Wicked and the Wallflower. Sarah MacLean

Published:  Avon
Date:  June 19th 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages:  384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Rating:

When Wicked Comes Calling… When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She’s seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won’t accept a marriage without it. The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain... Bastard son of a duke and king of London’s dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

For the Promise of Passion... But there’s nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she’d rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil’s carefully laid plans are in chaos and he must choose between everything he’s ever wanted…and the only thing he’s ever desired.

Wicked and the Wallflower was a wonderful read.  Although I have heard many a reader proclaim the joy of reading Sarah MacLean's books, this was my first actual dip into one of her books. And I just thoroughly enjoyed it.

The prologue had a fairytale feel to it, it engaged me immediately. The fairytale aspect didn't fade and at times was referred to by the characters. 

The female characters are like no others that I have met in historical romances before. They are not going to be swept under the carpet by their men folk.  No siree. They can stand strong for themselves. Take Felicity for example, wow she is a very dapper hand at being a lock pick and it sure does come in handy.  And a very powerful little skill to have!

Felicity was a heroine easy to like and enjoy. She has been involved in a little scandal previously to the opening of the story, nothing really serious. But you know the ton! They are pretty snooty and well full of gossip and quite considerable meanness, which sometimes borders on the edges of cruelty.  And what's worse for Felicity is that her brother and father have lost all their money and so they see their only salvation is that she marries a rich Duke, if only one were around.

Along comes the hero, with plans to set Felicity up with a Duke, but for hidden, underhand reasons. He is into revenge big time, although with some good reason, his father was a d***. Devil has plans, which was a lot of fun seeing them come undone as he parried with Felicity.

Characters I loved, witty dialogue, an interesting plot - what more could a reader want in an historical romance.   I so want to read the next book in the saga of the Barenuckle Bastards of Covent Garden. And I do believe the next one is  being written right now! If you enjoy historical romance don't miss this one.

Someone To Care. Mary Balogh

Published: Hachette Australia/Piatkus
Date: 1st May 2018
Format:  e-ARC
Pages: 400
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Hachette Aus  via NetGalley
Rating:
                       

No one has felt the death of the Earl of Riverdale more keenly than his wife, the now dispossessed countess Viola Kingsley.

On her way home alone from Bath, Viola meets an adventurous aristocrat at a country inn. Since she is being forced to stay for a day and night, she goes to the village fair with him and impulsively gives in to his suggestion that they run away together for a while-a brief respite from their lives of duty and responsibility.

What they discover together is the last thing Viola would have ever expected...

Someone to Care  is another delightful book in the Someone series by Mary Balogh. We met Viola in the first book where she had just found out she was no longer who she thought she was. Apart from being a mother and grandmother.

When the stress of the past few years catches up with Viola she escapes the family for a brief respite. She walks right into Marcel, a person she felt rather attracted to many years ago but had not acted upon it because she believed she was married.  Together now they experience a wild and passionate and joyful time until... 

What follows is a chapter of mistakes and unrevealed feelings and thoughts. Marcel makes one rather quick decision that lands him in trouble and from which there seems no return - but there is and as it turns out he reaches a turning point that will change his life and that of many others as well.

This is a story about truly caring and holding a person as someone to respect and treat well. Viola says " It seems to me there has never been anyone who cares about me, the person who dwells within the daughter and mother  and all the rest. No one even knows me. Everyone thinks they do, but no one really does. Sometimes it feels as though I even do not know myself." The novel is about discovering who you really are, not just a list of labels like wife, mother, Countess and so on.

I really enjoyed the first half of the book, a little disappointed with the second half as it reverted into the trappings of society and Marcel and Viola suddenly change from the carefree wonderful people we have come to know. However in saying that the mistakes and acting out of hurt then resulted in both characters, and especially Marcel growing and becoming the person he really was meant to be.

So a story about older characters, in their early forties and and a whole cast of beloved family characters made this book another great addition to the series.

Counting on a Countess. Eva Leigh

Published: Avon
Date: March 27th 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 384
Genre:Historical romance
Source:Publicist via Edelweiss
Rating:
                           

Christopher “Kit” Ellingsworth, war veteran and newly minted Earl of Blakemere, buries his demons under every sort of pleasure and vice. His scandalous ways have all but emptied his coffers . . . until a wealthy mentor leaves him a sizeable fortune. The only stipulation? He mustmarry within one month to inherit the money. Kit needs a bride and the bold, mysterious Miss Tamsyn Pearce seems perfect.

Husband hunting isn’t Tamsyn’s top priority—she’s in London to sell her new shipment of illicit goods—but she’s desperate for funds to keep her smuggling operation afloat. When a handsome earl offers to wed her and send her back to Cornwall with a hefty allowance, Tamsyn agrees. After all, her secrets could land her in prison and an attentive, love-struck spouse could destroy everything.

Counting on a Countess by Eva Leigh was a fun read with interesting characters and some twists in the plot that made it a light and easy read.

Both Kit and Tamsyn need a wife/husband and its not long before they meet up and the plotting and planning to tie the knot is done, making a perfect marriage of convenience. Kit is an ex soldier - a bit of a profligate and a pleasure seeker. He fought for his country and is rather black and white about anyone that might break the law of his beloved country.

Tamsyn on the other hand is altruistic and kind hearted, and she's a leader when it comes to some smuggling. I thought I wouldn't like a smuggler but this one was rather delightful and had her eye on the goal of helping others, a bit of a Robin Hood really. 

When they marry the tables are turned on Kit when he discovers there is an addition to the will that has gifted him with an inheritance.   And there is another shocking revelation for him on the way.

These two are perfectly suited for each other and if they can just stop circling each other and lay it all out for each other they are going to really make a difference.

A very light hearted enjoyable Regency romance.

Tempest. Beverly Jenkins

Published: Avon
Date: 30th January 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Rating:
                    

What kind of mail-order bride greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss? One like Regan Carmichael—an independent spirit equally at home in denims and dresses. Shooting Dr. Colton Lee in the shoulder is an honest error, but soon Regan wonders if her entire plan to marry a man she’s never met is a mistake. Colton, who buried his heart along with his first wife, insists he only wants someone to care for his daughter. Yet Regan is drawn to the unmistakable desire in his gaze.

Regan's far from the docile bride Colton was expecting. Still, few women would brave the wilds of Wyoming Territory for an uncertain future with a widower and his child. The thought of having a bold, forthright woman like Regan in his life—and in his arms—begins to inspire a new dream. And despite his family’s disapproval and an unseen enemy, he’ll risk all to make this match a real union of body and soul.

Tempest is the third in Beverly Jenkins Old West series, I hadn't read the first two, however it stands well by itself, although while reading it I decided I wanted to read the previous two and get to know the relatives belonging to Regan.

Regan is a mail order bride - a fun trope for sure. However what I liked about Regan is that she is no quiet, stand back kind of woman.  She knows how to front up, speak her mind while looking you in the eye. Right from the get go, when we meet her in the stage coach travelling to her destination and they are set upon by thugs she shows her mettle. What a surprise they got.

Regan is a real treasure, and soon Anna the young six year old belonging to Colt Lee is totally smitten and her daddy isn't far behind.  Regan can pretty much do everything - ride, shoot, is well able to cook and is quite a handy woman about the house. Her only fault seems to be her inability to keep her room tidy!

The story moves along at a smooth pace, the local people are very much part of the story and Spring - Colt's sister is another delight. Wouldn't mind seeing her have her own book!  The Wyoming setting which shows the early days of settlement was both entertaining and informative. Beverly Jenkins shows up the nasty side of injustice towards people such as Native Americans, people of color and the Chinese.   She includes horrific details of one historical event which is very sobering, yet we need to know. 

On the whole a delightful read, this was my first historical romance by Beverly Jenkins and I look forward to reading more from her.

The Diary of an Accidental Wallflower. Jennifer McQuiston

Diary of an Accidental Wallflower
Jennifer McQuiston
Published: Avon
Date: February 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Gift



Diary of an Accidental Wallflower is #1 in a new series - Seduction Diaries by Jennifer McQuiston. This is my first book by this author and I am happy to say I have found me a new favourite author! And by the way - what a delicious cover!

Set in 1848 in London, Clare is in her second Season - looking for a suitable husband as you did in those days. She is the daughter of a Viscount and has a five thousand pound dowry to help matters along.  She has her sights set on Mr Alban who one day is to inherit a Dukedom.

Clare belongs to a slightly madcap family, a brother - Geoffrey aged thirteen who while intelligent seems bent on being expelled from school and never monitoring what comes out of his mouth. Lucy, Clare's sister takes little notice of her appearance, is today a vegetarian, protector of horses and who knows what tomorrow. She definitely does not what a Season and marriage. Clare is the sensible one among them. Their parents seem to be having some kind of marital disquiet, so never a dull moment in the Westmore household.

When Clare injures herself and is helped by a young man who happens to be a Doctor, she finds herself in a quandary. He is rather attractive, but poor! Not a gentleman! Yet Lady Austerley has him as her physician and fully approves of him.  He also seems to find approval with Lucy and Geoffrey and he brings some guidance and purpose into their lives.  Yet Clare has many a challenge in front of her, not least of all dealing with a couple of 'friends' who turn on her.

The Diary of an Accidental Wallflower has a freshness to it, the characters are fun, quirky and really fascinating. There are a few twists and turns that turn things a little upside down. But what wins through is truth, kindness, openness, family and being authentically yourself. And true love of course!

Readers of Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh, Julia London and Eloisa James - this one will suit you too.

Winter's Camp. Jodi Thomas

Winter's Camp
Jodi Thomas
Published: HQN Books
Date: 1st August 2015
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 50
Genre: Western Historical Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

A wanderer’s life was all James Randall Kirkland had known since he was an orphaned boy in San Antonio. And while years of adventure had satisfied his younger self, now he’s longing to put down roots of his own and is prepared to go it alone. But when he sees the Apache slave woman with the startling blue eyes, the course of his journey is changed forever.

Ever since the Comanche raided her village and took her for their own, Millie hasn’t known any kind of freedom. After years of being outcast, beaten and traded from tribe to tribe, she’s unprepared for James’s patient tone and gentle ways. Still, as her handsome savior slowly earns her trust, Millie struggles between desire and fear, sure it’s just a matter of time before James tires of her and her burgeoning feelings are nothing but another wasted memory.

Winter's Camp is a Western set in Texas at a time when land was just beginning to be divided up for ranches and towns for the white people.  This book is a prequel and kicks off a new series by Jodi Thomas - the Ransom Canyon series.

It's a short and gentle story, giving the background to the beginnings of the new town.  James is a kind but resolute man. When he spots Millie being mistreated as a slave he buys her for 'nothing', because she is regarded as nothing. 

Millie is at first reticent and unsure. However as James' kindness continues she begins to open up.  So much so that by the time he is ready to start his new holdings she is ready to find herself before she gives herself to anyone.  

When James seeks information about her family he finds out that one of them is still possibly alive. James tracks the family member because he wants Millie to be happy. But will doing this be a mistake - one he comes to regret?  

I always enjoy a western, a left over from reading my Dad's westerns as a child when I couldn't find anything else.  Winter's Camp promises an interesting new series and I look forward to reading Ransom Canyon very soon. 

The Arrangement. Mary Balogh

The Arrangement
Mary Balogh
Published: Piatkus
Date: 2013
Format: Kindle
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Own book

Blinded by a cannon blast on the Napoleonic battlefields, Vincent Hunt, Lord Darleigh, needs to escape the well-meaning meddling - and matchmaking - of his family. But anonymity proves impossible, and soon another marital trap is sprung. Luckily, he is saved by a stranger with a captivating voice... And when Miss Sophia Fry's intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian's home, Vincent can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent's proposal, fearing her attraction to this handsome yet heartbreakingly vulnerable man. But when he convinces her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Could an arrangement born of desperation lead them both to a love destined to be?

The Arrangement is #2 in the Survivors' Club series by Mary Balogh.  I have now enjoyed the first two books in this series and it will certainly be a series that I read through all of the books.

Sophia has had a rather unfortunate life up until the time she meets up with Vincent.  Her parents are dead and she has endured some tough treatment at the hands of relations who have treated her worse than a servant.  Eventually when she comes to the rescue of Vincent as her cousin is trying to compromise him, she is turned out at midnight by said relations.  

Once Vincent proposes to her and the marriage is set, all that follows is a story of Sophia coming into her own person.  She proves herself to be loveable,  thoughtful and considerate.  While she and Vincent have an arrangement that at the end of a year they can perhaps go their separate ways, and Sophia can have the little cottage she always dreamed of, it is obvious it's never going to happen.

Vincent, blinded in battle, finds himself dependent on his mother and sisters and he dislikes it very much.  With marriage to Sophia he sees the promise of his becoming independent from them all.  In general he manages blindness very well, especially with the help of his friend from childhood - Martin's help.  However at times he finds himself overcome with panic.  He appreciates Sophia in a way she has never experienced before, and is very angry with how she has been treated by her relatives.

I loved this gentle story, and the experience of seeing the differing points of view of both the main characters.  I loved how they supported each other, and were open and honest in their communication.  The book needed no crisis where both characters were pushed apart, rather it was a rising culmination to two people finding happiness in themselves and with each other.