My review for Nagisa Furuya's MY ULTRAMARINE SKY

 

MY ULTRAMARINE SKY
Boys Love, High School Romance

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Nagisa Furuya

RELEASE DATE:
December 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781646518319

RATING:
4.5

 

Kai and Ren have been in the same class/homeroom since middle school. That all changes during their third year of high school. Separation helps Kai realize his true feelings for Ren. However, he fears confessing would jeopardize their friendship. Then things grow strained between the boys when Kai accidentally states his feelings. Does Ren feel the same?

This is such a cute and sweet high school romance. There is no heat or spice – which I am totally fine with. The story did not need that. I enjoy the wholesome vibe this manga gave off. It is a one-shot, kind of like MY SUMMER OF YOU.

If you like raunchy BL, then this manga is not for you.

I cannot wait to buy this manga to add to my collection.

My review of Lenora Bell's YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT

 YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT

Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Lenora Bell

RELEASE DATE:
December 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Avon

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063316881

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lenorabell.com/

 

 

Dane Walker, a renowned rake, is heir presumptive to the dukedom of Rydell. He visits an idyllic seaside village incognito, only to encounter Sandrine. Something about the innocent miss makes Dane want to do good. When he receives news about his brother, Dane leaves both Sandrine and her home behind. He never expected to run into her again in London. Sandrine’s presence jeopardizes things for Dane. Can Dane discover who is behind his brother’s death? Or will he succumb to Sadrine’s innocent wiles?

Sandrine Oliver wishes for adventure not the stifling future her overprotective mother has planned out. She never expected to meet a person like Dane. He turns her ordinary, mundane world upside down, only to leave without an explanation. Sandrine visits London for business only to run into Dane. She and her new friends intend to make him pay for his past treatment. Can Sandrine convince Dane that they belong together? Or will London prove to be too much for her sensibilities?

YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT is the first book in Lenora Bell’s historical romance series, THE THUNEDERBOLT CLUB. The story is heavily inspired by the movie Grease. Which shows with the names and certain situations within the storyline. I wanted to enjoy the story because that movie is one of my all-time favorites. However, the historical take just did not mesh well for me. I found some of the characters and scenes over-the-top and cringe worthy. It just felt off with me that dampened my enjoyment.

My review for Amelia Grey's SINCERELY, THE DUKE

  SINCERELY, THE DUKE

Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Amelia Grey

RELEASE DATE:
March 26, 2024

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250850430

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://ameliagrey.com/

 

 

Roderick “Rick” Cosworth, the Duke of Stonerick, co-runs a sporting club that donates its proceeds to charitable organizations. A re-occurring fever reminds him of his mortality and his obligations to his dukedom. Rick randomly chooses a bride from a list of candidates his mother drafted. He promises to help Edwina find suitable husbands for her sisters in exchange for an heir. Rick suspects she is withholding something from him. Will Rick learn Edwina’s secrets? And can he trust her with the truth about his health?

Miss Edwina Fine promises her late father she will find husbands for herself and her sisters. Fate answers her prayers. She receives a marriage proposal from a wealthy duke through the mail. Rick is nothing than what Edwina expected. She hopes he nor the Ton learn about her being a triplet. Can Edwina trust Rick with the secret of her birth? Or will she learn that all her fears and reservations are groundless? And can Edwina keep her deathbed promise to her father?

Rick is a man after my own heart. There are times, and moments, when I too have trouble tolerating people. Plus, I am not a fan of large crowds (just ask my husband during holiday shopping). So, I related with him on that score. What I adore the most about Rick is how he does not put stock in superstitions. He finds most of them laughable or foolish.

Edwina took me a while to warm up too. I can understand her trepidation about being a triplet. She grew up in a time when multiple births (more than two) were rare. They did happen but scarcely did the babes survive. Edwina was taught from a young age to fear people learning about her birth. What I like the most about Edwina is her devotion to completing her father’s deathbed wish. Some people would humor the dead. She took it seriously, to the point she disregarded her sisters’ desires.

SINCERELY, THE DUKE is the second book in Amelia Grey’s historical romance series, SAY I DO. The story can easily stand alone. However, the first book (YOURS TRULY, THE DUKE) explains the reasons behind the sports club Rick and his two ducal friends co-founded. Wyatt and Fredericka, the couple from the prior story, do make a small appearance. I like how the author does not boggle the story or its pacing down with unnecessary sex scenes. The only such scene is not steamy, spicy nor long. Sometimes I feel authors go over-the-top with such scenes.

I cannot wait for Hurst’s book! I wonder how the author plans to continue the letter complimentary closing theme with his book title. Also, I wonder if Eileen will get a book. I sense a story brewing there; one I would be interested in reading.

My review for Amalie Howard's ANY DUKE IN A STORM

 

ANY DUKE IN A STORM
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Amalie Howard

RELEASE DATE:
January 09, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781728276762

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://amaliehoward.com/

 

 

Lady Lisbeth Medford is a British spy on special assignment to the American government. She needs to infiltrate a particular smuggling ring, so she can bring its ringleader to justice. To accomplish this, Lisbeth poses as a bloodthirsty female ship captain. During a reckless escape, she finds Raphael Saint on her frigate. The man vexes her, but Lisbeth knows he is her best chance on capturing the elusive Prince of Smugglers. Can Lisbeth resist the temptation of tossing Raphael overboard? Or will he hinder her mission?

 

Raphael Saint is a discredited French duke turned smuggler. He concocted a plan to catch the one responsible for his father’s disgrace and death. When his shipmates mutiny, Raphael finds himself without a boat and incarcerated in an island prison. To elude his nemesis, he offers to be a sailing master on the only ship leaving port. Raphael suspects there is more to his captain than what she lets on. Will Raphael finally get retribution for his late father? Or is there more at stake?

 

Lisbeth did not disappoint me! She is a hard as nails woman who manages to carve a place for herself in a male-dominated profession. Lisbeth proves continuously that she can hold her own, even against men. And I adore her for that! What I like the most about Lisbeth is her mentality about physical entanglements. She must care or trust a person before being intimate with them, no matter their sex.

 

I now consider Raphael one of my literary husbandoes (yes, I am aware the term is often used for anime). Everything about him made me want to swoon, especially his incorrigible demeanor. He made the story so much fun to read! I adore Raphael’s interactions with Lisbeth/Beth. He purposely provoked her at every turn just to get a rise out of her. What I love the most about Raphael is his ability to see the “true” Lisbeth. He saw the woman beneath the hard-as-nails character she played.

 

ANY DUKE IN A STORM is the third book in Amalie Howard’s historical- romance series, DARING DUKES. Unfortunately, I have not read the first two books in this series. However, the story can easily stand alone for there is no on-going plot. The couples from those books are mentioned. Valentine and Bronwyn, the couple from THE DUKE IN QUESTION, do play a small role near the end. I want Narina to grow up quick, so she can put Thorin in place. She is a little spitfire.

 

I have forgotten how much I love and enjoy stories that take place on the ocean. The pirate/smuggler theme never bores me. I practically devoured every page of this book, even foregoing sleep and other duties to read more.

My review of Christi Caldwell's A SURE DUKE

 

A SURE DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Christi Caldwell

RELEASE DATE:
January 09, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Montlake

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781662503849

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christicaldwell.com/

 

 

Lady Alexandra Bradbury has always been curious about her eccentric neighbor’s rooftop dealings. She sneaks off to see for herself, only to encounter the eldest McQuoid son. When disaster leaves her family destitute, Alexandra agrees to a loveless betrothal to an influential yet cold marquess. However, another crisis forces her to travel with Dallin. Alexandra never forgot their magical rooftop interlude. Will Alexandra do what is expected of her? Or will she risk her family’s ruination to be with Dallin?

Lord Dallin McQuoid is the future Earl of Abingdon. He is more interested in the stars than the ton’s gossip and glittery intrigue. Dallin confronts a would-be intruder, only to discover the beautiful yet proper Alexandra Bradbury. When they are to meet again, a year later, he overhears a conversation that alters his opinion of her. However, Dallin finds himself traveling with the lady to prevent a catastrophe from happening to both their families. Can Dallin ignore his heart? Or will he risk family ruin to claim Alexandra as his own?

I could not help but empathize with Alexandra. She is a woman who has always done what is expected of her, regardless how it chafed. Alexandra knew no other way until Dallin. He and his family’s unique dynamics opened her eyes to other possibilities. I like that. What I admire the most about Alexandra is her willingness to sacrifice herself for her sisters. She wanted to safeguard their future happiness and security.

Dallin is such a love! He knows how the peerage views his family’s unconventional interests and ways. And Dallin is not bothered by it. I adore that about him! He is also fiercely protective over his large, boisterous family, even though some annoy him. What I love the most about Dallin is how he differs from other aristocratic lords. He does not look down on servants or commoners. Instead, Dallin treats them as equals and with common courtesy.

A SURE DUKE is the third installment in Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, MCQUOIDS OF MAYFAIR. I strongly suggest reading this delightfully fun series from the beginning. The first book shows the McQuoid families’ quirks and eccentricities. The second explains what started the strife between the McQuoids and the Duke of Talbert. I practically devoured this book in two settings, even forwent sleep to finish.

I just want to say I fell in love with this Scottish family since book one. They are not your typical snobbish, aristocratic family. I cannot stress how happy I am that the author decided to write more books about them. I do hope (hint hint) that Christi will pair a McQuoid with the jilted son AND daughter of the Duke of Talbert. That would be a fun enemies-to-lovers story!

Review for Christina Britton's THE DUKE'S ALL THAT

 

THE DUKE’S ALL THAT
Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
February 06, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538710449

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christinabritton.com/

 

 

Iain MacInnes, the new Duke of Balgair, receives startling news about his late wife: that she is not dead but currently living on the Isle of Synne. He wants a divorce; however, he first needs to bring Seraphia before the Court of Sessions to gain one. Iain tries to keep his heart closed to her, but the trip to Scotland brings eye-opening revelations. Can Iain convince Seraphina to stay married to him? Or will he lose her all over again?

Miss Seraphina Athwart co-owns a circulating library on the Isle of Synne.  She will do anything to keep her tragic past secret from her sisters and friends, even accompany her estranged husband to Scotland. However, they both discover the vicious lies that tore them apart thirteen years ago. Will Seraphina accept their second chance? Or will she allow her inner demons to keep them apart for good?

Iain is a man ruled by anger. He channeled that emotion to help him better improve his station in life. I like despite his need for revenge, Iain never once mistreated Seraphina during their trip. He did keep an emotional barrier between them to protect himself, which is relatable. I also like how, once the truth was revealed, Ian did not keep his anger towards Seraphina. He did war between whether to continue with the divorce or attempt to win her back.

Seraphina had endured so much horror and suffering. She, like Iain, is a victim of a lie. I admire the many sacrifices Seraphina made to protect and to ensure her sisters’ futures. They even managed to make a new life for themselves on Synne without any man’s assistance. There were times when I wanted to throttle Seraphina. I understand her altruistic reason for continuing with the divorce. Respect it even.  I just wished the truth about her past would come out sooner so they could work it out.

THE DUKE’S ALL THAT is the third book in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, SYNNEFUL SPINSTERS. The story can easily stand by itself. There is no on-going plot spilling over from the previous ones. Bronwyn and Ash and Katrina and Sebastian, the couples from the other books, make appearances. I wonder if this is the last of the series, especially after the revealing development with the two remaining oddments.

I wanted to love this book like I did the previous two. I just had trouble getting invested in the characters and the storyline. It just fell flat with me. I honestly expected Seraphina’s father to play a more villainous role in the story. I think that would have helped me engage with the characters’ plight a bit more. I thoroughly enjoyed Phineas, the parrot, and his penchant for inappropriate phrases. He livened up the story.

Review for Julie Anne Long's MY SEASON OF SCANDAL

 

MY SEASON OF SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Julie Anne Long

RELEASE DATE:
April 23, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063280953

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://www.julieannelong.com/

 

 

Lord Dominic Kirke is a Mp renowned for his stirring speeches in the House of Commons. After his house catches fire, he stays at a unique boarding house near the docks. Dominic encounters a wholesome country girl with an uncanny ability to penetrate his cynical armor. Against his better judgement, he helps Catherine with her season. However, his help comes with repercussions. Will Kirke’s reputation ruin Catherine’s chances amongst the peerage? Or will she encourage him to love again?

Catherine Keating is the only daughter of a small-town physician. She travels to London to experience a Season and to possibly find a suitable husband. However, Catherine soon learns that is far more cutthroat than she imagined. At her boarding house, she meets a cynical yet closed-off gentleman. Even though Dominic may be her only ally, he is all wrong for her. Can Catherine learn to hold her own amongst the Ton? Will she be able to resist Dominic’s sardonic allure?

Dominic is the reason why I picked up this book. I could never resist a broody, standoffish, cynical hero. And he did NOT disappoint me! I love how protective Dominic became of Catherine. He wanted to keep the snobs from the peerage from dimming her inner light. Dominic liked that Catherine was not conniving or fake like others in his social sphere.

I can see many people not liking Catherine. She does come off too Mary Sue at times. However, I think she counter-balances Dominic perfectly. She is sunny and wholesome to his dark and jadedness. I like how Catherine can see the real Dominic beneath all that cynicism. Plus, she does not retreat or balk at his cutting personality or wit.

MY SEASON OF SCANDAL is the seventh book in Julie Anne Long’s historical romance series, THE PALACE OF ROGUES. This story can stand alone. Sadly, I have not read the previous six books. That did not hinder my ability to follow the plot and storyline. Fans of this series will like that Delilah and Tristan from LADY DERRING TAKES A LOVER, book one, and Angelique and Lucien from ANGEL IN A DEVIL’S ARMS, book two, make frequent appearances throughout the book.

The only nitpick I have is the ending. It got a little long-winded. There were parts that sounded more like the author “telling” readers the couples’ future. All-in-all, I enjoyed the plot and characters enough to pick up future books by this author.