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. 

Book List: The Gilded Age

 

I've become hooked on The Gilded Age - which takes place in New York (mostly). It's the struggle between new money and old money in society. And which rules you can break.

It's currently on HBO

If you like the Gilded Age, try these books:

The Classic:

Romance:

Joanna Shupe and Maya Rodale both have series in the Gilded Age.

Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe 

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe 

Another romance series:

Cozy Series:

Working Class:

Americans in England:

Are you a fan of the show?

Fresh Fiction Review (7)

 

It's been a while since I reviewed for Fresh Fiction, but I've read two really great books lately for the site.

"Catching up with old friends never felt so good"

"Friends to Lovers in the Gilded Age"

Romance Review: Prince of Broadway

* Book 2 in the Uptown Girls trilogy *

Florence is the rebel of the family, being the middle daughter, she's used to goin after what she wants. She knows what she doesn't want. She doesn't want a husband like her older sister's almost fiancée. She doesn't want to get married.

What she wants is to open a casino - for ladies. But first she needs a teacher. So she sneaks out to an exclusive club, where women aren't allowed. She wins both times she goes. But then the owner requests a meeting.

Finally she can make her pitch. She desired him to show her all he knows about running a casino. At first Clay's not interested. But then he realizes that it could be just another way to enact his revenge on her father.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Usually the historical romances I read are in Regency England, but this series is set in New York City during the Gilded Age. I find it refreshing - plus I get to learn a little bit more about that era. I really love these sisters. They support each other, make each other better, and lean on each other. I loved the Florence wasn't interested in marriage. She didn't enjoy high society and all the dinners, balls, and parties. I loved her relationship with her grandmother. I loved her banter with Clay. I enjoyed Clay and Jack's story. I'm so looking forward to the next book about Justine's story!

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library.

If you like books about casino, then try this series next:


If you want more about the Gilded Age in New York, try this series next:

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.