This regency era romance involves Giles, Duke of Basingstoke, and Lady Francesca, daughter of the parents that Giles’ father ruined 10 years earlier. The ton believe she’s in London for the season, but really she’s there to beg her horrible uncle for money for her and her mother. They’ve been living in the country in a cold, drafty cottage and are barely surviving.
Continue reading “Give the Devil His Duke (Drop Dead Dukes #1) by Anna Bradley”
This is a cute, funny, contemporary romcom set in England about a project manager named Ella whose life is derailed when her longtime boyfriend and colleague Lee jumps ship to work for her company’s competitor, causing her to lose her job. Deciding that her boyfriend is a selfish narcissist that she has made excuses for for far too long, she takes a job in southern England working as a project manager on a building site – something she’s never done before. As she slowly starts to get her feet underneath her, and gains the respect of her colleagues, the rug is once again pulled out from underneath her.
Continue reading “Love at First Site by Phoebe MacLeod”
This was an interesting historical fiction set during the reign of King Henry II. It focuses on a young French princess, Alys, who arrived in King Henry’s court at the age of 8 years old betrothed to Henry’s son, Prince Richard. Alys suffered constant cruelty from Richard and was ignored by Henry and his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Alys made it through Eleanor and Henry’s son’s rebellion unscathed, becoming Henry’s mistress shortly thereafter.
Continue reading “The Book of Alys by Alan Gold”
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick and easy read, with short chapters that suck you in and make you want to keep reading late into the night. The author does a great job of weaving seemingly disconnected storylines into one central story that has a satisfying ending.
Continue reading “Killer Deals by Chris Quarembo”
This is a sweet, funny, warm and fluffy contemporary romance about a single dad and traveling musician and the woman he hires to teach and care for his 8 year old son that wants to go on tour with him. This is book four of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read any of the previous books but found enough background in the story to not feel lost. That said, I enjoyed this book so much I’ll be going back and reading the first three.
Continue reading “Pieces and Parts (A Storyhill Musicians Novel) by Annmarie Boyle”
This is a wonderful first book in a new YA fantasy series. The kingdoms of Myral and Gralanth are separated by a range of mountains. The Myral people have magic. It’s capital is Ringard and it’s ruled by a High Enforcer, who is a member of a group of fierce warriors called Ringada. Gralanth people do not have magic, and both sides are wary of each other.
Continue reading “Wounds of Ash: Book One of the Vendi Chronicles by K.L. Hester”
I really enjoyed this funny, flirty contemporary romance set in Napa Valley. Natalie loses her finance job in NYC and her fiance. She returns home to the family vineyard to lick her wounds. There she drowns her sorrows in cabernet and makes plans to start a new business. She is smart, capable, and knows her own mind. I liked her ability to own her mistakes, but not let them define her.
Continue reading “Unfortunately Yours (A Vine Mess #2) by Tessa Bailey”
This is a really good, creepy YA mystery/thriller that keeps your attention from page one. The book opens with Casey being mad that her sister Sutton is missing. She’s convinced that Sutton took off for selfish reasons and is laughing that everyone is frantically looking for her. Casey puts on a show as a worried sister for the cameras, but inside she’s fuming. There is no love lost between her and Sutton, but no way is she telling the police about their argument just before Sutton went missing.
Continue reading “The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade”
Marvin Block is one of the best kindergarten teachers out there. And despite his anxiety, Marvin’s life is sweet. Returning from break, the New Year finds Marvin all set to welcome a new pupil to his class. But when Illona walks in with her cute-as-hell single dad beside her, Marvin’s focus starts to slide. As their friendship starts to deepen, Marvin realizes Olan has the potential to teach him things about love he never thought possible. But with the Teacher of the Year award and his school’s future on the line, now’s not the time for anything complicated. Will the couple’s goals finally mesh and provide them with a future?
Continue reading “Teacher of the Year (Teacher’s in Love, #1) by M.A. Wardell”
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