Review: It's Hard Out Here for a Duke

* Book 4 in the Keeping up with Cavendishes series *

James's world turned upside down when he discovered he's the new Duke of Durham. But he hasn't warmed up to the idea. He hasn't gotten to London yet and in his mind, until he does, it isn't true. He's not ready for it, which is why he's in the pub where he meets an intriguing woman. He spends the night with her, saddened that she left before he awoke. Without her name, it's doubtful he'll ever see her again.

But his luck is better than that; she's part of his household. She's the duchess's companion. As the new Duke attempts to learn societal rules, she's there teaching him and his sister. They share secret looks and whispered conversations. James wants her by her side, but she knows the Duke can never marry someone like her and she's not about to become a mistress. Does he have to chose between his heart and his duty?

My Thoughts: This is the final book in the series that I simply adored. I loved the Duke's relationship with his sisters. I loved how they teased each other, how they talked together, and how they stuck together. I enjoyed the stolen moments between James and Meredith. I love how the series ended.

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: Purchased at an Avon author event

Library Recommendation: A must have series for public libraries' romance section.

Adult Review: Chasing Lady Amelia

 * Book 2 in the Keeping up with Cavendishes series *

Lady Amelia dislikes all the rules of society. She hates being told where to go and what to say. If she has to deal with on more thing, she'll scream. After a family squabble, she retires to her room. Leaning out the window, she hears a man singing. And decides to follow him.

She escapes her house, escapes her family, and escapes society. She meets the man singing. He's stunned to learn her identity the next morning. He's even more stunned upon learning that she has no desire to return. Instead, she creates a story and he plays along.

They hide from the world and live in the moment. But they must hide their tracks because if anyone discovers them, she will be ruined.

My Thoughts: I loved the first book and devoured the second. I'm longing for the third book and so hoping for a fourth book. I love how this book overlapped with the first story, we had bits and pieces from the first book simultaneously. I enjoyed Amelia's desire for escaping society.I adored the part where she stepped out of her painful shoes at the ball and the scandal that caused. With all the rules she must learn and follow, I can sympathize with her need for escape. I liked how her family was in part responsible for her escape.  I love how she played tourist for a few days - knowing exactly where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do. I loved her time with Alastair. I felt badly for the hero and how he lost his family and had to deal with his uncle who despised him. I like how his uncle's demand played out. I liked how Amelia didn't tell her family about her perfect days, how she was heartbroken to discover the truth about Alastair, and how it all turned out. I can't wait for Lady Claire's story next. 

Cover Thoughts: I love how she's fleeing
Source: My Library
Up Next: Lady Claire is All That - out in December
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all romance sections

Adult Review: Lady Bridget's Diary

 * Book 1 in the Keeping up with Cavendishes series *

After Lady Bridget's brother receives the news that he's inherited a dukedom, the family moves from their American horse farm to England. They work on manners and understanding of English society before their entrance - which is a disaster.

Lady Bridget falls on her bottom. One sister is labeled a bluestocking and the other tells people she likes to ride horses - astride. None of the sisters make a good impression upon the ton, but everyone is talking about them.

Lady Bridget isn't thrilled with her debut, especially meeting Dreadful Darcy. His brother is much more amiable. But the more time she spends with Darcy, the more she begins to like him. Could he become something more?

My Thoughts: I adored this novel. I tore through it, not wanting to put it down. I loved how bits and pieces were from both Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones's Diary (yes I know, but trust me, it's true and it does work.). I loved the relationship with the siblings - their loyalty, their love, and their banter. I even liked the dragon dowager duchess, she grew on me. Bridget is clever, charming, and entertaining. I love her interactions with Lord Darcy from the beginning moments. I enjoyed the slow burn romance. I liked Lord Darcy - appreciated his back story and why he's so responsible. I enjoyed his relationship with his brother too. I loved the writings in the diary, how her sister would steal it and tease her, and how it went missing. I can't wait to read more about the Cavendish family!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all romance sections in public libraries