Sophie Reads YA: January 2024

January Summary

11:00

Hedging Your Bets
Series: None
Author: Jayne Denker
Published January 9th 2024 by St. Martin's Griffin (eARC)
Read: December 31 2023-January 1 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

The Fine Print
Series: Dreamland Billionaires #1
Author: Lauren Asher
Published July 4th 2021 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 2 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Terms and Conditions
Series: Dreamland Billionaires #2
Author: Lauren Asher
Published February 21st 2022 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 3 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Final Offer
Series: Dreamland Billionaires #3
Author: Lauren Asher
Published January 31st 2023 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 4 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Flawless
Series: Chestnut Springs #1
Author: Elsie Silver
Published August 29th 2023 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 5-6 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Heartless
Series: Chestnut Springs #2
Author: Elsie Silver
Published September 26th 2023 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 7 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Powerless
Series: Chestnut Springs #3
Author: Elsie Silver
Published November 7th 2023 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 8 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Reckless
Series: Chestnut Springs #5
Author: Elsie Silver
Published December 5th 2023 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 9-10 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Hopeless
Series: Chestnut Springs #5
Author: Elsie Silver
Published January 30th 2024 by Bloom Books (eARC)
Read: January 10 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Not You Again
Series: None
Author: Ingrid Pierce
Published July 9th 2024 by Alcove Press (eARC)
Read: January 12-15 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Curiosity Killed the Duke
Series: Dukes in Danger #8
Author: Emily E.K. Murdoch
Published December 7th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. (eARC)
Read: January 19 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars

Play With Dukes, Get Burned
Series: Dukes in Danger #9
Author: Emily E.K. Murdoch
Published January 19th 2024 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. (eARC)
Read: January 21 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars

Dial A For Aunties
Series: Aunties #1
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published September 16th 2021 by HQ
Read: January 26-27 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Four Aunties and a Wedding
Series: Aunties #2
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published March 2nd 2022 by HQ Fiction
Read: January 28-29 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
I've had a decent start to 2024, especially with moving and being so busy with school and work. Here's hoping I can keep it up throughout the year!

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

Charlotte Stein

Waiting On Wednesday: When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

10:00

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Match Me If You Can (The School for Spinsters #3) by Michelle Willingham

12:00

Match Me If You Can
Series: The School for Spinsters #3
Author: Michelle Willingham
Published August 17th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
After five unsuccessful seasons, Emma Bartholomew’s stepmother threatens to auction off her hand in marriage. Horrified at the idea, Emma enlists the help of the School for Spinsters to help her find a husband quickly. But she knows that no man will want to wed her after he learns the secret she’s hiding…that she’s practically blind.

Cormac Ormond, the Irish Earl of Dunmeath, is seeking a quick marriage because he desperately wants an heir. He knows he’s dying, and it doesn’t matter what sort of bride he finds, as long as she’s willing to help him.

After meeting Emma, Cormac plans to outbid every suitor…but will she marry a man whose time is running out?
Goodreads

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

Discovering that her stepmother plans to host a bride auction, with Miss Emma Bartholomew being the item in question, Emma knows she needs to find an escape, and quickly. Turning to Mrs Harding's School for Spinsters, she hopes that she can find a way to entice someone to marry her, before it's too late. But she's hiding her secret, and worries that if it was discovered no one would ever want her. Luckily for Emma, Cormac Ormond, the Earl of Dunmeath, is in London to find a wife, as he needs an heir before it's too late. Gaining a reputation as a man desperate for a bride, most ladies are turning away from him, but Emma is different.

I enjoyed this one, but not as much as book 2 I think. Emma and Cormac's relationship was sweet, though not the easiest at first. Both are hiding medical issues from each other, but the issues are quickly revealed, and they are unsure on how a marriage between them would work. I quickly worked out why Cormac was becoming ill, and wondered why they never looked at getting a doctor to check Emma's sight again, but it was still enjoyable to look at the 'mystery' while in Ireland. All in all, this was a lovely ending to the series, though I do have questions on Mrs Harding and her beau.

Dates Read:
August 5, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Match Me, I'm Falling (The School for Spinsters #2) by Michelle Willingham

11:00

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Match Made in London (The School for Spinsters #1) by Michelle Willingham

10:00

A Match Made in London
Series: The School for Spinsters #1
Author: Michelle Willingham
Published April 13th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Welcome to book one in the new series The School for Spinsters by award winning author Michelle Willingham.

Violet Edwards is painfully shy with a terrible stutter. Despite her mother’s threats to send her away, she has plans of her own to win a husband. She enrolls herself in the infamous School for Spinsters, where she hopes to be transformed from a wallflower into a breathtaking debutante.

The only problem is that the headmistress hired a gorgeous, notorious rake to give her lessons.

To the rest of the London ton, Damian Everett, the Earl of Scarsdale, is a charming gentleman seeking a wife. But his father’s mountain of debts have left him with no choice but to wed an heiress. When he’s offered a generous stipend to help a shy wallflower, he can’t refuse. All he has to do is provoke Violet Edwards into finding her backbone.

As their lessons turn sensual, Damian is captivated by Violet...and he’s falling hard. But how can he turn his back on his family for the wallflower he wants to love?
Goodreads

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

For Violet Edwards, she knows that she needs to find a husband and quick. She has spent most of her season as a wallflower, and being around others causes her stutter to get worse. Now her mother is planning on sending her into the country, and she can't face the future of being her grandmother's carer. Violet's only hope is Mrs. Harding's School For Young Ladies, also known as the infamous School for Spinsters! However, Violet never expected that her lessons would include spending time with the handsome Earl of Scarsdale, who is everything she could ever want, but so far out of her reach; or is he?

Another regency romance where the heroine is a wallflower, and the hero is the first man to catch her eye. Nonetheless this was really enjoyable. Violet may have been a wallflower, but once she got angry or had some fire in her, she was ready to fight, and Damian set her alight like no other. They were perfect for each other, but her lack of a dowry and connections, and Damian's father destroying the family with his gambling habits, they could never be together. Damian's only hope to save himself and his sisters was to marry the heiress Lady Persephone, who was cruel and enjoyed toying with other people's emotions. I despised Persephone, and I know that her partner in crime, Lady Ashleigh, will be the heroine of book 2, so I hope she has a good back story. There were twists and turns in Violet and Damian's relationship, and I loved the way they worked together, particularly when it came to the family's finances, and proved that Violet was no wilting flower. A fantastic start to a new series.

Dates Read:
August 3-4, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

January

Stacking the Shelves: January 27th 2024

10:00

Emma Lord

Waiting On Wednesday: The Getaway List by Emma Lord

10:00

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart (Ladies Covert Academy #3) by Jenny Hartwell

12:00

Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #3
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published July 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Her brother’s friend can post bail, but can he keep the lady reformer’s secrets?

When she’s in trouble…

Lydia Dashwood is used to skirting scandal—after all, she was once kidnapped for writing infamous political articles at a secret academy for ladies. But when she’s accidentally arrested with a group of peaceful reformers, the clever writer is forced to ask for help from her brother’s far-too-charming friend who has the skills to assist…if she can ignore the way he makes her heart flutter.

He comes running…

Benedict Southcott has long abided his friend’s warning to stay away from Lydia— my sister isn’t for the likes of you. The disreputable viscount is used to hiding away his yearning for her and playing the carefree rake. But when Lydia needs him, he can’t say no to her offer. In exchange for helping her and the reformers, she’ll give him a reputation makeover. Respectability would mean he can finally court her…if he can resist her scandalous kisses.

To risk scandal for love…

When Lydia and the reformers undertake a daring political project, Benedict is forced to choose between his newfound respectability or joining Lydia in her cause.

How much will he risk for a chance to win her heart?
Goodreads

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

Though she may be an Earl's sister, Lydia Dashwood finds herself in trouble when she is arrested with a group of peaceful political reformers. Relying on her brother's best friend, Benedict Southcott, to post bail, Lydia knows he will always be there for her. What Benedict doesn't know is that Lydia has a past with trouble, and her political writings have led her to be abducted, and someone is out to get her again. But Benedict loves her, and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if she never returns his feelings.

This was the perfect ending to the series. After Pippa and Jane got married, Lydia was left alone to run the Ladies Covert Academy, and at the worst possible time. She's arrested, investigated, and there are people out there to stop her writing, and stop the Academy from running. She needs to rely on Benedict, but his reputation is one of a wastrel and rogue, and no one ever seems to take him seriously. Unfortunately the reputation is not one he deserves, but it's a struggle to even convince those he loves to believe it. I'm glad that Lydia starts to realise his worth, and he isn't left pining after her for so long. The extended cast of characters were wonderful too, and this book was definitely the culmination of the series. A lovely ending to a great romance!

Dates Read:
July 16-17, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Secrets of a Covert Lord (Ladies Covert Academy #2) by Jenny Hartwell

11:00

Secrets of a Covert Lord
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #2
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published April 4th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
For passion to bloom, the lady botanist must uproot his secrets.

She’s cultivating a secret life…

Jane Brickley is stifled by overprotective parents…until she joins a secret academy for ladies to study botany. But when a suspicious burglary closes the school, she’s determined to uncover the mystery and get her beloved academy reopened. Jane recruits an insider’s help, and although the charming servant Dev is completely unsuitable, his smiles still plant seeds of longing in the fertile ground of Jane’s heart.

He’s disguising his quest for his birthright…

Dev Holford, the rightful Marquess of Rowling, poses as a servant at the academy while he secretly hunts for proof of his legitimacy. Things grow complicated when the evidence vanishes, a distant relative may be trying to kill him, and a clever botanist pressures him to help solve the mystery of the academy burglary. But when Jane’s investigation intersects with his own, it’s only logical to share clues…and perhaps stolen kisses.

Their love grows…

As Dev and Jane work together to unravel the mystery, the covert lord who never belonged will fight for a home where he can put down roots at last… in the arms of his true love.
Goodreads

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

Jane Brickley's life has been filled with her overbearing parents, and her only freedom is spending time at the Ladies Covert Academy, with her plants and friends, and hopefully getting to see Dev Holford. She's always been attracted to him, and hopes he feels the same way, but Dev is hiding the fact that he is the rightful Marquess of Rowling, and someone is out to kill him to stop him claiming his inheritance. When the Academy is burgled, and it looks as if Dev's proof has been stolen, he needs to rely on Jane, and hope she is trustworthy.

A wonderful regency romance, with a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Dev is the rightful heir to the late Marquess of Rowling, but only a handful of people know the truth. While growing up in India, there were multiple attempts made on his life, so he was brought to London, disguised as a servant in his stepmother's household. He's always cared for Jane though, but until he can take his title, he feels as if he isn't good enough, but Jane has never cared about that. Being able to work with him, and finally be taken into his confidence, was a dream for her, and I loved how he never doubted her brilliance, and was always encouraging Jane, no matter what. We got to see Jack and Pippa again, now married, and the sparks are flying between Lydia and Benedict! Another great book in the series.

Dates Read:
July 15-16, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: How to Court a Covert Lady (Ladies Covert Academy #1) by Jenny Hartwell

10:00

How to Court a Covert Lady
Series: Ladies Covert Academy #1
Author: Jenny Hartwell
Published January 31st 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
The lady fencer takes a stab at adventure…and love.

She’s keeping a secret…

For years, Miss Pippa Chester hid away in fear...until a covert academy for ladies posing as a charity group taught her to fence. Blade hidden, Pippa confidently reenters London society, but her new life is threatened when a handsome, flinty-eyed lord blackmails her. Pippa must help find his missing sister or he’ll expose the secrets of the academy Pippa would do anything to protect.

He’s looking for the truth…

Jack Dashwood, Earl of Hartwick is frantic to find his sister, and when her supposed charity group fails to assist, he takes matters into his own hands. The lovely Pippa is as good at finding clues as she is with a sword, and soon they’re chasing leads together. But the double-edged danger of his fascination with the mysterious Pippa combined with the passion that sparks with each kiss threatens to sidetrack their investigation… and overwhelm the control that Jack so desperately needs.

They’ll uncover something new…

As Pippa and Jack battle thieves, a duel, and shadowy powers in parliament, they must trust in the most powerful weapon of all…their hearts.
Goodreads

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

Pippa Chester has always stayed in the background following events in her past which left her scarred. Her only saving grace was joining the Ladies Covert Academy, taking lessons in fencing and self defence. When one of her friends goes missing, Pippa knows she needs to help find her, and not just because Lydia's handsome brother, Jack, is blackmailing her.

A new series and author for me, but it was such fun! Jack may be Earl of Hartwick, but family will always come first. After Lydia, his younger sister, doesn't come home from her charity meeting, Jack goes to find her, and rather than finding ladies doing charity work, he sees Pippa practising with her epee in the garden, and soon realises that there's more to the group than meets the eye. Blackmailing Pippa for help, he knows it's wrong, but he'll do whatever it takes to get his sister back. I loved that Jack soon realised that Pippa was strong, and didn't need protecting all of the time, and that she can help him like he never expected. Their chemistry and attraction didn't hurt though, but they fought in vain to deny it. I loved the mystery of the plot line too, and it's clear that it's setting up for the whole series, which I can't wait to read! A lovely start to a new series.

Dates Read:
July 14-15, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

January Summary

Waiting On Wednesday: When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

ARC Review: Match Me If You Can (The School for Spinsters #3) by Michelle Willingham

ARC Review: Match Me, I'm Falling (The School for Spinsters #2) by Michelle Willingham

ARC Review: A Match Made in London (The School for Spinsters #1) by Michelle Willingham

Stacking the Shelves: January 27th 2024

Waiting On Wednesday: The Getaway List by Emma Lord

ARC Review: Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart (Ladies Covert Academy #3) by Jenny Hartwell

ARC Review: Secrets of a Covert Lord (Ladies Covert Academy #2) by Jenny Hartwell

ARC Review: How to Court a Covert Lady (Ladies Covert Academy #1) by Jenny Hartwell

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