My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch (Review)

I got a chance to check out My One True Highlander by Suzanne Enoch earlier this month. I do not recommend reading No Ordinary Hero backwards. I would recommend you go in order. Somethings would make more sense if you read them in the proper order. Just a suggestion. 

In this story, we meet Marjorie Forrester who happens to be the sister of the Duke of Lattimer. When she gets the letter from her brother saying he's going to marry, but she shouldn't come up there. After all, winters are pretty harsh. Everything starts to fall apart when she heads up north. 

We also meet Graeme Maxton, who is a Viscount and a chieftain. He's trying to stay a float when the Duke of Dunncraigh makes an offer, but in return he must kill the Duke of Lattimer. However, Graeme doesn't like the offer, and doesn't trust the Dunncraigh. His brothers happen over heard things and decided to take things their hands, and they kidnap Marjorie. 

This story has some lulling points, but it was a good read. The nightlight of the story was Connell, Graeme's little brother. He's so adorable and has a soft heart. He kind of stole to story, which is fine. Marjorie is kept captive until they figure out what to do. Of course they fall in love, but I think that was a giving. Overall, not a bad read.I guess I need to read the first book, since I have read these totally backwards. 

Copy provided by St, Martins via NetGalley

Rating:

3 1/2 Stars

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean (Review)

We have finally arrived to the final chapter of Bareknuckle Bastards series. Now we get to really see what led to Ewan's madness, and why he was after vengeance of his brothers. In the last book he got the crap beat out of him by Grace. If you haven't read the second well spoiler. This is one of the series you need to read the previous books, because they do build off one another. Now that Ewan knows Grace is alive he's out to winner back. From the previous books, we know he can be persistent. He has to fix what he has broken before them. 

We also get a glimpse of the past, and how the father was sadistic bastard. Another thing we learn is the reason behind Ewan's action when Grace, Whit, and Devin ran away. All the things start to fall into place, and we start to understand the whole situation. 

Honestly, Daring and the Duke was a nice ending to the series. It fixes everything that went wrong over the years. A lot happens in this series, and Sarah MacLean does an amazing job with the series. The series is gritty, and not something you see in historical romance. If you don't mind some grit, you might consider the series. 

Copy provide by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:

4 Stars

Audiobook Review: I Love You First Anthology

Amanda Ronconi is one of my favorite narrators, and she knows how to make the characters come alive. You can never go wrong with her if it's a small town story that has quirky characters. Now that is out of the way,  time to dive into the stories. 

Take Two by Suzanne Enoch

We have Eleanor Ross and Brian MacCafferty in this story. They use to have a relationship, and now they have a working one. Okay, not really. This story was adorable, and a quick listen. They had a lot to work on to repair all aspects of their lives. It's nice little pick me up story. 

Pasties and Poor Decisions by Molly Harper

We have Anastasia Villers and Ned Fitzroy. In this story Anastasia hits rock bottom, and needs to come crawling home. She never thought that her coming would be a welcoming one, but it wasn't what she expected. Ned and Anastasia use to have a relationship until she ghosted him. Need some patching up with these. Honestly, this story could have been a full on novel, because there's potential to make it longer. However, it was a cute listen.

Last Chance Motel by Karen Hawkins

This was a super cute story. We have Evan and Jessica Graham. They have an extremely rocky relationship. It was so bad that Jessica left Evan and sent him divorce papers. Evan tries to win back Jessica, but has an uphill battle. Overall, it was a cute story. 

Overall, these stories were cute. They all could have been made the stories a full fledge novels, but it was good to have something quick to listen. Also, they were heart-warming, and gave fuzzy feelings at the end. 

Copy provided by author via Audiobook

Rating: 

4 Stars

Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean (Review)

First off, let me say that I love this cover, because it matches Lady Henrietta Sedley (Hattie) in Brazen and the Beast. I love that she's not the typical heroine. Hattie is curvaceous, and strong-will. After all it's the year of Hattie. Then she stumbles upon Beast in her carriage. Oh lord, he's kind of taken aback by Hattie, but he wants to know who stole his cargo. Anyway, Beast and Hattie make a deal. However, the deal is one-sided. I mean who is going to take on the Bastards. Honestly we don't really see Ewan until the end. However, you know he's lurking around the corner. 

Brazen and the Beast was pretty good. I like that Beast found his match with Hattie. Hattie definitely keeps him on his toes. She might not be the conventional looking heroine, but I love that about the story. There were things that popped up in the story, that people that are closed minded might not enjoy the story. Overall, a pretty good story, and it does propel us to Grace and Ewan's story. Beast and Devil definitely have a grudge against Ewan, I'm surprise he doesn't end up dead, because of certain events. Anyway, if you are looking for an unconventional historical romance. 

Copy provide by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:

4 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

A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch (Review)

I finally got a chance to checkout A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch, and I have to say that I love Callum MacCreath. He's so swoon-worthy. At the beginning he had a wild streak that cost him the loss of the girl he loved. He was a little too slow to the gun and lost her to his brother. Callum was also good at causing trouble, which got him banished from his home. This helped him grow and mature. He also never planned to return to Scotland, but life has other thoughts. Now we have Rebecca the girl that broke his heart. However, she's in the dark on what is afoot. She believes that Duke of Dunncraigh is honorable, but deep down she's not sure about it.

I really enjoyed this story, but I'm going to advise that you read these stories in order and not go the route I did which is going backwards. I mean the Duke of Dunncraigh is a pretty shady guy and you will see this in previous stories. I did enjoy that Callum and Rebecca eventually work together. However, Callum has some serious disbelief that Rebecca was on the up and up, and was in the same league as Dunncraigh. Rebecca's daughter is ADORABLE in this story. She kind of makes the story. I would reread this story because of the daughter. Feisty would best describe her. Overall, a really good read.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

The Truth About Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke (Review)

I took a chance on The Truth About Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke. So, we have Miss Irene Deverill who owns a gossip sheet, and also rights a column Lady Trewlove. Lady Trewlove answers of the letters to lovelorn, and try to help them solve their problems. Irene ends up getting into a little trouble with helping a Dowager Duchess of Torquil,  and her son is not too happy. Now the Duke of Torquil is out to get Irene to fix the issue with his mother.

Oh my heavens. Usually I love hero, but I thought he was pompous and arrogant. That's being nice. I would choose other words, but it might get sensory. However, I LOVED Irene. She opinionated, and trying to fight the rights of women. Suffragist, such a dirty word to the old way of thinking. However, the world needs more people like Irene. In the story we see to ideologies clashing, because we have old way of thinking, and merging forward thinking. This causes conflict in the story, that makes you wonder if Henry (the Duke of Torquil) and Irene to see eye to eye. Also Henry battles with tradition, and that love can't be part of the picture. Laure Lee Guhrke does an amazing job with this time period, because this is the era where we have a lot of change. Sometimes I find that she might move a little slow; however, Irene is such a spitfire that you can't find it slowly. She's ready to start punching out the door, and Henry is willing to give her a fight. Overall, The Truth About Love and Dukes was pretty good read.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I was able to read The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. With the Wildstone series we get knew group with each group, so it would be easy to pick up any book in the series and you would be fine. In this story we meet Brynn Turner, and Kinsey Davis. They have known each other for like forever, and they were enemies. However, things are reveal that they are half-siblings.

They both have to overcome the past and move forward together. However, one of them doesn't know that they are related. There is a lot of secrets going on in the house, and Brynn has a few trust issues. Actually everyone in the house a bit of a trust issue. However, this was a pretty cute read. We have bonding that goes on with enemies to friends. We find romance between Brynn and Eli. Eli happens to be Kinsey's best friend. One of my favorite parts of the story was the journal entries from each of the girls about their summer camp experience, and I think gives light to why there is trust issue.

Overall, The Summer Deal was a pretty good read. I liked the characters a lot more than the previous book. I feel like I want to go back to Wildstone after this story, and see could happen.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars

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

Audiobook Review: The Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine Heath

For the past few weeks I have decided to focus on the Sins for All Seasons series, and I have arrived at The Earl Takes A Fancy. The story focuses on Fancy Trewlove. She's about to take her season and marry a fancy man. However, Fancy also wants to find a true love like her siblings. Now Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont, is taken aback when he found out that his deceased wife sent out a letter that sent into hiding.

The Earl Takes a Fancy was a wonderful listen. Her family has wants the best for Fancy, because she's their favorite sister. She's intrigued with the Earl of Rosemont after reading the article, but he has gone into hiding. Matthew Sommersby is interested in Fancy, but he doesn't want to be trapped in another loveless marriage. When he meets Fancy he pretends to be ordinary man. They become friends, and eventually evolves into more. However, Fancy is stuck with a notion that she must marry a title man, yet her heart yearns for Matthew.

We watch Fancy have her season, and struggle. Deep down I know she gets her happy ending, but towards the end I had a little panic attack. There were times I had to stop towards the end, and my husband looked at me oddly. It's okay, I'm use to it. Anyway, there were a a couple of moments that I was a little stress, but Lorraine does that to me. Overall, it was a pretty good story. I'm ready for Beast's story. Thank you for taking time to hear me ramble.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Let me start by saying it's probably a good thing that I listened to How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying), because I would probably would have stopped. I was so close to the end of the series. The story had a lot of potential with Zoltan Czakvar. Zoltan could talk to animals, and he was funny about it in previous story. There is still some humor, but we didn't see that as much. Then he stumbles upon a secret association of women, which they are trying to protect the dragons. He meets Neona, she's daughter of the queen of their group.

I struggled with this story, and I was listening to it too. There were points I had to stop go, "Okay, I'm done for today." I would get frustrated with Neona basically saying there are to be no men in Beyul-La. I felt that book was there to give Zoltan a love interest, and it kind of moved the plot forward. However, I probably could have skipped this one. There are some things that helped with some situations in the story, but I would have survived without them. Now its time to get to the end of the series.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
2 Stars

The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath (Review)

I got a chance to take a look at The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath. That Trewlove family is pretty awesome. Now we get to know Finn a little more. Okay Lady Lavinia Kent was the one who stood up the Duke of Thornley. She's been on the run for sometime. However, Lavinia and Finn have a history together.

When they first met Lavinia was a spoiled daughter of an earl, and Finn a commoner. However, they started a friendship that had to be secreted. They started to fall for one another. Her father found out and put a stop, which cost Finn quite a bit. Now Finn and Lavinia have to work on repairing the relationship.

I enjoyed The Scoundrel in Her Bed, because we got the flashbacks on how their relationship was blossoming. Sometimes things have to come to an end, they were left bitter about one another. However, they didn't know the whole truth. Towards the end Lavinia was being selfish, but Finn was willing to let her see for herself. I'm glad it worked out in the end. Overall, was a pretty good story.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 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

Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain (Review)

I have to say that Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain is a cute read. Those who like their historical romance reads to be accurate might want to take a pass on this story. However, if you are looking for something light and kind of fluffy, you might enjoy Mr. Malcolm's List.

Okay we have Jeremy Malcolm who has a list of what he wants in a wife. He plans to stick with it. However, his friends sister took offense to not being even worthy to garner his attention that she cooks up a plan to use one of her friends to take down Mr. Malcolm. This is where we meet Selina Dalton. Selina is a vicar's daughter, which makes her unlikely to deceive Mr. Malcolm. Actually, she wasn't a big fan of the plan from the beginning.

Mr. Malcolm was pompous, but he did feel something for Selina. However, Julia tried to play fast on loose with her friendship with Selina, and almost cost Selina everything. I felt that Selina was a pawn throughout the book, and I felt bad for her.

Overall, I liked the story, and it's definitely not for everyone. When I opened my thoughts, those who are wanting more close to historical accurate aren't going to like this story. If you are looking for something that is light, you found it in Mr. Malcolm's List.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean (Review)

I think one of the most important thing about reading a Sarah MacLean book is that they are interconnected with each other. We actually meet Lady Felicity Faircloth in The Day of the Duchess. I recommend reading that one first before diving into Wicked and the Wallflower. Then you get an understanding why Felicity has nickname like Finished Felicity, and there is a few others. All she wants to be is accepted into Society again. Since she's no longer adored by the ton, she started to run her mouth saying she was engaged with the Duke of Marwick.

Fortunately, Marwick didn't call her out on her lie. They were basically using each other in a way. Here comes Devil. Devil also uses Felicity to get to Marwick. Marwick and Devil have a history together, which gets explored in this story. Devil feels this pull toward Felicity, but he needs to complete the mission that was set out all those years ago. Felicity happens to be collateral damage. All Felicity wants to be is loved.

Sarah is known to write a smart, witty stories. Wicked and the Wallflower does fit that description. Sarah combines two worlds that wouldn't be brought together. Felicity which is light while Devil is dark. They balance one another. I think this is a little more edgier than her previous book, but still just as good. I look forward to see what will happen as the series goes forward.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Say Yes to th Duke by Eloisa James (Review)

I got a chance to read Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James. I wasn't sure what to expect with Viola story. She doesn't really consider herself a Wilde, because her biological father wasn't the Duke. However, she was raised with a bunch of Wildes, they are bound to rub off her. They have, but she doesn't believe that she is anything like them. Once she starts to believe she's a Wilde her personality fully forms.

Then we have the Duke of Wynter who wants to marry Duke of Lindow's daughter. He thought he wanted Lady Joan, but his uncle was pushing for Miss Viola Astley. Viola was a better match for him, and it was a good thing he realize.

This story was fun to read. I liked Viola and Wynter they kind of balance one another. Plus, he brought out the Wilde side of Viola. Plus, Wynter couldn't see her marrying a Vicar, nor could her family. It was a wild ride with these two.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: The Vampire with the Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen. I kind of struggle with the story. However, I felt that I have invested so much time in the series, and I was almost done with the series. This is where I was when I got to Dougal's story.

Okay, the story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I struggle with Leah, because she was so analytical, and it was hard for her to believe in things. Dougal was drawn to her, because she reminded him of someone else. There were a lot of things that happen, but it did help push the story towards the end of the series. Would it be something I would re-listen to, probably not. There were a few in this series I totally would, but this isn't one of them. Overall, The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
3 Stars

Dare to Lie by Jen McLaughlin (Review)

First off, lets talk about the cover of Dare to Lie. Seriously, it is drool worthy. Sigh. Okay, moving on. We finally get to Scotty Donahue. Scotty wanted to make a change, and clean up Steel Row, which is a tough rode ahead. Anyway, working for the DEA he felt he could. Now the leader of Son's needs a favor done, and he felt that Scotty would be perfect to watch over his baby sister.

Okay, I struggle with the beginning of this story. I wasn't sure I was going to finish the story, but I press forward. Dare to Lie did get better as the story moved on. I really enjoyed the end of the story. However, getting to the end was a little of a struggle. I liked Scotty and Sky together. It was struggle for them to be together. Overall, it was an okay read.

Copy provided by Berkley via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

The Undercover Cowboy by Lori Wilde (Review)

There isn't much I can write about The Undercover Cowboy by Lori Wilde, because it's a quick read. It was a cute little read. You have Allie who wants to make it on her own without resorting to move back home. She gets saved by Kyle Richmond, but she doesn't know that's his name; after all he's undercover.

Yes, there is little drama. The fact that he lied about his name, but he had a job. However, he manages to get it all in the end. Like I said a cute quick read.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
3 1/2

The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath

Oh where do I beginning with The Duchess in His Bed. There were so many thoughts going on in my head as I went through this story. I'm torn by this story. On one hand I had so many eye rolls going on with Selena. I struggle to like. Okay I didn't like her. I hated her through most of the book. I hate is a strong word, but it's true. She was a pretty despicable, because she was trying to get pregnant to pass off her child as the next heir of Lushing. The struggle was real. She set her caps on Aiden Trewlove. Now Aiden I LOVED! He had a pretty high moral compass, but you wouldn't guess that from knowing his origins. However, his mother taught him well. He was the redeeming quality to this story. Deep down I was hoping the Duchess would confess her love and throw her title out the window for love.

Don't get me wrong, she struggle with that concept. OH THE STRUGGLE! There were times I wanted to throat punch her, because she was so focus on her duty. There were a couple things I was hoping would pop in the story that would make her realize that she needed love. Some of the things were reveal at the end, and I was going, "I called it" in my head.

Anyway, it was a pretty good read. I actually enjoyed the story, that is a thanks to Aiden. Seriously, he saved the story for me. It was pretty awesome he gave his sperm donor a thrashing. The Earl deserved a thrashing. I did finally warm to Selena, but it took a long time to get there. Thank goodness for true love.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars