Sophie Reads YA: October 2021

October Summary

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2021 New Release challenge

Blog Tour & ARC Review: I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt

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I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas
Series: None
Author: Tiffany Schmidt
October 26th 2021 by Amulet Books

Goodreads Synopsis
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 Hallmark movie marathon. 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’s granted her an audition.

Noelle is ready to “Deck the Halls” and 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.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

For as long as she can remember, Noelle Partridge has loved everything about Christmas, and since her mam passed away, she's tried to keep the magic going, even when it's just her and her dad. But this year, her friends aren't as excited to celebrate, and her dad is spending more and more time in his office, and it's as if he's turned into the Grinch. So when her favourite babysitting family, the Kahales, ask if she would like to spend the holidays with them, extra pay, at a skiing resort, she jumps at the chance. Hopefully the extra money will help pay towards her dream of going to the prestigious Beacon ballet academy. But when her crush, Wyatt Kahale unexpectedly joins the Christmas vacation, Noelle gets off on the wrong foot, and all her experience of babysitting the younger Kahales has gone out the window. Will she be able to find her Christmas spirit again, while overcoming her feelings for Wyatt, and her anxiety over her upcoming audition?

This is a book that I wanted as soon as it was announced. I love Tiffany's books, and Christmas is definitely my favourite part of the year, so a Christmas book from Tiffany was like a dream. Noelle was a character who I immediately loved, and I could completely understand her feelings about Christmas. To her, it's the best time of the year, and when she can remember her mam the most, so it's both a joyful and poignant time. But starting high school, being busier with her babysitting, and her ballet, on top of a somewhat absentee father, has changed her feelings this year. Being away from home, and working over the holiday is something she never expected to do, but she finds she loves spending more time with Kahales, though it's not without it's ups and downs. Her babysitting mojo seems to be wearing off at times, and she's unbelievably awkward around Wyatt at first. Soon, however, they hit it off, and really open up to each other. Their romance was fresh, and new, but progressed so naturally. Okay, there were some times when it was a little cringy, but they are 15 year old kids, dealing with a lot, and they made mistakes at times. I loved the ending, and wish this wasn't a standalone because I think so much more could be explored. Tiffany has knocked it out of the park once again, and I'm really looking forward to her next book!

Dates Read:
October 15-17, 2021

Rating
4 Stars

About Tiffany Schmidt:
Tiffany Schmidt is the author of Send Me a Sign, Bright Before Sunrise, and Hold Me Like a Breath (Once Upon a Crime Family book 1).
She’s found her happily ever after in Pennsylvania with her saintly husband, impish twin boys, and a pair of mischievous puggles.
LINKS: Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Instagram

October

Stacking the Shelves: October 30th 2021

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2021 New Release challenge

Review: Scoundrel of My Heart (Once Upon a Dukedom #1) by Lorraine Heath

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Scoundrel of My Heart
Series: Once Upon a Dukedom #1
Author: Lorraine Heath
Published March 30th 2021 by Avon

Goodreads Synopsis
Lorraine Heath begins an exciting new series with a breathtaking romance about a young woman who must marry a titled gentleman to obtain her inheritance and the usuitable man she begins to fall madly in love with...

She is desperate to wed a duke...

Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.

He wants what he can never possess...

Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.

Love not to be denied...

As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart.
Goodreads

Review
Lady Kathryn Lambert has always known that she would have to marry a titled gentlemen. First, because of her own position in society, but secondly - and more importantly - in order to claim her inheritance from her grandmother for a seaside cottage. She's getting older, and there's not many first born nobles out there, so when the aloof Duke of Kingsland announces in the paper that he wants to find his duchess, and anyone who wants to put her hat in the ring should write to his secretary, and he'll decide by the end of the current season. Kathryn knows that it'll be difficult to get Kingsland's attention, so asks her best friends brother, Lord Griffith Stanwick, to help her. The only thing is, she doesn't know that Griff has wanted her for himself for years now, and the idea of her marrying someone else is heartbreaking. But, as a second son, he knows Kathryn deserves better, and once his family's fortune tumbles, and he is thrown out of society, he's comforted by the knowledge that Kathryn will be happy. But, after Kingsland announces Kathryn is the one he wants to court, and hopefully marry, she can't help thinking about Griff, and is a cottage enough to comfort the loss of someone she may well have lost her heart to?

I was simply blown away by this book. Scoundrel of My Heart is my first book by Heath, and I'd had it on my TBR since the first ARC reviews started to come in, and when I was approved for an ARC of book 2, The Duchess Hunt, without realising it was a sequel, well it was like fate. Once my copy arrived, I dove right in, and being the Easter holidays, I was able to read it all in one sitting - and I'm so glad for that. Starting off, it seemed like your normal Regency romance, with the best friend's brother trope thrown in, and I'm a sucker for those books on the best of days. I loved Kathryn and Griff, and especially their banter and chemistry together. Even when it was clear than Kathryn hadn't noticed the obvious affection Griff felt for her, they were witty and playful, and had such a friendship, that once it formed into romance, it was perfect. And then, events happened to pull them apart. I know now that the plot line here is mentioned in another book of Heath's, Beauty Tempts The Beast, about Griff's sister, Althea, so it was obvious for some readers, but completely took me by surprise. And once that had happened, it was difficult to see if Kathryn and Griff could ever find their way back to one another. There were so many twists and turns, and soulful moments in this story, that Heath has quickly become a favourite of mine, and I'll be reading The Duchess Hunt - Kingsland's story - asap, and getting my hands of all backlist books I can! Such an amazing book!

Dates Read:
April 15, 2021

Rating
5 Stars

Anna Bradley

Waiting on Wednesday: The Virgin Who Bewitched Lord Lymington (The Swooning Virgins Society #4) by Anna Bradley

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2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman

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Cupcake
Series: None
Author: Cookie O'Gorman
Published November 2nd 2021 by Entangled: Teen

Goodreads Synopsis
I know what you're thinking.

You're thinking this will be just one more story of the ignored, "big-boned " girl, who sheds her glasses and a few extra pounds and finally attracts the notice of the most popular guy in school.

Except it isn't. Because I'm not unpopular. Not all that ignored. And I love the way I look―just as I am.

Then someone puts my name in for Homecoming Court.

The bigger surprise?

People actually vote for me!

Now, I'm a "princess"―whether I like it or not―but the guy I'm paired with isn't exactly Prince Charming.

Rhys Castle is the strong, silent type who always wears a frown―he's certainly never smiled at me. I'm 99.9% sure he hates being on Court and being my partner, but surprisingly…he doesn't switch when he gets the chance.

Turns out Rhys has a secret―something that makes him run hot and cold throughout the entire three weeks of Homecoming festivities. Whether he's stepping on my feet during dance lessons or gallantly escorting me through the Homecoming parade, I can't get a read on this guy, and for the first time, I find my confidence wavering.

But there's more to Rhys than meets the eye. And the more the spotlight shines on me, I realize there's more to me, too.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After her name is called as part of the Senior class' homecoming court, Ariel Duncan finds herself as a princess. She's never wanted the attention, and knows that being larger, she'll draw some raised eyebrows, but the more homecoming preparation events she goes to, paired up with the moody Rhys Castle, the more she is enjoying being a princess like her namesake. But, her growing feelings for Rhys are worrying, as is the secret he's keeping, and will she be able to overcome the comments - even from kids in kindergarten - or will she always be worried that the other shoe will drop?

I'm going to admit, this was definitely an impulse request, mainly because of the gorgeous cover! I just love the colours and the styling, and the synopsis wasn't bad either. So, I thought I may as well read it as soon as it was approved, and I couldn't put the book down. Cupcake was such a funny and heartwarming book. The main character, Ariel, was a breath of fresh air. Named after the Disney princess, her childhood had been one filled with princess films, but she never wanted to be one herself. She had plenty of friends at school, and this wasn't a book that focused on her weight as something that was wrong with her, or anything like that. She was happy with her size, and didn't care what people said - though she was still human, and comments from little kids can still chafe at times. Being part of the homecoming court was something she didn't even think about, so to learn that her friend, Toni, had put her name on the ballot, and that people had voted for her, was a shock to say the least. And, she quite enjoyed the whole thing too. Being paired up with Rhys let her learn more about him, rather than just the stereotypical football quarterback persona, and I really enjoyed the moments between them, especially when they were real and vulnerable with each other. It was fantastic too, to see that even the 'mean girls' had a softer side, and weren't horrible on purpose. Okay, there were some scenes that were a little cringy, and I wish the characters would just communicate more, but all in all, a fantastic contemporary read! I'll be looking out for more from this author in the future.

Dates Read:
August 17, 2020

Rating
4 Stars

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Duke Worth Fighting For (Isle of Synne #3) by Christina Britton

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A Duke Worth Fighting For
Series: Isle of Synne #3
Author: Christina Britton
Published August 24th 2021 by Forever

Goodreads Synopsis
A fake relationship becomes the real thing in this Regency romance from the bestselling author Publishers Weekly calls "irresistible."

To protect the dukedom from an incompetent and greedy cousin, Daniel Hayle, Duke of Carlisle, has promised to find a bride in London this season. But the idea of facing ballrooms and card parties is as intimidating as any battlefield in France, including the fight at Waterloo that left him terribly scarred. Perhaps a month on the Isle of Synne can provide him with the practice necessary to find a wife who can tolerate him enough to give him an heir.

Margery Kitteridge has been mourning her husband for four years, and while she's not ready to consider marriage again, she does miss intimacy with a partner. When Daniel asks for help navigating Synne's social scene, and they accidentally kiss, she realizes he's the perfect person with whom to have an affair. As they begin to confide in one another, Daniel discovers that he's unexpectedly connected to Margery's late husband, and she will have to decide if she can let her old love go for the promise of a new one.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Mrs Margery Kitteridge has mourned the loss of her husband, Aaron, at Waterloo, for the past four years. She's seen her friends and family find love and happiness, and she loves spending time with them, and her grandmother, on Synne, but can never imagine remarrying. When she receives a letter from a would be blackmailer, claiming that Aaron was a coward, shot down while fleeing on the battlefield, and that the truth would be spread far and wide unless she pays £100, Margery is in a panic. How will she raise the money, without telling her family, and besmirching Aaron's good name? Well, when her grandmother invites her friend, the Dowager Duchess of Carlisle, and her son, Daniel, the current Duke to stay, Margery has an idea. Daniel needs to marry, but his injuries following Waterloo have left him scarred and injured, and the jibes from his vindictive cousin have left deeper scars inside. He can't imagine going to London and facing the ton and matchmaking mamas, so when Margery offers to help him navigate the local society, with a view to find a bride on the island, for only £100, he jumps at the chance. But the longer that Daniel and Margery spend in each other's company, it's clear that the only person Daniel has met who he's interested in marrying is Margery, who only wants one night with him - or does she?

This book was glorious. Ever since we met Margery in book 1, I've always had a little bit of a soft spot for her, so when I learnt that she would be having her own story in A Duke Worth Fighting For, I immediately sent off an email requesting a copy, and was overjoyed when I arrived in by inbox. Both of the main characters here were hurt by war, and by Waterloo. Margery has mourned her lost husband for years now, and still is in half mourning dress. She's told everyone she will never marry and forget Aaron, and being a godmother to her friend's children is the best thing for her. But she is lonely, and she wants what Lenora and Clara have, but how can she do that? Even meeting Daniel, she's immediately drawn to him, and can't stop thinking about him, but the guilt at forgetting Aaron is always on her mind. Having an affair with Daniel should be enough to itch the scratch, and get over him, but soon one night, turns into multiple, and they are vulnerable with each other in a way they've never been with anyone else. Daniel, for his part, hates being Duke, and hates the way his injuries, and the taunts from his cousin, make him feel. He is socially awkward, and thinks that he won't be able to find someone to tolerate him enough to beget an heir, let alone find love and happiness. Margery's plan is perfect, until it's clear he wants her and no one else. I loved the slow burn of the romance, and the sheer chemistry between the characters. They might just be my favourite in the series, and the growth we see in all characters from the beginning of A Good Duke Is Hard to Find, is perfect! I love Christina's books and characters, and can't wait for her next story!

Dates Read:
August 20-21, 2021

Rating
4 Stars