Review: Jennifer Haymore's EARLS RUSH IN

 

EARLS RUSH IN

Historical Romance

AUTHOR:
Jennifer Haymore

RELEASE DATE:
May 08, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Entangled Publishing, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781649375667

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Miss Charlotte Chapman is known as ‘the sunshine’ of the ton. She must find a husband to ensure her and her younger sister’s future. Charlotte finds herself abducted by her deceased brother’s best friend during a snowstorm. They are forced to take shelter at a country tavern, where he reveals the ugly truth about her soon-to-be fiancé. Charlotte realizes that Finn is not the blackguard society paints him to be. Can Charlotte put her trust in Finn?

Finneas “Finn” Jones, the Earl of Trevelyan does not fit society’s definition of an aristocrat. He has promised to look after his late friend’s two sisters. When he learns of Charlotte’s engagement, Finn rushes to keep her from making a momentous mistake. An upended carriage during a snowstorm strands them at a small tavern. Finn tries to protect her from the secrets he harbors. Will those secrets cause him to lose Charlotte forever?

 

Charlotte surprised me in a good way. On the surface she plays the role that society expects of her. Charlotte wisely keeps her thoughts, views, and opinions to herself. I admire the noble sacrifices she is willing to make for her sister’s sake. She wants to give her sibling the future she deserves benefiting their station. What I adore the most about Charlotte is how she is not afraid to do menial work. Most women of her status would balk at helping the working class.

Finn easily won my affection. How could I not? The man is virtually a teddy bear! He is often misunderstood because of his appearance, and he does not correct others’ misconceptions. Finn’s aloof demeanor hides a soft and kind-hearted nature. What I adore the most about Finn is how he differs from the rest of his peers. He has no interest in society’s activities and functions. Instead, Finn prefers to help those less fortunate. He is not afraid to lend them a hand or work alongside them.

EARLS RUSH IN is a standalone historical romance by Jennifer Haymore. T The story’s premise, along with the grumpy/sunshine trope, is what drew my interest. Wowza, it did not disappoint! I found myself swept up by the characters, their history, and the plot. I honestly could not put the book down. I finished it in two settings.

Review: Jeffe Kennedy's ROGUE FAMILIAR

 

ROGUE FAMILIAR

Fantasy Romance

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
April 24, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
 B0BGMN4NZB

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Seliah (Phel) El-Adrel cannot help but feel betrayed by her wizard’s abandonment. She intends to find Jadren and reason with the cynically jaded man. But first, Seliah needs to arm herself with some necessary and useful familiar tricks. Her expedition quickly turns into a rescue. She and Jadren must evade new and old threats intent on capturing them. Can Seliah convince her stubborn wizard that they are stronger together than apart? And will she help Jadren learn more about his warped capabilities?

Jadren El-Adrel feels he is doing the right thing by walking away from Seliah. He wants to protect her from the voracious monster lying within himself. Jadren’s aimless journey takes a dangerous turn when he encounters a new enemy. His fears double when he learns that Seliah compromises her safety by rescuing him. Will Jadren finally accept his bond with Seliah. What new discoveries will he learn about himself? And will it be enough to protect Seliah from their enemies?

Seliah continues to impress me. She is quickly adapting and learning how to navigate in a dark world that favors only wizards, without losing her sense of self. I admire Seliah for refusing to give up on Jadren. She knows that he never once experienced acceptance nor love from his birth House. What I love the most about Seliah is how Jadren’s behaviorism is rubbing off on her. She realizes his acerbic demeanor hides a vulnerability he does not want anyone else to know about. Seliah also understands the only way to get through to Jadren is to match him with for wit.

Snarky and satirical heroes have always been my weakness. Now add in the wounded/tortured aspect… This book made me fall for Jadren all over again! I am glad that he never lost his sardonic edge in this story. Sometimes authors downplay such characters’ personalities in further books. It disappoints me when they do that. Thankfully, Jeffe Kennedy did not do this to Jadren. He is the same cynically warped and sarcastic wizard I came to love and adore! Jadren also shows some remarkable personal growth in this adventure. He is finally ready to learn more about himself and his capabilities.

ROGUE FAMILIAR is the second book in Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy romance series, RENEGADES OF MAGIC, a spinoff from her BONDS OF MAGIC series. I strongly suggest starting the prior series before this one. It sets up the unique wizard/familiar world the author so cleverly created. They also show how Jadren and Seliah first met. I like how the author is continuously delving into the other High Houses in the Convocation. In this latest book, she introduces House Refoel and (briefly) House Hanneil.

Gabriel, Nic, and others still play important roles in the background. I like how the author alludes to the prior House Phel’s mysterious demise, and who the possible (yes, plural) are. I cannot wait for the next installment!

I also want to note just how much I LOVE this cover! 

Review of Donna Grant's RUIN

 

RUIN

Historical Romance

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
May 2, 2023

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781942017998

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
www.DonnaGrant.com

 

 

 

Asa is a descendant of the First Witch’s sister. She wants to reunite with her younger sister in Norway. However, Asa encounters a gravely wounded Highlander who warns her of danger. She prepares for the threat coming for her. Can Asa defeat the powerful witch targeting her? Will she get a chance to see her beloved sister again?

Rory Sutherland is the banished third son of the Laird of the Sutherlands. He returns to Scotland to search for Asa and warn her of the danger coming. Rory decides to help Asa fight the enemies who want her only for her special bloodline. Can Rory defeat the Viking chieftain who intends to possess Asa? Will he find the place he truly belongs?

There is only one nitpick I have about Rory. I wanted to know more about his connection with Yggdrasil. I felt that angle should have been explored more in the story. There must be a mystical reason why the tree appeared to him twice, unless the author plans to reveal that in future books.

RUIN is the second book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED, a spinoff from her five-book series THE KINDRED. The story can standalone. The prior series sets up the world where witches reside, why they are hated, and the factions among them. I am behind on both series, but it did not hinder my ability to follow the story’s plot. The author does a good job summarizing the important parts of the previous books.

Review: Karen Rose's BENEATH DARK WATERS

 

BENEATH DARK WATERS

Romantic Suspense

AUTHOR:
Karen Rose

RELEASE DATE:
August 15, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Berkley Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER:
9780593336328

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

J.P. “Kaj” Cardozo is the Assistant District Attorney for New Orleans. When his young son is nearly kidnapped, he hires Broussard Investigations to protect him. Kaj feels tormented that his job puts his son’s life in jeopardy. However, he cannot ignore his growing attraction to his son’s new female bodyguard. The investigation takes a darker, drastic turn when they learn there is more to both of his high-profile cases. Will Kaj have to step away from those cases to protect his son? Or will he power through to allow justice to be served?

Veteran Marine, Val Sorensen works as a bodyguard, and sometimes investigator, for Broussard Investigations. She is specifically chosen to protect ADA Cardozo’s ten-year-old son. Val cannot help but grow attached to the boy and his attractive father, but she refuses to act on her attraction while on the job. When she and her associates investigate the kidnapping attempt, they discover something even more sinister and dangerous. Can Val protect Kaj’s son from all the threats? Or will her past incapacitate her from the job?

 

Kaj is such an unusual name. I appreciate how the author incorporates its pronunciation into the story. Generally, authors leave it up to the readers’ discretion. I understand Kaj’s uncertainty towards Jace. He hates everything the teenager has been through; however, he cannot ignore the boy’s involvement in his son’s near kidnapping. What I like the most about Kaj is his thoughtfulness towards Val’s past trauma. He does not want to do something that would bring up painful and terrifying memories.

Val is a great role model for woman. She has survived the most horrendous ordeal a woman can face. Val has managed to overcome her mental demons and move forward. I admire Val’s willingness to become Jace’s advocate. She knows the boy has been dealt a bad hand, especially by his two older brothers. Val believes the teen deserves better, and she wants to help him achieve it. What I like the most about Val is her thoughtfulness towards Elijah’s medical needs. She researched his condition, so she could better understand everything he may need while under her protection.

BENEATH DARK WATERS is the second book in Karen Rose’s romantic suspense series, NEW ORLEANS. It can easily stand alone, which is good since I did not read the first book. I am no stranger to this author’s works. She focuses more on suspense than romance. However, the romance aspect lightens the heaviness of the plot and some of the subject matter. The story starts out slowly, and it drags on in some places. Then the momentum picked up close to the end that made me reluctant to put the book down. Trigger warning: PTSD, Child abuse, torture, and past rape.

Review for Stefanie London's CONFESSIONS OF A CANINE DRAMA QUEEN

 CONFESSIONS OF A CANINE DRAMA QUEEN

Contemporary Romance

AUTHOR:
Stefanie London

RELEASE DATE:
August 01, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Harlequin Trade Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781335498212

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://stefanie-london.com/

 

 

August Merriweather owns a successful luxury animal grooming business. She is known as ‘The Dog Whisperer’ by her friends and clients. August desperately wants to find “the one”; however, all she seems to find are the duds. When her best friend’s older brother asks for help, she agrees. August knows that Keaton is her worst possible match, yet she cannot ignore the feelings he stirs within her. Can August breach Keaton’s emotional barriers? Or will the man break her heart yet again?

 

Keaton Sax is a widow. The business world knows him as ‘The Wall Street Whiz Kid’. Keaton intends to keep the promise he made to his late wife of becoming a named partner. When his sister asks for a favor, he agrees to take her dramatic husky to a weekend talent competition. Keaton knows nothing about such events, so he asks the one woman who can help them. August frightens him on an emotional level. Can she help Keaton come to grips with his wife’s passing? Or will he remain closed off to everyone?

 

I am so happy that August finally got her happily-ever-after. She deserves it. I have always liked how August helped Isla and Scout in the pet business world. She is probably the only person who believed that they would succeed in their pet talent agency. I like how August refused to follow the path her social-climbing parents wanted. She became successful by picking a profession that suited her and made her happy. What I adore the most about August is that she is a woman confident in her body type. She knows her self-worth, and she refuses to allow other’s egotistical views to bring her down.

 

Keaton won my heart instantly. He is a man who is terrified of letting others get close. It is a defense mechanism to protect himself from further pain and heartache. I like how Keaton made something of himself. His time in juvie gave him the impetus to turn his world around and aim big. He worked his butt off to graduate college and to become a success on Wall Street. What I love the most about Keaton is his dedication to family. He wanted to give his mother and disabled sister financial security, something the three never had in the past. 

 

CONFESSIONS OF A CANINE DRAMA QUEEN is the third book in Stefanie London’s canine rom-com series, PAWS IN THE CITY. This series is a must for dog lovers! Each book centers around a different breed of dog (dachshund for the first, Bichon Frise for the second and lastly a husky for the third). The story can easily stand alone. However, the first two books show how Isla, Scout, and August’s friendship started. So, I suggest starting from the start to better enjoy this delightful series! I love how Isla and Theo and Scout and Lane make appearances throughout the story.

Review for Janice Thompson's EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY

 

EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY

Contemporary Romance / Inspirational Romance

AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson

RELEASE DATE:
July 01, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Barbour Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781636095875

RATING:
2

AUTHOR LINK:
https://janiceathompson.com/

 

 

Isabel “Izzy” Fuentes is a dog groomer at Lone Star Veterinary Clinic. She decides to foster a feisty dachshund her friend rescued from the streets. Corey Wallis is the new quarterback for the Houston’s Texans. He is desperately looking for his missing dachshund, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Izzy’s rescue.

EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY is the fifth book in a multi-authored series, GONE TO THE DOGS.  I freely admit that I wanted to read this story solely because of the dachshund on the cover. I have a soft spot for the breed because I own five of them. However, I had a difficult time getting into the story. I could not get interested in the story line nor the characters involved. The author’s voice just did not work for me. It is just unfortunate that this is a DNF (did not finish) for me because the story’s premises had such promise.

I do want to give the author kudos for knowing all about the dachshund’s oddities and quirks.  It is clear she is no stranger to the breed and their mannerisms.

Review for Christina Britton's WHAT'S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT

 WHAT’S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT

Historical Romance

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
July 11, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538710425

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
christinabritton.com

 

Miss Katrina Denby is a companion for the testy and forthright dowager Viscountess Tesh. She finds herself the victim of yet another scandal when the bounder responsible for her ruination dies beneath her window. Katrina hopes to find a spouse willing to overlook her tattered reputation and lack of dowry. Sebastian’s arrival on the Isle of Synne throws her search into jeopardy. He is the only man she has ever loved, but he is also off limits to her. Will Katrina find a way to gain back her respectability? Can she resist Sebastian enough to safeguard both of their futures?

 

Sebastian Thorne, the Duke of Ramsleigh, has been righting the many wrongs his late father committed. He needs to marry a rich heiress to save his dukedom and its people. When Sebastian finds the ideal candidate, he first needs to accomplish one task for her father. He finds himself babysitting the woman’s brother on the Isle of Synne. However, Sebastian never expected to see Katrina again… Or have his old feelings for her resurface. Will Sebastian forsake his dukedom for Katrina? Or will he have to give her up for good?

 

Katrina and Sebastian have so much in common. I like how both are the unfortunate victims of scandals through no fault of their own. I empathize with Katrina. She received an unfair hand. I hate that Katrina had to carry the full brunt of society’s censor while the one responsible did not face as many recriminations. It really impacts the bias that women had to face in that era. What I admire the most about Katrina is her willingness to protect her friends. She did not want the Oddments or her employer to feel the negative backlash of their association with her.

 

I could not help but fall in love with Sebastian. He is such a sweetheart. I love the sacrifices that Sebastian is willing to make for the people who depend on him. He refuses to allow his pride to keep him from doing what needs to be done. Sebastian plans to selflessly forsake his own happiness to save his tenants and sisters. What I adore the most about Sebastian is his refusal to allow Katrina to downcast herself. He knows she does not deserve their peers and her brother’s mistreatment or recrimination.

 

WHAT’S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT is the second book in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, SYNNEFUL SPINSTERS, a spin-off from her THE ISLE OF SYNNE series. The story can easily standalone. There is no on-going plot that spills over into this story. I love that the couple from the first book, SOME DUKES HAVE ALL THE LUCK, make an appearance or two. I cannot wait for the rest of the Oddments to find their matches!

 

I am usually not a fan of second-chance trope, but I like how the author approached this one. Sebastian and Katrina’s separation was through no fault of their own but unforeseen circumstances.  It brings me to mind the adage: meeting the right person at the wrong time.

Review for Jill Shalvis' THE SWEETHEARTLIST

 

THE SWEETHEART LIST

Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction Romance

AUTHOR:
Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
June 13, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063235694

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Harper Shaw decides to leave her old life behind and start anew in Sunrise Cove. She plans to open her very own bakery there. After her last disastrous relationship, Harper has no intentions of falling in love. However, she cannot seem to resist her broody yet sexy business neighbor-slash-landlord. Harper also inadvertently takes in a teenage runaway. Will Harper find the acceptance she truly yearns for? Can she make her business a success in Sunrise Cove?

Bodie Campbell operates a family-owned bar on Lake Tahoe. He keeps his family and others at arms’ length. Bodie’s brother leases one of their buildings to a new tenant from out of town. When he offers to help her, the stubborn miss refuses him. Bodie believes he is not the settling down type, but something about Harper Shaw draws him to her. Throw in an angsty female teenage runaway into the mix. Can Harper help Bodie let go of his guilt? Or will he mess up a good thing?

Harper is such a likeable heroine! She simply wants to find the one place she belongs, and people who will love and accept her. Thanks to her father and ex’s inattention, Harper lacks confidence in herself and her instincts.  I admire the courage it took Harper to make a fresh start. She realized there was nothing holding her to San Diego, and that Sunrise Cove offered possibilities. I imagine it was scary and stressful. What I love the most about Harper is how easily she took to Ivy. She understood the teen as no one else could. Plus, she made Ivy a priority, something the girl never experienced.

I have always had a soft spot for the wounded/tortured hero types. Bodie is a man riddled by guilt, and so, he uses that to keep people at a distance. I love Bodie’s family. They have experienced the loss of not one family member but two. However, they remain a tight knit family who look out for each other. Their family text and group chat messages made me giggle and smile. What I adore the most about Bodie is how mindful he is of Harper. He knows she has been hurt in the past. Bodie wants Harper to feel comfortable in their budding relationship.

I love Hambone, Harper’s Bernese Mountain rescue. His temperament and mannerisms reminded me so much of my grand-dog, Teddy. There were several moments when I thought “OMG! Teddy does that too!” or “That is so like Teddy!”. It made it easy to envision in my head.

THE SWEETHEART LIST is the fourth book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance/woman’s fiction series, SUNRISE COVE. This story can easily be read separately from the prior books in the series. There is no continual plot or recurring characters, only the setting remains the same (Sunrise Cove, Lake Tahoe). The author touches on heavy subject matters in each book, but she lightens it with her humorous flair.

Review: Angie Fox's DREAD AND BURIED

 

DREAD AND BURIED

Paranormal Romance

AUTHOR:
Angie Fox

RELEASE DATE:
April 18, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Moose Island Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781957685953

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/

 

 

Ghost hunter Verity Long wants a ghost-free vacation. She dreads the double date weekend her sister planned on a remote, and possibly haunted, island. Verity has no other choice but to tolerate her nemesis, her sister’s new boyfriend, on this trip. Their weekend getaway takes a dangerous turn when someone tries to eliminate the competition in the treasure hunt event. Verity has her hands full with ghostly pirates and a century-old mystery. Can Verity and Alec find common ground on their weekend adventure? Or will this ghostly mystery be too much for Verity to handle?

I am glad that Verity is facing her next great challenge: Alec Duranja. In the last book, GIVE UP THE GHOST, she and Virginia Wydell, her other nemesis, finally come to terms with their thorny rivalry. Now Verity needs to bury the hatchet with Duranja! I understand why Verity has such a difficult time accepting Melody and Alec’s relationship. Melody is the one constant person she can depend on, so Verity cannot help but fear that Alec’s skepticism will turn Melody against her.

 Duranja surprised me in a good way. He reminds me of Ellis at the start of the series. Ellis too was skeptical about Verity and her ability. However, his opinion changed once he observed Verity at work. I think Alec will be the same way. I admire him for trying at the end.

DREAD AND BURIED is the twelfth book in Angie Fox’s fun paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read this series in proper order. Each book shows Verity’s struggles and accomplishments in her ghost hunting. They also reveal the start of her rocky relationship with Alec Duranja – her boyfriend’s coworker and friend and her sister’s boyfriend.

I noticed that Frankie did not play a huge role in this story. He mostly cropped up here or there throughout the book. I missed his gangster witticisms and larger-than-life presence. I adore how Ellis purposely mentions Frankie and Verity’s ability around Alec. He wants to put an end to Verity and Alec’s animosity towards each other.