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.

To Win a Prince

About the Book:

Title: To Win a Prince
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Bethany House Publishing
Release Date: September 13th, 2022
Genre: Christian Romance

Can she stop herself from falling before she’s too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country’s resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo–the man who betrayed her best friend–will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he’s forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely–but he can’t allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together–if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

Book Review:

This had a wonderful redemption story about learning from mistakes and changing for the better. I was definitely excited to read this book especially because I already knew the characters a bit. To Win a Prince is Toni Shiloh’s new book and it is set in the same world as In Search of a Prince. It is actually about Iris and Ekon.

Iris was so fun, she was very expressive and worked hard. Iris wanted to help the women on the island create a life for themselves but there were so many obstacles in her way. I loved how Iris strove to see the good in people. However Iris was struggling, she was finding herself falling for Ekon. She wanted to protect her heart but she also longed for a romance to sweep her off her feet. Iris had to learn to wait on God’s timing and trust in God’s plan even when her life feels crazy.

Oh, I felt for Ekon. He was a bit of a spoiled jerk at first, but he quickly grew on me. He grew up with comfort and means, and he had to learn what it meant to humble himself. I really enjoyed reading about his growth and seeing him being open to learning and changing. He worked hard and underneath his attitude, he was a kind man. Ekon had to learn to let go of his pride and turn to God. He had to be willing to be brought low so that he might become a better man.

Ekon and Iris were sweet to read about. They felt a connection for each other, but they both were fighting against it. I loved their interactions and their eazy conversations. They were just so cute and they learned to care for each other.

The story was really interesting. Ekon was fighting to redeem himself and Iris was fighting for her business. I was really investing and I read this book so quickly. I am crossing my fingers that more books will come from this world because I saw some hints of other couples.

To Win a Prince was wonderful and even better than the first! I loved the characters and I grew to know them. I also enjoyed the faith that Shiloh wrove into the story, God was truly present in this story. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian contemporary romances. To Win a Prince is a clean Christian contemporary romance.

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.

Bargaining for the Barrister

About the Book:

Bargaining for the Barrister by [Anneka R. Walker]

Title: Bargaining for the Barrister
Series: Matchmaking Mamas #1
Author: Anneka K Walker
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: March 7th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

Louisa Cox is tired of fortune hunters pursuing her dowry. So when Lady Kellen offers to help her find an eligible suitor, Louisa eagerly accepts and makes a list of what she wants in a husband. The man selected is barrister Paul Sheldon. He may be a complete stranger, but he has one thing in his favor: he is unaware of her fortune. What Louisa did not anticipate was his curious behavior—or being so attracted to him.

When Paul catches wind of the matchmaking organization his mother and her friends are establishing, he pities the fellow who will be caught in their scheme—until he realizes he is to be their first victim. Horrified, Paul determines to thwart his mother’s plans by whatever means necessary. After meeting his intended, however, his increasing desire to be near her threatens to disrupt his convictions. Louisa is everything he could want in a wife, and when an unexpected adventure sets in motion the very plan he had determined to halt, he almost wishes his mother’s plot could succeed. But Paul harbors a secret and a past that make it impossible for him to give Louisa the life she deserves.

Book Review:

This book was just perfect! I loved everything about it, the characters were sweet and I was engrossed with the story. Bargaining for the Barrister is the first book in Anneka R Walker’s Matchmaking Mamas series. And it was a great start to this series! I can’t wait to read more!

I really liked the characters and the storyline! The mother’s matchmaking was so much fun, and they totally meddled. Louisa and Paul were wonderful characters who had me from the beginning. They were complex and so interesting to read about. I felt as if they had become my friends by the end of the book. It was sweet to read about Louisa and Paul interacting. They started off as friends and grew to more. I liked their connection and how they looked out for each other. I really liked Pual and Louisa interactions, they were both so witty and quick. The conversations in books are some of my favorite parts and their conversations were just so much fun to read.

Louisa was such a complex character. She was trying her best to be happy and yet she was weary. With the death of her parents, she carried a weight on her shoulder, she wanted to live life for her parents and she didn’t want to make things harder for her brother. I liked Louisa from the beginning. She was kind and thoughtful but she wasn’t a statue, she had a fire to her. It was fun to read about her quick wit and see her falling for Paul. She wasn’t naive but she chose to hope for the best. Life hadn’t always been kind to Louisa but she was up to the challenge.

Paul was also awesome! He was kind and considerate, but he had his own quirks. He didn’t always enjoy being around people and he didn’t like to be touched. He was generous and thoughtful to a fault, but he truly cared about those around him. He had his own troubles to work through and it was fun to see him grow. Louisa worked past his walls and it was so cute. Paul had to learn how to let people in and learn that he didn’t have to do everything on his own.

I also adored the side characters. The matchmaking mamas were definitely stirring things up. Paul’s friends were also lovely, they all really added to the book! They totally need their own books. I liked how Louisa and her brother had a good relationship, they didn’t always agree but they still cared about each other. The families and friends in this book reminded me of my family and friends whom I love

All in all, this book was pretty amazing! I would totally recommend Bargaining for the Barrister! It is a clean historical romance with meddling mothers and a sweet romance. This is another win for Walker!

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/display/0ae98b8a301/?widget_template=5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff

Far to Go

About the Book:

Title: Far to Go
Author: Noel Streatfeild
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Release Date: April 2nd, 20220
Genre: Children’s Fiction

When Margaret Thursday lands a role as a child actress at a well-known London theatre, becoming famous almost overnight, news of her success reaches her bitter enemy, the matron of her old orphanage.

Margaret knows that Matron is set on revenge, but she keeps her head held high, focusing on the play. But Matron’s evil plans are well prepared, and Margaret is going to need her wits about her – and the help of her friends – if she is to escape unharmed…

Book Review:

The sequel to Thursday’s Child, Far to Go continues Margaret Thursday’s journey to make herself a name and establish herself. I love the older style that this book is written in! I was trying to explain it to my sister, but it usually involves a 3rd person semi-omniscient narrator, a certain phrasing, that I can’t explain, and a sort of space for the audience. For me it creates a sense of nostalgia because I read a lot of books written that way growing up! The story is continuing her actress journey as she lands a role at a famous London theatre. Suddenly famous, the news reaches the matron of her old orphanage, who is out to get revenge. Margaret is focused on the play, but she will need to keep her wits about her and enlist the help of friends to keep herself safe.

Margaret is so fun! She is very focused on her career and establishing herself. She is not particularly rambunctious, but she knows her mind and her goals. It is also fun to read about all the new characters! They are all interesting and fun to read about.

Overall, this is a fun read that continues the story. So definitely this is a book where you probably should read the first book! It is a lovely story that I think is suitable for older elementary readers and up, because of some scenes that could be frightening. However, it may differ depending on the person, of course! It is an older style, so be prepared too!

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.

The Mozart Code

About the Book:

Title: The Mozart Code
Author: Rachel McMillan
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: March 15th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

No matter how you might try to hide in a war to escape your past, it is always close at hand.

Lady Sophia Huntington Villiers is no stranger to intrigue, as her work with Alan Turing’s Bombe Machines at Bletchley Park during the war attests. Now, as part of Simon Barre’s covert team in post-war Vienna, she uses her inimitable charm and code name Starling to infiltrate the world of relics: uncovering vital information that could tilt the stakes of the mounting Cold War. When several influential men charge her with finding the death mask of Mozart, Sophie wonders if there is more than the composer’s legacy at stake and finds herself drawn to potential answers in Prague.

Simon Barrington, the illegitimate heir of one of Sussex’s oldest estates, used the previous war to hide his insecurities about his past. Now, he uses his high breeding to gain access to all four allied quarters of the ruined city in an attempt to slow the fall of the Iron Curtain. He has been in love with Sophie Villiers since the moment he met her, and a marriage of convenience to save Simon’s estate has always kept her close. Until now, when Sophie’s mysterious client in Prague forces him to wonder if her allegiance to him—and their cause—is in question. Torn between his loyalty to his cause and his heart, Simon seeks answers about Sophie only to learn that everything he thought he knew about his involvement in both wars is based on a lie.

Book Review:

I wanted to like this book, and I did end up enjoying it. However, I was a bit confused while reading the book, and it made it hard to understand and get into the book. But I did end up liking it by the time I got to the end of the story. There are still a couple of things that I think I missed but otherwise it was really good. The Mozart Code is my first book by Rachel McMillian, and it was really fascinating and thought provoking.

I picked up this book because I thought that it would be interesting, and it definitely met that expectation. The characters were very unique and it was intriguing to read from their perspectives and see things from their eyes.

Sophia and Simon were drawn together because of a marriage of convenience. They were both using their marriage to help themselves avoid situations. They never expected to be anything more than friends. However, as the secrets of their work are drawn to light, things become more complicated than they expected. They were both playing games that could lead to someone getting hurt. They were working a thin tightrope together between friendship and love all the while trying to complete tasks secretly.

I liked Sophia and Simon. They had a flair and a secrecy to them. It was cool to read about Simon’s connection to chess and how it affected his view of life. And how Sophia loved music and the way her mind could see the music. They were both trying to do good in their own ways. He worked for the government while she tried to return artifacts to their rightful owners. I liked the chemistry between the characters, and I could definitely see how well they fit each other. It was a bit frustrating to see them dancing in circles around each other, but at the same time, I understood them. They were both afraid of different things, and it affected their ability to love each other.

The storyline was engaging, but I really didn’t know what was going on til at least half way through the book. It made it harder for me to read, and I kept on having to take breaks. I did enjoy the book by the end of it, but it was harder for me to understand. I felt as if I was missing a lot of things. All in all, this was a good book. I would recommend The Mozart Code to those who enjoy historical fiction that stimulates your mind a bit to think.

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.

My Own Best Enemy

About the Book:

My Own Best Enemy : A Sweet Romantic Comedy (Apple Valley Love Stories Book 2) by [Julie Christianson]

Title: My Own Best Enemy
Series: Apple Valley Love Stories
Author: Julie Christianson
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: September 23, 2021
Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy

This isn’t a wedding. This is war …

I get it. We were in elementary school. Just a couple of kids on the playground. But after Nash Hendrix called me Enemy instead of Emily, his stupid nickname ruined my life.

Now our best friends are getting married, and they expect me to stand across the aisle from Nash the Ruiner without killing him?

Whatever. I can survive being maid of honor. It’s only for one weekend.

Until it’s not.

When I get roped into wedding planning at the same places Nash is fundraising, I’m ready to blow up our temporary truce.

All I wanted was to start over. New job. New permanently-single status.

But the more time we spend together, the more I feel like … not murdering him.

Is it possible Nash and I don’t hate each other?

No way. He’s still my enemy.

My big, dumb enemy.

My big, dumb, gorgeous, sweet-talking, dog-loving —

Emi, you’re doomed.

Book Review:

The second book in the Apple Valley Romance series, My Own Best Enemy is a sweet enemies-to-lovers rom-com. I was very excited for this book, after reading the first book. Emi’s life was ruined when Nash Hendrix called her Enemy instead of Emily in elementary school. But with their best friends getting married, she needs to get through the wedding, just through the weekend. Until she is pushed into wedding planning…at all the same places Nash is fundraising. All Emi wanted was to start over, but the more time that she spends with Nash, the more confused she becomes. Are they still enemies?

I thought that this was a cute book! Emi was very relatable and after a few pages I felt like I was able to understand her. It was great to see things from her perspective after reading about her in The Mostly Real McCoy. She seemed very real. Even when I was frustrated with her, and there were a few times where I was, I empathized with her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow and become more self-aware, especially as she planned Brooke’s wedding. It was also super cute to see her with Nash.

Nash was super sweet! I loved how he was basically part of the McCoy family. He was very guarded and had a lot of bad experiences around relationships. However, he couldn’t seem to get away from Emi. He was falling for Emi so fast and I loved hearing his thoughts. I also really enjoyed the addition of pets, the gecko was hilarious! You will understand when you read the book 🙂 I also enjoyed seeing the further development of characters throughout the Apple Valley world. Crossing my fingers for a book for Tess!

I thought that this was a great addition to the series! It was sweet and funny. I don’t think that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first one, but it was definitely a fun book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy rom-coms, especially those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope.

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

With Every Breath

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for With Every Breath by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

With Every Breath (McCall Family Series Book 1) by [Natasha D. Frazier]

Title: With Every Breath

Series: McCall Family #1

Author: Natasha D. Frazier

Publisher: Encouraging Works

Release Date: October 5, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?

Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she’s giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she’s still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?

Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father’s successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he’s always loved and everything he’s worked for?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

Guest Post:

I love second chance romances! I had a general idea about writing a second chance romance with college sweethearts that would reunite on a vacation, but hadn’t quite come up with how it would happen. Earlier this year, I experienced sudden onsets of dizziness. At times, it felt like I was dying when the room would spin and I hadn’t moved from my seat or bed. Scary thought! My doctor diagnosed me with vertigo and prescribed medicine and exercises for the dizziness.

After that, it hit me!

Boom!

I amped it up a thousand and put my main character, Nina, in a situation where she had to determine what was most important to her and decide what to do about it. Then, With Every Breath, was born.

Sometimes we live like we have a limitless amount of time, but when faced with the reality of our mortality, we change, and that’s what happens to Nina. That’s also what I’d like readers to know after reading this book. Our time on earth is limited. If you love someone, tell them. Share your love and the beauty that is you with the world while you still can. And remember, above all else, that God loves you and is always with you. You are called for His purpose.

Natasha Frazier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink.

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONNECT WITH NATASHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive an audiobook bundle of the Love, Lies & Consequences series (4 titles), an autographed copy of With Every Breath, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 11, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas

About the Book:

Title: I”m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas
Series: Seeing Voices #2
Author: Tiffany Schmidt
Publisher: Amulet Books
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction

Ballet and babysitting bring two teens together in this very merry holiday rom-com from the author of the acclaimed Bookish Boyfriends series

Noelle Partridge is known for three things: being the best ballet dancer, babysitter, and person with the most Christmas spirit in her small town. But lately she’s bored by the lessons at her dance school, and her friends and father are more bah humbug than deck the halls. So when her favorite babysitting clients ask her to accompany them on a ski trip over winter break, she packs her bags for the slopes. It helps that they’re offering double her rate–she’ll need the money for Beacon, an elite ballet academy that has granted her an audition.

Noelle is ready to have fa la la la fun, until Wyatt, the older half-brother of her babysitting charges, decides to surprise his family for the holiday. He’s one of the best dancers at Beacon, and makes Noelle’s head spin faster than pirouettes. Unfortunately, she also manages to step on his toes–spoiling his surprise and complicating his secret plans. After a few missteps, Noelle and Wyatt begin to thaw toward each other and bond over the big decisions looming in each of their lives. With enough Christmas magic, Noelle might just start the New Year with lots of babysitting cash in her pocket and a chance with the pas de deux partner of her dreams

Carving for Miss Coventry

About the Book:

Title: Carving for Miss Coventry
Series: Sons of Somerset Book 1
Author: Deborah M Hathaway
Publisher: Draft Horse Publishing
Release Date: July 17, 2021
Genre: Historical Romance

He’s determined to finish the job, even if she distracts him…

With his deceased father’s woodworking business now failing, Edward Steele will do anything to see its return to prosperity, even if that means accepting work from the Coventry family far outside of Bath. His two goals? Finishing this new task swiftly and making as few acquaintances as possible. But such things are easier said than done, especially when the Coventry’s daughter finds it necessary to spy on him at every turn.

Marianne Coventry doesn’t mean to stare, but such a task is difficult when a man as handsome as Mr. Steele works right before her eyes. Besides, at twenty years old and not yet out in Society—due to an unmarried elder sister and a strict, rule-abiding father—she will take any distraction she can get. Perhaps turning to a dashing woodworker for entertainment isn’t a wise decision, but does she really have any other choice?

As Edward becomes aware of Marianne’s sheltered life, an unexpected friendship sprouts between them—a friendship her family cannot discover, especially when Marianne begins to realize she’s been living half a life. Still, Edward’s heart remains cautious, for becoming distracted and losing his family’s business would mean forfeiting his livelihood and everything his father worked so hard to achieve. Despite the forces working against them, only the two of them can decide what they want most in life—and if they’re willing to risk everything for love.

Book Review:

This was such a wonderful book! I have not read a ton of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed Carving for Miss Coventry. The Regency period was definitely interesting even though there were a lot of really messed up ideas. I felt bad for our characters as they navigated Society’s fickle opinions. It was an especially fascinating dynamic because Edward and Marianne weren’t trying to follow Society’s beliefs. Instead everyone around them was striving to obey whatever the upper class wanted.

Edward Steele is hovering on the brink of total poverty. His business is completely destroyed due to rumors about his late father, so when a gentleman offers him work, he accepts. He’s determined to quickly finish his work, and then return home to his mother. But as he begins to spend more and more time with his employer’s daughter, Marianne Coventry, he finds himself wanting to stay. Marianne is almost on the shelf in Society’s eyes, but she hasn’t even come out. Her parents are determined to wait until her sister is married, so when she meets Edward, her curiosity is piqued. A friendship starts to develop between Edward and Marianne, and it quickly turns into love. But what will they do when their love is put to the test and Edward’s whole livelihood is at stake?

This was such a cute book! Edward is simply trying to put food on the table and a roof over his and his mother’s heads. I felt so bad for him because he was terrified of being accused like his father. However even through his fear, he was so kind to Marianne. He listened to her, and I loved watching the two fall in love with each other. It was clear that it wasn’t just attraction, and I thought it was adorable when they would basically gush about each other in their thoughts 😉

While I loved Marianne’s positivity and mischievousness throughout the story, I had a little bit of a harder time getting into her character. I think a part of it is because I haven’t read a lot of Regency books, so I had no knowledge of that time period. I couldn’t really understand why it was so difficult for Marianne to not come out, and I couldn’t fully comprehend the desperation behind some of her actions. But I enjoyed her spirit, and I liked how she grew to realize what she really wanted. It was sweet to watch her fall in love with Edward, and I thought it was really cute how they only addressed each other as Mr. Steele and Miss Coventry! It was like the Regency version of a special nickname 🙂

I would definitely recommend this book! There are some very human and flawed side characters who add extra depth to the story. While I felt like a lot of the characters were immature in their actions, they were also very desperate. The rules and restrictions of this period were quite stifling for a lot of our characters, but thankfully, love does win! This was a sweet, clean, Regency romance perfect for anyone who enjoys this time period!

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 Merchant and the Rogue

About the Book:

Title: The Merchant and the Rogue
Series: The Dread Penny Society
Author: Sarah M Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publisher
Release Date: August 17, 2021
Genre: Historical Romance

London, 1865

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her the freedom and income to employ and protect the poverty-stricken Londoners she’s come to care about, and it gives her father something to do other than long for their hometown of St. Petersburg. She is grateful for the stability in their lives, but she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a Penny Dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. His membership in the secretive Dread Penny Society allows him to feel he isn’t entirely wasting his life, yet he feels dissatisfied. With no one to share his life with but his sister, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at her print shop is aboveboard. When the growing criminal enterprise run by the elusive and violent Mastiff begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.