coincidence. This story has build up and had me on the edge of my seat till the end. There were a couple of times I thought it was someone else than the person who was the bad guy of the story.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
5 Stars

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell (Review)

What A Difference a Duke Makes was a fabulous read. It was one of those reads that I had to make myself stop reading to sleep. I had a lot of fun reading this title. We have Mari Perkins who would be a cross between Mary Poppins and Maria from the sound of music, with a dash of country bumpkin. She's not cut out to be a governess to a Duke's kids, but then no one is. The Duke of Banksford kids are rambunctious, and they have scared off every governess. However, Mari isn't a governess, but who has to know. SHE NEEDS THIS JOB.

Edgar Rochester is a Duke in trade. Oh the scandal. He doesn't really have time for his kids, and he needs the help. When Mari pops in his life he's not sure on how to feel about it, but something magical starts to happen.

Overall, I had a lot of fun reading What a Difference a Duke Makes. Mari was a fun character with lovability, and wanting to help these children. Edgar was a good father, but a little distracted with work.

Rating:
5 Stars

Avon Spotlight and More: The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

The Wallflower Wager
Girl Meets Duke, 3
Tessa Dare
Avon
August 13, 2019

They call him the Duke of Ruin.

To an undaunted wallflower, he's just the beast next door.

Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.

Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.

When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbor demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.

Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?

And a two-legged dog.

And a foul-mouthed parrot.

And a goat, an otter, a hedgehog . . .

Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.

Not if he ruins her first.

The Thoughts I Had:

AudioReview: This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

This has been a long time coming. I have been procrastinating on writing this review, and I have listen to this story a few times too. This is the final one I had to read for the Chicago Stars. I would recommend reading them in order, and not go the same route as me. However, if you do you would be alright, still not recommended.

We finally get Molly Somerville in This Heart of Mine, and she's all grown up. I guess it has been a bumpy road. She's suffering a bout of writers block for her bunny Daphne. She heads up to the cabin and that's where the trouble lies.

Kevin Tucker the young quarterback that is finally getting his chance to be the star. However, he can't seem to stay out of trouble. Basically, is told to go to the cabin and stay low. Again trouble arrives there.

Molly has always had a crush on Kevin, but she's always been invisible. Molly isn't invisible after her cringe worthy thing. Seriously CRINGE-WORTHY. They go their separate, but force into a marriage. Tragedy happens, and they are force to deal with it. At this time, they get to know one another, and love officially blooms. Yay, Daphne is starting to come out to play again.

I loved This Heart of Mine. It was a fun listen even with the cringe moment. I laughed and cried, and went on a roller coaster ride with Molly and Kevin.

Rating:
5 Stars

Some Like it Scandalous by Maya Rodale (Review)

Where to beginning with Some Like It Scandalous? It was an interesting read. In someways it was a take on The Ugly Duckling, Daisy isn't the prettiest girl out of the Swan girls. However, Daisy doesn't rely on her looks, no she relies on her brains. Plus, she has a promising path set for her if she make it to spinsterhood. Yet, there's something lurking in the dark that her mother doesn't want to fully reveal yet she strongly urges Daisy to make a match with her archenemies Theodore Prescott the Third. A pretty boy with too much time on his hands and finds himself in a lot of trouble. His father basically tells him he needs to marry Daisy.

Gotta love when a pretty face meets a smart girl. However, Theodore has more brains than he lets on to believe. The more time they spend in their fake engagement, the more they realize they were completely wrong about each other.

Daisy has a beauty that society doesn't realize, and that's partly Theodore's fault. The name he came up with has stuck like glue, but Daisy doesn't let it faze her. When Theodore gets to know Daisy better, he realizes he did her a disservice all those years ago. Of course he wants to make amends for his action.

Maya Rodale has a wonderful story with Some Like It Scandalous. On the cover it has a quote from Sarah MacLean about being "Smart, Sexy, Fun!", and I think that's the best way to sum up the story. Daisy character is smart, and she doesn't realize she has a sexiness. When she matches wit with Theodore it's pretty fun. Even though she's the main brains of the operation, you would be surprised to find that Theodore has more brains that his pretty face lets on. Deep down he has a caring heart, even though he does come off a bit shallow at the beginning.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
5 Stars

The Boyfriend Experience by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde (Review)

Have you ever looked for a book that mashed up The Wedding Date and Meet the Fockers, and eventually made it's on story? No! Now you have with The Boyfriend Experience. The Boyfriend Experience manages to mash up those two movies and eventually weaved itself into its own story.

We meet Eric Miller who is the ultimate playboy who ends up getting sucked into his friend's app with his own profile. Thinking that he would call the whole thing off, but is intrigued by Evie Bennett. Now evening is looking for someone to replace her ex-boyfriend for a family reunion. It's pretty easy to see where it's similar to The Wedding Date, but Eric isn't a male escort. Now you wonder how this is anything like Meet the Fockers, well you have to meet Evie's parents and it becomes crystal clear.

Yes, you are going to find an insta-love read with this one, but once at the family reunion it has its funny points. Oh my goodness, I love Evie's parents. At the family reunion you do start to see the story morph into it's own story. You will find a sappy ending, but you will be wanting that sappy ending. A fairly quick read with The Boyfriend Experience, but it's a fun fill read. So, if you are in the mood for something fun, heart-warming, and possible sappy tears here and there, you might give The Boyfriend Experience a try.

Copy provided by author via RockStar PR

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Ryan

Let me say that I LOVED Dirty Little Secret! Honestly, I wasn't sure what I was going to find with Jennifer Ryan's latest book. All I knew was I liked her previous books, therefore I will like this one. Actually, I'm totally excited to see what Jennifer has in store for the rest of the series. Dirty Little Secret had me grasping for more.

I absolutely loved the characters. We had Noah and Annabelle Cordero who grew up with John Cordero. Both weren't his biological children, but he raised them as his own. Then there's Roxy Cordero who was John's actual biological child, but never recognized her as his own until after his death. John had his secrets, and they were reveled until after his death. They shook and rocked Noah, Annabelle, and Roxy's world. Now all three of them have to live with the terms of his will, which seriously pissed Noah off. Yes, Noah and Roxy had a rocky start. It was mainly Noah induced. However, Roxy is smart and knows what she needs to do to make sure the ranch is thriving. Eventually, they find the balance and understanding, but not the easiest with Roxy's past lurking in the background.

Anyway, Dirty Little Secret had me begging for more. I seriously can't wait for the next book. I love the story between Noah and Roxy. I love that she understood Annabelle's needs. An amazing story! Probably my top read for this year. I can't wait to see what Roxy's sisters have in store with the series. I hope the next story involves Sonya. Actually it doesn't matter which sister, I just need another story. Austin sounds like he's in need of desperate help. By the way I love how Jennifer gives a little tease of whats to come. It's subtle, but it's there. Anyway, LOVED Dirty Little Secret, and I can't wait to see what the other Wild Rose Ranch has in store.

Copy provided by Avon

Rating:
5 Stars

Avon Romance Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

Hot Winter Nights

Heartbreak Bay, 6

Jill Shalvis

Avon 

September 21, 2018

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that—but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.


My Thoughts:

Audiobook Review: And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper

For the longest time I was afraid to read And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper, I have been reading her paranormal stuff and loved it. Seriously, LOVED her stuff. However, I was a little afraid that I wasn't going to like this story, because it didn't have vampires or werewolves. A true fear, so I kept this far from my mind. I have basically have done all the Half-Moon Hallows books, I even tried Naked Werewolves books, and I started the Mystic Bayou books. So, I was running out of options to read/listen to Molly Harper. I decided to take a chance. So, fearful on what going to happen, which I shouldn't have. I started the story and I was hooked. Seriously HOOKED! I had so much fun with And One Last Thing.... Who would have guess?

Anyway, I absolutely loved Lacey Terwillirger. At first she's kind of down trodden, and doesn't know how to pick up the pieces of her life. However, it's amazing what she can do when you are stuck in a cabin and your only neighbor is a recluse cranky man. Basically, she rebuilding her life, and rediscovers who she is in the long run. It takes some trials and errors. It was fun watching her fumble along the way. I love that she learns to live with out her cheating ex. It's fun to see her interaction with Monroe, the recluse neighbor. They are a hoot together.

Overall, I was worry for nothing with And One Last Thing..., seriously I had fun. I laugh, and tried not get choked up, because I was out in public while listening to this story. I was thinking Sammy the Shark needs her own story and a love life, I mean it would be interesting after all she's a divorce lawyer. Great time. So much so that I had to listen to the story again. Also Amanda Ronconi does a super job.

Rating:
5 Stars

Spotlight + Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

Hard Sell 

21 Wall Street, 2

Lauren Layne

Montlake

September 4, 2018

Blurb

He’s a Wall Street wolf. She’s been hired to tame him. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne comes a wildly sexy novel of business and pleasure.

Twenty-eight and filthy rich, Matt Cannon is the youngest broker on Wall Street. He may be a “boy wonder,” but he’s every inch a man. Ask any woman—any night. But when Matt’s latest fling makes scandalous headlines, his clients get anxious, and his bosses at Wolfe Investments level an ultimatum: keep his assets zipped, get a “real” girlfriend, and clean up his act. Only one woman can help Matt with something this hard.

For PR genius Sabrina Cross, the best fixer in Manhattan, playing Matt’s steady is going to be a challenge, even if it’s just for show. They already have an explosive history, she can’t stand the cocky party boy, and worse—she can’t stop thinking about him. So who’ll dare to break her “no touching” rule first? Because when that happens, Matt and Sabrina’s game of let’s pretend will get so hot it could set both their reputations on fire.

 “Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy, and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews

My Thoughts:

Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James (Review)

Where to begin with Born to be Wilde? I loved this story. I loved the last book, but I think with this series they have gotten better and better. At the end of Too Wilde to Wed we got a hint of what was going on with the story. We find out that Lavinia Gray and her mother are destitute. So, Lavinia needs to come with a plan to secure the two of them. In Born to be Wilde, we see Lavinia put the plan in motion. It starts off as an epic fail. EPIC! However, Parth is willing to help Lavinia find a wealthy husband. That's when it starts to get interesting.

Okay, Parth and Lavinia have a strain friendship. They seem to rub one another the wrong way. However, as the story develops it's not that don't like each, but more they are trying to hide their feelings for one another. I love these two characters. They bring out the worst and the best out of each of each other. We watch Lavinia's character grow so much in this story, because she's force to learn about her inner strength. Parth has to go through some changes to; I mean he has to channel his love for Lavinia not come out as disdain. So, it's a lot of fun to watch these. 

Anyway, LOVED Born to be Wilde, and I can't wait for the next book. Seriously, you get a little tease at the end of the story, and my mouth was agape. Even without the tidbit on what's to happen it's a fantastic book. Those who have loved the previous books are still going to love the next installment. You can start this book without starting with the first book, but there are a lot of characters that are involve with this story. Plus, you don't want to miss out on the previous books. 

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.   

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Love Machine by Kendall Ryan

LOVE MACHINE

By Kendall Ryan 

July 16, 2018

A best-friends-to-lovers standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

She says she needs some help ... in the bedroom.

Come again? No, really come again.

Sweet, nerdy, lovable Keaton.

She's my best friend and has been for years. Sure she likes numbers and math, and thinks doing other people's taxes is fun. And I like ... none of that stuff. She's obsessed with her cat and reads novels I'll never understand, and yet we just click. There's no one I'd rather share breakfast burritos with or binge watch hours Netflix. She's my person. And so when she takes off her glasses and asks me to help her improve her skills in the bedroom, I barely have to think about it.

Of course I'll help her. There's no one better for the job.

I've been there for her through everything, why should this be any different?

But what happens when she's ready to take her new-found confidence and move on?

My Thoughts:

Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon (Review)

Talk about a fun read. Oh my goodness, I totally had fun reading Rumor Has It. So, we have two people who are probably the least likely to be together trying to fake a relationship. First off, we have Catarina Everhart. She's career driving and wants to be the best journalist she can be, and here she gets stuck with Barrett Fox who she sees as a joke. Basically, they have to fake a relationship, and it's to help Barrett get back to what he loved. Barrett says such outlandish things to Catarina that completely fluster her.

We have fun loving Barrett who got himself in a bit of a pickle, and he's finally picking himself back up. He has to work with the super serious Catarina. This makes great news. As they get to know one another they are to realize that maybe they would make a pretty good couple.

The banter between these to is absolutely fun, and totally make it worth a read. I love how this story was written. It starts off with Barrett going to his ex-girlfriend to tell her how he screwed and how he can fix the situation with Catarina. The main story is Catarina and Barrett came together and fell apart. It was a story I couldn't put down. Yes, there were a little surprises here and there. Yes, it's part of a series, and it can be read as a stand-alone. So, if you are need a little fun, and craziness, Rumor Has It would be a good pick.

Copy provided by LoveSwept via NetGalley

Rating:
5 Stars

Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James (Review)

I had a lot of fun reading Too Wilde to Wed. Seriously, a lot of fun. So, we have Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde, better known as North as his friends. Who was after his perfect future duchess, and thought he found her in Miss Diana Belgrave. However, she disappears from his life one night. He goes on a hunt for her, but later finds she has a child. He left to pursue a military career without even asking any question just assuming the worst.

Diana is the most beautiful and sought after debutant, but she makes an error in judgement, and doesn't tell North what she was doing. Actually she didn't think he would understand, so she thought it would be better for her to let him think the worst of her.

Two wrongs don't make a right, and communication is the key. So, everyone assumes the worst of North when he comes back to England. However, his family knows the actual true. Now that he has come back he finds Diana absolutely delightful even if she makes a terrible governess. Diana is even willing to sacrifice her happiness in order for North to find true happiness. What would make North truly happy is having Diana as his future Duchess.

Again, I had a lot a fun with North and Diana. Diana tries so hard to keep North at arms-length, after all it's not proper for him to go after a governess. North sees that Diana is the perfect girl for him. I couldn't put this story down, and I can't wait to see wait next in these Wilde books.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Stars

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman (Review)

First off, the cover art of A Duke Like No Other is absolutely gorgeous. So, with this gorgeous covers comes an incredible read of a second chance love story. Yes, I'm about to gush on how much I loved A Duke Like No Other.

So, we have General Mark Grimaldi who is up for a major promotion, but there's one catch he needs to prove the he can be a family man and find a wife. However, he already has a wife, but has been estranged for 10 years. Now he needs to convince his wife to come back to England to play the doting wife. Sounds easy.

We have Nicole Huntington Grimaldi who has been living in France these past 10 years minding her own business when her husband walks back to her asking for this huge favor. Well, she has a favor to ask in return.

In A Duke Like No Other we have these two people who are still in love with one another, but are too stubborn to forgive one another. Actually, I blame Mark for most of the problems in this story. Trust me he's stubborn as all one can get. You see the flashbacks on their relationship. Each of them provides a glimpse of what they had, and what led to the fracture in their marriage. So, we get a chance to watch them weave back their lives together and fix the problem, but it seriously takes time them the whole book to fix their stubbornness.

Overall, I loved A Duke Like No Other. It's beautifully written. This book happens to be my favorite in the series. The other one that was my favorite was the first one. I love how the characters are masterfully written to be flawed and stubborn. Each knows how to out stubborn one another. Yet, it's still a beautiful second chance love story.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
5 Stars