Review of How I Married a Marquess by Anna Harrington

How I Married a Marquess by Anna Harrington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josie and Thomas have both lived through very rough times in their past. His being haunted from his experiences working as a spy and hers is growing up in a disadvantaged orphanage. She would do anything for the orphans and she proves it when she tries to be a Robin Hood for them. The reader can see how caring Josie is as well as how she feels responsible for making sure they are fed, clothed and warm.

Thomas is looking for a way to get back into the job he was born to do, being a spy for England. However, a gun fight left him shaken up mentally and emotionally. I really like how the author brought attention to mental health in this novel because even in the 1800s I'm sure there were thousands of men in the wars that had what we call "post traumatic stress." An opportunity arises that sends Thomas right to Josie who seems to be the light to his darkness. She knew just how to calm him.

Both of their different experiences seem to compliment each other. I just knew from their second meeting when she saw him in distress and was able to bring him back to reality that he needed her in his life. I love how the 2 characters weren't just attracted to one another physically. Upon their first encounter it was like he was drawn to her curious wit rather than just her looks. I also enjoyed how Thomas makes sure justice is served without a certain nosy female getting in the way and botching his plan lol! I'm rating How I Married a Marquess a 5 out of 5 stars because this book had me falling in love with Josie and Thomas. I also liked how they both couldn't seem to take their eyes or hands off each other!! Exactly what one wants to see in a regency romance ;)
I received this book from the publishers as an eARC on Netgalley free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

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Review of The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer

The Girl in the Red Coat by Kate Hamer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story of a mother and daughter's journey through an unexpected separation that shows how strong the human spirit is when faced with tragedy. Beth and her 7 year old special daughter Carmel are at a storybook fair when Carmel disappears and is taken by a man who tells her he's her grandfather. The places and people they meet takes advantage of Carmel's special abilities. This is one book that will pull at any parents' heart strings. It's a parent's worst nightmare to lose a child and find out they've been kidnapped. Throughout the book the reader is given an inside look at how Beth deals with her missing girl and you see her struggle to understand how to go on living.
Carmel's journey takes her to the states with gramps, his girlfriend and her 2 girls. As a fanatical religious man the reader has difficulty discerning whether gramps ever cared for Carmel or if he's just using her for her healing abilities to make money. I notice with Carmel the author focuses more on Carmel's new found relationships.
The Girl in the Red Coat is an emotionally charged well written story that had me in tears to 0)lthe very last page. I was left questioning who were the bad guys. Obviously gramps comes to mind as the bad guy for kidnapping Carmel but yet I think he felt he was truly saving her from parents he thought didn't care enough for her. He never molested or abused her as I was expecting. Instead in a way he really was like a grandfather to her.
I give The Girl in the Red Coat a 5 out of 5 stars because I was glued to its pages in hopes the mother and daughter would somehow be reunited. An emotional thriller makes a parent like me aware of how true this story could be for someone in the crazy world we live in.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.



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Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell

Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lucinda and Seth's story takes place around the mid 1800s in a town near the military academy West Point. The characters in the book really grabbed my attention. Lucinda, raised by a con artist who also happens to be her father, used her as part of his swindling jobs. She doesn't know what normal life in a small town is like until she learns of his death and returns to her mother's estranged family. Her naive personality about people and the world is complex and forgiving given her past. I felt Lucinda is the strongest character in the novel and I caught myself cheering her on when she began to trust others and changed her views.
Seth is also an interesting character however I wanted to meet his sister and see her and Seth reunite after everything they've been through. I'm guessing/hoping that's going to be in a later book of her own. Seth shows how much he's willing to give up for his loved ones yet his idea of getting there is a bit irresponsible.
The ending was as I hoped it would be. I enjoyed the way Lucinda stood her ground and stuck up for herself especially to her father. However I wish Seth and Lucinda could finally have the kiss they missed when walking down flirtation walk the first time. I'm a sucker for first kisses lol! Anyways, I'm going to give Flirtation Walk a 3 out of 5 stars because I really wanted to see more chemistry between Seth and Lucinda however I loved Lucinda and enjoyed seeing her change into the person her mother would be proud of.
I received this ARC from Baker Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: The Wayward One by Danelle Harmon

The Wayward One by Danelle Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruaidri, an Irish seaman betrayed by England and Nerissa, an English Duke's little sister born into privilege are thrown together on an adventurous ride through the seas in the latest romance novel by Danelle Harmon. Nerissa is broken hearted after the man she loves doesn't marry her because her overprotective brother Lucien keeps him from her. She notices Ruaidri at her brother Andrew's party displaying his new invention, a powerful explosive. In an unexpected chain of events Nerissa wakes up on a ship with the attractive and enterprising Ruaidri.

Despite their initial dislike of each other I really liked the development of their relationship and I couldn't help but notice how perfect they really are for each other. He is proud but caring and she is stubborn and independent. I also felt really proud of Nerissa for standing up to her brother Lucien although his intentions were honorable he needed to let her find her own happiness. The meeting that Ruaidri had with her brother is one of my favorite parts of the novel because you see how much love Ruaidri truly has for Nerissa to go to the lengths he does to bring her brother and her back together.

I stayed up last night till 2:30 am because I just couldn't put it down and had to find out how it all ended! I am giving The Wayward One a solid 5 out of 5 stars. I have to admit I have a crush on Ruaidri now!

I received this book as an eARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.


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Review: The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton

The Quality of Silence by Rosamund Lupton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Quality of Silence is a thrill ride that transports the reader to northern Alaska in winter time. I've never been to Alaska but after reading this story I feel like I've been there through the worst of winter storms there! The thrills and suspense keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. 

A mother and her deaf daughter are determined to find her dad believed to be dead in the Alaskan wilderness. Along the way, mother and daughter form a stronger bond than ever and the mother discovers the truth that keeps her family together.  Together they take charge against the elements and certain danger for love.  

I'm rating The Quality of Silence 5 out of 5 stars.   The writing is superb as I felt like I was right there in the truck with them through their harrowing and at times nail biting trip.  The development of the characters especially the mother makes me feel like her at times when I interrupt my daughter.  The ending is exactly what I was hoping for. 


I received this book as an ARC from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. 



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Review: The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries

The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Study of Seduction is a regency romance novel written by one of my favorite romance authors, Sabrina Jeffries. Her characters are always true to life and the chemistry between the main characters is always spot on. The story is based on Clarissa and her friend turned suitor Edwin who helps her discourage a creepy Frenchman set on marrying her. The tragedy Clarissa endured in her past haunts her every day and prevents her from getting close to any man. Edwin is just the man to mend her broken heart and make her feel all that life has to offer. To protect her from the unwanted advances of a French diplomat, her cousin ensures her safety under the guise of a faux engagement with her brother's friend Edwin.

I enjoyed this novel mostly for Clarissa's interaction with Edwin however the plot line was a little lackluster for me. That is why I have to give this story a 3 out of 5 star rating. The Study of Seduction had all the elements of a good romance and I honestly fell in love with Edwin's blunt and protective nature. However I felt that after they married I started to lose interest in their romance but I'm still happy I finished the book because I wanted to see why the French diplomat was so intent on pursuing Clarissa.

I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.


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Review: To Lure a Proper Lady by Ashlyn Macnamara

To Lure a Proper Lady by Ashlyn Macnamara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To Lure a Proper Lady is a fun regency novel about a duke's daughter, Elizabeth who hires a bow street runner to find out if someone might be causing her father's sickness. The bow street runner or as he is commonly known as Dysart has a keen ability to sound and dress like one from high society and as a commoner which comes in handy with his profession. A proud and thorough investigator, Dysart can't help but be slightly distracted by the proper Elizabeth. By inviting Dysart to her house party she causes a stir among the guests, especially when someone from Dysart's past shows up. While hosting her party Lizzie can't help but start to fall in love with the mysterious Dysart.

I'm giving this story a 5 out of 5 stars as I was not able to put it down! I love the mix of mystery with a lot of romance. I like a man with a bit of wit and street smarts and that's just what you'll find in Dysart while Elizabeth is the responsible sister who knows how to run her father's estate. It's almost like an opposites attraction with those two. If you love regency romances as much as I do I would highly recommend reading this novel by Ashlyn Macnamara. I can't wait to read the romances of her 2 other sisters, Pippa and Caro!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.


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