Review: Duchess By Design

* First in a new series *

Adeline wants her designs to be taken seriously, but her boss isn't interested in giving ladies of ton dresses with pockets. She wants Adeline to fall in line and follow the rules. When Adeline's making a house call to a client, she runs into a Duke - literally.

The Duke of Kingston traveled to New York to find himself a duchess to restore the coffers of his family estate. Instead, he falls for Adeline and her sassy ways.

But he causes her more trouble than he realizes. Can he find a way for them to be together?

My Thoughts: I loved Maya Rodale's Keeping up with the Cavendishes series, so I was eager to read her newest book. And I really love this Gilded Age novel. I loved the New York setting. I loved learning more about dresses, fashion, and dress shops. Of course I love the idea of pockets in dresses - who doesn't want pockets in their dress. I wish this fashion trend had caught on! I loved the banter between Adeline and the Duke. I loved the women supporting Adeline and how they changed the world in their own way.  I love how the romance happened on her terms. What a fantastic feminist romance! I can't wait to read more of this series. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the dress
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A great start to a new series - grab this one for your romance collection.

Giveaway: Polaris Rising

 A space princess on the run and a notorious outlaw soldier become unlikely allies in this imaginative, sexy space opera adventure—the first in an exciting science fiction trilogy.

In the far distant future, the universe is officially ruled by the Royal Consortium, but the High Councillors, the heads of the three High Houses, wield the true power. As the fifth of six children, Ada von Hasenberg has no authority; her only value to her High House is as a pawn in a political marriage. When her father arranges for her to wed a noble from House Rockhurst, a man she neither wants nor loves, Ada seizes control of her own destiny. The spirited princess flees before the betrothal ceremony and disappears among the stars.

Ada eluded her father’s forces for two years, but now her luck has run out. To ensure she cannot escape again, the fiery princess is thrown into a prison cell with Marcus Loch. Known as the Devil of Fornax Zero, Loch is rumored to have killed his entire chain of command during the Fornax Rebellion, and the Consortium wants his head.

When the ship returning them to Earth is attacked by a battle cruiser from rival House Rockhurst, Ada realizes that if her jilted fiancé captures her, she’ll become a political prisoner and a liability to her House. Her only hope is to strike a deal with the dangerous fugitive: a fortune if he helps her escape.

But when you make a deal with an irresistibly attractive Devil, you may lose more than you bargained for . . .

Sounds great right? It comes out February 2019 but 1 winner will win an ARC from the blog and Avon Addicts!

US Only please!

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Romance Review: Wicked and the Wallflower

* 1st in a new series *

Felicity Faircloth used to have friends but one too many misunderstandings (Sandals) and they've dropped her. She'd give anything to be on the inside again. When she makes a terrible blunder, sharing with her former friends, that she's captured the hand of a Duke, she knows she won't be able to recover from it.

What she doesn't know is that her family's put all their hopes into her marrying well. And they can't believe that everything is about to be destroyed. But from the darkness, one voice tells Felicity that he can deliver the Duke to her - if she would like.

She agrees and he's somewhat disappointed. In order for his plan to work, he will have to ruin her. The more time he spends with her, the more he starts to care for her. And the more he wishes things could be different.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. I loved Felicity - from her awkward moments in society to her lock picking skills to her big heart. I love the banter between her and Devil. I love how she was always doing the unexpected thing as far as he was concerned. I loved their moments together in his world. I like learning more about Covent Garden and how the brothers and sister rose above everything to become the leaders. I felt terrible for Devil and his siblings for their upbringing. I adored Grace - I can't wait to read more about her. I'm a sucker for anything Sarah MacLean writes.

Cover Thoughts: What could be better than a lady in a pink dress?

Source: BEA book / Avon Addict Book

Library Recommendation: Sarah MacLean is always a must have for public library romance collections. 

Contest: The Rogue

I have an extra copy to gift - thanks to Avon.

Lady Constance Read is independent, beautiful, and in need of a husband—now. The last man on earth she wants is the rogue who broke her heart six years ago, never mind that his kisses are scorching hot…

Evan Saint-André Sterling is rich, scarred, and finished with women—forever. He’s not about to lose his head over the bewitching beauty who once turned his life upside down.

But Constance needs a warrior, and Saint is the perfect man for the job. Only as a married woman can she penetrate Scotland’s most notorious secret society and bring a diabolical duke to justice. When Constance and Saint become allies—and passionate lovers—he’ll risk everything to protect the only woman he has ever loved. ~ Summary from Publisher.

If you think that sounds good, please enter to win a paperback copy plus some swag items.

US only please!

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Romance Review: If I Should Ever Love You

* First in a new series * 

Leonie isn't interested in marriage - not since the night she eloped and her almost husband raped her. She killed him in self defense, but the damage was done. Luckily another suitor saved her. What she didn't know was that it cost him - dearly. Now he's the Earl of Rochdale in need of a wealthy wife. Her father just agreed to her marriage. In order to make it through the ceremony, Leonie has a nip (or more) of brandy. The Earl is furious - he doesn't want a wife who can't control herself around alcohol. Leonie isn't sure what to expect from the marriage, but there are times when the Earl is sweet and tender and times when he's furious. Do they have a shot at a happier marriage than her parents?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel - minus the two rape plot points (one before the book opens and one during the book). I'm just not interested in reading about rape (obviously I know it happens). But what I did really enjoy about this book was the heroine's dependence on alcohol. I haven't seen it in many books. I liked how they worked on the house together and how Leonie grew to imagine it's potential. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Romance Review: About that Kiss

* Book 5 in the Heartbreaker Bay series *

Joe and Kylie kiss one night outside a bar. He can't stop thinking about it. That's all it could be - but then she shows up in his office needing a favor.

Someone stole a wooden carving her Grandfather made for her - one of the few things she has left from him. They're taunting her with it, holding it hostage - until she verifies two carved pieces are her grandfather's work at an auction house. One of them looks very similar, the other is definitely not his work. She can't attach her name to it. So she asks Joe for help in tracking down the piece, but she insists on accompanying him.

As they cross names off her list, their time together makes their feelings grow. Could there be something beyond kissing?

My Thoughts: I love this series - and this book was amazingly book. I loved how the penguin meant everything to Kylie. I loved learning more about her and her woodworking abilities. She's one tough cookie. I love her disguises. I love the banter between her and Joe. I love how she insisted on tagging along as her interrogated people. Of course they had amazing chemistry. Plus I loved seeing the gang and how things have worked out with all of them. Another winner to this series and luckily book 6 is coming in September! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Buy all books from Jill Shalvis.

Review: Princess in Theory

* First in a new Series *

Naledi hasn't had an easy childhood - nothing in her life has been easy since her parents died leaving her in the foster care system. Now she's in grad school and working, just trying to hold her head above water. It hasn't been easy. So when she meets Jamal, she's surprised to find a connection with him.

But Jamal isn't who is says he is; he's a Prince in disguise. Those emails, Ledi's been getting have been true all along. She knows he's different than other people - he's never ridden the subway before and he seems out of touch with certain everyday things. But she never expected him to become a Prince. She certainly never expected that she would have a past with him. Can they get over their past and have a future together?

My Thoughts: I was so anxious  and excited for this book; it didn't disappoint. There are SO MANY reasons to love this book that I can't list them all. Seriously just go read it.

But here are a few reasons why I loved it: Ledi didn't have time for games; she was serious about her life and her work.  I loved her STEM observations and her love for science and nerdy items. I loved how she figured out her relationships with her co-workers. I admired her toughness and her determination.  She didn't take crap - from anyone and it was amazing. I loved how she learned about her past and used it to help out her future. I loved the moments between Ledi and Jamal, especially their banter. I really enjoyed Likotsi and her closeness/openness with the prince. I adored the ending. I can't wait for the next book in the series - out this summer!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: Gifted from my #Otspsecretsister

Library Recommendation: A must have for all public libraries

Romance Review: Beyond Scandal and Desire

* First book in a new series *

Mick Trewlove desires revenge against the father who never acknowledged him - the Duke. He's written letters but they've all gone unanswered. Now he's taking revenge against his worthless son - the one who likes to gamble. Mick's also going to ruin his son's intended fiancé. Soon he'll be the one holding all the cards.

Lady Aslyn Hastings has know that she will marry Kip, she loves him after all. He seems luke warm about the idea. When the meet a man in the gardens, Aslyn finds herself drawn to him in away she's never been drawn to Kip. The more time she spends with him the less time she wants to spend with Kip. The rose colored glasses have come off and she's seeing Kip in a whole new light. Could she be willing to put her life into the hands of a man who isn't a gentleman?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel. I love Mick and his family, especially his interactions with his sisters. I can't wait to read more about them. I loved this stolen moments with Lady Asyln and how they changed him. I liked learning about how he made his fortune and how he brought his family along with him. The twist at the end was one I did not see coming and it was good!

Cover Thoughts: Love that dress
Source: ARC sent for Review from Avon Addicts
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library.