Romance Review: The Earl That Got Away

* Book 2 in the Sirens in Silk books *

Naila has regretted calling off her engagement. She never imaged that she would see him again. But he turns up at her sister's wedding. Her sister is marrying a member of the English peers, as an American. In the time apart, Basil has changed.

He's inherited an Earlship. He's still White, which was a problem with her family. He's still a bachelor, and one of the most eligible bachelors. He's still bitter about Naila's rejection.

They are pushed together more and more during the wedding celebrations. Could there be lingering feelings on both sides?

My Thoughts: I mistakenly read this one first. The first one is an enemies to lovers trope. This one is a Persuasion retelling - a second chance romance. I really loved this book; I tore through it. I'm a sucker for Jane Austen retellings. I love how these were connected (with sisters as the main characters). I love that Naila was interested in architecture and wanted to save the English ancestorial homes and how she worked to accomplish her mission. I need to go back and read the first book and I hope there are more books coming soon.

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public romance collection

Review: Last Night was Fun

 

Emmy works for a baseball team - in an old boys network. She struggles to make people notice her work. Gabe is the bane of her existance at work. They compete a lot and most of the time, Gabe gets the recognition. They are both up for the same promotion. Emmy feels certain that she's not going to get the job.

When a random number texts her, she shares that he has been given a fake number. But the more they talk, the more Emmy reveals. It's easy to talk to him. Soon texting with him becomes the best part of her day.  Could it be time to meet?

My Thoughts: This is a You've Got Mail story in the baseball world. And it's delightful. I couldn't put this book down and I didn't want it to end. The banter between Emmy and Axe Murderer (inside joke) made me laugh. I loved the bird puns. The ending came a little quickly. I loved the wedding moments between the sisters; they were sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: A Must Have Book for your public library's romance section

Review: Blonde who Came in from the Cold

 

* Book 2 in the Blonde Identity books *

Alex joined the CIA, but the night before she met a man. He told her not to get on the bus. Alex and King always seemed to be paired up on missions. They can't stand each other, but they also learn to trust each other. Most of the time. 

But time passes, things change. King gets out. Alex goes rogue. No one knows how to find her, not even King. Nothing is as it seems. But they might be only able to trust each other. 

My Thoughts: I loved this book. Things that I loved: the dual timeline, the enemies to lovers trope, the connections to the previous books, the trust issues, the twists and turns one expects from an Ally Carter novel. I love her books. I'm so happy to have more adult (or YA) books from Ally Carter. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Why I Read It: Ally Carter is an author I will always read. 

Library Recommendations: A must have romance thriller for your collection

Favorite Line: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

I read this book:

It's amazing. I'm reviewing it for Fresh Fiction.

But here's my favorite line from the book:

Review: Fancy Meeting You Here

 

Elise's friends are all getting married within months of each other. Of course, she's a bridesmaid at each of the weddings. But since she's also a florist, she's responsible for the flowers at all the weddings too. She's struggling with all the deadlines and trying to keep her shop afloat. Plus, she's met a guy who's completely off limits, but she can't stop thinking about him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - but I didn't believe in the friendships. I wish there had been more girl time in the book. I loved the flowers and the moments in the studio. I loved the moments between Ben and Elise - a little grumpy/sunshine trope. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A good romance for your collection

5 Things: Thanks for Listening

My co-worker handed me this one and told me to read it.

So I did and I'm so glad I did.

It's a really good and here are 5 reasons why:

 

Bookstagram (5): Duke Gone Rogue

Today's post is the start of a new series.

Duke Gone Rogue

 

He's jilted and claimed to be heartless

In reality, he's trying to restore the family name

She's a gardener who loves her community

and owns her family business

They have a great meet cute...twice

Romance Review: The Lady Gets Lucky

 

* Book 2 in the Fifth Avenue Rebels series * 

Alice Lusk has two problems: shyness and her mother. While she can't change her mother, an idea begins to form on how she can overcome her shyness. Alice approaches Kit, a known rake, for a lessons on seduction. 

Kit can't believe his ears, but the idea tempts him. He's seen Alice's mother scold her in public. He knows she needs every advantage. But what starts out as innocent fun turns into something more.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed how this book overlaps with the first book in the series - at the house party. We see some familiar events from a different perspective. I'm happy getting to know Alice. Her mother is awful and it's so nice for her to have a happy ending. I loved her knowledge about food and her love of cooking and baking. I liked her bargain with Kit. I loved how people admired Alice and wanted to befriend her in spite of her mother. While I'm looking forward to the next book, I really hope we get Nellie's story because I want to learn more about her!

Cover Thoughts: Sexy

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This is a Gilded Age series - which is having a moment right now thanks to the HBO show. Highly recommended for your public library's romance collection. 

Christmas Book Review: Duke, Actually

Sequel to A Princess for Christmas 

With Princess Marie breaking off their engagement to marry a man she loves, Baron Maximillian Von Hansburg's family is pressuring him to marry. But they want him to marry the "right' sort of women. He's not interested in getting married - especially to someone of their choosing. 

While he's in New York for a party (meeting a prospective bride), Max calls up Dani. Dani's different from other women - she's not interested in him, she's not interested in his title, and she doesn't swoon in front of him. Clearly they are meant to be friends.

Max accompanies her to a work party where they run into her dreaded ex. Dani's thankful for Max's presence, both as support and making her look good. They begin texting and calling each other. Could their easy friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: I loved this friends to lovers romance. I loved the friendship, the banter, the job discussions, Max the dog, and the support for each other. I felt terrible for both characters and what they've got through previously. I loved Max's brother Sebastian. The Love, Actually discussion and the Dirty Dancing Lifts were both entertaining. Delightful!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Netgalley

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection 

Review Battle Royal

 

Sylvie competed on Operation Cake. Now, four years later, she's returning to the show as a guest judge. She's hoping the show will grant her a boost at her bakery - even if she does have to deal with Judge and Baker Dominic De Vere.

His cakes are so vanilla and boring - as his her personality. His life could use a lot more sparkles and glitter. 

When a royal engagement is announced, both bakers compete for the change to bake the royal cake. The royal, Princess Rose, isn't your typical princess. She's torn between the tradition cake and a cake that reflects her personality. As both bakers are judges and competing for the royal honors, they're spending more and more time together.

Could the become something more than enemies?

My Thoughts: There sadly is no tagline for this book, but it should be something along the lines of A Great British Baking Show type romance between two judges in an enemies to lovers story mixed with a Royal Wedding. I loved this book for so many reasons: the baking, the bakeries, enemies to lovers, Dominic's relationship with his sister, the baking show, the royals, the lost secret romance, and the banter. 

And it's the first in a new series. I can't wait for the next one!

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Library Read

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection!

Adult Review: The Worst Best Man

Lina's own wedding day didn't go as planned when her fiancé's brother (Max) told her, the groom wasn't going to attend the wedding. Now Lina makes sure other people weddings go off without a hitch. When one of the weddings she manages catches the eye of a powerful woman in need of a wedding/event planner for her hotel, Lina has the opportunity of a lifetime.

Until she walks into the conference room and sees her ex-fiancé and his brother as the marketing team. Of course she does what any woman would do and pretends to have just met them. She's not interested in walking down memory lane.

But she will have to work closely with Max. Can she put aside her feelings and be a professional without trying to kill him - or kiss him?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It was funny and sweet. It would make the perfect Hallmark or Netflix movie. I loved Lina and her family. I loved the banter between Lina and Max - and how they played a few pranks on each other before talking out their issues from the past. I like how they broke down the walls between them. I enjoyed them working together and seeing them bounce ideas off each other. A lot of great moments - I loved the couples therapy weekend. I loved how Lina stood up for herself when talking about her emotions and how as a woman of color, she wasn't allowed to be angry or emotional. And of course that changes a person. This would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie. A fantastic enemies to lovers story. 

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library's romance collection.

Review: First Comes Scandal

* Book 4 in the Rokesbys prequels * 

Georgianna never expected she would end up a scandal. Now because a man decided he wanted to marry her and not wanting to ask for her hand but instead kidnap her, she's ruined. Nevermind that as soon as they got to a hotel, she kneed him in the groin, tied him up, and escaped. The damage was already done.

Now she has two choices, lives as a spinster in disgrace or find herself a husband immediately. Georgie's not really interested in either option. But something has to be done.

Friends of the family present the ideal solution: marry her childhood friend Nicholas Rokesbys. He's been studying to become a doctor in Scotland. But is she willing to sacrifice both their lives?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the friends to lovers moments. I loved learning about medicine. I loved the two Butlers. There was a long scene that made me cry with laughter. I loved the cats, especially how they traveled. The moments of family togetherness are always wonderful in this series - lots of love, laughter. and teasing each other. There were so many great moments in the book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this entire series (Both parts) for your library BEFORE the Netflix show starts!

Review: The Wallflower Wager

* Book 3 in the Girl Meets Duke series *

Penny never turned away a creature in need - even if that creature happens to be the Duke who just moved in next door. She met him a the most scandalous way possible, but that wasn't her fault. Not really.

The Duke of Ruin can't believe his good fortune that a lady lives next door. That will seriously improve the market for the house that he recently acquired and is fixing up to sell.

He doesn't count on the number of animals she houses and cares for. He doesn't count on her aunt giving her an ultimatum. He certainly doesn't count on kissing her. But once he starts, he finds it hard to stop.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. This book is a forking delight. I loved the banter between Penny and Gabriel. I loved the animals and how they wormed their way into your heart - like the hilarious parrot. This book made me laugh, made me smile, and it made me happy for us wallflowers alike. I hated Penny's secret, but I loved the way she handled it. I love the group of friends and their husbands. Really looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the color scheme
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your historical romance collection

Review: Prince on Paper

Nya didn't enjoy life in New York City, but she knows that being home will make her miserable. But she's going home for her friend's wedding. And then she's not sure where to go from there.

After a few encounters with a playboy prince, she realizes that he's not what he appears to be in the media. He's actually rather...nice. The press catch them together more than once. Johan offers her an opportunity - a fake dating situation that could benefit them both.

Nya agrees. But she can't help the growing feelings she has for him. Neither of them want love, but maybe they found it in spite of themselves...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I do love a good fake relationship book. My heart broke for Nya and all that she went through with her father. I'm glad that she was able to overcome her past. I really liked Johan and how he tried to protect his mother's legacy after her tragic death. I loved Lukas and how he and Johan struggled. I loved Lukas and Nya's talks and how she urged him to be truthful with his brother - Lukas is non-binary. Of course it was nice seeing other favorite characters pop up in these books. Another fun addition to this royal series.

Cover Thoughts: Nice!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series by now for your romance section, you're seriously missing out. 

Romance Review: Playing For Keeps

* Book 7 in the Heartbreaker Bay series *

Of course Sadie's seen Suits around before; he always seems uptight. But the night she finds him outside the shop in the middle of a storm trying to rescue a dog, she knows something different is happening. She helps him bring the dog inside and together they fall in love - with the dog.

She names the pup Lollipop. While they barely know each other, they decide to share the rescued pup since neither of them have the time required to give her.

Suits (Caleb) doesn't like emotions; he blocks himself off from them. It works well for his business, but not so well for his personal life. But Lollipop worms her way into his heart. One look at her face and he melts. Sadie's always fascinated him, the more time he spends with her, the more she breaks down his walls.

My Thoughts: Another great book in this addictive series. I must say that Lollipop stole the book for me. She had me laughing at her antics and hugging my own dogs tight. I loved seeing this group of friends again and peeking in on favorite characters. I loved the awkward moments between Sadie and Caleb from their growing friendship, to fighting their attraction for each other, and to finally doing something about it. I liked learning about Sadie's past and how it made her stronger. I loved her co-workers in the tattoo parlor and how they had her back. I liked Caleb's sisters and wouldn't mind getting to know them a little bit better. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If Jill Shalvis isn't an auto-buy author for your library's romance section, you're missing out.

Review: Day of the Duchess

* Book 3 in the Scandal and Scoundrel series *

Seraphina returns to London to obtain a divorce. She's spent the last three years in Boston without her husband. Now she's opening a tavern in London and needs to be free in order to properly own it. She's determined to become a free woman; she's liked answering to no one.

For the last three years the Duke of Haven has chased down every lead of his wife's whereabouts. But he has yet to find her. Until she walks into his life and demands a divorce. Luckily, he has the summer to woo her, under the pretense of needing her help to find him another wife.

They can't talk about their past without yelling at each other, but is it possible for them to move forward?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved Seraphina and her strength. I'm sorry for all the heart ache she endured. I loved her independent streak and how she wasn't taking no for an answer. I loved her times with her sisters, they added humor to the story. I loved her cameo in book one and how this book changed my opinion of that scene (and of the Hero). This one is an emotional reader given the character's backstory. I'm happy how it all turned out, but it was heart wrenching to read. I can't wait for the next book and to read more about the American! Sarah MacLean writes another amazing story that I didn't want to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it! She's obviously in charge.
Source: BEA 17 book

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance sections

Where I Read this Book: I saved this book to read while hiking in the Grand Canyon. And it was the perfect book to bring.

Adult Review: Sweet Little Lies

 * First in a new series *

Pru can handle anything. She's had a hard life, but such a big heart. She enjoys making other people happy. She even wishes for love for someone else in the courtyard fountain with magical powers.

Finn, the man she used her wish on, runs the pub across the way. Finn too has had a hard life - and Pru knows just how hard. As the two becomes closer, Pru realizes that she will have to tell him the truth about her secret.

My Thoughts: I liked how Pru tried to fix people from the past, even though it wasn't necessary. I loved her big heart and willingness to help people. I loved her dog, Thor. I enjoyed her unique job. 

I really liked Sean and his banter with Finn. I liked the supporting cast of friends - their banter and their loyalty towards each other. I look forward to seeing more of them in future books. 

Cover Thoughts: I would love it except for that shirt - at least I assume she's holding his shirt
Source: My Library
Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for all public libraries

Series Love: Mediator

I'm so super excited to read the upcoming book (adult) in the series, 

that I decided to re-read the YA series again.

And boy did I love them just as much the second time around. I love Meg Cabot's writing. She always makes me laugh and sigh with happiness at the end of the book.

Here are some reasons why I loved this series:

Paranormal Romance

Ghosts

Star Wars jokes 

Lifetime movie mentions

Gina

Father D

Father D playing video games

Step-brothers (especially David)

Andy

Jesse

Suze: for her snark, her witty comebacks, and the fact that she kicks major butt while she worries about not having a boyfriend or that the boy likes has been dead for over 100 years. Sure she sometimes makes terrible choices, but her heart is in the right place. 

I'm super excited for February 2nd when the book comes out! 

Mini Adult Review: Happily Ever After

At BEA two years ago, someone told me I should read the Bridgerton series. They were RIGHT, I devoured this series. I loved every book. Here's a new book of short stories sharing what happened after the books ended.

The Good: I love this family for their loyalty to each other, their quick wit, their banter, the strong female characters, and the humor. These stories made me laugh and made me sigh with happiness. If I had to pick, I think the pall mall story made me laugh the most. I love their competitive streak. All in all, it was perfection!

The Bad: There's nothing bad about this book, except it makes me want more!

If you haven't read this series, START THEM! The Duke and I is the first one.

* Even the puppy liked, he licked the book as it smells good! *