Review: The Heir Affair (Royal We #2) - Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

From Goodreads: Making it up the aisle was the easy part: After marrying the heir to the throne, Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals as she adjusts to life in the glamorous British royal family, in this “highly anticipated” follow-up to The Royal We, the “fun and dishy” bestseller and NYT Summer Reading List pick inspired by Will and Kate’s romance (People).

After a scandalous secret turns their fairy-tale wedding into a nightmare, Rebecca “Bex” Porter and her husband Prince Nicholas are in self-imposed exile. The public is angry. The Queen is even angrier. And the press is salivating. Cutting themselves off from friends and family, and escaping the world’s judgmental eyes, feels like the best way to protect their fragile, all-consuming romance.

But when a crisis forces the new Duke and Duchess back to London, the Band-Aid they’d placed over their problems starts to peel at the edges. Now, as old family secrets and new ones threaten to derail her new royal life, Bex has to face the emotional wreckage she and Nick left behind: with the Queen, with the world, and with Nick’s brother Freddie, whose sins may not be so easily forgotten — nor forgiven.

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My Thoughts: This was the perfect summer beach/pool read when I escaped from quarantine.  Seriously.  Life is heavy, lots of stress between kids and work and just life, but this made me kick back and relax and just enjoy my time...which I so needed!  I have to admit, when #Netgalley granted me the opportunity to review this book, I had yet to read the first in the series.  But, I quickly remedied that because it is also a good summer read and was extremely enjoyable and set up the second book quite well. This is one of those series where I would definitely suggest reading the first book in the series before this one...could you catch up? Of course. But does it make more sense having read the first? Most definitely.

This tracks as a bit of the authors' spin on the real life romance between Prince William and Kate, with an American twist and more drama than at least any of us were aware of between the brothers (not that I think any of this is impossible...in the world of royalty and the crazy rich, anything is possible). That being said, their spin is just enough fantasy to set it apart from the newspapers (or blogs) and make it what it is...a fictional story of two people who fall in love trying to navigate their families, friends, love, getting pregnant, and all the other things that all the rest of us mortals have to work through, even if on a different, less public, scale. ANd really, particularly right now, who doesn't think about escaping to a place where you are unknown, without the day to day worries and responsibilities that we have that seem multiplied in this challenging world?  That's how we start off this second look into the relationship of Bex and Nicholas, as they hide from the world and the scandal that erupted as they began their married lives (again, why you need to read the first book).

I'm not a royal watcher, I don't follow the blogs or the news related to the British Royal Family...but I don't live under a rock and so I did see parallels to real life in this.  While there are parallels, it's not real, and it's sweet, and sassy, and frustrating, and happy, and sad, and all you can hope an escape into a book can be when you really, really don't want to go back to reality,  I heartily recommend not just the Heir Affair, but also The Royal We, as great summer/breach/pool/vacation/staycation escape books that can transport you to a world of richness, and pomp and circumstance and yet make you very, very thankful that you are where you are and perhaps don't need to deal with quite that much drama and intrigue and pressure.

**I reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this, and the incentive to read the first book in the series!**

Book Review: In Bed with the Earl - Christi Caldwell

From Goodreads: Christi Caldwell, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Wicked Wallflowers series, combs London’s underground and finds romance and danger for a missing lord and the lady who loves him.

To solve a mystery that’s become the talk of the ton, no clues run too deep for willful reporter Verity Lovelace. Not even in the sewers of London. That’s precisely where she finds happily self-sufficient scavenger Malcom North, lost heir to the Earl of Maxwell. Now that Verity’s made him front-page news, what will he make of her?

Kidnapped as a child, with no memories of his well-heeled past, Malcom prefers the grimy spoils of the culverts to the gilded riches of society. Damn the feisty beauty who exposed the contented tosher to a parade of fortune-hunting matchmakers. How to keep them at bay? Verity must pretend to be his wife. She owes him.

The intimacy of this necessary arrangement—Verity and Malcom thrust together in close quarters—soon sparks an irresistible heat. But when the charade ends, the danger begins. Will love be enough to protect them from a treacherous plot devised to ruin them?

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My Thoughts:  I found myself enjoying this book enough that I devoured it in one setting, always a good sign of a fun and good read!  The heroine demonstrates the fine line between courageous and brave and stubborn and desperate...and the risks one is willing to take for family and those we love. Our hero, as we learned in the previous book, has both some shady, unscrupulous family members, and some that are innocent of a series of wrongdoings against him as a child, leading to his making a living, a rather good living, as a scavenger. He's stubborn, sometimes cruel, friendless (in his mind), and still living like he's desperate and not comfortable in terms of money and access to the necessities. Together they come together and end up finding a way to help each other out...security for Verity and a sense of belonging and security for Malcom as well. Verity helps him see that it is not him against the world, no matter how he tries to frame it, and that actions have repercussions internally and externally.  I loved how it all came together at the end, how they work through personal and external challenges, and ultimately determine that life is better surrounded by other people that care about you, and vice versa.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Montlake Romance for the opportunity to read this advance copy! 

Book Review: Hid From Our Eyes - Julia Spencer-Fleming

 
Hid From Our Eyes - Julie Spencer-Fleming

Publisher Description: THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER

New York Times bestseller Julia Spencer-Fleming returns to her beloved Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery series with new crimes that span decades in Hid from Our Eyes.

"New parents Clare Fergusson and police chief Russ Van Alstyne tackle three copycat murders and one testy baby in this riveting addition to an acclaimed series" —People magazine

1952. Millers Kill Police Chief Harry McNeil is called to a crime scene where a woman in a party dress has been murdered with no obvious cause of death.

1972. Millers Kill Police Chief Jack Liddle is called to a murder scene of a woman that's very similar to one he worked as a trooper in the 50s. The only difference is this time, they have a suspect. Young Vietnam War veteran Russ van Alstyne found the body while riding his motorcycle and is quickly pegged as the prime focus of the investigation.

Present-day. Millers Kill Police Chief Russ van Alstyne gets a 911 call that a young woman has been found dead in a party dress, the same MO as the crime he was accused of in the 70s. The pressure is on for Russ to solve the murder before he's removed from the case.

Russ will enlist the help of his police squad and Reverend Clare Fergusson, who is already juggling the tasks of being a new mother to her and Russ's baby and running St. Alban's Church, to finally solve these crimes.

Readers have waited years for this newest book and Julia Spencer-Fleming delivers with the exquisite skill and craftsmanship that have made her such a success.

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My thoughts: I cannot remember when or how I first discovered this beautiful series by Julia Spencer-Fleming, but I am so glad I did those several years ago.  She returns to the series with another great installment that further explore the extremely realistic relationship between Russ and Clare (including all the faults and struggles and strengths of joys of our main characters and the frustration of being new parents and being a working mother).

The characters in this series are ones that just make you like them, make you appreciate them, and make you want to just enjoy a visit with sometime. The world they inhibit and the people that surround them is so well-developed that you feel like you know them and appreciate the small(ish) town feel and interactions. While the main story focuses on Clare and Russ and the investigation they are attempting to resolve that has historical ties to the area and to Russ personally, there are related and separate stories that are well-done and add to the story and big picture versus just happening in the background. Ms. Spencer-Fleming has a way of wrapping in enough facts to make you sure you know exactly who did what and when, yet throws in enough uncertainties and twists and turns to keep you guessing as well.  I'm not sure how that happens or works, but somehow she does it!

As they work through the mystery, there's a lot of personal issues they are working through as well, and there is such a cliffhanger at the end that I'm left with no doubt that we have another book ahead of us in the (hopefully) near future. These are not my normal style of books I would say, although I tend to read just about anything that piques my interest.  That being said, I love the story, the character and world-building, the mystery, and the emotion that Ms. Spencer-Fleming brings to all her books.  I'm so happy that this series has returned and am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

Thank you to #NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to review the advance copy!

Book Review: An Heiress to Remember - Maya Rodale

  An Heiress to Remember by Maya Rodale

Goodreads Description: USA Today bestselling author Maya Rodale’s Gilded Age Girls Club series continues with an enemies-to-lovers romance that shows love is sweeter than revenge.

Uptown Heiress

Once a society darling, Beatrice Goodwin has returned to Manhattan in a cloud of scandal. She is determined to save the bankrupt family business—Goodwin’s Department Store—and transform it into the shopping destination for Manhattan’s women. She will certainly never, ever sell it to Wes Dalton.

Downtown Rogue

Wes Dalton came from nowhere to possess one of the great fortunes of the Gilded Age, thanks to his premier department store located opposite Goodwin’s. This “Merchant Prince” never forgot the girl who got away—or her parents who made it clear that he’d never be rich, powerful or respectable enough. He has sworn revenge—until Beatrice’s return complicates everything.

Happy ever after at last . . . ?

Now Goodwin’s and Dalton’s are dueling to be the best department store in Manhattan. Beatrice and Wes will stop at nothing to impress, and not even the sparks flying between them will get in the way of their fierce rivalry. They’re competitors by day and lovers by night, until they’re forced to choose what is sweeter: revenge, success or happy ever after at last.

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My Thoughts: This series by Maya Rodale is quickly moving up my list to being one of my favorites...ever. EVER. I have said it before, I love me a strong, smart, independent heroine no matter the time period, and the women of the Gilded Age Girls Club series fit that completely. I love that it's not just our main characters that fit that mold, but all the supporting ones as well. I think one of my favorite things about this series though, aside from the delightful writing and storytelling, is that I come away from every book learning something new about history (even if just "based upon" true facts) that I can then research and learn. While some argue the topics are "frivolous" (birth of the makeup industry, shopping, clothes) they demonstrate the birth of women's rights, recognition of females as entrepreneurs and people in their own rights and minds, smart and capable and frankly, awesome.  

I thought the backstory here was unique...a divorced Duchess coming home to America, finding herself and rebuilding the family empire.  I really enjoyed the history between Wes and Beatrice, their drive and visions, frankly just the entire story captivated me, and I can't say that often happens from start to finish. The story was not just strong between the main characters and battling their personal and professional demons, but the entire book was just wonderful...dialogue, laughs, love, drama, all you could hope for overall. All I can say is read this book...and read the previous books in the series, and revel in the atmosphere, the relationships, the emotions, and the history.

I so appreciate #NetGalley and #Avon for granting this wish and providing an advance copy!

 

Reviews to Come!

Man, what a year. Both as in the past 12 months, and really, the past 4 months, which has felt like at least 4 years.

Life's been a bit hectic with new jobs, new roles, kids, life, and now a pandemic that's requiring all of that to happen in one place at the same time. After we get through this I think all of us should just high five and congratulate each other for being here and sustaining...because doing just that is an accomplishment.

That being said, with the arrival of May comes what I'm hoping is some more time for me to relax and focus on the things that bring me some mental joy...reading and crafting.  I'm so far behind on everything in those categories. I have several reviews to write and post from the past few months, and the list of crochet and cross-stitch projects that I've planned as gifts is woefully long.  More reviews to come, and hopefully more reading to follow!

In the meantime, I hope all you might read this stay as safe as possible and keep on keeping on.  This statement was something I received in an email recently and it has become my new affirmation

Review: A Duke Changes Everything - Christy Carlyle

A Duke Changes Everything - Christy Carlyle

From Goodreads:In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

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My Thoughts: I'm a big fan of strong, independent women characters that buck traditional roles, and Mina certainly fits that description.  She's built a life for herself despite challenges and disapproval, all of it which may be falling apart with the arrival of the new heir. He has his own issues of course (what good hero doesn't?!) and is determined to get in and get out and never return.

Of course they meet, there are sparks, a relationship blooms, and a happy ever after.  The road that you take from beginning to end though isn't quite as straight and narrow (or boring) as that seems though, and we were left with a fun, quick read that introduces us to a new cast of interesting characters. The uncertainty comes from emotional issues and how the past can affect the future, as well as how the future can impact our ability to deal with our past. With a nod to the current times, we see innovation and science come to the forefront of the story, as well as strong women. I'm intrigued to see how this series moves forward with the men involved and what binds them.  It has great potential and I'm looking forward to book two.

 

Review: Ten Kisses to Scandal: Misadventures in Matchmaking - Vivenne Lorret

Ten Kisses to Scandal: Misadventures in Matchmaking - Vivenne Lorret
 
From Goodreads: 

The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule—never fall in love with the client. However, they never said anything about kissing a rake…

Briar Bourne’s matchmaking career could be summed up in two words—comic disaster. Unless she can learn about the irresistible forces that draw men and women together, her professional future looks rather bleak. But Briar has an intriguing plan—enlisting London’s most irredeemable rake to teach her everything he knows about attraction. Given his notorious reputation, it’s no surprise that Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, requests one thing in exchange for his tutelage. For every lesson, he wants a kiss in return. And what harm could there be in a simple kiss? After all, Briar would never fall for a scoundrel…

Nicholas has no romantic notions about love, and no intention of changing his ways. He’s only helping Briar so that she can find the perfect bride for his jilted cousin. Yet Briar is so clever, so curious, so candid—so blasted tempting—that soon, Nicholas can’t stop wondering what it might be like if he was irresistible to her.

Ten lessons. Ten kisses. And a million ways to fall hopelessly, scandalously in love.

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My Thoughts:
The second in a series, this was one of my binge reads over the holidays...it was fun, made me laugh, and had smart characters I enjoyed. The first was also an enjoyable read, but definitely not necessary to understanding and enjoying this book.  We see a bit more of the sister's background and emotional trauma from their previous life experiences in this addition to the series.

Like her older sister, Briar cherishes her volume of Jane Austen's book that was a gift from her mother.  We don't see as much focus on the book as we did in the first, but it does play a role in the story all the same.  I loved Briar's attitude, her hopefulness, her independence, and the fact she has "lucky" items...which don't always work to obvious advantage!  Our hero is the typical rake with no desire of marriage that of course can't resist our heroine, but there's a bit more depth to the character development than just the traditional hero.  

I found it fun and enjoyable, and laughed out loud at some of the secondary characters, some of which still confuse me as to their role in the story and if we'll see them in the third installment.  It's fairly clear the hero of book 3, and it sounds like a definitely departure from the Duke and Earl we've met in books one and two.  

** review copied provided through Edelweiss **