Book Review: A Highlander's Hidden Heart

Goodreads Summary

From the Timeless Romance Singles line comes the new novella A HIGHLANDER'S HIDDEN HEART by Julie Coulter Bellon:

Despite being the daughter of a duke, shy Elizabeth Barrington becomes a target for the cruel whisperings of the ton. She would rather stay at home with her sketchbook indefinitely than give them more to gossip about, but when a dashing new earl arrives, everything changes. His Scottish brogue and easy acceptance draw her in and she finds herself falling in love. Before she can act on her feelings, however, her father promises her to a man who hides his cruel behavior behind a mask of civility. With her future at stake, Elizabeth must make a choice—do her duty or choose a love that could cost her everything. 

Alec Ramsay never expected to inherit an earldom or settle in England, but he leaves behind his life in the Scottish Highlands and comes to London. After meeting his new neighbor, the beautiful and soft-spoken Lady Elizabeth, Alec can’t wait to further their acquaintance. It doesn’t take long in her company, however, for Alec to see he’s in danger of losing his heart. But when long-held prejudices rear their ugly head, Alec is caught between doing what is right and his new role as an English gentleman. Has he finally found the love he’s waited his whole life for, only to lose her in the web of unfair judgments and proper English traditions? 

Review

This was such a good read! I only wish that it had been longer. Alex and Elizabeth were such great characters. I loved their connection. So good at heart and not wanting to be anything but what they truly were. I won't spoil it, but there was a unique characteristic of one of the characters that I found so refreshing in a way to be present in a book. Like I said, it was a shorter book, and I would have liked to have spent more time with the characters, but the story flows well and everything is wrapped up. 

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: P.S. I Love You

Goodreads Summary

Cora Rey wanted a fresh start in life, but being thrown back in time to 1850 isn’t how she expected to do that. She discovers that Victorian England isn't the pleasant social whirl Jane Austen led her to believe, but when in Rome—or in this case Twickenham . . . She’s determined to have the vacation of a lifetime, especially in the company of a certain duke. 
  
Simon Tuttle never expected to become the duke of Hertfordshire, never wanted it, but now he is, and eligible women seeking a title consider him the next trophy to be taken in the marriage mart. A union of convenience is the most he hopes for due to the shame-filled secret he bears—until he meets Cora. Now, he imagines that a love match could be possible after all. Hiding his secret from society has been easy—hiding it from Cora proves impossible. Can Cora love a man like him despite learning the truth? 

This delightful romance is a little Regency, a little contemporary, and a lot Victorian. 
Books > Romance > Clean & Wholesome

Review

This was a fun time travel read. The beginning took a few chapters to get into, but soon I was flying through this book. There were a few unexpected twists that I liked, but I don't want to give anything away, so I'll let you discover them for yourself. The characters were fun, and interesting. And of course I loved the Victorian England setting. If you are looking for a fun, quick, time-travel romance, this is for you.

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour: Enchant

Enchant by Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: Young Adult

Mara Pryce never imagined that her life was anything but normal and then a strange gray-eyed young man appears at her graduation. When he vanishes without a trace, she’s convinced he’s a figment of her imagination. Then he appears again and shatters her whole world.

Mara is an enchanter, part of an ancient line of Wiccan power, and a war is raging—one of good and evil—between the Enchanted and the Iniquitous.

The Iniquitous want her dead and it’s Theodore’s job as her protector to keep her safe.

When Mara and Theodore arrive at a safe house, where Mara will remain hidden while learning about her powers, they find that the real threat might be a little closer to home than they want to believe.

Purchase 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author

Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling twenty-something author. She started scribbling stories before she even knew her alphabet. She currently resides in Virginia with her doggie side-kick Ollie. 

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Review

This was my first Micalea Smeltzer book that I've read, but I have quite a few of her books on my to-read list. The premise and gorgeous cover of this book instantly caught my attention. Enchant was a quick read, and while some parts were predictable (in a good way), it was enjoyable. The action starts right off the bat and doesn't really stop. Mara was a likeable character and Theo was a good Protector. They both had their flaws but this made them more realistic (or as realistic as you can get in a book about magic 😜) and I liked seeing their relationship develop. The supporting characters were great additions to the story and learning about how the magic worked was interesting. I will eagerly await the next book in the series to see what happens next!

A free copy of the book was provided for the tour in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

Tour Schedule

November 20th

Good Choice Reading, http://www.goodchoicereading.com 

Tanya the book obsessed momma, www.facebook.com/tanyathebookobsessedmomma 

November 21st

Book Reader Chronicles http://www.bookreaderchronicles.com  

November 22nd

Kindle and Me, www.kindleandme.com 

November 23rd

Clare & Lous Mad About Books, clareandlousmadaboutbooks.blogspot.co.uk 

Book Crazy, http://bookcrazy123.blogspot.co.uk/ 

November 24th

A Redhead's Ramblings, https://aredheadsramblings.blogspot.com/

books are love, hello-booklover.tumblr.com

Gina's Creative Spaces and Pages , http://ginascreativespaceandpages.tumblr.com/

Book Review: Falling for a Duke

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes FALLING FOR A DUKE.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Rebecca Connolly, Nichole Van, and Janelle Daniels

ON THE DUKE’S ERRAND by Rebecca Connolly. Lord David Chambers has one goal—to put his father’s Scotland estate to rights. Even if it means leaving in the middle of the London Season and avoiding the matchmakers. As the second son of a duke, David looks forward to facing the wilds of Scotland, and trying to make something of himself and prove his worth to his father. But David’s not prepared for the censure he receives from the local Scottish gentry, especially Ceana Shaw, the baronet’s daughter who not only mistakes him for the duke himself, she seems determined to think the worst of David. 

VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE by Nichole Van. Eliza Mail had found the perfect place to live out her days as a young widow, away from the pain of her past and lost love. Seemingly by chance, Eliza’s childhood neighbor, Liam Trebor, Duke of Chawton, comes to her village for a visit. Eliza hasn’t seen Liam in over five years, and his presence panics her. Will he reveal what he knows to her friends and neighbors, destroying her current life? Eliza must avoid Liam at all costs, but he seems equally determined to flush her out of hiding. What happens if Eliza’s past does not stay where it belongs . . . in her past? 

I KISSED A DUKE by Janelle Daniels. Madeline Maybury will do anything to be invited into the inner circles of the ton. She takes on a challenge from a high society lady to kiss the Duke of Hargrave. When she finds Ethan alone and explains that she needs to kiss him, instead of turning her away, he’s amused. He also obliges. Madeline believes she can report back and achieve all of her ambitions. Instead, she’s given an even greater task. Once she accomplishes it, she realizes that the Duke of Hargrave is a very different man than she expected, and she’s in grave danger of falling in love.

Review

I sure am a sucker for these Timeless Regency stories. I have lost count of how many I have read (except not really because I  can always look on Goodreads 😜). There were three stories in this edition and each was better than the last. 

The first story was On the Duke's Errand by Rebecca Connolly. I haven't read any of her books but I'm sure I will in the future. I found this to be a sweet story. I loved how fiery Ceana was and David made me laugh multiple times. I hadn't really read a Regency dealing with land ownership and tenants and all the issues that can arise with that, so while this story was different, I enjoyed learning some new things.

The second story was Vingt-et-Un by Nichole Van. I have read two of Nichole's books and I absolutely love her writing! I loved this story, even though it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. It had the common misunderstanding trope often found in Regency but I enjoyed this story nonetheless. Eliza and Liam were so great. I would love to read more about them. 

The third story was I Kissed a Duke by Janelle Daniels. I haven't read any of her books either, and this story convinced me I need to. I hadn't read a Regency that involved some of what happened in this story (I don't want to give anything away :)) and it was pretty entertaining. Madeline and Ethan were also great characters that I would love to read more about. 

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Yesterday's Promise

Goodreads Summary

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother. 

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Review

I loved this book! I know I say that about a lot of the books I read but it's true! I love books set in Scotland and I love books with great leads and this book delivered! Katherine is such a great heroine. She is realistic and relatable. Collin is a bit of a mystery for some of the book but most questions are answered about him and his past. I liked the flashbacks and that they helped fill in the blanks of the story. I don't want to spoil anything but the connection that Katherine and Collin have and how it came to be was lovely! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! 

A free copy of the book was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: A Holiday in Bath

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A HOLIDAY IN BATH. 

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixsen 

TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines 
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam. 
LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield 
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change. 
THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen 
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too… 

Review

As always, this Timeless Regency installment was such a pleasure to read! I've read a handful of novellas set in Bath and they all make me want to visit someday. The first story wasn't all light and fun but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would be interested in reading more stories that deal with some darker issues like this one did. The second story is tied with the third story for my favorite of the collection. Bath is full of doctors, some not exactly experts, and of course there is the Pump Room where the visitors partake of the famous waters. I loved the leads in this story and the connection they share. The third story was wonderful. The grandma was probably my favorite character even though the leads are great as well. She just said the darndest things. I can't wait for more from Timeless Regency!

This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Matchmaking Game

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line. 

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch. 

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart. 

Review

This was a charming and quick read! I read it in about two sittings. As it is a novella, it is on the shorter side, however I still felt the story was not rushed and everything wrapped up nicely. I always love when the heroine and hero are childhood friends. I loved reading about the antics and pranks Rowena got into with Evan as her accomplice. I do wish we had learned more about Evan's sister and her condition but maybe there will be another story about her and her journey to better health. The characters developed nicely and the ending was wonderful!

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Season in London

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

Review

I love these Timeless Regency anthologies! This version focused on, you guessed it, Seasons in London, which I find the whole idea behind Seasons fascinating. The first story, Poor Relations was exciting and had some mystery to it. Emma was more rational than her cousin, but both women were good characters. Colonel Shelton was also great. The story is a good fit for a short story and wraps up nicely. The second story, Edward and Emily was so sweet! Emily has what could be seen as an unusual talent for the day but Edward does, too, so they were perfect for each other! I would have liked this story to be longer, but I am satisfied with what I got. The last story, and my favorite one, was A Sporting Season. I would love a full length version of this story! Daphne was such a great character who had been through something difficult two years prior. This Incident, as it is referred to in the book, has influenced how she feels about having a Season. We meet James early on and I instantly loved him! Both he and Daphne have a sense of humor I just loved. Seeing their relationship develop was a treat!

A copy of this book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Love's Shadow

Goodreads Summary

Branwell D'Angelo . . .
Six years ago, I fell in love with Lucy--my brother's girlfriend. Stupid of me, I know, but sometimes the heart doesn't listen to reason.
Six years, I've lived on the sidelines. Seeing him love her, be with her, bask in her sunshine . . .
I watched her break his heart and then cleaned up the shattered pieces of him she left behind.
She's the one woman I can't have but still the only one my soul wants.
Now she's back in our lives and needs the unique help only us D'Angelos can give.
He's not emotionally strong enough to face her. So he's sending me instead . . .

For her part, when tragedy strikes Lucy Snow on a visit to Italy, she can't bring herself to call any of the D'Angelo brothers for help. There are consequences for falling in love with your ex-boyfriend's brother. But Lucy desperately needs Branwell's paranormal skills and his gift of Sight. And if seeing him will negate at least three years of therapy? Well, it's a price she is willing to pay.

Thrown together in a desperate bid to save an innocent life, Branwell and Lucy struggle against their shared past, only to realize that something even more dangerous is reaching through the weight of time to stalk their every move . . .

Though the second book in the Brothers Maledetti series, Love's Shadow is a full-length, standalone novel.

Review

Oh this book! I absolutely adored the first one in this series, as you can see in my review here. This author, Nichole Van, is so, so talented! I could read her work forever! I went into this novel thinking it couldn't compare to the first one, but boy was I wrong! I might actually love Love's Shadow better than Gladly Beyond. It doesn't hurt that the heroine, Lucy, is a redhead with freckles, either ;). Branwell was a fantastic hero, and I loved reading from his perspective as well as Lucy's. They have complicated history, and I loved how things worked out for them. For your viewing pleasure, I have added a picture of who I think makes a great Branwell, man bun and all! And I may just be looking for excuses to post pictures of Aidan Turner, but that is neither here nor there. 



I have yet to find a picture of someone who could be Lucy. Anyways, this second book in the series tells us some more about the Curse that the D'Angelo brothers share. I loved learning more about the brothers' relationship with each other. I don't want to spoil too much, but the ending was pretty perfect and I am excited to read more in the series! Also, I have a new love for green candy. As to the mystery of why, I'll let you read the book to find out! 

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Country Christmas

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS. 

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, and Jennifer Moore. 

SAINTS AND SINNERS by Josi S. Kilpack. When Neville Franklin’s best friend Burke wants to wager who can kiss Eloise first, Neville puts a stop to it. Eloise has been his friend since childhood, and, well, she’s off-limits. Especially to Burke. As Burke pursues Eloise and claims that she has a tendre for him, Neville becomes more and more protective of the girl he grew up with. On the night of the Christmas ball when Eloise appears in a dress that clearly shows that she is no longer a girl, but a beautiful woman, Neville realizes that his protective feelings toward Eloise have turned into something greater. But now, Neville’s best friend stands in his way.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE by Carla Kelly. Sailing Master Able Six is on half-pay with the British navy, biding his time during the uneasy Peace of Amiens and the resumption of war. Meanwhile, he’s invited to teach young pupils at the home of a vicar outside of Plymouth. There, he unexpectedly meets Meridee, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar. From the moment Able sees Meridee, he’s entranced. When she asks him about his past and discovers his remarkable yet troublesome gift, he realizes he’s finally found someone who can care for all of him. Sadly, Able’s low station and half-pay gives him no way to provide for a wife. Meridee’s lack of dowry and dependence on relatives makes their union impossible at best. But isn’t Christmas a season of hope?

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Moore. Archie Clawson wants nothing more than to give Jane the perfect Christmas. Since her troubled childhood, she’s not experienced a Christmas with all the trimmings. To top off the perfection, he also plans to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve. But as he and his friends, including Jane, travel to his country home, they are caught in a snowstorm and discover that notice of their arrival did not get through to the house staff. Worried over the disappointment he must be causing Jane and the complete shift in their planned Christmas, Archie fears that he’s misinterpreted her kindness towards him and lost her favor forever. 

Review

Reading this Christmas collection was the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit! The first and last stories featured characters from other Timeless Regency stories, so it was fun to read about these characters again. The first story, Saints and Sinners featured Neville and Eloise, who were in the Autumn Masquerade collection. I loved that they were friends and knew each other well. The second story was pretty unique. The Christmas Angle (no that's not a typo) is about Able Six teaching the young sons of a vicar some math, hence the "Angle" part. I don't think I've come across a Regency story about sailors or a man teaching students. Usually its women doing the teaching. Able and Meridee's relationship was so tender and sweet. The last story, The Perfect Christmas, featured characters from the Spring in Hyde Park collection. This story focused on Archie and Jane and I love them together. Christmas festivities don't go exactly as planned but turn out perfectly! 

A copy of this book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Her Fateful Debut

Goodreads Summary

Classic Regency romance with a dash of suspense . . . 
Beautiful Miss Penelope Swinton wants to live out her life as a spinster in her beloved Northamptonshire, but with an ailing father and an entailed estate, she must come to London and enter the Marriage Mart. And if she must marry, she is determined to marry for love. 
In a brief respite from the social whirl of the season, she retreats from the restrictions of the ton to sketch in the park and stumbles over a French spy. When Penelope finds her life in danger, Viscount Beau Wellingham steps up to protect her, however he has secrets of his own. Wellingham leads a clandestine life as an agent for the Foreign Office trapping spies. In defending her life, he unwittingly puts her reputation at risk. 
In order to save Penelope from society’s scorn, Beau presses for a betrothal. Though she resists, he insists. Soon Beau is unable to deny the attraction he feels towards her. Before he can act on his feelings, danger rises again. This time, his life is on the line. 
With a desperate spy closing in, Penelope must choose the safety of what she has always known or a chance for love. But will she be too late? 
Review

I loved this book! Can I have more clean, Regency spy novels please! I could read those books all day long! Like can they make Mission:Impossible movies but set in the Regency period? Yes please! Anyways, this book took me longer than I anticipated to read, mostly because school is busy. The spy aspect wasn't as present in the book as I was hoping, but I still loved the book. Penelope or "Pen" (I seriously swooned whenever Beau called her that) was such a good heroine. She was realistic and I just loved that she had a passion for learning and drawing. I really wished there was a book or even a short story to follow this one in which it shows her married life. It would be fun to read about her exploring Somerset. Beau was so dashing, even with his dandy disguise. And the fact that he knows jiu-jitsu is so awesome! Five stars for this book!

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Summer House Party

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.

Join three bestselling Regency Romance authors, Regina Scott, Donna Hatch, and Sarah M. Eden, for three new novellas in SUMMER HOUSE PARTY.

A ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE by Regina Scott: Kitty Chapworth is nearly a spinster, and an orphan living on the charity of her uncle, with nothing to recommend her for the marriage mart. Her primary purpose is relegated to acting chaperone for her cousins until she can see them successfully married. Kitty remains focused on her duty even though she knows her future is bleak. When Quentin Adair returns from a long ten years working in Jamaica and proposes a wild charade to Kitty, she agrees, although the plan might reawaken her old feelings for Quentin. Can a reformed rake convince the perfect chaperone to overlook propriety for love?

A PERFECT MATCH by Donna Hatch: Genevieve attends a summer house party hosted by her best friend who can't wait to introduce her to a gentleman she wants to marry, Christian Amesbury. After meeting him, Genevieve determines Christian is perfect . . . for her. Torn between loyalty to her best friend and the yearnings of her heart, Genevieve must first escape the attention of a powerful lord who's obsessed with her and who tries to rob her of any hope for a happily ever after.

THE PAUPERS’ HOUSE PARTY by Sarah M. Eden: It’s a rare event that Edward Downy and his brother are invited to a house party by a member of the ton. But when they arrive, Edward quickly realizes this house party is different than any other. All invited guests are quite destitute, fallen members of Society barely hanging onto their homes. The hosts of the house party, the Warricks, then make a stunning announcement—they intend to gift all their properties to one fortunate guest. As the guests race to impress the Warricks, Edward finds a fast friend in Agatha Holmwood, who shares his same aversion to the horrible expectations. But their growing fondness for each other only makes the game more painful. 

Review

While I didn't love this collection, I still enjoyed it. This collection focused on house parties, which I find so interesting. I sometimes wish I could go back in time for a while and just live in the Regency period. 
The first story was A Engagement of Convenience by Regina Scott. Kitty and Quentin have some not so pleasant history. Their mutual backstory was interesting and really added to the story. Kitty was a strong heroine, even though her life was hard, and Quentin was a great hero. I wish I could see what their life together was like after the book ended. 
The second story was A Perfect Match by Donna Hatch. This novella is actually a prequel of sorts for one of Donna's other novels, which I hope to read someday. Genevieve was such a good friend and heroine. She wanted to help her friend find love but she also found it in the process. I would have liked to know more of Christian's story, but I guess I will learn more of him if I read the novel that takes place after this story. 

The final story was The Pauper's House Party by Sarah M. Eden. She is one of my favorite authors, so I was looking forward to this one. The idea of having a house party in which all the attendees are on the poorer side of high society was  new to me, and I liked it. This would have been fun as a full length novel. I appreciated Agatha's wit and humor and Edward was great. 

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Gladly Beyond

Goodreads Summary

An ancient curse, fractured at the birth of three brothers.
Two strangers helplessly drawn to each other.
A love story two hundred years in the making.

Claire Raythorn arrives in Florence, Italy, shattered, alone, and anxious to rebuild her life--preferably one without men. But she soon finds herself hunted and haunted-- literally--when a mysterious stalker dressed like Mr. Darcy from BBC central casting appears in her photos. And only her photos. Who is this man? And what does his ghostly presence mean?

Dante D'Angelo simply wants to safeguard his brothers, despite the family curse that hounds his vision. But then Claire Raythorn walks into his life, untouched somehow by his curse. Soon, everything Dante thought he knew about himself starts to unravel, dragging Claire down with him.

Set against the lush backdrop of Florence, Italy--both past and present--Claire and Dante fight for a future together. But, first, they must uncover their shared past . . .

Review

You guys! This book! I never, ever wanted this book to end! If you find yourself in a reading slump or just want a really darn good book, this is the book for you! It is currently $3.99 on amazon which is a steal considering how great a book this is. And also, how pretty is that cover?! I could seriously read 1,000 more pages of this book. I can't sing this book's praises enough, if you can't tell ;). I was very pleasantly surprised when I found out that Nichole Van is writing another book in this world, focusing on another character in this book. I am so excited! 

The characters in this book are so developed and complex! I liked how the story was told in a dual pov, which helped me to really understand our two main characters, Claire and Dante. Oh Dante! I have found myself a new book boyfriend! Couple him with the setting of Italy and we have a perfect match! He is such a good leading man. A good son and brother, has a sense of humor, is romantic...sign me up! And Claire was just so realistic and smart and brave. She hasn't had the easiest life but she doesn't let that get her down. Claire and Dante together were just perfect! 

The setting was wonderful! I've always wanted to go to Italy, and reading this book made me want to go even more! I loved how the author included a map of all the locations featured in the story. Now how to get to Florence and find my own Dante...

The pacing of this novel was perfect! Not too slow and not too fast. The whole concept of this story was so fun to read. I don't want to give anything away, but the curse and the powers surrounding it were very intriguing. 

Seriously, go out and buy this book now! Or ask your local library to order it. I read this book in about a week, and I tried really hard to pace myself so I could enjoy it longer, but I just couldn't put the book down! This is definitely one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. 

A free copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Last of the Firedrakes

Goodreads Summary

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.

Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

Review

Where do I start with this book? It seemed like the action never let up, but the story didn't go too fast that it was hard to keep up. It was the perfect balance! The characters were developed and the settings and descriptions were dreamy. 

One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “Everything happens for a reason, and nothing is an accident. It is all part of a much larger divine plan,” Duke Silverthorne said gravely, but in a surprisingly kind voice. “When difficulties come, we must see them as what they are—opportunities and a new path to discover your potential. How will you ever know the magnitude of courage you are capable of if you have never experienced the hopelessness of fear? (Kindle location 1218)” This quote represents what the book is about, overcoming hardship and discovering who you are. Aurora is such a great heroine who is adventurous and brave, and sometimes ends up in crazy situations, but luckily Rafe is there to help her. 

Rafe is the hero of the story, and just one in a large cast of characters that help to make this story just so good. I can't wait to see more of him. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in what promises to be a fantastic series!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.