What Have I Been Reading

Hi Readers- My post have been few and far between lately. It is not because I am not reading. I am working outside the house and that takes a lot more of my free time. I wanted to catch up and let you know what I’ve read in the last few weeks.

Historical Romance

 1. Rules For A Proper Governess by Jennifer Ashley
I just finished finished this one over the weekend and I really enjoyed it. My favorite thing about this read was it wasn’t about a peer and a wallflower. It was about a barrister and a thief. For all you Ian Mackenzie fans he does makes an appearance (as do all the other Mackenzie’s).

 

 

 2. Always True to Her by Maureen Driscoll
I enjoyed the story and characters of this book. Ms. Driscoll has a way of bringing you into a family that you never want to leave. She did with the Kellington’s and now she is doing it with the Emerson’s. James and Irene are a great couple and little Anna just steals your heart. I enjoyed the plot and character development.

 

 3. The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan
This was an unforgettable read. Ms. Milan keeps breaking the mold and creating stories that are fresh and new. I love the take Free has on the world and how she make a difference. She knows it may not be the biggest difference today but it could be tomorrow. What a strong message to say. It was just a great read with a hot romance. There is a side story that I felt relayed a strong message as well.

Contemporary Romance

 1. Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
Holy Buckets of Laughter was what this book was about. Actually not just this book but the whole Chocolate Lovers Series. I have never laughed so hard while reading a book. This is a book that is really fun to read because of all the laughing you’ll do. It’s very open, real and raw about sex.
*I spent the better part of my summer reading these books. So fun!

 

 2. Beneath It All by Tori Madison
Being October and Breast Cancer Awareness month (it should be every month like all cancers and diseases) I wanted to make sure I pointed out this book. This book is about a young woman (my age!) finding out she has breast cancer and the toll it has on her marriage. This is a great read. It’s still a romance but with a very important message. This read made me think about my own life and marriage.

 

 3. The Matchbaker by Jerrica Knight-Catania
This was an easy book to read and enjoy. The family dynamic is great and the twist of magic is fun. I am looking forward to more in this series.

 

 

Happy Reading!

-Romance Reader Girl

Advertisement

I am a Virtual Assistant!

Authors, Bloggers & Readers-

I am a Virtual Assistant!

I have been busy over the last couple of months starting my own business. I started a virtual assistant business (CUT & PASTE), helping authors with social media and promoting their books. This has been a wonderful endeavor as I am putting two passions I love together; organization and reading. Check it out and pass it on!

CUT & PASTE

Not to worry, I am still reading and will post reviews.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: The Untamed Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures #5.5) by Jennifer Ashley

Disclaimer up front for this review- I adore the Mackenzie’s Series. This is one of my all time favorite series. I devour each Mackenzie book Jennifer Ashley’s writes. The Untamed Mackenzie is no exception. Ok! Disclaimer over, please enjoy my review below. 🙂

We first met Lloyd Fellows in The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie as he tirelessly tries to to put Ian and Hart Mackenzie away for murder. We learn later that Lloyd is the half brother of the Mackenzie men. So it’s only natural that Mr. Fellows gets his own love story. Keeping it in the family Lloyd Fellows is enamored with Isabella Mackenzie’s (Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage) younger sister Lady Louisa Scranton. They have chanced meetings and shared kiss or two in the previous Mackenzie books.

Lady Louisa Scranton is trying to put her life back together after her deceased father has disgraced her family name. She is trying working to find an acceptable husband but cannot get one of the Mackenzie men off her mind. Louisa is at a elite garden party when she is asked to join Bishop Hargate in the tea tent. Alone she goes in prepares a cup a tea as he is announcing his attentions. As she begins to respond he falls to the ground and dies. She is alone with a dead man she rushes out to get assistance and that’s when tongues being to wag…

Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows is about to go on holiday to visit his half brother Cam Mackenzie when he told to go on special assignment to assist in a murder. When he arrives he is left speechless when the woman he cannot get out of his mind is the one being accused of murder.

This novella was a fast paced intriguing story. From the beginning you are brought in wanting to know who killed Bishop Hargate and will Lloyd and Louisa come together and recognize their feelings for one another? There are twist and turns through the story and there are of a couple of “I didn’t see that coming” moments. Of course, you cannot have Mackenzie story without having a few if not all Mackenzie’s making an appearance. I will say Daniel Mackenzie definitely stole some scenes. He is on his way to being a charmer and I am looking forward to reading his story out in October!

Overall this was great read. It was nice to see Lloyd and Louisa find their happy ending with all the twist and turns. This could be a standalone read but to really understand the dynamic of the Mackenzie’s I recommend going back and starting from the beginning with The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.

Purchase Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenzie’s Stories on Amazon or B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: Romancing Lady Stone by Delilah Marvelle

Fellow lovers of historical romance- Delilah Marvelle can add another amazing, wonderful story to her list of amazing stories!

Keep the magical hour of midnight in your thoughts while reading this story. It a key element to this story.

Lady Cecelia Stone is on her way to Russia to stop her son for marrying a Russian actress. This will not be an easy trip. She finds herself waking up in a carriage sitting across from a man all alone. Her Russian speaking companion is gone. Luckily for her, the mysterious man speaks English and destiny is going to take her for ride with Konstatine Levine that she never could have dreamed of.

Konstatine Levine believes in destiny. One of the many lessons he learned from his father was to believe in fate. Konstatine is on a path to change his life around. He is turning a new leaf and heading to London when he finds a beautiful Lady needing his help in his home country.

Cecelia and Konstatine have such a romantic sweet story. Konstatine makes Cecila feel like a woman who should be cherished, love and embrace. Konstatine is a man with passion and heart. I enjoyed watching his transformation throughout his travels. Also the power of midnight is intriguing and brings an wonderful element of mystery to the story. Delilah Marvelle has done it again; written a romance that makes you heart sing while reading it. I just do not think it’s possible to feel anything but romance when reading Delilah’s stories.

Bonus! We learn just a little bit more about Duc de Andelot and Madam de Maintenon, owner of the School of Gallantry (which will be a full length book!).

Get this story now on Amazon.

-Romance Reader Girl

My Opinion: Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day

Alright! Last year I did jump on the Fifty Shades of Grey bandwagon. At first I was shocked by it and didn’t know what to think. I rode the fan bandwagon until I read Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale (that is writing). However, this summer I decided to give Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series I try. I heard it was WAAAAAYYYY better than Fifty Shades of Grey and I wanted to see for myself. It’s not like it was really hard to surpass Fifty Shades of Grey now was it?

There are a lot of similarities in both series. The names and premise are nearly the same. HOWEVER, there is a big difference between the two… The difference is Sylvia Day actually has main characters with depth and the secondary characters have interesting back stories. This series is not about how many different positions they can have sex or what toys can be used. It’s more about how their life experiences and relationships have impacted how they use sex in their lives. Is it the best thing I have ever read? No, it is not, but it was much better than Fifty Shades of Grey. Each book the writing does improve.

There is a fourth book coming out in October. Surprisingly, I actually am looking forward to reading it. Like I said, this book had secondary characters that makes the story very interesting.

If you are looking for something a bit better than Fifty Shades of Grey give this a try.

You can purchase the Crossfire Series on Amazon.

-Romance Reader Girl

My Summer Favorites

As I approach the Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer I realized I had an amazing summer of reading. Take a look below at what were my favorites between Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of Sept). If you have some time this weekend enjoy one of these books! I know many of them will be on my to read again list. The list is in the order of when I read them this summer. Enjoy!

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare:  This historical romance was hilarious. I had so many laugh out moments that I lost count. The H/h have a charisma that leaves you craving more. I had a great time reading this. I can guarantee there will be moments you will want to share the one-liners you’ll read. It is impossible not to like this book. You will smile a lot while reading it. This is my favorite book by Tessa Dare.

Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan: The emotional hell Rebecca Donovan put me through to read how Emma and Evan make it gave me at least sixteen new strands of gray hair. It was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. *For this book you will want to go back and read the first book in the series, Reason to Breath. As cliche as it might sound there were moments I had to stop and catch my breath.

The Letter by Sandra Owens: I read this book in one day. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This book was written in a way that captured my heart and soul. I had never been completely engulfed in a story the way I was when reading The Letter. In my review I stated if you could only read only one historical romance this would be it. Really? Who would limit themselves to one historical romance? It was that powerful.

Desire Wear Diamonds by Renee Bernard: Oh! I have waited for what seems like forever to find out who was the Jackal was that plagued the Jaded. It was an exciting conclusion to a fabulous series. Can I say having all six men in one story was aaaamazing! There is a quite a bit of action with all the usual Renee Bernard flare she puts into her stories. NEWS FLASH- it will be on sale ($0.99) this weekend Aug. 30, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1. So if you are still waiting to pick up you should and read it this weekend! I bet you’ll want to go back and start from beginning with Revenge Wears Rubies, to get the full picture of the Jaded.

Unleashed by Sara Humpreys: Yes! I added a paranormal to my list of favorites this summer. This is uncharted waters for me but I am so happy I stepped outside my reading comfort zone for this. I loved it! It isn’t over the top paranormal. It really is a great romance with really fun characters (and it’s a series!). If you are unsure about paranormal I would start with this book and see where it takes you. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Untouched by Anna Campbell: Anna Campbell is an author I discovered halfway through the summer and I instantly felt that author/reader connection. I spent a good portion of my summer reading her books. This story was very dark and touching. The H/h have some big issues that need to be overcome and there are moments you are not sure if theses two will survive. I had moments where my heart just ached for these characters. It’s a beautifully written romantic story with twist and turns.

It was an wonderful summer full of reading. Many of the books listed here have full reviews on my blog. If you want more information please check them out.

Happy Reading!

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent #1) by Jennifer Haymore

Official Blurb:

Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother’s disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved–and the last woman he should desire…

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon’s touch. But dukes do not long for lady’s maids–or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer’s web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family’s future or break Sarah’s heart.

My Thoughts:

From their first meeting Simon and Sarah have this connection that only has strengthen through the years. However, Simon being the duke of Trent must keep his true feelings for Sarah at bay, his reputation pristine, his siblings out of trouble and the gossiping ton quiet about his unconventional parents. When his mothers disappearance calls him home to the family estate after three years, his feelings for his trusted confident and love Sarah will push Simon to make hard decisions.

Simon and Sarah are beautiful together. She is his yin to her yang. They fit splendidly and every secret encounter is fantastic, but sadly Sarah is not of the nobility and therefore not suitable for Simon. Simon could care less about Sarah’s roots but the world cares and to protect his family and to find his mother he must go against everything he wants.

“‘I wished it had been me,’ she said softly. ‘When you were dancing with Miss Stanley and the others. I wished you were dancing with me.’ He gazed at her unspeaking for a moment. Then he said, ‘I did, too.'”

I enjoyed this read. There is a lot of family dynamics in this book which makes it very fun and interesting. The love story of Simon and Sarah is wonderful and there were moments I was laughing and the next in tears, because life isn’t fair sometimes. This is powerful family story with lots of secrets and I look forward to reading the next book in this series to learn more about the Hawkins’. Well done Ms. Haymore.

Purchase The Duchess Hunt on Amazon or B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

Quotable Thursday

“I don’t know. What do people see when they gaze at the sky? Inspiration? Beauty?” She heard him sigh. “Truth be told, this view always intimidated me. The sky’s so vast. I can’t help but feel it has expectations of me. Ones I’m already failing.” He was silent for a long moment. “It reminds me of your eyes.”

-Tessa Dare, A Week to be Wicked

This is one of my favorite stories! 🙂

Pre-Release Review: Flirting with Fortune by Erin Knightley

I have been waiting to read what happens to the very perceptive Beatrice Moore, since finishing A Taste for Scandal. The wait is no more! Flirting with Fortune by Erin Knightley is all about the spirited Lady Beatrice Moore.

Lady Beatrice Moore is sneaky. Sneaky in a fun way. She likes to know what is going on at all times and has spent her youthful years developing her quiet sneaky ways. She cannot stand fortune hunters and has a way of spotting them quickly. However as wonderfully sneaky she is, her true passion and love is painting. Painting is what keeps Bea full of life and zest. Her idol is the late Sir Frederick Tate and loves all his works.

Sir Colin Tate is the eldest son to the great painter. He is a barrister in training and doing all he can to keep things afloat for his gran and younger siblings. He finally comes out of his studying whole when he is told that his late father mortgaged everything to the hilt and if the debts are not paid his family will lose everything. Colin resigns to coming out into society to find a wife that wants a title in exchange for her money.

Bea and Colin meet quietly in a gallery not knowing one another. There is an instant chemistry and easiness between the two. When Bea discovers that Colin is the her idols eldest son she is awe struck. With a simple introduction to keep things formal a friendship is born and they both become enamored in a fast amount of time. The relationship is progressing until Beatrice learns that Colin may not be all he presented himself to be. How did she not see this coming? Can Colin help her see that the secret between should not destroy the future that could be?

I enjoyed this book and have been waiting to see what happens to Beatrice. She has been a force in the two previous book in this series, so it was fun to read her happily ever after. This was wonderful story of two real people. Ms. Knightley does a wonderful job creating characters that you could easily believe to be your friends or even yourself. I was submerged into this story with it’s wonderful banter and mysterious elements. The family dynamic is huge part of this story as it was with the other stories in this series. This is a fun summer read that could be read a standalone, but I think you’ll enjoy the story more if you go back and start with More Than a Stranger.

A big thank you to Erin Knightley for sending me an ARC for an honest review.

You can purchase Flirting with Fortune TODAY  and other stories by Erin Knightley on Amazon or B&N.

-Romance Reader Girl

Review: The Heiress Effect (Brothers Sinister #2) by Courtney Milan

Counting all the ways I enjoyed The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan the second book in the Brothers Sinister series.

1. Miss Jane Fairfield is not the typical young heiress; she likes pushing the boundaries in everything she does. Dressing in bright colors and lots of lace she says whatever comes mind, not caring if it is proper or not. She will push those boundaries as long as it prevents her from marrying and keeping her sister safe for another 400+ days.

2. Oliver Marshall is a man that refuses society to push him down because he was born on the wrong side of the blanket. He is fighting for the rights of the people. He wants to be Prime Minister one day and is on his way to doing so. He needs to find all the right pieces to the puzzle to make his dream come true; including a political wife.

3. When Oliver sees Jane he is appalled by her dress and shocking manners. He notices that underneath all that lace there is a smart clever woman hiding. Jane is attracted to Oliver, but knows that marriage is not in her cards and says appalling things to keep him at bay. However, these two outcasts are drawn together and are on fire. Though, Oliver knows that Jane will not help his chances in becoming Prime Minster as she is as bright as star he cannot stop thinking about her. Will Oliver and Jane realize that they are the matching pieces to their puzzle?

4. Ms. Milan does it again. This story was fantastic. It’s nice to read about two people that don’t have titles and are not “perfect” according to societies rules. I enjoyed how bright and brilliant Jane was. She was a breath of fresh air to read about and Oliver is a sweet smart man that wants to do right by the everyday person. Of course, the secondary characters in this book are wonderful. Sebastian and Violet are very mysterious and Ms. Milan gives the reader a sneak peek at the third book (which is going to be awesome!!). OH and their is a bonus in this story as Emily, Jane’s younger sister has a secret of her own she is hiding.

Ms. Milan is an auto-buy author as she continues to writes wonderful historical romances. You you can purchase The Heiress Effect and other books by Courtney Milan on Amazon or B&N.

Reach out to Courtney Milan via her website.

-Romance Reader Girl