Tuesday, March 12, 2024

My review for Janna MacGregor's A SIMPLE SEDUCTION

 

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
April 2, 2024

PUBLISHER:
---

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CRLNXCMK

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jannamacgregor.com/

 

 

Lady Honoria “Noria” Ardeerton is the eldest sister of the Duke of Pelham. She sneaks into her brother’s masquerade to experience one night of pleasure. Noria meets Marcus. However, she never expected him to be her brother’s best friend. Or for them to be caught in a compromising position. Noria fears an old family shame could harm his charity if she marries him. Can Noria find the strength to exorcise the past? Or will it have the power to destroy everything that she loves?

Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, wants to find a wife who can help him with his charity. He never expected to find his ideal bride at his best friend’s annual masquerade. Marcus is convinced Noria is perfect for him, but she insists on a one-time, no attachment affair. After their one night together, he discovers his lover’s identity. Now he must convince Noria to marry him to save both of their reputations. Can Marcus soothe all of Honoria’s fears enough to marry him? Or will this jeopardize his friendship with Pelham?

I am still undecided on my feelings for Honoria. There were moments when she aggravated or annoyed me. I understand her reservations, especially on the marriage front. Anyone would. However, she did some things that came off as foolish. What I like the most about Honoria is her good heart. She enjoyed helping her brother look after his tenants. Honoria even treated servants with respect and kindness.

Marcus has a heart of gold! I adore the charity that he has started. Marcus intends to help children who were like him, orphaned young without relatives. Unlike his peers, he does not want to ignore their plight. I like the patience that Marcus showed Honoria. Deep down, he knew there was a reason for her reluctance. Marcus tried everything to overcome her fears. He refused to give up on her.

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION is the first book in Janna MacGregor’s brand-new historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR. My wish came true! I had hoped the author would write a series about the Ardeerton siblings. Pelham intrigued me in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS (the last book in THE WIDOW RULES series). I especially wanted to see how he would react to his sisters’ love interests. He did not disappoint me! I also adore the close bond the three Ardeerton siblings share.

I have a feeling I know who Pelham’s heroine will be. His book will be a second chance trope, my least favorite. Which dims my enthusiasm. I wonder if Pippa will be paired with Ravencroft. Their book I will anticipate.


Friday, March 8, 2024

My review for Kerrigan Byrne's "A VOCATION OF VIOLENCE"

 

A Vocation of Violence
Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne

RELEASE DATE:
April 23, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
---

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/

 

 

Miss Fiona Mahoney is a crime scene cleaning specialist. She decides to defy Jack the Ripper’s written ultimatum by taking a lover. However, a demimonde’s murder disrupts Fiona’s planned interlude. When her childhood friend becomes the prime suspect, she is determined to prove his innocence. The case takes Fiona into dark and dangerous territory. What secrets will she unearth? Can Fiona find the real murderer before her friend hangs? And does Jack the Ripper have a hand in this?

Sadly, Fiona did not choose who I had hoped. Yeah, I am a little disappointed, but I am also okay with her choice. I almost thought Fiona would pick my least favorite one. I never saw his appeal. When I am not enamored with a certain pairing, it dims my enjoyment of the story. However, I am glad I persevered.

The scene between Fiona and ‘her choice’ is nicely done. Kerrigan Byrne does not go into explicit, steamy detail as in her other novels. The tone and pacing did not call for it. Which I am totally fine with.

I cannot wait for the next installment.


Friday, March 1, 2024

My review for Donna Grant's ENDLESS SKYE

 

ENDLESS SKYE
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
March 12, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0C7N8RF23

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 Willa Ryan’s attempt to steal a particular book goes horribly awry. She has no choice but to flee to Skye to join up with her brother and his friends. Willa manages to reach the isle only to succumb to her injury. She later learns that a mysterious man saved her. Jasper may be the only person who can properly heal Willa’s wound. Will Willa be able to trust Jasper? Can she help the Skye druids fight against their dangerous adversaries?

Jasper McCabe is a grifter – a person who adopts identities to con others. He agrees to get close to Willa to infiltrate her brother’s network of druids. Everything about his latest job feels wrong, especially when he finds Willa injured. Jasper cannot help but be captivated by both Skye and Willa. The druid makes him rethink his career choice. Which side will Jasper choose? And what role does he play in the upcoming battle?

I only have one real problem with Willa. Basically, I did not like how easily she divulged certain information to Jasper. I know it was necessary for the story’s pacing. However, it just felt wrong, especially for a person you are not sure you can trust. I did get bored with Willa’s sibling squabbles with her brother. Yes, I understand she chaffed under his overprotectiveness.

Jasper is a con man with principals. He only steals from the rich, he never takes all their money, and no violence. I like that about his personality. I honestly did not know what a “grifter” was until this book. It is something I never heard used before.

ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series is yet another spin-off from her others (DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIORS, DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, and REAPERS). The SKYE DRUIDS can be read separately; however, it is better to start from the beginning to understand the world and the troubles each set overcame to this point. Characters from the other books do make an appearance, such as the MacLeod Druids. It is nice to see the Warriors again. I miss them!


Friday, February 23, 2024

My review for Angie Fox's DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN

 

DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN
Paranormal Romance

 


AUTHOR:
Angie Fox

RELEASE DATE:
March 19, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Moose Island Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781957685175

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/

 

 

Sugarland, Tennessee has not always been the safe and peaceful town it is today. It too has a dark and seedy past… Or so Verity Long discovers. When her ghostly sidekick’s girlfriend gets possessed, she jumps in to help. All the clues lead to a 1956 cold case. Verity and Frankie’s investigation takes them to an abandoned drive-in and an Irish mob’s pub. Can Verity solve the case in time to save her ghostly partner and his girlfriend? And are some secrets better left buried?

Verity always struck me as the selfless type. So, it is no surprise that she willingly offered to help Frankie save Molly. She would never leave any friend, the living or the ghostly, behind. I like the support Verity gets from both her sister and Ellis. Verity knows that when it comes to information, Melody is her “to go” person.

I love Ellis’ steadfast belief in Verity’s ability. He may worry but Ellis knows that she will do what she feels is necessary.

Frankie the German is totally stepping up. In this story, he demonstrates what he is willing to do for Molly. It is nice seeing him being so selfless for a change. Yeah, Frankie still has some deep-seeded issues he needs to work on. But I believe he will eventually get there. I suspect that once he realizes he can trust Verity will Frankie move on.  

The one character that surprised me the most in this book is Virginia, Ellis’ mother, and Verity’s nemesis. I always hated the despicable things she did and said to Verity in the earlier book. Virginia deserved the comeuppance she received in book eleven, GIVE UP THE GHOST. I notice that it humbled her, especially towards Verity. I am also glad that she finally noticed the upstanding man that Ellis is. It always takes a distasteful situation to find out who cares for you.

DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN is book thirteen in Angie Fox’s paranormal-mystery romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. The story can easily stand alone, yet I suggest reading the series from start to finish. Each book shows the trials both Verity and Frankie underwent in their unlikely partnership. Poor Ellis, he hardly showed up in this story. That is the only nitpick I have. The only question I have is… When is Verity’s grandmother going to make an appearance!!


Monday, February 19, 2024

My review for Laura Lee Guhrke's "LADY SCANDAL"

 

LADY SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Laura Lee Guhrke

RELEASE DATE:
June 18, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538722640

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lauraleeguhrke.com/

 

Lady Delia Stratham differs from most ladies of her station. She works as an event/party coordinator at a ritzy London hotel. Delia fears for her employment when Simon Hayden begins to oversee the hotel. At first, she thwarts the man’s every move. Delia’s attitude towards Simon begins to change. The infuriating man makes her feel alive again. Can Delia trust Simon with the hotel and her heart? Or will she put her trust in the wrong man again?

Simon Hayden, a newly titled viscount, is a successful hotelier. His friends entrust him to figure out why the always bustling Savoy Hotel is in the red. Simon begins his investigation with Lady Delia, especially her part within the hotel. The beautiful yet vexing widow is not what he expected. Simon knows he must keep an emotional distance with the woman; however, he cannot seem to resist Delia’s natural allure. What truths will Simon uncover about the Savoy Hotel? And will Delia threaten his strict business ethics?

I am delighted that Delia received her happily ever after. She deserved one. I adore the role Delia played in Max and Evie’s relationship in the previous book. She helped both to realize that they belonged together. I also like Delia’s thoughtfulness towards the working class. Unlike her peers, she never once looked down upon them. Instead, Delia got to know each one employed at the hotel. There is one nitpick I have about Delia. I dislike how she excused her fellow peers’ abdominal entitle mentality.

Simon’s humble beginnings make him the perfect balance for Delia. He does not through around his title to get special treatment. Simon prefers to work for everything he needs or wants. I admire Simon’s work ethics. He does not believe in mixing business with pleasure. Simon fights his growing attraction to Delia so it would not interfere with his investigation. I respect Simon for rather having evidence of a person’s guilt before condemning them.

LADY SCANDAL is the second book in Laura Lee Guhrke’s historical romance series, SCANDAL AT THE SAVOY. The story can stand alone. There is no ongoing back plot that spills over into this novel. The hero of the first book, BOOKSHOP CINDERELLA, does have a role in this story. I am bummed that Evie never appeared in the story. She did get mentioned here or there. However, I like how the author gives us news of their continual happily-ever-after.

I suspect the next book will be about Lady Kay, Delia’s friend, and Devlin, who happens to be Simon’s pal. I cannot wait to see if I am correct. I wondered what transpired between the two fifteen years ago.


Friday, February 16, 2024

My review for Karen Rose's "BURIED TOO DEEP"

 


BURIED TOO DEEP

Romantic Suspense

  

AUTHOR:
Karen Rose

RELEASE DATE:
August 13, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Berkley Publishing Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593638583

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.karenrosebooks.com/

 

 

Phineas “Phin” Bishop works as a handyman and nighttime security for a PI firm. He wants to become a private investigator; however, his PTSD makes him a flight risk. When a colleague is hurt during a break in, Phin steps forward to help find the one responsible. Their investigation brings them to Cora Winslow. Something about her helps Phin calm his mental demons. He will do anything, even face his inner issues, to keep Cora safe. Can Phin overcome his PTSD to protect Cora? Or will it jeopardize the entire case?

Cora Winslow is a competent librarian in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father’s discovered body raises a lot of questions like “Who killed him?” and “Who exactly is writing letters to her signed by him?” Cora also needs help catching the person breaking into her home. She soon finds herself entangled in something far more troubling than she bargained for. Cora cannot help but feel safe around Phin. Can she help the Broussard team in their investigation? Or will Cora end up just like her father?

It is no secret that I have a weakness for the wounded/tortured hero types. Phin piqued my interest since his part in BENEATH DARK WATERS, book two. When I learned this novel was his story, I could not hit “request” fast enough. Phineas made quite the impression on me. He is a broken man still grappling with his PTSD, especially the effect it has on his family and friends. My heart hurt for him. I only have one small nitpick. I desperately wanted a reuniting scene between Phin and Jace. He had been so good to the teen in the previous book. It disappointed me when there was not one.

Cora really impressed me. I admire how easily she empathized with Phineas. From the moment they first met, Cora never once saw him as broken or lacking. Instead, Cora saw a man struggling with his PTSD. I also like how she tried to bolster Phineas’ confidence whenever they flagged. Cora refused to allow him to buckle beneath his mental demons.

BURIED TOO DEEP is the third book in Karen Rose’s romantic suspense series, NEW ORLEANS. It is also the twenty-ninth book in her ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series. I have not read all of Karen Rose’s books, just a few here or there. The ones I did read, I enjoyed immensely. The author meshes crime stories with romance effortlessly. Yes, the romance element takes a back seat to the suspense of the plot.

I browsed through the books listed under the ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series. I suspected that many of the side characters, mostly the couples, had books. I never realized that I read Phineas’ sister’s book, even wrote a review for it. It is understandable that I forgot about it since I read ALONE IN THE DARK back in 2015. I have been searching for a book involving Stone and Delores. They did play a role in AITD because I remarked on it in the review.


Sunday, February 11, 2024

My review for Nagisa Furuya's "NUMBER CALL"

 

NUMBER CALL
Boys Love

 

 

AUTHOR:
Nagisa Furuya

RELEASE DATE:
March 12, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781646519460

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Eito and Hachi both have “eight” in their names. They meet by chance when Hachi finds Eito’s test paper and remarks on his name. Their commonality helps them become fast friends. However, things turn awkward when they both realize their true feelings. Can Eito and Hachi overcome their awkwardness before graduation?

NUMBER CALL is a cute and wholesome read. There are no explicit scenes. The romance is more slow burn than raunchy. Eito reminds me of Uenoyama from Given, especially his behavior once he realizes his true feelings for Hachi.

I also enjoyed the mangaka’s art style.