Sophie Reads YA: April 2023

April Summary

10:00

The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life
Series: None
Author: Dani Jansen
Published September 22nd 2020 by Second Story Press (eARC)
Read: March 29-April 2 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

The Heiress Bride
Series: A Duke's Heiress #3
Author: Madeline Hunter
Published May 23rd 2023 by Zebra (eARC)
Read: April 2-4 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

What’s a Duke Got to Do With It
Series: Synneful Spinsters #2
Author: Christina Britton
Published July 11th 2023 by Forever (eARC)
Read: April 4-6 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess
Series: None
Author: Louise Allen
Published March 28th 2023 by Harlequin Historical (eARC)
Read: April 7 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

Challenging The Brooding Earl
Series: None
Author: Lucy Ashford
Published November 24th 2022 by Mills & Boon (eARC)
Read: April 8 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Viva Lola Espinoza
Series: None
Author: Ella Cerón
Published April 11th 2023 by Kokila (eARC)
Read: April 9-10 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

How to Catch a Viscount
Series: None
Author: Annie Burrows
Published June 1st 2022 by Mills & Boon Historical (eARC)
Read: April 11 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Lord Lancaster Courts A Scandal
Series: Cranford Estate Siblings #1
Author: Helen Dickson
Published February 16th 2023 by Mills & Boon Historical (eARC)
Read: April 12-13 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

Designing His Duchess
Series: Regency in Color #3
Author: Gabrielle Carr
Published January 21st 2022 by Brown Lady Publishing (eARC)
Read: April 14 2023
My Rating: 2 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Breakaway
Series: Corrigan Falls Raiders #4
Author: Cate Cameron
Published August 14th 2017 by Entangled: Crush (eARC)
Read: April 15 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Irresistible
Series: The Phoenix Club #6
Author: Darcy Burke
Published July 26th 2022 by Zealous Quill Press (eARC)
Read: April 16 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Impeccable
Series: The Phoenix Club #7
Author: Darcy Burke
Published October 18th 2022 by Zealous Quill Press (eARC)
Read: April 16-17 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Insatiable
Series: The Phoenix Club #8
Author: Darcy Burke
Published January 24th 2023 by Zealous Quill Press (eARC)
Read: April 19-20 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

It Had to Be You
Series: None
Author: Lizzy Charles
Published May 15th 2017 by Entangled: Crush (eARC)
Read: April 21-22 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell
Series: None
Author: Joanna Johnson
Published October 1st 2020 by Mills & Boon Historical (eARC)
Read: April 22 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

A Laird For The Highland Lady
Series: Lairds of the Isles #3
Author: Catherine Tinley
Published May 25th 2023 by Mills & Boon Historical (eARC)
Read: April 23-26 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

Play for Me
Series: None
Author: Libby Hubscher
Published June 20th 2023 by Berkley (eARC)
Read: April 29 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

I'll Be Home for Christmas
Series: None
Author: Tom Becker, Holly Bourne, Sita Brahmachari, Kevin Brooks, Melvin Burgess, Katy Cannon , Cat Clarke, Juno Dawson, Julie Mayhew, Non Pratt, Marcus Sedgwick, Lisa Williamson and Benjamin Zephaniah.
Published September 22nd 2016 by Stripes Publishing (eARC)
Read: April 26-28 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge

Stardust in Their Veins
Series: Castles in Their Bones #2
Author: Laura Sebastian
Published February 7th 2023 by Hodder & Stoughton (eARC)
Read: April 22-29 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

Brilliance
Series: Diamonds of the First Water #5
Author: Sydney Jane Baily
Published April 23rd 2023 by WOLF Publishing (eARC)
Read: April 29-30 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars
Challenge: 2023 New Release Challenge

Challenges Update:
2023 New Release Challenge: 10 (36 total)
2023 Beat the Backlist Challenge: 10 (42 total)

Summary:
April has been a decent reading month, particularly with how busy I've been this month! I know May is going to be busy, especially with revision for my exams in early June.

How have you done this month? Let me know below.

April

Stacking the Shelves: April 29th 2023

10:00

2023 Beat the Backlist challenge

ARC Review: Her Heart for a Compass by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York

10:00

Her Heart for a Compass

Series: None
Author: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York
Published August 3rd 2021 by Mills & Boon

Goodreads Synopsis
London 1865

In an attempt to rebel against a society where women are expected to conform, free-spirited Lady Margaret Montagu Scott flees the confines of polite society, and an arranged marriage. But Lady Margaret’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, as close friends with Queen Victoria, must face the public scrutiny of their daughter’s impulsive nature, and Margaret is banished from polite society.

Finding strength amongst equally free-spirited companions, including Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise, Margaret resolves to follow her heart. On a journey of self-discovery that will take her to Ireland, America, and then back to Britain, Lady Margaret must follow her internal compass and search for her place, and her own identity, in a changing society.

Incorporating research into her heritage and drawing upon her own unique life journey and experiences, the Duchess pens a fictional account of the life of her great-great-aunt, Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott. Rich in historical detail, Her Heart for a Compass offers a compelling look at Victorian England and the fascinating journey of a woman, born into the higher echelons of society, whose only desire is to follow her heart.

With co-writer Marguerite Kaye, an accomplished Mills & Boon historical author, The Duchess has created a breathtaking romantic novel of daring to follow your heart against all odds. Set amongst the drawing rooms of Victoria’s court, and the grand country houses of Scotland and Ireland.
Goodreads

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

Lady Margaret Montagu Scott, second daughter of the Duke of Buccleuch, knows what is expected of her. She should marry a peer, and settle down to be the perfect wife and mother. However, she wants more in her life, and spending her time worrying about what to wear, and who to please is not the life she can envision. Fighting for what she wants, she discovers that by doing so, she risks the wrath of her friends and family, but finds herself along the way.

When I heard that the Duchess of York was writing a historical romance, based on the life of one of her ancestors, I was definitely intrigued. I liked Margaret, and she was definitely full of vim and vigour. She wanted more than her lot in life, and though she was extremely privileged - second daughter to a leading peer, best friend to a princess - she cared for those of all social classes, and hated seeing the inequality in society. Margaret spent time working in the areas of London, Dublin, and New York, where most people in society avoided. The fact that the book took Margaret across cities and continents was really enjoyable, and I liked how Margaret grew with each experience she had. One thing I will say against the book, and I very rarely say this, is that it felt too long at times. I disliked Margaret's relationship with Princess Louise, who ran all over her, and cared only for herself. There was also a little too much romance, which sounds daft, but Margaret had a suitor in basically every turn. I knew who she ended up with (and was glad for it), but there were times I felt like she strung the men along. Her Heart for a Compass was an enjoyable historical romance, with definitely potential. I do look forward to the next book though.

Dates Read:
February 11-March 18 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Rogue's Rules for Seduction (Last Chance Scoundrels #3) by Eva Leigh

10:00

A Rogue's Rules for Seduction
Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #3
Author: Eva Leigh
Published July 5th 2023 by Mills & Boon

Goodreads Synopsis
A second chance at love
After Dominic Kilburn left Lady Willa Ransome at the altar she vowed never to reveal how badly she was hurt. Determined to move on with her life she accepts an invitation to a friend's house party on an isolated Scottish isle. The perfect escape, until she comes face to face with the man responsible for her humiliation.

When dark secrets from his past surfaced right before his wedding, leaving Willa was Dom's only option. To escape the memories of all he lost, Dom heads to a friend's Scottish estate. Yet one of the other guests is the very woman who haunts his every thought.

Thrown together Willa and Dom try to resist their attraction, but soon the line between love and loathing begins to blur. Can they find a way to rekindle what they lost, or will Dom's past once again come between them?
Goodreads

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

After being left at the altar by the one person she thought she could trust, and discovering that her brother's were in with the jilting, Lady Willa Ransome vowed that no one would ever know the pain she felt. Leaving for the continent to lick her wounds, she's now home, and ready to ignore Dom. However, when they find themselves both trapped on a remote Scottish island, with only a few friends and family members for company, they can't avoid each other forever, and secrets from their past are bound to come out.

I loved this book! I mean, I do love anything that Eva writes, but second chance romances, particularly after there's been such a build up to their tale. Dom and Willa may have been from different social classes, but after Dom's father gained wealth, and the families became close, the pair became really close. It was if they were each other's perfect partner, and together they could be their true selves. Willa did not want to be a lady, and enjoyed her time where the pressure of the ton and social interaction was not on her head. And for Dom, being in the limelight, expected to be a gentleman always, was tough. He suffered greatly in his childhood, and worked on the dockside to help support his family. He had done things that haunted him, and he loved Willa too much to risk her suffering because of it. I liked that they eventually talked about their past, and their worries. They didn't hide the hurt, and bolstered each other once they had breached each other's walls. There were also moments of humour and wit, and this perfectly concluded the series. Another fantastic book from Eva, and I'm desperate to see what she has in store for readers next!

Dates Read:
February 17-18, 2023

Rating
4 Stars

Harper St. George

Waiting On Wednesday: The Duchess Takes a Husband (The Gilded Age Heiresses #4) by Harper St. George

10:00

2022 Beat the Backlist challenge

ARC Review: Truly, Wildly, Deeply by Jenny McLachlan

10:00

Truly, Wildly, Deeply
Series: None
Author: Jenny McLachlan
Published March 8th 2018 by Bloomsbury

Goodreads Synopsis
Annie is starting college. She can’t wait. No more school, no more uniform, and no one telling her what to do. It’s the start of a new adventure and Annie’s not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that. Freedom matters to Annie. She has cerebral palsy and she’s had to fight hard to get the world to see her for who she truly is.

Then she meets Fab. He’s six foot two, Polish and a passionate believer in…well, just about everything, but most of all Annie and good old fashioned romance. The moment Fab sees Annie, he’s wildly drawn to her and declares she must be his girl. Annie’s horrified. She doesn’t want to be anyone’s anything, especially if it means losing her independence.

But then Annie finds herself falling for Fab. As things go deeply wrong, Annie realises that love can make you do wild, crazy things, and so she sets out to win his heart with a romantic gesture of truly epic proportions!
Goodreads

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

Finding freedom with her choice of college, Annie has no plans to settle down, and get a boyfriend. Free from uniforms, from expectations, from her peers knowing her as only the girl with cerebral palsy, Annie loves the train ride to sixth form, and her freedom to make her way around in whatever way she wishes. But when she is paired with Fab in English, studying Wuthering Heights, she soon realises that all Fab wants is a good old fashioned romance, and Annie is the one he has his heart on. Soon though, Annie finds that she's loving spending time with Fab, and his Polish family, and she may, just may, be falling for him in return.

Well, I'm going to hold my hands up and admit this is a book I completely forgot about on my kindle, so when I wasn't too fussed with what my next book was, I picked a random one, and this popped up. I liked Annie to a certain extent. She had faced so much in her school years, and though people weren't actively horrible to her about her disability, she still had to be strong and hide how much it hurt to be treated differently. Being at college with new people, she could make new friends, and create a new 'Annie'. Having a boyfriend is not in her plans, so when Fab appears, all eccentric and clearly falling for her, she's immediately annoyed, and can be a little hurtful too. Fab was definitely over the top, and honestly, I would not want to be friends with him in real life, but I feel like he was exactly what Annie needed to come out of her shell, and enjoy college more. A nice read about the transition from school to college, and gaining some independence.

Dates Read:
October 13-15, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Virgin and the Viscount (Lords of Vice #4) by Robyn DeHart

10:00

The Virgin and the Viscount
Series: Lords of Vice #4
Author: Robyn DeHart
Published April 12th 2021 by Entangled: Scandalous

Goodreads Synopsis
As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well, he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun of her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways.

But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.
Goodreads

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

Matilda Brooks made a mistake five years ago when she tried to proclaim her love for her friend, Thomas, before he married her wicked sister, and instead told Thomas' elder brother, Sullivan, who's held it over her ever since. Now, she is over the puppy love, and cares too much about her work as a Lady of Virtue, when she sets her eyes on Sullivan, now Viscount Glenbrook, to reform him from his slovenly ways. But, Sullivan has been harbouring an affection for Tilly for years, and though he may poke fun at her, he will protect her, which leads to a compromising situation following a carriage accident. Now, they need to marry, and both feel that though the other probably doesn't have strong feelings for the other, the chemistry and sexual tension is enough. But will the truth about Thomas come out, and can Sullivan get over his feelings about Tilly being a 'Lady of Virtue', or will it push them away.

This is book 4 in a series, which I hadn't realised when I requested the review copy, but I never felt like I was missing out on too much. Really, it could be a standalone, albeit one with characters who have their own stories which may add to the overarching plotline. I really liked both Tilly and Sullivan. Tilly has always been in her elder sister, Melanie's, spotlight, constantly compared to her, and somewhat ridiculed for her height, her freckles, etc. She might not be a diamond of the first water, but she is funny and vivacious, and Sullivan has always had a tendre for her. But, Tilly was in love with his brother Thomas, who Melanie did 'steal' away from her, and that's always put a damper on Sullivan's feelings. He went off to war, and in the meantime, his eldest brother died, in a shooting 'accident', and Thomas has been the de facto Viscount. Did Thomas have a hand in the 'accident', and is he dangerous? Sullivan, following the marriage, is still wary about Thomas and Tilly's friendship, and his jealousy could get a little much at times, but it was well meant. The chemistry and sexual tension between Tilly and Sullivan was perfect, and their relationship was one where they both talked, and didn't talk, about issues, which was a little annoying. Their main problem was about Tilly's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue, and I just wish they had spoken about it a lot more. All in all, an enjoyable romance read!

Dates Read:
June 2, 2021

Rating
4 Stars