Book Review- Daring and the Duke (#3 of the Bareknuckle Bastards) by Sarah MacLean

   

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the much-anticipated final book in her Bareknuckle Bastards series, featuring a scoundrel duke and the powerful woman who brings him to his knees.

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London's darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns. Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back...and make her his duchess. Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether-something she can't resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed...and the heart she swore he'd never steal again.

 AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

It had good main characters, plenty of emotional depth and some pretty cruel childhoods.  And not just cruel to Grace and Ewan, that also included his half-brothers too.  They were all pitted against each other for YEARS as they lived under the thumb of the old Duke of Marwick.  The story presented some unusual and unique plot ideas. 

However, I just wished I liked it more.  One of the major reasons that it became somewhat of a hurdle for me?   It just felt like it went on way too long. 

 

 

(HOOPLA)

Book Review- Shadows of Scandal (Guardians of the Bones) by K.J. Jackson

   

She needs a champion willing to ruin her. He doesn’t need anyone. Scandal turns into seduction when a not-quite-perfect heiress tangles with a lost son of society.

An heiress with an imperfection.
Spawn of the devil. Willow has suffered the gossip her entire life. She has the requisite pot of gold, but not the perfection that is necessary for an admirable ton match. Which is fine—she resigned herself to spinsterhood long ago. But when a vicious threat rears against her family, she hatches a desperate plan. She needs to find a man to champion her—and then jilt her—no matter what she has to pay him. Her sister’s life depends upon it.

An unknowable rogue.
Being a guardian—a protector of innocents—is in Jack Thatcher’s blood. He’s the best in the business, even if he’s trying to leave the life behind. He’s making his fortune, has a life of his own choosing where he doesn’t need anyone, and no one really knows him. Paradise.

Jack is done with the business of being a guardian—until the day Miss Willow Constantine corners him in an alleyway, begging for his help. He decides to help her, if only to pay off an old debt. Woo and wreck her? That he can do. It isn’t as though they could possibly ever be together.

Two souls that will find perfection is what you make of it.
It isn’t long before Jack discovers Willow is hiding a barrage of secrets, some that threaten her life, and his protective instinct takes over. In order to save her, he’ll have to get close to her. Too close. Which may just turn the impossible into possible.

 

AMAZON LINK

 4 STARS

Really interesting main characters, written with good depth and a surprising first meeting ! It didn't take long for me to be pulled into the story by Willow and Jack. Each one had lived quite the life and developed their own ways of coping. It made me smile when Jack called Willow, "Sunbird".

The villain, Lord Fugal and his cousins aren't just bad they are disgustingly vile !   And the conversations that he has with Willow are some of the vilest.  Oh, the nasty plans he has for her and his arrogance of thinking he's unstoppable. 

Secrets.  The story abounds with secret after secret.  And not all of them belong to just Willow.

The tension is high and continues as you wonder if or how Willow and Jack will have a future. What would that look like?     Things head to a dangerous turn before the ending.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Book Review- The Scoundrel Falls Hard (The Duke Hunt # 3) by Sophie Jordan

 

 General Fiction (Adult) , Romance , Women's Fiction

Description

New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.

A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….

For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly. 

Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year. 

Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel? 

  AMAZON LINK

3 STARS

An unusual start, and the unusual-mess continues.  They were awkward with each other because let's face it they were total strangers. 

Gwen.  It didn't take long for me to be on her team and hoping for her to get the happiness that she deserved.  After her family members die, she encountered more pain and humiliation from people in the community.  Some from well-meaning but often thoughtless but also from a bully who meant to take over her smithy and marry her off to one of his dull witted sons.

I really liked how several times when Kellan looked at her, he admired her fierceness that showed up at times. He likened it to her being a Viking Queen.  That did make me smile.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like him considering the type of life he's led.  But as time went on I began to respect him.   His father was something else.  A charming, thief with no boundaries, no moral code.  He couldn't even see how he was hurting others. 

Everything comes to an interesting end.  This story had it's moments but I just wish I had liked it more.     

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.  And these are my honest opinions about it.”

( Netgalley.)

** Book Review- Desiring Lady Caro (The Marriage Game # 4)by Ella Quinn

   

Romance

Author Ella Quinn brings adventure and spicy banter to the fourth installment in The Marriage Game, as a roguish lord accompanies charming lady pursued by a scorned suitor upon a journey from Venice to London. Who knows what adventures await them on the road?

Ella Quinn’s bachelors are clever, charismatic—and determined to remain single. Yet one by one, they find that fate—and certain irresistible women—cast doubt on even the best laid plans . . .

Haunted by her past, Lady Caroline Martindale fled England for the solace of her godmother’s palazzo in Venice. But if Caro was hoping to escape the charms of marriage-minded men, she’s come to the wrong place. And she’ll resort to extreme measures to spurn the advances of a dangerously determined Venetian marquis . . .

Though most of his friends have married off, Gervais, Earl of Huntley, remains bent on eluding the parson’s mousetrap. But his convictions begin to falter when he arrives in Venice and meets his match in the alluring Lady Caro. What began as a hastily concocted lie to save her from the marquis may become a chance for them both to relinquish their fear—and embrace what they can no longer deny . . . 

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

A title for this review " The Chase is on", would be a really good one. I say that considering some of the things that were going on at least for Lady Caro and Gervais, the Earl of Huntley.  Caro NEVER wants to marry because of the trauma she went through in England. And Huntley is really trying to escape any women angling for marriage.  Well, until he meet Caro that is. To him she is not only beautiful but also intelligent and so not trying to draw him in.  She is also trying to avoid a powerful titled man who is obsessed with her.  He just won't take no for an answer and she is terrified.  Turns out she has reason to be. This is only part of the chase being on.  People chasing after love was also as much a part too.  

Huntley was SUCH a good guy and so patient kind and loving towards her.

They aren't the only ones with an adventure towards romance.  Caro's godmother, Horatia and Huntley's aunt played such a good additional part of the story.   She also has an unexpected encounter that knocks her off balance.

I liked all of the main characters and the ending was really good and very satisfying. 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

** Book Review- Surrendering to Hunt (A Wyoming Wilde Novel) by Jennifer Ryan

   

 General Fiction (Adult), Romance

They’re tough, tenacious, and sometimes tormented; they’re the Wildes of Wyoming, three brothers whose family ties are as strong as their wills.

The last thing lawman Hunt Wilde ever dreamed he’d do was fall hard for a purple-haired troublemaker like Cyn, who seems to be on the wrong side of everything. After all, Hunt Wilde believes in law and order, while Cyn is somehow mixed up with a criminal like Rad…the man who was once Hunt’s best friend and who is now his sworn enemy.

Then Hunt discovers Cyn held hostage during a raid on Rad’s hideaway, making him question where her loyalties actually lie. But Cyn knows she needs to hide her true motivations, or she’ll never be able to exact revenge on the man who took her sister’s life and turned her own existence upside down.

Still, neither can deny the overpowering attraction simmering between them, or the way fate keeps throwing them together. And when Hunt discovers the truth, revealing her secrets and putting her life in danger, Hunt becomes ever-more determined to take down the man who would take Cyn out of Hunt’s life forever.

 AMAZON LINK

 4.5 STARS

 This story started out a bit rough for me with the domestic abuse which had me wondering if I would even like this book.  But hold on..it did end up getting so much better.  It was definitely emotional but it also had humor and people who were there for purple haired, independent, sassy, unique Cyn. Hunt and his family turned out to be some of those people in her corner for sure.  As well as her best friend,  Shelby.  Cyn's mother wasn't one that was much help though.  She's in major denial about just about everything.  
A driving force in the story is the  search for Cyn's sister,  Angela and her daughter Lana.  Are they alive?  What happened to them?  Angela's husband, Rad has turned into a dangerously abusive man.  What has he been doing?  Is he responsible for their disappearance?  And if so, can they prove it?  A lot of questions that do get answered.  Cyn throws herself heart first into getting those answers and it puts her into several really dangerous situations.  Each time causing Hunt to almost lose it because he cares for her and has for a long time.  Prior to this Cyn gave him the excuse to keep in touch because of the speeding tickets he had to issue her.  When they start working together things do end up with some serious, detailed heat but also some sweet moments and witty conversations.  I smiled when she called Hunt, her Wilde man.
There is plenty of unpredictable actions that keeps you on the edge of your seat.   Rad has a serious hate for both Hunt and Cyn and you never knew when he was going to strike again.
It had a good ending and a new beginning for some.  
Something that also caught my attention was the hint of maybe "something" going on with Hunt's cousin, Lyric and Viper (a biker cub member).  Now, I want their story.  

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

(Netgalley)

Book Review- Heartbreaker (A Hell's Belles Novel#2) by Sarah MacLean

   

General Fiction (Adult) , Historical Fiction | Romance 

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke’s secrets…and his heart. 

HEARTBREAKER Hell’s Belles, Book 2

A Princess of Thieves

Raised among London’s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower—so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she’s the Matchbreaker…using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.

A King of Reputation

Henry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.

A Royal Match

When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it’s impossible for Clayborn to resist this woman who both frustrates and fascinates him. But late-night carriage rides make for delicious danger…and soon Adelaide is uncovering Clayborn’s truths, throwing his well-laid plans into chaos…and threatening to steal his heavily guarded heart.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

This story was truly different.  What a life Adelaide has lived.  Both before as a young girl and even now in her current life.  She had learned how to be invisible early and it continues to help her now.  Nobody ever notices her until ..well...Clayborn.  Clayborn who has never been invisible a day of his life.  I'm going to alter a saying about a duck..because it fits him so well. "If it looks like a duke, if it walks like a duke, if it talks like a duke, it's a duke." That inability to hide causes Adelaide more than one problem.  Especially when they first meet outside of the normal parties and such. 

You want danger and chaos?  This would be the book for you. One of the things I liked about Adelaide was her drive for justice.  And she had quite the clever group of women surrounding her with a similar drive.  Although there were several purposes that the Hell's Belles provided.  Another one of the group caught my interest and now I want to read her story.  That would be Lady Imogene and her interactions with Tommy (a Detective Inspector).  It was touched on in this book and made me smile.

Now back to this book, which had a romance that challenged both of the main characters.  They both had big secrets but I also enjoyed the way they challenged each other. Witty exchanges would be a good way to also explain some of it.   It will take a while but there will also be sexual heat between them.  

The story has a good ending with an Epilogue that made it even better. 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 (Netgalley)

Book Review- Holiday Rescue :(An Albertini Family Romance #1 ) by Rebecca Zanetti

   

This is the first novella in a series of stories featuring Anna Albertini's cousins, and it was a lot of fun to write.  I hope you enjoy it!

Quint Albertini likes his life as a smokejumper and search and rescue expert. He has his dog, his friends, and his freedom. He’s had it with women who can’t commit or who want him to change, and now all he has to do is dodge the family match-makers so he can live his peaceful life when he’s not leaping head first into danger.

When Heather Davis gets trapped on a mountain during a wild winter storm, her carefully laid plans of safety and security go right out the snow filled window. Her saviors, dog and man, quickly capture her heart, even though she’s trying to remain under the radar from a disastrous past that seems to keep coming for her.

While Quint and Heather try to ignore the blazing hot attraction between them, the Albertini family has no intention of letting a possible romance fizzle out—especially during the magical holiday season.

AMAZON LINK 

3.5 STARS 

I really like this author's books but this story was just a fun, pleasant story for me with a dash of danger.  I did like both Quint and Heather and his family but I would also have liked a bit more depth to the story.  Just felt like it was missing something.  But I guess if you chalk it up to a sweet Holiday story/romance, then it does hit that mark.

I got a free copy of this story and these are my thoughts on it.