Review: Wilde in Love

* first book in new trilogy *

Lord Alaric Wilde hasn't been home in years, but he detailed his adventures into books. He has no ideas these books have made him famous - or that there's a play out about him. When the ship docks, he has no idea that all the ladies waiting for the ship are there to see him.

He escapes to his family's home - where there's a large party happening. There he meets a Miss Willa Ffynche. He's taken with her but she's not so sure about him. She isn't impressed with his fame and isn't interested in being in the spotlight.

But the more time Lord Alaric spends with her, the more he realizes she's perfect for him. If only he could convince her of the fact...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one - I loved Alaric discovering the play and his reaction to it. I loved his interactions with Willa - particularly their banter. I love how she wasn't interested in his public person, but his true self. I enjoyed their discussion about his adventures. I loved Willa and Lavinia's friendship - how they rule the Season, how they meant to rule the season, and how they were their true selves around each other. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: How very Mr. Darcy
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library romance sections.

Review: In Your Dreams

* Book 4 in the Blue Heron series *

Emmaline's ex is getting married to the woman he left her for - and she's invited. She can't turn down the invitation, but she doesn't want to show up alone either.

Jack Holland agrees to go with her, as a date.  He's sweet, charming, funny, handsome and the perfect date.  It's clear he's going through some trauma of his own - not to mention his ex-wife's back in town looking to rekindle their failed romance.

While Emmaline knows that the date is just for show, she knows that he's someone she could fall for if she's not careful. 

My Thoughts: I really love this series - reading each one is like visiting old friends. The town's charming, the characters are complex, and emotion and humor run through the novel. I love the after school group Emmaline leads for at risk teens - it tugged at my heartstrings. I felt horrible for Emmaline at the wedding and dealing with all the drama - but it was also hilarious at times (ta-ta ta-dahs anyone?) I love Sarge - he adds adorableness. I felt for Jack and his guilt over the accident.  He's such a nice guy - always there to lend a hand to anyone in town.  I'm glad that he found his happy ending, especially after learning about his previous marriage. A fantastic book. I'm a sucker for a Kristan Higgins book - this book felt like coming home.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: Purchased

Fun Fact: Kristan was at RJ Julia's and my librarian BFF and I went to see her. Here we are together:

Adult Review: Trouble with Love

 * Second book in the series - read my review of Fool for Love * 

Rocky's been keeping a secret from everyone for most of her adult life. Recently, she shared it with three people, but now she needs to tell her family. She's afraid her brother's going to go ballistic when he finds out she slept with his best friend.

When Rocky travels to New York City with Tasha to talk to the publisher of their Cupcake Lover's Book - she gets mugged and then hit by a car. She's forced to call Jayce.

Jayce drops everything - not that there's much to drop has he's planning to move back to Vermont. He just hasn't found the right time to tell her. Soon, history repeats itself.

Back in Vermont, Tasha warns the club of scandals. She doesn't want anything jeopardizing the book deal - but in a town this small, it's hard to keep a secret.

My Thoughts: I really love this series. I like the small town charm, the entertaining characters, and the romance. I love Jayce and the fact that he moved back to put his past behind him. My heart broke for his past and all he had to deal with as a child. I love Rocky's determination to make it on her own. I love her strength. I like her new potential career. I loved the addition of Brewster. I liked catching up with the former main characters and the other people in the town. It did seem like the fast track publishing happened too fast to be realistic, but the timeline needed to fit with the story.  I loved the opening of Moosea-a-lotta.  A fantastic addition to this charming Vermont setting series. 

Cover Thoughts: Love the fall scene
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Sand Castle Bay

 * first in a new trilogy *

Emily left home years ago to make her way as an interior designer. She's sought after now, but her personal life is in shambles. When a hurricane hits the east coast, she hurries home to help her grandmother fix up her restaurant.

Heading to the town where she spent her summers with her sisters is bittersweet. She's stayed away for years - all because of a bad break up that rocked her to her core.

She thought she was going to marry Boone - one day. After she made a name for her self. He refused to wait and married someone else instead. As soon as Emily arrives, she learns that his wife died last year, leaving him and a son behind.

Could it be a time for second chances?

My Thoughts: I'm a HUGE Sherryl Woods fan -so naturally, I had this one on hold at the library. I love how she writes about families - weaving them into series and making them seem so real. It's like falling into your best friends' life. I loved the matchmaking and the meddling from Emily's grandmother. I loved the teasing moments between the three sisters - their relationship isn't perfect, but it feels like it's coming together. I loved B.J. - he was sweet, funny, and full of energy. Boone was so protective of his son, that it just made me smile. I loved the tension and the chemistry between Boone and Emily - a sweet, confusing romance. A fabulous start to a summer trilogy.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Midnight Promises

 * 8th book in the Sweet Magnolia series* 

Eliot and Karen married - but they still have issues to work through. Karen's still gun shy about money issues after her ex-husband left her with debt. She also desires to be seen as a partner.
When Eliot makes decisions without her, she becomes furious.  Eliot wants to use the money they've set aside for a baby as start up for a men's gym. The idea is in motion before Karen finds out - from someone else.
Karen desperately wants to believe that her fairy tale ending is here to stay. But she's not about to let marriage destroy her again. How can she make Eliot see that it's not about him and their love and more about the partnership and financial security she craves?

My Thoughts: I love this series of romance, strong women, and a small community. Each book grows and touches upon more characters in this town, I love reading about their lives.  I liked reading about these characters in the previous books, but I loved finding out what happened after Eliot and Karen married. I like how they struggled through their problems, but came through them stronger. 

I hated the drama with Eliot's sister and the destruction of her marriage. Parts of this story is so heartbreaking, but so real. 

I love how Sherryl Woods weaves families and friends together.  I'm so happy there are more in Sweet Magnolia books to come!!!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: Netgalley

Similar Series: Cedar Cove

Review: Mine Till Midnight

Amelia Hathaway has her hands full keeping her family together. Her brother inherited a title, but after losing his fiancee, he's no longer cares about anything. Another sister is still recovering from a sickness which left her weak. her two other sisters need attention especially now that they're titled.

Amelia whisks her brother away from London and all it's vices to their new family home, only to discover the house is in shambles. After a near disaster, they find themselves staying with their neighbors the Westcliffs.

Amelia also finds a man who kissed her is in residence. Cam helped her find her brother one night and stole a kiss. She hasn't stopped thinking about him, even though she's long come to terms with her spinster status.

Will Cam change her mind?

My Thoughts: The start of a series for the Hathaway family is romantic, family oriented, and delightful. Amelia learned to stop controlling everything as she's forced to lean on Cam. She loves her family dearly but she needs to also begin to think of herself and her life. Her family has their funny quirks which add humor to the story. 


I loved seeing old friends from the Wallflower series. I adored those books and it was great catching glimpses into their world. I adore Lisa Kleypas books, but I think the Wallflower series are still my favorite. 


Cover Thoughts: Love the color of the dress


Source: Inter-library Loan

Adult Review: An Offer from a Gentleman

* Book 3 in the Bridgeton series - read my reviews for the first and second book *

Sophie Beckett has a wicked stepmother who orders her to do the work of three servants.  Her two step-sisters haven't ever stood up for her. Her father never claimed her while he was alive, although he made sure she was educated. Upon his death, her life changed for the worse.

One night, she attends a ball - a Bridgeton ball. There she dances with Benedict Bridgerton who makes her feel like a princess. It's a magical night for her. Except her stepmother discovers her identity from the scuff marks on her shoes. 

Sophie leaves the only home she's ever known and goes into service.  She meets Benedict Bridgerton again while serving at a house party. She's in a tough spot. Benedict rescues her.  He offers her shelter and will make sure she finds a position in his mother's household. During their trek, he falls ill. Sophie nurses him.

She's never forgotten their moment together. However Benedict doesn't recognize her.  She can't help but feel deeply for him. Could she win the gentleman's heart?

My Thoughts: I love this twist on the Cinderella story. This book was different from the two previous Bridgerton novels.  Sophie's heritage leaves her place in society questionable. I love her interactions with the Bridgerton household.  The only criticism I have of this book is the fact the Sophie harps on her station in society too much. It seemed like she kept using the same arguments over and over.  I still devoured this one and loved the same aspects as in the previous books: the Bridgerton family, their easy banter, their way at stumbling into love, their charm, and their wit.


Cover Thoughts:  Love the slipper and how it connects the book to as Cinderella story


Source: Inter-library loan