A Lady’s Wager

About the Book:

A Lady's Wager (Timeless Georgian Collection Book 2) by [Arlem Hawks, Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden]

Title: A Lady’s Wager
Series: Timeless Georgian Collection #2
Author: Arlem Hawks, Josi S Kilpack, and Sarah M Eden
Publisher: Mirror Press
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Genre: Georgian Romance

Can a lady wager on love?

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks
Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack
Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph … except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man’s father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta’s worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago … and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden
Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all.

Book Review:

Another lovely collection of stories for the Timeless Georgian Series, A Lady’s Wager is a fun treat to read! I enjoyed all of the stories and had such a good time visiting Georgian England!

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks

This was my first story from Hawks and I guess I need to read more of her books, because this was such a sweet story! Derrick was so fun1 I loved his quick wit and the enjoyment he had in life. Corah was so sweet! I loved how she cared for her family.They were so sweet together! I loved how they seemed to get each other so quickly, I appreciated how realistic they both were about their situations, none of their reasonings seemed out of place. They needed to decide if love was worth it for them. The story moved along pretty quickly, as expected of a novella, but I do feel like you get to know Derrick and Corah quickly. they draw you into the story.

Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack

This one was really sweet! I appreciate how she writes stories about older couples. It is fun to see a different perspective on things. This was also a very engaging story. Col;etta’s role in Society was really interesting and I enjoyed seeing the different spin. She had made a life for herself and was thrown off by Wynn. Her ideals and motives are clear from her POV. I felt like I understood her from the first few scenes. She was trying to look out for the girls she supported. I appreciated Wynn’s intentionality. It was fun to also see Rachel’s journey. I felt sorry for her as she tried to find her place in London. Overall, this was a really engaging story. I was invested in Etta’s journey and hopeful for her and Wynn. She was a little stuck in her ways and how she expected her life to be. She had to overcome them to figure out what she truly wanted for her life.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M Eden

I really liked the characters here! Julian and Charlotte were interesting, witty, and I loved reading about their interactions. Julian was funny, comfortable with himself, and trying to overcome the stigmas from his family’s reputations. I appreciated his even temper and his quick wit. He and Franklin were really fun together too! I really enjoyed their banter. I really liked Charlotte! She was intelligent and trying to keep some semblance of control in a place where it was difficult to have it. It was fun to see them as they tried to navigate Society and the possibilities of love!I liked how Charlotte’s family was really trying to look out for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection. All of the stories were engaging and interesting. I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy historical romance!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed

About the Book:

The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (A Romance of Rank Book 2) by [Esther Hatch]

Title: The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed
Series: A Romance of Rank #2
Author: Esther Hatch
Release Date: December 30th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romantic Comedy

If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him embarrassed in front of an old friend, he has finally had enough. He cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away–and fortunately, his solicitor knows just the place…

Catherine Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again–even if it is only for a little while.

But the last thing Catherine expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s business while he is away. However, Catherine insists that’s what she’s been asked to do. The quiet retreat is what they both need, but they cannot stay there together…

Not unless they can manage the horticulture project together and somehow keep their living conditions secret, that is. Because the last thing Catherine wants is for Samson to be forced into marriage like he has been forced into everything else since childhood.

Luckily for Samson, that happens to be a risk he is willing to take.

Book Review:

The highly anticipated next story in the Romance of Rank series, The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed is a fun regency rom-com to start the year off with! Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton has spent his entire life being an unwilling participant in his meddling sister’s plans and tricks. When her latest scheme leaves him embarrassed in front of an old friend, he has had enough. Samson cannot beat her or even say no to her, so he runs away. Thankfully, his solicitor knows just the place. Catherine Wallance is a good governess, even if she wasn’t born to be one. However, the chance to stay at her uncle’s home and to care for his horticulture project in his absence, is too good to pass. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again, even for a little while. But finding her childhood friend, Samson, who claims that he has been invited to watch her uncle’s business, at the cottage is a surprise. They both need a retreat, but can they stay there together?

What a fun story! I was so excited to read this, because I enjoyed the first story so much. This book centers around Catherine and Samson. I really enjoyed Catherine’s POV. She felt very relatable and practical, even if she was holding onto some hurts from their childhood. She felt the weight of her family’s fall from grace and the weight of her strained relationship with Samson. She cared for him, but there was a lot in their way. I really enjoyed seeing her with her sisters, it was really cute. Samson was quite funny! I definitely felt for him as he struggled with his sister, she certainly had a strong personality! But he was pretty dramatic himself and I appreciated his sense of humor. It was sweet to watch him try to find his place with Catherine again.

Overall, I thought that the story was sweet and lighthearted. It was nice to have the characters know each other beforehand, because their story did progress pretty quickly. It was so lovely to see all the characters from Manor for Sale, and from a different perspective. I enjoyed going back to this world.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Love in Disguise

About the Book:

Love in Disguise: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (The Wonder Boys Book 4) by [Dana LeCheminant]

Title: Love in Disguise
Series: The Wonder Boys #4
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Release Date: January 13th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Kit Morgan has always hated change—he’s as steady as they come.

At least, that’s what his friends think. Feeling trapped by a routine he never wanted but everyone expects, Kit is almost glad when his life suddenly falls apart—especially when it leads to him running into his middle school girlfriend, Skyler, who happens to need a fake fiancé for a family reunion.

The two pick up where they left off seventeen years prior, and Kit reverts back to the friendly and fun-loving person she knew for the semester they were together—someone completely different from the role he’s been playing his entire life. Desperate to cling to his chance to change his life for the better and finally live the life he’s always wanted, Kit is ready to tell Skyler he’s in it for real. The problem? She has no intention of settling down anytime soon. Or ever.

Torn between the reliable life he’s always known and a sweeter one without guarantees, Kit has to convince Skyler—and himself—that past patterns can be broken and relationships are worth fighting for.

Otherwise, he might lose the only person who’s ever known the real him.

Book Review:

The Enemy Across the Loch

About the Book:

The Enemy Across the Loch (Myths of Moraigh Trilogy Book 3) by [Kasey Stockton]

Title: The Enemy Across the Loch
Series: Myths of Moraigh Trilogy #3
Author: Kasey Stockton
Release Date: January 4th, 2023
Genre: Historical Scottish Romance

He believes she’s a selkie—she has no desire to change his mind.

The loch divides the feuding clans. Ealann McEwan on one side, Miles Duncan on the other. When a chance encounter causes them to meet, a friendship is borne of necessity. But as war inches closer, they will be forced to choose: love or their families.

**Book three in the Myths of Moraigh Trilogy. The books are not stand-alone novels and must be read in order for full comprehension, but each novel has its own satisfying love story.**

Book Review:

The final book in the Myths of Moraigh Trilogy concludes the overarching story, while focusing on Ealann McEwan and Miles Duncan. The loch divides the feuding clans and Ealann and Miles are on opposite sides. A chance encounter causes them to meet and a friendship is borne of necessity. However, as war comes ever closer, they may have to choose between love and their families.

What an exciting book! Honestly, I wasn’t even sure how it could end! Ealann was such an interesting character. She was a healer and had committed to her path in the midst of tragedy. I appreciated her loyalty to her brother and her commitment to what she chose. She was not as fiery as Marion and seemed more reserved, but she was just as fiercely loyal as all the rest. I like the variety of characters in the series. It was interesting to see Moraigh through her eyes.

I really admired Miles. He was trying so hard to fight for peace and still hold to the loyalties he has sworn. He has been a character throughout the series and I was really interested in seeing his story. We have been slowly getting glimpses into his life and what he wants from the situation. His relationship with his mother was so sweet! I loved her input! She definitely was not afraid to share her opinion with her son.

It was cool to see the story from another side. The other books were firmly on the McEwan side and the Duncans were the other clan. But this book has these characters who offer a new look into the overarching struggle. There was so much suspense and uncertainty around the conflict and war that had been inching closer with every book. I wasn’t even sure how everything could be solved. Ms. Stockton did not take any short-cuts with the ending, so it felt complete and true to the characters, even if it was a bit bittersweet. Overall, I would definitely recommend this and it cannot really be read out of order to really understand the story. There is some violence and mentions of threats of assault, however, overall it is a clean story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Secrets of the Sonnets

About the Book:

Title: Secrets of the Sonnets
Author: Samantha Hastings
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: January 2nd, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

Book Review:

An exciting historical romance with witty dialogue and charming characters, Secrets of the Sonnets is such a fun read! This is my first of Ms. Hastings books and it was such an enjoyable read. Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and unfortunately for her mother, at the age of twenty-six, a spinster. Her single-minded ambition to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare has left her with little time to seek a husband. The connection between the Bard and a local marquess leads her to request access for papers that could secure her academic triumph. Lord Robert Hamilton has found himself drowning in debt and at risk of losing his ancestral home. The letter from an M. Hatch requesting papers from his ancestors seems small in comparison, until he realizes the financial merit it could bring. When M. Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Hatch, he soon finds himself following her as they seek out the trail of a century-old mystery. Their shared goal and growing attraction draws them together, but someone else is also seeking the papers and they will not hesitate to remove anyone else in their search.

This was such an engaging and interesting story! I really enjoyed the banter especially. Miranda was so fun! I loved her intelligence and confidence. She had some difficulty in her past experience with romance, so she was settling into her “spinster” status. Robert was a surprise to her. I enjoyed reading about them getting to know each other and how they connected. I also really loved her relationship with her parents. Miranda and her father were hilarious! I loved their bonding over Shakespeare and their game! I also really appreciated how even though Miranda and her mother were very different, they still got along and enjoyed one another’s company. Miranda was able to establish herself in a new way throughout the story. She learned about her place and how a new relationship could fit into her life.

Robert was struggling with all that had been dropped on him with the inheritance of his estate. I felt so much for him. From the financial aspect, to his new responsibilities to his family, his POV made me really feel like I understood him and could empathize with him. Watching him fall in love with Miranda was also so cute, I loved the way his friends and sisters teased him too! Their journey was really interesting to follow and I was really engaged in the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy their historical romance with some adventure and history mixed in! This is a clean historical romance with some more exciting scenes of danger, but nothing graphic.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MzEwOTE3MWE5YjEzNjY5MzE3YjY5YjNiNWFmNTNjOjE=/?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! It’s strange to think we’ve been doing this for so long, but we’re truly grateful to be a part of this new world! It’s been incredibly fun to share some of our bookish thoughts with you guys. And also share parts of our life. That’s why we included the rabbit because 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit! Since we’re Japanese, we had to include that in this post😀 So grateful for you all! We can’t wait to see what the next year holds🥰

That Time I Kissed My Brother’s Best Friend

About the Book:

That Time I Kissed My Brother's Best Friend: A Sweet Christmas-in-July Rom Com by [Julie Christianson]

Title: That Time I Kissed My Brother’s Best Friend
Series: The Time of Your life #1
Author: Julie Christianson
Release Date: November 28h, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

ireworks plus mistletoe equal one explosive kiss …

Beau Slater sure brings the fireworks. Too bad they’re not the good kind. My brother’s best friend was so smoking hot, he blew up our small-town graduation night with one humiliating almost-kiss. It took me five years, one potential dream job, and three thousand miles to diffuse that horrifying memory.

So when my worst enemy and I are forced together by our meddling mothers for a first-ever Christmas in July, I can’t risk Beau reigniting my heart. Which means I’m probably supremely stupid to enlist him in my plot to teach our manipulative families a lesson.

Still. Beau’s future is a world away from mine, and neither one of us will give up on our dreams. So how hard could it be to fake-date the off-limits man I’m secretly pining for?

The answer is EASY, Kasey.

Just as long as I don’t let this old flame and his sugarplum lips burn me again …

Book Review:

A rewrite of her novella is now the first in a new series, That Time I Kissed my Brother’s Best Friend is a fun holiday themed rom-com. I was so excited to read another book in the world of the Apple Valley Romances. This expanded story follows Kasey who has returned home in July to celebrate Christmas with her family for her grandmother’s sake, only to find more

What a fun story! It is overall a lighthearted story with fun characters. Kasey loves her family, but they are a lot. From her mom who can feel smothering in her exuberant love, her brother who has reminded in their hometown and their longtime family friends, the Slaters. Her brother’s best friend Beau is also home from his work as a celebrated photographer. After years of torment from the two as children up to high school graduation. She is determined to appease her family, avoid Beau, and return to her journalist career that is finally taking off. Being constantly thrown together by her family is draining on her, as she finds that there may be more to the story than she realized. I enjoyed seeing Kasey’s interactions with her family. They were so funny! It was especially enjoyable knowing the characters from the previous books. Kasey was very passionate, about her work, her feelings for her family, and her feelings for Beau. She was a fun main character though I sometimes felt like she was holding onto the past pranks a bit too much. Beau was sweet. It was nice to also have his POV too, I feel like it really rounded out the story.

The plot moved along pretty quickly, but I think it fit for the genre and the story. There was already a lot of history between the two and they already knew each other in a lot of ways. I enjoyed the family interactions and their role in Kasey and Beau’s relationship. Overall, this was a cute book that made me look forward to the continuation of the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! We are so thankful for this past year and all the blessings that the Lord has brought. This season is a special time to slow down, take a breather, and remember the blessing of Jesus Chrrist coming to this world.

Luke 2:10-14

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

We hope that you enjoy this Christmas season and even if it is not a joyous time for you that you find peace and hope in the reason for the season.

Enemies

About the Book:

Enemies (Berrybrook Middle School) by [Svetlana Chmakova]

Title: Enemies
Series: Berrybrook Middle School
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: September 27th, 2022
Genre: Children Graphic Novel

Felicity’s sure she’s going to do something big. Exactly what is still a mystery, but she’ll figure it out. Her sister, Letty, teases Felicity that she never finishes stuff, but that’s just because Letty is so perfect. Still, life is good with plenty of friends—drawing with the art club and playing games with her buddies keep her busy. But when she decides to join a contest to show Letty that she CAN get things done, Felicity begins to wonder if friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. Are they really enemies, though…? What does it even mean to be enemies? And…who is it that she needs the most on her side…?

Book Review:

Another installment in the world of Berrybrook Middle school, Enemies follows Felicity’s story. A character you may recognize from previous books set here. Felicity is going to do something amazing, once she figures out what exactly she it will be. While her sister, Letty, may tease her about never finishing anything, it is only because Letty is so perfect. Felicity’s life is good with lots of friends, in art club and playing games. When she decides to enter a contest to show that she can get things done, Felicity begins to realize that friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. But are they really enemies? And who does she really need on her side?

I was so excited for this book! We all read the previous books set in Berrybrook and I was excited to return. I love the variety of art styles that graphic novels have. This one leans toward cartoon/anime style, which is really fun and I think fits the story well. I am always so impressed by artists who produce such distinct and memorable stories and characters.

Felicity is an engaging and relatable character. When comparing herself to her sister, she feels like she doesn’t quite measure up. Her talents lean towards art and games. However, her desire to do something great began to negatively affect her friendships. She felt the pressure to do something great, to do something innovative and to do it well. I liked Felicity and really felt for her. Friendships are hard and adding the figuring out yourself that tends to start in middle school makes it even harder. I liked watching her grow and appreciated how she asked for help. I was glad that her parents were supportive and encouraging and that she was able to find resolution.

The story moved along at a pretty quick pace, but it fit the style and format. I think the ending was very fitting for the lessons that Felicity learned. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, thought the art was lovely, and appreciated the lessons Felicity learned.

Middle grade graphic novel:

No language

Very light mention of romance

Good relationship with parents

Sister relationship growth

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Cotswolds Holiday

About the Book:

Cotswolds Holiday: A Sweet Romance (Christmas Escape) by [Kasey Stockton]

Title: Cotswolds Holiday
Series: Christmas Escape #7
Author: Kasey Stockton
Release Date: November 30th 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Step one: receive an invitation to the wedding of my ex-boyfriend to my ex-best friend . . . eight months after he broke up with me.

Step two: fly to England to avoid said wedding.

Step three: kiss an Englishman to get over the ex-boyfriend . . . and try not to fall in love.Because I really can’t fall in love with a man who lives on the other side of the world from me, even if he is the most perfect British lumberjack-pub owner I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Part of the Christmas Escape series, Cotswolds Holiday is a clean Christmas romance where an American girl runs off to England and tries not to fall in love. Check out the other books in the series, which can be read in any order:

Book Review:

When Luna receives a wedding invitation from her ex-boyfriend and the request from the bride to be in the wedding party, she sticks to her tried-and-tested response, disappearing. The perfect escape ends up being the cozy English village of Cotswold in the middle of December. But once she arrives, she discovers that snow is more slippery than she expected, her room vastly different from the listing and the pub owner/landlord is more like something from a lumberjack fantasy. As he finds a place in her heart, Luna has a problem.. She can’t fall for an Englishman who lives on the other side of the world, even if he seems perfect. It is harder to run and even though she knows it will have to end, will she be able to say goodbye?

I am so happy for the season of holiday books! While I have only read one of the other books in the series, I really have enjoyed them both! Luna is feeling at the end. She is still reeling from the loss of her boyfriend and her friend. She also is rethinking her life as she spends more time in Cotswold. I felt like Luna’s voice came out clearly in this story. I definitely empathized with her and her struggles. I will say even though I felt for her and enjoyed her story, I had trouble relating to her. I felt a bit disconnected at times. However, I really enjoyed seeing her growth. After getting some space, she was able to process her life. It was sweet to watch her develop relationships in Cotswold, with Ruby, Maggie and all the rest there. I also appreciated the good relationship she had with her family, it was really cute!

The romance was very cute! Luna and Rhys both had things to work through and Luna’s looming departure hanging over them. I liked how much they seemed to enjoy each other’s company. Rhys was very sweet to Luna. He was a bit more settled than she was and really helped her in her journey. It was fun to see the whole village interact. There was a fun small town vibe to it all, complete with small town drama. Overall, this was such a lovely holiday read. I would recommend it to those who enjoy clean contemporary romances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.