One Duke Down: A Rogues to Lovers Novel by Anna Bennett

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

The next delightful novel in Anna Bennett's Rogues to Lovers series!

"Tantalizing...readers will be swept away." - Publishers Weekly

A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER
Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to read or pursue her own dreams. But she’ll do anything for her family, so she cheerfully spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. The very last thing Poppy expects or wants to find tangled in them is a dangerously attractive man. Especially one with a head wound—who’s convinced he’s a duke.

AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER
Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Unfortunately, someone in Bellehaven wants to kill him—and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. She wants no part of the scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a mutually beneficial business arrangement…nothing more.

ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES

Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength—and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, he’s dazzled by her rapier wit and adventurous spirit; she’s intrigued by his mysterious air and protective streak. Though Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, the seawalls around her heart crumble in the storm of their passion. But when clues hint at the prime suspect in Keane’s attempted murder, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need true love for a shot at her fairytale ending.

my thoughts:

Sexy historical romance novels are my new favorite! I just finished reading Anna Bennett's latest book in her Rogues to Lovers series, One Duke Down, and it was fantastic! 

Poppy's family has fallen on tough times and she is determined to keep their fisherman business from shutting down. So, she finds herself in a rowboat casting nets each morning. However, on one of these outings she winds up catching more than fish - she finds a handsome wounded man who's convinced he's a duke. Poppy takes him into her care in exchange for a generous sum. The man's name is Andrew and he is convinced that someone is trying to kill him. He wants Poppy to take care of him and keep him hidden, so that he can figure out who wants him dead and why. Talk about unwanted problems. Suffice it to say, Poppy and Andrew find themselves falling for one another.  Of course, loyalties are tested when the truth comes out about Andrew and his enemy. And, did I mention that the sparks between him and Poppy are off the charts - cue music as steamy love scenes ensue. All in all, One Duke Down is a fun and spicy read that you will fall in LOVE with. 

I would happily recommend Anna Bennett's novel, One Duke Down, to fans of her books and to anyone looking for their next sexy read. Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?
 
A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author
 
Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.
 
Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.
 
Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder is a must-read for everyone! The writing is top notch, the story is unputdownable, and characters are unforgettable. This is one book you don't want to miss out on. 

So, what's it about? Well, it's about a woman named Ella who is determined to avenge her sister's death. She goes undercover as a governess to infiltrate the home of the man who killed her sister. Whoa! Of course, things don't go as planned and soon Ella finds herself falling in love with her sister's alleged murderer. Say what? Yep, it is rather shocking to say the least. Then again, the more Ella gets to know him, the more it becomes apparent that he may not be a murderer. And, that is all I will write about the story. Just know that once you starting reading, you won't be able to put the book down for anything - it will suck you right in. I loved staying up til the wee hours reading this one and trying to figure out what would happen next. Such a great book!

Beneath His Silence is a fantastic story - a Regency romance with a bit of a murder-mystery. Plus, gothic vibes that are excellent. I mean it, this book is amazing! Definitely make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Love And Lavender: A Mayfield Family Romance by Josi S. Kilpack

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education. 

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

my thoughts:

A beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry, and smile. I loved Love And Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack. This book was such a delight to read. It was truly romantic, sweet, gentle, and just lovely. It's a book you won't soon forget. 

Hazel and Duncan are pretty much set on not getting married. They each have been living their lives to the beat of their own drums. Until Hazel's uncle offers them each a sizable inheritance if they get married to one another. Say what? Marry for money? Hmm...the two are not happy with the idea at all, except, they both realize that the money would help them out. You see, the school Hazel works at is threatening to shut down and she can't have that happen - that school is her life. And, as for Duncan, he realizes he could buy the building he works at and start his own firm. So, maybe getting married isn't a bad idea after all. Only, Hazel's uncle has decided that the two must live as husband and wife for one full year before they can receive their monies, well that puts a wrench in their plan of marrying and separating as soon as they go their payouts. However, their future plans are at stake, so the two decide to go for it. After all it is just one year and in the end they will be able to do as they please. Except, maybe during that year together maybe their plans for their futures will change - after all, love does tend to bloom in unlikely places, right? 

Oh, what a story! I just LOVED Kilpack's writing - it was so much fun to read. Entertaining and engaging, this book was just such a treat! And these characters, they are unforgettable. Love and Lavender is an unputdownable read that you won't be able to stop thinking about long after you turn that very last page. This is one book that I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will love it to bits! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Beauty Among Ruins: A Novel by J'Nell Ciesielski

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

my thoughts:

Beauty Among Ruins is historical fiction at its very best! Talk about top notch writing, fascinating historical details, and unforgettable characters. I just LOVED falling in deep with Lily, Alec, and Kinclavoch Castle. What an absolute treat to read!

Lily's an American socialite who manages to always find herself in a spot of trouble.  She's a bit reckless. So, her family sends her off to England to learn how to become a 'proper' lady. Unfortunately, Lily happens to be in England just as the Great War's begun. So, she joins her cousin in nursing and gets sent to Scotland to tend to wounded soldiers. They wind up at Kinclavoch Castle. Alec is bent on preserving his family's home, Kinclavock Castle. He's opened it up as a convalescent home/hospital for the soldiers. Alec's unable to fight in the war as he was injured years ago and isn't fit enough to fight. He believes that everyone judges him for not joining the fight. So, he's got quite a chip on his shoulder, along with the stresses of maintaining his home. Alec pretty much keeps to himself.  However, once Lily makes her presences known and felt at Kinclavock Castle, Alec soon finds that he can't seem to keep away from her. Though they clash and manage to get on each other's nerves, they soon find themselves working together to solve some mysterious happenings around the castle.  And, they soon find themselves falling for each other. 

Ciesielski has written a wonderful story about love, war, history, family, and identity. She's created a must-read with Beauty Among The Ruins. I absolutely LOVED this book and would recommend it anyone and everyone looking for their next great read!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Lakeshire Park: Proper Romance by Megan Walker

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.

my thoughts:

What a charming story! I absolutely LOVED it to bits. Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker is a delicious read that will captivate you from the start - you won't be able to stop reading! I enjoyed every second I spent with this lovely book and my huge cuppa. It all made for quite an afternoon of reading and tea - my two favorite hobbies.

This is the story of Amelia and Peter. Amelia is looking to secure her sister, Clara, a good future. She wants the very best for Clara.  So, when she gets invited to a party at Lakeshire Park, she jumps at the chance - she just knows that Sir Ronald would be the perfect match for her sister.  Except, Amelia isn't the only one who has their eye on Sir Ronald.  Turns out that Peter is also looking for a match for his sister and he thinks that Sir Ronald fits the bill perfectly.  Uh oh, looks like Amelia and Peter are in for quite the competition.  And, that is all I will write about this wonderful story.

Lakeshire Park is a fun, engaging, and unputdownable story that you will fall in deep with. The characters are such a treat to get to know.  Walker has written a delightful read that you will want to read again and again. I would happily recommend Lakeshire Park to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read!




Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Promised by Leah Garriott

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Warwickshire, England, 1812

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match—to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage—to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind, Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love!!! I absolutely LOVED Leah Garriott's novel, Promised. It was fantastic! Regency Romances are where its at! Or at least they are with this book. I mean it. I am a huge fan of historical romances and I devoured this new one by Garriott. It was just so much fun to read. It had romance, twists and turns, and characters you could not help but fall in love with. The book was just such a great story to get lost in. I really did enjoy every minute I spent with it.

Margaret has decided that she will not be a fool when it comes to love (again), so she heads to a matchmaking party.  She plans on landing a match with a man for the sake of convenience not love. And she does, when she meets Mr. Northam.  Except, her plans are ruined by Mr. Northam's cousin, Lord Williams.  Yep, he is determined to ensure that Margaret does not leave the party with a successful match. So, Margaret heads home and discovers some shocking news. Her father has decided that she will wed Lord Williams. Say what?! Talk about being blindsided with news. Margaret is shocked and determined NOT to marry Lord Williams. Only, the more time she spend with the man, the more she begins to see that maybe he's not so bad after all. And, that is all I will write about this terrific story. You have to read it for yourself to find out what happens in the end.

Garriott has written a wonderful story that captivates and entertains. It was truly a treat to read. I most definitely recommend Promised to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You will LOVE this book to bits!!

BLOG TOUR BLURB:

Debut novelist Leah Garriott tours the blogosphere February 17 through March 15, 2020
to share her new historical romance, Promised. Forty popular book bloggers specializing
in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will feature guest
blogs, interviews, exclusive excerpts, and book reviews of this acclaimed Regency
romance novel. 

PROMISED: A PROPER ROMANCE BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

February 17        My Jane Austen Book Club (Guest Blog)

February 17        Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review) 

February 18        Katie's Clean Book Collection (Review)

February 18        Wishful Endings (Interview)

February 19        RelzReviewz (Character Spotlight)

February 20        Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Spotlight) 

February 21        The Lit Bitch (Excerpt)

February 22        The Debutante Ball (Interview)

February 23        Adventure. Romance. Suspense (Review)

February 24        A Bookish Way of Life (Review)

February 24        Austenesque Reviews (Guest Blog)

February 24        Half Agony, Half Hope (Review)

February 25        Frolic Media (Excerpt)

February 26        Heidi Reads (Guest Blog)

February 26        The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Interview)

February 27        Wishful Endings (Review)

February 28        Lu Reviews Books (Review)

February 29        KJ's Book Nook (Review)

March 01        My Vices and Weaknesses (Excerpt)

March 02        Bringing Up Books (Review)

March 02        Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

March 02        For Where Your Treasure Is (Interview)

March 03        Heidi Reads (Review)

March 03        So Little Time…So Much to Read (Excerpt)

March 04        Romance Junkies (Guest Blog)

March 04        Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

March 05        Laura's Reviews (Review)

March 06        Scuffed Slippers Wormy Books (Spotlight)

March 07        Fiction Aficionado (Review)

March 08        The Christian Fiction Girl (Review)

March 09        Austenesque Reviews (Review)

March 10        Bookfoolery (Review)

March 10        From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

March 11        Faithfully Bookish (Interview)

March 12        Impressions in Ink (Review)

March 13        Robin Loves Reading (Review)

March 13        The Green Mockingbird (Review)

March 14        Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

March 15        The Calico Critic (Excerpt)

March 15        Bookworm Nation (Guest Blog)


Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!