Review: Amalie Howard's "The Worst Duke in London"

 

THE WORST DUKE IN LONDON
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Amalie Howard

RELEASE DATE:
September 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538737781

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://amaliehoward.com/

 

Lady Evangeline “Effie” Raine has no interest in marriage or the ton’s rivalries. She prefers animals more than people except for her friends in the Hellfire Kitties. Effie encounters Gage at the shelter she dedicates to abandoned and wounded animals. She does not trust the man’s attention or his compliments. However, Effie cannot ignore her attraction to the brawny duke’s body. She proposes a licentious yet limited arrangement. Will Effie’s trust be misplaced with Gage? Or will the season end in another disaster?

Gage Croft is known amongst his peers as the half-Scottish Destitute Duke. He intends to repair his crumbling estates and to settle his late brother’s debts. When the man his brother owes money to offers to forgive the debt for a favor, Gage agrees. The lady he is supposed to distract proves to be more interesting than Gage expected. Then she surprises him by offering a proposal he cannot ignore. Will Gage’s deceit come to light? And will it end his relationship with Effie?

I understand (and empathize with) Evangeline’s reasons for disliking London and aristocratic festivities. Effie being ostracized by her peers reminds me of high school and the power cliches have. However, she refused to allow their belittling to defeat her. I admire that about her! What I love the most about Effie is her care for wounded and abandoned animals. She treated all animals, even annoying rodents, with the same care. Effie allowed them to have a second chance at finding a forever home.

Gage surprised me! I never could resist a tall and brawny Scot (even if he is only half). But a virgin one. That threw me for a loop but in a good way. It was a nice change-of-pace than an overly experienced one. I like that Gage wanted to find honesty ways to rebuild his estates and improve his tenants’ lives. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty and do the work himself. What I admire most about Gage is his determination not to follow in his late father and late brother’s footsteps. He learned second-hand the destruction that alcohol and gambling can bring.

THE WORST DUKE IN LONDON is the third book in Amalie Howard’s historical romance series, TAMING OF THE DUKES. This fun story can stand alone. I do recommend reading the prior novels to fully enjoy the closeness and camaraderie of the ladies in the Hellfire Kitties. The couples from the prior books do play parts throughout the story, especially Vesper. It is nice to see how each of their happy-ever-afters continues.

I have a feeling that Briar and Jasper will be next. Or that they will eventually have a book. I cannot wait and see if my hunch is correct.

Review: Janna MacGregor's "A SIMPLE MARRIAGE"

 

A SIMPLE MARRIAGE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
June 25, 2024

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CYQGNMV7

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lady Phillipa “Pippa” Ardeerton is the youngest sister of a wealthy duke. She wants to purchase a particular dress shop. However, Pippa needs to marry to have access to her trust fund. She sends out invitations to the candidates on her list, only to learn they were intercepted by her brother’s best friend. Hugh Calthorpe agrees to help Pippa in her endeavor, but he elicits feelings best ignored. Will Pippa manage to achieve her dream? Or will Hugh introduce her to a new dream?

Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, has no intention of ever marrying. When he accidentally receives Pippa’s marriage invitations, he decides to intercept her. Hugh knows better than to entangle himself with his best friend’s sister. He agrees to help her if Pippa accompanies his mother and great-aunt at social events. Hugh realizes he feels more than just friendship towards her. Will Hugh willingly incur his friend’s wrath? Will his stance on marriage change?

I like how Pippa and Hugh are both scared of love and marriage. Pippa never had the best role models. I commiserate with all that she had to endure growing up in that environment. Hugh, on the other hand, had the best role models. His aversion comes from witnessing his mother’s deep grief of losing her love. What I adore the most is the closeness and protectiveness the Ardeerton siblings show to each other.

A SIMPLE MARRIAGE is the second installment in Janna MacGregor’s historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR. This trilogy is loosely connected with the author’s THE WIDOW RULES books. The story can standalone or read out-of-order. Honoria and Marcus, the couple from A SIMPLE SEDUCTION, show up throughout the book. My favorite character is Hugh’s great-aunt. She made the story so entertaining.

It is now evident that Pelham’s heroine will be Grace. The author never once revealed what happened between the two. I guess she is saving it for their story.

Review: Kaho Ozaki's "My Noisy Roommate: The Roof Over my Head......."

 

MY NOISY ROOMMATE: THE ROOF OVER MY HEAD COMES WITH MONSTERS AND A HOTTIE, Volume 1
BL / Paranormal / Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kaho Ozaki

RELEASE DATE:
June 25, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888771211

RATING:
5

 

 

Osuke looks forward to living on his own. When he moves into his new apartment, he finds it flooded. Homeless, and unable to afford another place, Osuke bemoans his fate until a real estate agent approaches him. The man offers him a place to stay but it comes with conditions. Osuke must live with a roommate, a blonde-haired hottie with supernatural abilities. Now he finds himself in an odd partnership as they deal with paranormal beings.

This is such a fun read! Osuke and Nijio are the unlikeliest of partners. However, their innate abilities compliment the others.

I like how Osuke is unaware of his ability. That it does not surface until meeting Nijio. I cannot wait to see how Osuke adapts and grows with his gift and with Nijio’s help.

We get a small glimpse into Nijio’s past. I hope in future volumes we get to learn more about him, especially concerning his spiritual power. I need to learn more! I also want to see the development of his chemistry with Osuke.

The title is a mouthful. However, it is the mangaka’s style that drew my attention. I WILL be adding this title and future volumes to my personal library. It is definitely a keeper.

Review: Nmura's "Turns out my online friend is my real-life boss"

 

TURNS OUT MY ONLINE FRIEND IS MY REAL-LIFE BOSS, 1
BL / Romance / Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Nmura

RELEASE DATE:
May 28, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888771235

AUTHOR LINK:
4

 

 

Hashimoto is good at on-line gaming. Too bad the same cannot be said about his day job. Hashimoto complains about his “demon boss” to his on-line friend, Uma. Uma suggests they meet in real life. Shirase is always on his co-worker’s case. He lends a sympathetic ear to his on-line friend’s work complaints. Shirase convinces Aaaaa to a meet up, only to find out they already know each other.

Hashimoto’s cluelessness leads to many misunderstandings, not only with Shirase but with another on-line friend. It makes him so likeable. Shirase has the patience of a saint. He willingly accepts (and adores) Hashimoto’s denseness. Shirase does not mind that Hashimoto constantly talks about the game they enjoy playing together. They make a great pair.

The manga’s title straight up summarizes the story’s plotline. It is such a light-hearted and cute story with comical relief.

Review: Nmura's "The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait"

 

THE YEARNING FOX LIES IN WAIT
BL / Fantasy / Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Nmura

RELEASE DATE:
May 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888770085

RATING:
4

 

 

Kiyo travels to Tokyo to attend university. He gets lost and ends up in front of a large home. Ozaki is a fox-spirit, who keeps to himself. He notices a stranger loitering close to his home and confronts him. When Ozaki hears the boy’s surname, he offers Kiyo a place to stay. What secrets is Ozaki keeping from Kiyo? Can Kiyo befriend his eccentric landlord?

THE YEARNING FOX LIES IN WAIT is a one-shot manga. I really like how the story takes place in the 1920’s. It is an era that is rarely used.

I feel the manga had potential to be longer. The author could have explored Ozaki and his backstory with Seishiro in this volume. Then, in another have Kiyo and his resolution, etc.

Overall, TYFLIW is a sweet, wholesome story. The ending got a little heated but nothing too naughty. Readers who like the spicery and erotic interactions would be disappointed.

Review: Kate Bateman's "How to Fall for a Scoundrel"

 

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Kate Bateman

RELEASE DATE:
August 20, 2024

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250907370

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Miss Eleanor “Ellie” Law is the daughter of the Lord Chief Justice. She is one of the three co-founders of a successful private investigation firm. Eleanor encounters a charming scoundrel who steals a kiss from her at a ball. Now the man is assuming the identity of her fictional boss, “Charles King”. Reluctantly, Ellie agrees to allow Harry to help on a case he secured for them. Can Eleanor trust Harry with more than just her heart?

Henri Bonheur – or Harry to some – is a charismatic con man who has gone straight. He needs the King & Company’s help in proving his true identity. Henri first pretends to be their imaginary boss and secures them a case to gauge their ability. He never expected to be fascinated by Eleanor Law or enjoy helping her on cases. Will Harry’s criminal expertise be useful for King & Company?

Eleanor is a woman who likes to prove that women can solve crimes just as well as men. I like how she utilizes the resources available. Ellie is not afraid to use her father’s name to get the information she needs. I love how Ellie is Harry’s complete opposite. He is spontaneous to her careful planning; he is not above bending the law to her being a stickler for the law. The two play off each other wonderfully. Plus, Harry helps Ellie to see another side of life that she misses.

I would like to state first that I am not a fan of the name “Harry”. It is one of those names that makes me shudder in distaste. However, I adore this Harry. He has this infectious air about him that makes him lovable. I wonder if the author modeled Harry after Pierce Bronsan’s character in Remington Steele? If so, she NAILED it! What I like the most about Harry is his continual attempts to corrupt Elle. He tries to help her see beyond black and white but to shades of gray.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL reminds me of the 80’s television show, Remington Steele but with a regency twist. The premise is almost the same. I believe that is why I enjoyed this book so much. And yes, that TV series is a fond favorite.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is the second book in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, HER MAJESTY’S REBELS. The story can stand alone. There is no on-going plot. However, the first book (SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM) explains how and why the three friends created King & Company. I cannot wait for the next book! And see what is in store for Daisy.

Review: Yoshie Kaoruhara's Kei X Yaku: Bound by Law, Volume 1

 

KEI X YAKU: BOUND BY LAW 1
BL / Mystery & Thriller / Romance  / Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Yoshie Kaoruhara

RELEASE DATE:
May 14, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888771273

RATING:
5

 

 

Ichiro Kunishita works at the public security bureau. He wants to investigate the disappearance of his missing mentor. Shiro Hanabusa is a yakuza lieutenant. He is known to bed certain influential male politicians. Ichiro is tasked in approaching and seducing Shiro. Their first meeting goes horribly awry. They soon discover they have “someone” in common.

Shiro and Ichiro make the unlikeliest partners. Their differences make them so entertaining and fun! Their “relationship” is more of a ruse than an actuality. However, there is a hint of possibility between them…

Hardcore BL lovers may be disappointed with this manga. If they want spicy, erotic, naughty scenes, there are none in this volume. I definitely plan to pick up this manga and future titles for my personal library (and to re-read whenever the whimsy takes me)

REVIEW: Sofie Darling's WAGER WITH A SIREN

 

WAGER WITH A SIREN
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
June 04, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781714843788

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde, is the ton’s golden boy. His affable demeanor is but a façade to hide his true nature. When his racehorse receives poor odds, Julian confronts the oddsmaker at a certain gaming establishment. The oddsmaker turns out to be Lady Tessa. Julian finds himself making a brazen wager with the woman. Will Julian want more than just one night? Or will Tessa awaken more than what he bargained for?

Lady Tessa Calthorp is the eldest sister to a newly elevated duke. She also co-owns a popular gaming establishment that caters only to aristocrats. Tessa is accustomed to dealing with spoiled and pompous noblemen. However, Julian proves to be different. Tessa finds herself locked in a daring wager with him. Can Tessa change Julian’s flawed views on love? Or will he bring her heartache?

Julian tugged at my heart. I never could resist the wounded/tortured types. Julian is haunted by his family tragedy. However, he never shows his peers or the world that wounded, dark side. Instead, Julian presents a façade of an approachable and genial man. What I love the most about Julian is his acceptance of Tessa’s individuality. He likes that she does not behave or dress like other noblewomen.

Tessa is a woman after my own heart! She does not conform to what men and the public view as a woman’s place. Tessa does what she wants when she wants. She also dresses the way she wants without any concern on what others think. What I admire the most about Tessa is how she deals with noblemen. She does not tolerate their temper tantrums. Tessa does not hold back her opinions and thoughts.

WAGER WITH A SIREN is the third book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. This is my first foray into this author’s works.I remember eyeing ODDS ON THE RAKE (the first book) last year. However, at the time, my review queue was full. Now I wish I slid it in.

I found myself absorbed in the plot and characters. I made extra time (by not watching my Chinese dramas) just so I could read more. I did NOT want to put this book down. I cannot wait for future installments. Also, I plan to look for the previous two books, so I can read at my leisure.

My review for Donna Grant's RISING SUN

 

RISING SUN
Fantasy Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
May 14, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353301 

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Yasmin is a human woman living in an elven-dominated kingdom. She has a secret ability she has never revealed to another. When Yasmin is caught stealing, she is given a choice: guide an agent to a certain stronghold in the mountains or face prison time. She dreads returning to Shaldorn, a hellish place she had escaped from four years prior. Can Yasmin survive her return to Shaldorn? But at what price?

Ravi is a Sun Elf working as an agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency. He needs to apprehend a device dissenters intend to use to start a war with the dragons. Ravi’s superior coerces a human pickpocket to take him to an exclusive mountain stronghold. He expects Yasmin to betray him during the trek. However, she surprises him. Can Ravi trust Yasmin with the importance of his mission? Or will he find something more important than his job?

Yasmin is a survivor. She has escaped a diabolical place with her humanity intact. However, the trauma still haunts her. What I like the most about Yasmin is how she rescued human children from unsafe and/or harrowing households. She wanted to give them a safe atmosphere, something she did not have growing up.

Ravi did not leave much of an impression on me. He came off too much of a jerk to me, especially towards Yasmin and the things she did to survive. I understand that Ravi is good at his job, one his superiors could depend on. I did like how he started to come around. Ravi started to see Yasmin in new light.

RISING SUN is the first book in Donna Grant’s new spin-off series, ELVEN KINGDOM. It ties in with her DARK KINGS and DRAGON KINGS books. It can be read separately. Characters from DRAGON LOVER, book five, are mentioned or make minor appearances.

High Fantasy is a genre that I LOVE. From books (Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance are my absolute favorites) to anime to movies. I am also a HUGE elf lover. My old role-playing friends can vouch on this. Plus, it is evident by the resin figures my husband prints out for me to pain. Drows (aka dark elves) are my favorite (I blame R.A. Salvatore for this) with sylvans a close second.

I do have some nitpicks. Preferences and little things that threw me off the fantasy vibe. Terminology. Some word choices felt too modern for the setting. It would have been different if one of the main characters came from Earth (as in the Dragon Kings). Then I can see using such words.

What bothered me the most was elves and facial hair. Ravi growing a beard did not work for me because I am so used to D&D elves. I continuously reminded myself that this is the author’s rendition of elves. I could not get passed it, again my preference. I do have to say I like the reversal where elves dominate more than humans. That was a nice twist to the norm in the genre.

The other small thing that bothered me is the back-to-back sex scene near the end. It felt unnecessary to me. I did not feel it contribute to the story’s momentum or the characters’ growth.

My review for Ella Quinn's THE GROOM LIST

 

THE GROOM LIST
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Ella Quinn

RELEASE DATE:
June 25, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Zebra

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781420154511

RATING:
2 1/2

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

 

 

Gifford (Giff), The Marquis of St. Albans wants more responsibilities. However, he first needs to wed before his ducal father will allow it. Giff encounters a beautiful woman while on a horse ride in the park. The woman is everything he desires in a wife, yet she rebuffs his suit. If Giff wants to win her hand, he first needs to re-think his strategy. Can he persuade Alice to be his wife? Or will someone else steal her away first?

Lady Alice Carpenter has a list of traits suitors must possess to court her. She happens upon a handsome stranger on her daily morning ride. After being in his company, Alice decides St. Albans is not suitable, but he refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer. However, Alice’s opinion of Giff changes. She starts to see the true person beneath the attractive veneer. Will Alice cast aside her list of requirements? Or will the choice be taken away from her?

I had a rough time connecting (or liking) Alice and Giff. Which is sad because Alice’s name holds such sentimental value to me. It is the reason I decided to give this book a try. Her personality really grated on my nerves for some reason. Giff came off as too self-absorbed and shallow for my tastes. He did rely on his connections a lot.

THE GROOM LIST is the third book in Ella Quinn’s historical romance series, THE WORTHINGTON BRIDES. This is my first time reading anything from this author. Sadly, her writing style is not for me. I just had a rough time getting into the story or the characters.

There were too many side characters introduced at the start of the book. It muddied the pacing and confused the heck out of me. I thought they had no real purpose in the scene or plot. The last half of the book went by rather quickly. However, the ending felt like it dragged on and on. I would have liked it better if the story ended after dealing with the nemesis.