Bookstagram (12): Heartbreaker

I do love Sarah MacLean's books. The latest one is no different. 

Here are a few reasons I loved it:

 

Review: Games in a Ballroom

 

About the Book:

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

My Thoughts: I really felt for Olivia and her mother - for dealing with such an abusive father/husband. And her poor clothes!  I'm glad that Olivia had friends to turn to for support. I really enjoyed Emerson's friends. They gave the book humor, especially the pig scene. I would enjoy reading books about their romances. 

About the Author: 

JENTRY FLINT is a bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and two daughters—who, naturally, are named after characters from books.

Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother’s purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband. Games in a Ballroom is her debut novel.

Book List: What to read after watching Bridgerton

I really did enjoy the Bridgerton adaptation.

I loved the scenery (Bath) and the fashion!

Take a look at this blog post with behind the scenes photos.

It would be amazing to be on this set - perhaps as a guest at a ball?

Eloise is my favorite! I loved her so much. I can't wait to see more of her.

And I'm hoping they make all eight seasons. (And it looks like they are! What great news.)

63 million households can't be wrong.

Or course, romance readers are not surprised by this. We've been here all along. There's a reason romance book publishing is a billion dollar industry. (No, that's not a typo it really is Billion)

If you're new to the romance world, welcome.

I talk about romance books often on this blog - both teen and adult.

I love the friendships in romance.

I love the strong feminist main characters.

And the clever banter.

Here are just a few recommendations:

Secrets of a Summer Night:

This is the first in the Lisa Kleypas series. Four wallflowers become friends and find love. It's delightful. And there's a spin-off series.

Nine Rules to Break While Romancing a Rake:

This is Sarah MacLean's first adult romance - her books are often connected by characters.

You can't go wrong with her books.

I talk about her books often!

Duchess Deal:

Tessa Dare used to be a librarian. Now she makes me laugh with her strong feminist characters.

Reviews here.

Earls Just Want to Have Fun:

This book made me laugh so much. I loved  the banter and the descriptions. 

Such a great read.

A Lady's Guide to Improper Behavior:

The title grabbed me at first. I read this ages ago and never realized it was book 2.

Lady Bridget's Diary:

This is the start of a four book set that happens simultaneously between siblings. 

It's a nod to Pride and Prejudice and also Bridget Jones's Diary. I love all the books in the series and after reading it, the author has since become a favorite of mine. 

 

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!

Upcoming Review: Lakeshire Park

Amelia Moore is in trouble. Her stepfather is dying. Once he's dead, she and her sister will no longer have a place in this world. He promised her mother that he would look after them. And he did - sort of. But they have no dowry and he will leave them nothing.

Luckily for her, an invitation to a house party arrives for her and her sister. It's their last chance to make a future for themselves. Amelia doesn't want to worry her sister, so she doesn't confide their troubles to Clara.

However, if Clara doesn't receive an offer of marriage from their host during the house party, they will be homeless. Amelia's determined to everything in her power to make this match happen - even if it means spending time with her sister's rival's brother.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how Amelia and Peter got off on the wrong foot. Their banter made me smile. As did their protectiveness and well wishes for theirs sisters. I loved the moments with the horses.  I loved that the book took place during the two weeks of the house party. I love the enemies to loves trope, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this book. 

Cover Thoughts: Dreamy
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library's romance section.
* Release Date: April 7th

Review: Brazen and the Beast

* Book 2 in the Bareknuckle Bastard series *

Lady Henrietta Sedley has plans - BIG plans. This is the year of Hattie and she's ready to accomplish all the things on her first. She wants her father to stop thinking about her as a woman and more as an heir. It's clear her brother can't handle the shipping business. She has the skills and the abilities. But first she needs to make sure that marriage is off the table - which leads her to Covent Gardens.

Unfortunately, her brother left and unconscious man in the carriage. And when he wakes, he and Hattie have words. From that moment, everything she's planned for becomes derailed. However, Whit might be willing to help her...for a price.

My Thoughts: Of course I loved this book. It might be my new favorite of Sarah's books, but then again, I typically think that. I love this family and I'm dying to see how the next one plays out.

I loved Hattie - for her brains, her determination, her curves, her dreams, and her big heart. I loved her friendship with Nora. I love Nora's driving of the carriages. I loved seeing characters from other stories pop up and to check in one them. I loved learning more about Whit. And of course the banter between Whit and Hattie was amazing. 

I love how Hattie saw her future and reached out to take it. She had a plan. She believed in herself. And she wasn't about to let anyone, not even the most handsomest man of her acquaintance stop her. I loved the idea of the Year of Hattie. It was inspiring! Another wonderful feminist romance from Sarah MacLean that devoured.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing
Source: BEA ARC

Library Recommendation: Sarah MacLean is a Must Have Author for your library's romance collection.

Romance Review: No Earls Allowed

* Book 2 in the Survivor series *

Major Neil Wraxell isn't thrilled to receive his father's summons. Usually that means a job  that he's not going to like. He's not wrong. His father requires him to look after Lady Juliana - the daughter of a friend. \

Lady Juliana would rather spend her days with orphans than with society. When her father requires it, she attends society events, but otherwise she spends her time with the children. They need attention as everything's falling apart.

When the Major arrives, it's a battle of wills. Neither of them is willing to back down. As long as Lady Juliana stays, the Major stays. Luckily the boys have taken to him and he's taken to giving them a schedule. The longer he stays, the more Lady Juliana realizes that the boys could use a good male role model. Could he be persuaded to stay?

My Thoughts: I really liked this story - for so many reasons. Firstly I loved Lady Juliana and how she cared for the boys. I loved the boys in the orphanage. They were charming, funny, and sweet. Of course they were also a handful. I loved their interactions with the Major and how they took to him. I found it interested that the Major was a virgin - that was unexpected. I loved the banter between Lady Juliana and the Major. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: I recommend this series for your public library romance section.

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.

Romance Review: My Fair Duchess

In an unprecedented move, Genevieve inherited a dukedom - becoming a duchess. However, she's never been taught how to manage anything properly. She writes to her godmother begging for advice. Her godmother sends alone her steward.

Archibald Salisbury must turn Lady Genevieve into a proper duchess - and he has a lot of work ahead of him. He only wishes he could get her out of his head. For a proper lady can't have a man like him - estranged from his family as he is.

Duchess lessons have never been so fun.

My Thoughts: A really fun feminist romance. I love that Genevieve inherited a dukedom. And that she wanted/needed knowledge of how to make it successful. I loved her grandmother and their relationship. I adored the letters Genevieve and Archie wrote to each other, especially the crossed out thoughts. Their banter was fun and made me chuckle several times. The best romance books have a smart funny heroine - if you like that too, read this one!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance section

Romance Review: Duchess Deal

* First in a new series *

Emma storms the Duke's home wanting to be paid for the hideous dress she made his ex-fiancé. She deserves to be paid for her time and the payment is the only thing that will keep the roof over her head.

The Duke's former fiancé left him due to the scars he endured during the war. He revolted her. But this time he has a plan, a plan for Emma. He needs an heir and a willing bride.

Emma can't believe the Duke made her an offer of marriage - even if it does have conditions. Emma knows that she's nobody's idea of a duchess, but she has a few conditions of her own. She doesn't want a fake marriage; she wants something more.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this  book - it made me chuckle more than a few times. I loved Emma and her no nonsense ways. I loved that she didn't back down from the Duke. I loved her pet names for the Duke and how they made him react. I loved Breeches. . Of course I loved the She was warned, but nevertheless, she persisted line. I loved how she was seamstress and wanted to help her customer from reliving her previous fate. She was strong, determined, and smart. I loved the Duke - and his monster walks and how he helped others. I like how he visited Emma's father. I adored his sidekick. I loved Emma's friends and their quirks. I hope the other books are about them finding their happily ever after. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: From my Library
Fun Fact: I thought this was a Beauty and the Beast story, but I read on a blog that it was based on Deadpool.

Library Recommendation: Recommended for public library romance sections

Adult Mini Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton

* First in a new series *

Billie Bridgerton can't believe the scrap she just got herself into trying to help a cat. Now she's stuck on top of a roof with a hurt ankle and no way down. She's waiting for someone to come along - but of course the one person who comes along is the one person she can't stand.

George Rokesby is an old family friend. Unfortunately Billie and he have never been friends. She adores his brothers, but George seems condescending and annoying. But once he becomes her white knight, emotions begin to shift.  

The Good:
* The start of a new series, so we'll see these characters again
* The banter between Billie and George
* Billie's tomboy ways
* Billie's knowledge of the land and her working the land
* Billie wearing breeches
* Billie's way with the Rokesby brothers
* The Pall Mall game
* The mallet of the death
* The closeness of the families
* Mother maniupalation tricks
* Enemies to Lovers
* Slow romance

The Bad:
* We have to wait for more news about Edward

Final Thoughts: Get yourself to a library or bookstore and grab this one up if you love historical romances.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: In anticipation for this book, I wrote up a post on the BookBub blog about what books to read while waiting for this one, but it also works with what books to read afterwards.

Adult Review: Rogue Not Taken

 * Book 1 in the Scandal and Scoundrel series *

Lady Sophie Talbot is different than she sisters; she isn't fond of the tabloid gossip detailing their every move. In fact, up until now, she's stayed out of the limelight. But when her sister's husband does something unforgivable, she must act.

Now she's embarrassed and wants to escape the party. She ends up fleeing the scene on the back of a carriage. Only the carriage isn't going where she expected. Now she's in a worse mess with no way out.

What will happen when she's discovered?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Sarah MacLean's and this book made me so so happy to read. It was hilarious. I loved the banter between Sophie and King. They got into serious scrapes, but they always managed a way out of the them. I loved the idea of owning a bookstore away from town. Oh, and that library scene reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. Of course I loved it. You can't help but love a bookish heroine. Strawberry tarts. Hedge Mazes. I really liked Sophie's sisters and can't wait to see what happens next with the Talbot family. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming - I like the blue
Source: My Library

Final Thought: You never want to miss a Sarah MacLean book, they're too good!

Adult Review: The Rogue You Know

* Book 2 in the Covent Garden Cubs series *

Susanna's spent her life under her mother's thumb. Now with her new sister-in-law, she's looking for an adventure - just one before she gets married and has someone else controlling her life. She never dreamed her adventure would come so soon.

In the library, trying to find a book, a thief steals into the room. Susanna gets the better of him and commandeers the stolen necklace. Then she proposes a trade - she will give him back the necklace only after he takes her to Vauxhall Gardens.

The necklace is Gideon's ticket away from the life he leads. He has no choice but to take the trade. Unfortunately, nothing goes their way from the moment they leave the house. Will Susanna's adventure be the ruin of her?

My Thoughts:
I love Shana Galen's books -they're funny, sweet, and wildly entertaining. I love how this series is about thieves. 

I love how Susanna wants more from life than following the rules - she wants adventure. She wants love. She wants what her brother has. 

I felt bad for Gideon - for his hard life and for the choices he had to make. I liked his spirit and his choice in friends.

I love that while Gideon wants to protect her, she doesn't need protection. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.  I love the banter between the two of them.

I adored Beauty - I think she stole some scenes and made me want to give my dog an extra hug or two.

This story is inspired by Tangled - and it's fantastic in every way.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're a historical romance reader and you aren't reading Shana Galen, start! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Christmas Review: It Happened One Christmas

Lisette Hamilton has been waiting for Henry to propose for years. Right before he asks for her hand in marriage, she literally runs into a man who makes her heart race.

Quinton has ideals for helping the poor and for his political career. As a son who will no inherit, he needs financial backing. He's agreed to man a young lady who he doesn't love.

They try to stay away from each other, but the more they see each other, the more their drawn to each other.

Will that one moment where they ran into each other change their lives forever?

My Thoughts: A cute historical romance story near Christmas time. I love the different perspectives. I love Quinto's ideas for helping London become better. I love Lisette's sisters. A charming read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Challenge: a personal goal to read 10 Christmas Books this year