2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
ARC Review: A Scandal By Any Other Name (A Tale of Two Sisters #2) by Kimberly Bell
11:00
Series: A Tale of Two Sisters #2
Author: Kimberly Bell
Published January 30th 2018 by Entangled: Amara
Goodreads Synopsis
Julia Bishop has led a very sheltered life. Protected by her family from those who might ridicule her for her secrets, she stays hidden away in the country. But she longs for more, if only for an evening. To kiss a rake in full view of the stable boy. Unchaperoned picnics. Romance. But she knows she’ll never experience any of those things.
That is, until a handsome duke with a mysterious past of his own arrives…
Duke Jasper DeVere left London to grieve his grandfather’s death privately, away from the prying eyes and gossips of the ton. Seeking solitude at a friend’s country manor, he’s surprised he finds himself drawn to the company of the shy beauty determined to present the epitome of proper behavior.
That is, until the mysterious woman makes an indecent proposal…
Julia can’t believe what she’s suggested to the duke. Nor that he agrees a distraction is what they both need. But what will happen when Jasper must return to his duties and leave Julia behind? Will the memories of their time together be enough for a lifetime of solitude for either of them?
Because Julia can never leave her country haven and a duke can never stay…
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Julia Bishop was born with a spinal condition that should've killed her in her youth, and because of the danger to her health, has been cosseted in the countryside for her entire life. With everything being run to a schedule to ensure she doesn't contract infection or overly fatigues herself, she's long grown sick of her sheltered existence. She's always wanted more, and while staying her her sister's estate while Amelia and Nicholas are on honeymoon, she comes across a handsome gentlemen, Jasper DeVere, who is fleeing his responsibilities, and is perfect for Julia's hopes. Jasper has just lost his beloved grandfather, and the grief, alongside the added pressure of being the new Duke of Albemarle, and can't see it in himself to live up to all expectations, so he flees the House of Lords, leaving even Queen Victoria in his wake. He needs time to mourn and allow himself some freedom, and meeting Julia was just want he needed. As they both are hiding parts of themselves, they still find themselves falling, and falling fast, but Julia's reputation and ridicule in local society, and Jasper's familial connection to the queen mean it's unlikely they'll be allowed to be together, but they'd do anything to make it possible.
This book was one I just couldn't put down, and I loved the main characters. We have Julia, Jasper, Amelia, Nicholas, and Ruby, who all were wonderful, and I loved the camaraderie between them all. Jasper and Ruby's sibling love and arguments were hilarious to see, especially as Ruby wanted Jasper to grow up and stand up to his responsibilities, but ultimately cared about him and wanted the best for her brother. Julia's illness, which is never explicitly named, but the author says is Spina Bifida, has always impacted her life, and the locals have always ridiculed her for her limp and her extended sickness periods, but with Jasper, she feels different, and not just the girl with the illness. He doesn't know about it at first, but as soon as he finds out, he's by her side at every step, through bouts of illness and when facing difficult society. Their love for each other was wholesome and perfect, and I couldn't stop myself from grinning while reading, especially later on in the story. Definitely a book to lift your spirits and full of romance and family.
Dates Read:
June 13-14, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
Series: Gracie Dart #2
Author: Jess Vallance
Published February 7th 2019 by Hot Key Books
Goodreads Synopsis
The second book in a brilliantly funny YA series featuring the trials and embarrassing tribulations of teenager Gracie Dart.
Uncovering a family secret, Gracie decides she's had enough of lies and pledges to be completely honest to everybody she meets.
For fifty days, nothing but 100% brutal honesty at all times. But total honesty doesn't always go down well when you've got a family dinner to go to, a job interview to get through and a new girlfriend to impress.
And when Gracie finally goes too far, she realises she's going to have to think creatively if she's going to put things right.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
I've recently been on a bit of a NetGalley drive, and am trying to get my ratio up, so when I noticed that I had this book on my list, and had already read book 1, I decided to start with To Be Perfectly Honest. Now, we see Gracie as she is getting used to college, but when it's revealed her dad lost his job, and had been keeping it a secret from her, she decides to be perfectly honest to everyone, for the next fifty days. Now, this isn't always going to work out well, and it's inevitable that she ruffles a few feathers along the way. Will Gracie see that honesty is the best policy, or is it sometimes okay to have a few white lies here and there.
Now, like I said, I read this to clear some of my NG shelf, and if it wasn't for that reason, I would've DNFed. I wasn't overly keen on book 1, but this one was utterly ridiculous. Gracie is not a good character, she's vain, selfish, and completely childish, and I can't stand her. When she decides to be honest to everyone, she is, and it's just evil at times. There's a difference with being honest, and being rude, and she crosses that line often. I mean, sometimes she just talks for the sake of it, and it would've been so much easier, and not even lying, to just shut her trap, and not say anything. About 70% through, it picked up a little, when she realised what a cow she had been, especially to Shannon, but I can't in good conscious give this book anything more than a 2 star review. And, I won't be reading book 3 either.
Dates Read:
May 25-26, 2020
Rating
2 Stars
'Twas the Night After Christmas
Review: 'Twas the Night After Christmas (Hellions of Halstead Hall #6) by Sabrina Jeffries
10:00
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #6
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published October 29th 2013 by Pocket Books
Goodreads Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries unwraps a touching Regency tale brimming “with heart, soul, and holiday spirit” (Publishers Weekly)!
Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has never forgiven his parents for inexplicably abandoning him to distant relatives as a child. Nevertheless, when he receives word that the stranger he calls “Mother” is gravely ill, the unabashed rogue makes a rare return to Montcliff, his country estate. There he finds that the woman is perfectly healthy—and that he has fallen for a cunning ruse crafted by her lady’s companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart. The lively vicar’s widow, too bright and beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce, is determined to reconcile the Earl and Lady Devonmont. None of them can predict the secrets, both heartening and shocking, divulged between a mother and son, and between two lovers, each haunted by their pasts, that will make Christmas night at Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night after, one to treasure for a lifetime.
Goodreads
Review
In 'Twas the Night After Christmas, Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, comes to terms with demons that have plagued him since he was an 8 year old. He was sent to school after Christmas, and never was allowed to return home, instead spending his school holidays with distant relatives who became more like a true family than his mother and father ever were. The last time he spoke to his mother was at his father's funeral, and since inheriting the title and estate, he's kept away from her, on purpose. He can't forgive her, and utterly despises her for his mistreatment. The Dowager Countess, though, has always loved her son, and misses him dearly, so when her companion, the widowed Camilla Stuart, falsely tells Pierce she is deathly ill, it's a surprise when he turns up at Montcliff Estate. Pierce is enraged at the falsehoods, but agrees to stay, for a price - Camilla must entertain him, and he'll speak with his mother. The longer he stays, and spends his nights with Camilla - reading, playing cards, and simply talking - the less he wants to leave, and it may just be a Christmas miracle.
I've loved the five main books in the Hellions of Halstead Hall series, and when I saw that there was a companion/sequel about Virginia's cousin Pierce - who we saw in books 4 & 5 - I knew I needed to request a copy. This book was such a feel good story, perfect to start getting into a Christmassy mood. Camilla was one of the best heroine's I've seen in a while - widowed young, after spending her life in an orphanage, and hiding a son from most of the world - she was so strong, and was unbelievable when she stood up to Pierce. Pierce was, understandably, damaged by his abandonment, and there were a lot of evils to overcome before he could speak to his mother civilly, and start to consider forgiving her. The clash of wills, and to and fro between our couple was full of witty banter, and perfect chemistry, and I think I love them both. Adding little Jasper to the mix just made even so much better. The only negative I may have about this book was the lack of wider cast - there were very few mentions to the Sharpes and extended family, and if we had seen them, I might have exploded. An amazing, and unexpected, end to the series.
Dates Read:
October 27-28, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall #5) by Sabrina Jeffries
10:00
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #5
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published January 24th 2012 by Pocket Books
Goodreads Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries delights readers with the final novel in her sexy Regency Hellions of Hallstead Hall romance series, featuring Lady Celia Sharpe and the upstanding Bow Street runner, Pinter.
Lady Celia Sharpe has always been wary of marriage…but now her future depends on it.
With two months left to find a husband and fulfill her grandmother’s ultimatum, Celia sets her sights on three eligible bachelors. Becoming betrothed to one of these wealthy, high-ranking men will surely prove her capable of getting married, so hopefully the wedding itself won’t be necessary for Celia to receive her inheritance. Step two of her audacious plan is hiring the dark and dangerously compelling Bow Street Runner, Jackson Pinter, to investigate the three men she’s chosen.
With Lady Celia bedeviling Jackson’s days and nights, the last thing he wants is to help her find a husband. And when she recalls shadowed memories that lead his investigation into her parents’ mysterious deaths in a new direction, putting her in danger, Jackson realizes the only man he wants Celia to marry is himself!
Goodreads
Review
In the fifth instalment of the series, A Lady Surrenders follows the final Sharpe sibling, Lady Celia as she becomes that last single sibling, needing to find a husband to fulfil her grandmother's ultimatum. She has a couple of months left, and has come up with three suitors who she might settle for. So, she asks Pinter, the Bow Street Runner who's been helping the family, and who she has a love-hate relationship with, to investigate the gentleman. Jackson hasn't been able to stay away from Celia since he first met her, and she really rubs him up the wrong way, and is plaguing his night and days, and he doesn't want to find her a husband, he wants to be that husband. But, he relents, and the more they are together, and the more jealous Jackson gets, it soon is apparent that his feelings aren't one-sided, but Celia doesn't want to give in. She's always felt lacking in some way, especially when she knows more about guns and shooting than most men do, and feels as if her grandmother thinks she isn't marriageable. Can she discover her own self worth, and will Jackson be there to help her?
I think this one was my favourite of the lot. Celia was an adorable character, but also feisty, and strong - with some vulnerabilities thrown in. Losing her parents as a toddler, she can very vague memories about them, but one specific one from the day they died may hold the key to discovering the truth. With Jackson, they investigate further, and seeing the whole mystery finally come together, and the truth come to light, was perfect. The chemistry between the two was also perfect, and I've known since their first encounter in The Truth About Lord Stoneville, that they were a couple to keep an eye on. Because of his upbringing, and not knowing the truth about his heritage, he feels so far beneath the Sharpe's, and not deserving of Celia's attention - something Gran doesn't help with either - but he was more than deserving, and neigh on made for Celia. This is one of the best series I've read, and I'm looking forward to discovering more of Sabrina's books in future.
Dates Read:
September 13-15, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: To Wed a Wild Lord (Hellions of Halstead Hall #4) by Sabrina Jeffries
10:00
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #4
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published November 22nd 2011 by Pocket Star
Goodreads Synopsis
Drowning in guilt over his best friend's death seven years ago, Lord Gabriel Sharpe, the Angel of Death, knows his only hope at redemption is a race against a shocking opponent.
Shrouded in darkness for the past seven years, the infamous racer Lord Gabriel Sharpe is known to accept every challenge to race thrown at him. When his next challenge comes in the form of his late best friend's sister, Virginia Waverly, Gabe is shocked. Yet she presents just the opportunity Gabe needs--marriage to fulfill his grandmother's ultimatum and ensure his inheritance. What he didn't count on was needing her love.
Goodreads
Review
In To Wed a Wild Lord, it's now the turn of the youngest Sharpe son, Lord Gabriel, who has adopted the 'Angel of Death' title following the death of his best friend, Roger Waverly, seven years ago during a race. He only wears black as a way to atone for his sins, and wants nothing more than to make it up to the Waverly family, who utterly despise him. When Roger's younger sister, Virginia, reappears in his life, and challenges him, he thinks this is his chance, and also finds himself falling for Virginia. Is he just hoping to make up for his past sins, and fulfil his grandmother's ultimatum, or is there more at play here?
I think this book worked really well, but Minerva's story was better, in my opinion. Gabe was the traditional wounded hero, with a troubled past, and he needed a woman to help him recover. He was only a child when his parents died, and was reckless in his youth, and is still as reckless now. He doesn't want to settle down, because he is so guilty over Roger's death, and that galls Virginia like nothing else. When Roger died, she was left with only her grandfather, and cousin, Pierce, and has lost that security of knowing her brother will inherit the family stud farm. She needs to marry, but also doesn't want to leave her grandfather, and the hatred he has for Gabe has soured her own feelings for him. Gabe has to seriously work hard to redeem himself in her eyes, even when the truth comes out, and it was refreshing to see him brought low and humble in this way. The secondary plot between Virginia and her cousin, Pierce, the Earl of Devonmont, was a little forced, though the way it kickstarted Gabe was enjoyable. All in all, a good instalment in the series, and I can see how the overreaching arc of the Sharpe parents deaths is pulling together.
Dates Read:
September 12-13, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (Hellions of Halstead Hall #3) by Sabrina Jeffries
10:00
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #3
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published January 18th 2011 by Pocket Star
Goodreads Synopsis
The third novel in Sabrina Jeffries's “Hellions of Hallstead Hall” series, featuring the independent and talented Lady Minerva Sharpe.
When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.
Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him.
Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.
Goodreads
Review
Intending to thwart her grandmother's ultimatum, renowned novelist Lady Minerva Sharpe puts out an advertisement for a fiancee in the paper, and when her arch-nemesis, Giles Masters, turns up, furious, he may just be the perfect option. Giles has always had a love hate relationship with Minerva, and her latest books seem to play a little too close to home, and he agrees to be her suitor, and try and get Minerva's grandmother off her back, in return for Minerva to stop writing about him. Years ago, they kissed, and it affected them both in so many ways, and turned Minerva into a jaded young lady, who despises Giles' rakish ways, and wanted to hurt him like he hurt her. But, she doesn't know that Giles has been living a double life for so long, trying to find the evidence he needs to restore his family's honour following his father's death, and to change his ways in order to be the respectable figure necessary to become a King's Counsel. So, to suit them both, they form a pretend courtship, that is soon anything but pretend, and they need to deal with the fall out.
I've enjoyed each and every book in this series, and they are getting better and better. Minerva was a hoot, and I adored her. Because of what happened with her parents, and losing them when she was 9, she's been changed irrevocably, and fell for Giles when he was kind to her at the funeral. Falling even harder when she was just entering society, and losing her heart, forced her to create the wicked Lord Rockton figure - most people think it's a parody of her older brother, but it's actually Giles, and it's a way for her to release all her feelings in a somewhat healthy way. Giles, for his part, has been living this double life, spying for the government at night, using his rakish persona to help him hear gossip, etc., and being the respectable barrister by day. He's sick of his double life, and is now trying to recover his reputation, to become an esteemed King's Barrister. To do so, he needs to shrug off his reputation, and marry well, and his own feelings for Minerva mean she's the only one he wants. Of course, because of their history, they rub each other up the wrong way at first, but their arguments soon turn to flirtation, and it's clear that neither is pretending any longer. They come into their relationship from the wrong angles, but it's soon a true melding of minds, and the added bonus of learning more about the Sharpe siblings, and discovering more about the truth about their parent's deaths was excellent. I can't wait for the other books!
Dates Read:
September 9-11, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: A Hellion in Her Bed (Hellions of Halstead Hall #2) by Sabrina Jeffries
10:00
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #2
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published September 21st 2010 by Pocket Star
Goodreads Synopsis
Furious at his grandmother's ultimatum to marry or lose his inheritance, Lord Jarret Sharpe wagers his luck--and his heart--at the card table against a most unlikely opponent.
Mired in scandal after his parents' mysterious deaths, notorious gambler Lord Jarret Sharpe agrees to tamely run the family brewery for a year if his Machiavellian grandmother rescinds her ultimatum that he marry. But the gambler in him can't resist when beguiling Annabel Lake proposes a wager. If she wins their card game, he must help save her family's foundering brewery. But if he wins, she must spend a night in his bed. The outcome sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy all his plans . . . and unveils the secret Annabel has held for so long. When Jarret discovers the darker reason behind her wager, he forces her into another one--and this time he intends to win not just her body, but her heart.
Goodreads
Review
In A Hellion in Her Bed, we follow the second Sharpe sibling, Lord Jarret, as he struggles with his own self worth, and feelings over the deaths of his parents when he was young. His grandparents always said that the Plumtree Brewery would be his one day, but once his grandmother became the children's guardian, she decided Jarret, as the son of a marquess, should go to school, and find a profession suitable for his station. School was awful, but he honed his skills as a gambler, which have stood him in good stead until his grandmother's marriage ultimatum to the whole family. So, Jarret turns around and plots with her to ensure that he regains control of the brewery, no matter what happens, and when the lovely young Annabel Lake arrives, and proposes a wager between herself and Jarret in return for help with her own family's small brewery, he can't help himself. Will he just be playing for fun, or might he find himself fulfilling his grandmother's wishes after all?
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but that was the only one that my library had, so I had to wait to see where I could get copies of the others, but managed to order them online. I think I still might have enjoyed the first book more than this one, but I loved seeing Jarret come into his own, really, and overcome the difficulties of his past, and his own struggles following school. A vast majority of this book took place in Burton, at the Lake's Brewery, and I loved the way that Annabel's family interacted, and were a proper family. Because of her own secrets surrounding her family, she tried to keep Jarret at bay, but both were fighting their attraction and desire from the very first meeting, and it was bound to happen at some point. The added plot line of what actually occurred with the deaths of the Sharpe's parents is continuing to intertwine throughout Jarret's story, and helps to bind the series together. All in all, a really enjoyable instalment in the series, and I'm looking forward to Minerva's story next!
Dates Read:
September 6-8, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: Claimed by the Laird (Scottish Brides #3) by Nicola Cornick
10:00
Series: Scottish Brides #3
Author: Nicola Cornick
Published August 1st 2014 by MIRA
Goodreads Synopsis
He will expose her as the criminal he seeks, or seduce her as the woman he desires…
An old maid—that's all Lady Christina McMorlan, daughter to the Duke of Forres, is to society now that she's past thirty. She hosts her father's parties and cares for her siblings, knowing she'll never have her own home and family. She has no time to pine, however. By night, she's The Lady, head of a notorious whiskey-smuggling gang that supports her impoverished clan. They're always one step ahead of the revenue man—until Lucas Black shows up.
Rejecting his title and the proper society that disparaged his mother, Lucas earns his living running a successful gambling house. He's also a spy, charged with bringing down the Forres Gang. He thinks The Lady's just a bored society spinster. She thinks he's a lost child playing at rebellion. And when the truth comes out, it's not just their love on the line…
Goodreads
Review
The final book in the series, Claimed by the Laird, sees the eldest McMorlan daughter, Lady Christina, find her own happiness after her sister's have all married well. Following the death of her mother on the eve of her marriage, she was forced to give up her future, and take on a maternal role for her younger siblings. Now in her thirties, and decidedly on the shelf, she suffers the indignation of comments and remarks made by her sister-in-law, and others, about her own happiness. However, she's more than busy running the estate on behalf of her absent minded father, the Duke of Forres, as well as being the head of the local whiskey-smuggling gang on the side. When the crown and Home Secretary become personally involved in the smuggling activities occurring on the estate, Lucas Black is sent to spy. He's on the lookout for the murderer of his younger half-brother, Peter, so masquerades as the under-gardener to get close to secrets. However, his every meeting with Christina is filled with chemistry and desire, and it soon seems like both might be falling for the other. Will they manage to come through the over side, or will their past catch up to them?
I did enjoy this book, but it was my least favourite of the series. Christina was an enjoyable character, but seemed a bit lacklustre at times, and the whole wicked sister-in-law story was a little boring. Lucas being in fact the illegitimate son of a Scottish nobleman and a Russian princess was a stretch, and the secrecy between the two was something I found myself struggling with. The plot lines surrounding Peter's death, the smuggling, and Christina's niece's secret marriage, were fun, but all in all, it was missing something for me.
Dates Read:
October 8-10, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: One Night with the Laird (Scottish Brides #2) by Nicola Cornick
10:00
Series: Scottish Brides #2
Author: Nicola Cornick
Published April 4th 2014 by MIRA
Goodreads Synopsis
A wicked attraction!
Fashionable society widow Lady Mairi MacLeod cannot understand the dark passion that binds her to Jack Rutherford. He is everything she dislikes in a man, rakish, arrogant and charming, and she would prefer to forget the night of wicked passion that she spent in his arms.
But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light...
Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!
Goodreads
Review
In One Night with the Laird, Lady Mairi MacLeod, a young widow, finds herself on the wrong side of society gossip when it is said she entertained a handsome stranger, overnight, at her home. All the rumours are true, but it's worse that the gentleman she spent the night with was actually the one man she can't stand, Jack Rutherford, the cousin of her brother-in-law, and she can't stop thinking about him. Both are changed by their time together, and would want nothing more than an encore, but they need to get over their dislike for each other first. When it seems a blackmailer is circling, after the vast inheritance that Mairi's late husband left her, Jack may just be the one person who can protect her, and as her fiancee at that. Will their passion defeat all odds?
I read the first book in this series, The Lady and the Laird, and loved reading the witty banter, and snark between Mairi and Jack when they met following Lucy and Robert's marriage. They did not disappoint in this book either. All of their scenes together were a joy to read, and the clear lust and chemistry between them slowly developed into a real sense of care and love towards each other. The plot line surrounding Mairi's late husband, and who is after the money and property was captivating, and I had my suspicion's, but when they were confirmed, I still was shocked. This might be my favourite book in the series, and I'm hoping to read more of Nicola's books in the future.
Dates Read:
October 6-7, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
Series: Carhart #1
Author: Courtney Milan
Published March 1st 2011 by Mills & Boon
Goodreads Synopsis
A gifted fortune-teller from a humble background, Jenny can make even the most sophisticated sceptic believe her predictions by batting her smoky eyelashes – until she meets Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, scientist and a sworn bachelor. Broodingly handsome Gareth is scandalised to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of ‘Madame Esmerelda’ and vows to prove Jenny a fraud.
Gareth’s unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress disrupts his calculated plan, until he can’t decide whether to seduce her or ruin her! Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, these two must choose between everything they know and the boundless possibilities of love.
Goodreads
Review
Proof by Seduction sees the humble Miss Jenny Keeble use her persona as ‘Madame Esmerelda’ to make her way through the difficult London world. One of her most devoted clients is the young Ned Carhart, who after suffering deep depression, relies heavily on Jenny's help throughout his life. However, his uncle, Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, is wholly against mystics, who he sees as charlatans, and sets out to prove that 'Madame Esmerelda' is nothing but a cheat and a liar. As he plans to do this, Jenny sets him three tasks to complete, but soon it seems he's more at risk of falling in love rather than failing to reveal the truth.
I've heard so much about Milan's books since I started reading historical fiction, and this was a book I could pick up as soon as my library reopened after lock down, so I gave it a go. I enjoyed the romantic aspects between Gareth and Jenny, and really felt for Ned at times. Jenny had a difficult upbringing, and had to rely on anything she could to survive, even it that was masquerading as a fortune teller and taking money off those in times of struggle. Ned was one of these people, but she formed a real friendship with him, and cared for him as a sort of pseudo-sister. At times, though, I felt like Ned needed to grow up a bit, and stop relying on others for so much, and start acting his age. Yes, his relationship with Gareth was strained, and because of how straight laced and clinical Gareth was, he didn't suffer Ned's foolish actions lightly, but that was no way for Ned to still be acting as he was. I know the next book in the series is about Ned, and I'm somewhat interested in reading it, but not in any real rush. All in all, an okay read, but not one that blew me away.
Dates Read:
August 31-September 1, 2020
Rating
3 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover (The Rules of Scoundrels #4) by Sarah MacLean
10:00
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #4
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published November 25th 2014 by Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
RITA Award winning author, Sarah MacLean, reveals the identity of The Fallen Angel's final scoundrel in the spectacular conclusion to her Rules of Scoundrels series . . .
By day, she is Lady Georgiana, sister to a duke, ruined before her first season in the worst kind of scandal. But the truth is far more shocking-in London's darkest corners, she is Chase, the mysterious, unknown founder of the city's most legendary gaming hell. For years, her double identity has gone undiscovered . . . until now.
Brilliant, driven, handsome-as-sin Duncan West is intrigued by this beautiful woman who is somehow connected to a world of darkness and sin. He knows she is more than she seems and he vows to uncover all of Georgiana's secrets, laying bare her past, threatening her present, and risking all she holds dear . . . including her heart.
This is the fourth novel in the Regency romance Rules of Scoundrels series by New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean - perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James
Goodreads
Review
By day, she is Lady Georgiana, younger sister of the Duke of Leighton, who was ruined before she even had her first season, and has a young daughter, Caroline, born out of wedlock. By night, however, she is Chase, the mysterious owner, and founder, of the legendary Fallen Angel gaming hell. Only a handful of her closest and most trusted friends and family know about her double life, but it seems as if her secrets are about to be revealed. Ten years after her 'ruin', Georgiana is reentering society, and looking to marry, to give her daughter a father, and a stable home life. But, she will never give up Chase, or the power being Chase has given her. Duncan West, the newspaper editor, and all around good person, wants to help Georgiana, and is convinced that Chase is hurting her, or threatening her - even thinking Chase may be the father of her daughter. He wants to destroy Chase, and all they stand for, to protect Georgiana, not realising that in doing so, he is risking everything. Will they be able to resolve their confusion, and not cause a scandal?
I've been waiting for Chase's book ever since we met 'him' in A Rogue by Any Other Name, and to learn more about what happened to Georgiana after Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart. Both of her personas were intriguing, and you couldn't help but want to know more, and be hooked from the first page. I loved Georgiana, and really understood why she was re-entering society now, 10 years after placing herself in social exile, and now with so much power under her belt. It was all because of her daughter, Caroline, who would soon be entering society herself, and every single thing that Georgiana has ever done has been for her bairn, and she would fall on her own sword, if it helped Caroline. The chemistry between Duncan and Georgiana was perfect - they might be the best in the entire series - and I was fully rooting for them from the get go. Okay, the 'drama' could've been dealt with a little earlier if Georgiana had been open with Duncan, but she was wary and have been burnt by love before, so I do forgive her for it. Seeing all of the couples from the series have their happy endings, and hopefully we'll see more of them in future books too, I can't wait for Sarah's next series!
Dates Read:
December 19-21, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (The Rules of Scoundrels #3) by Sarah MacLean
10:00
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #3
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published November 26th 2013 by Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
A rogue ruined...
He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London's corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he's dreamed of...absolution.
A lady returned...
Mara planned never to return to the world from which she'd run but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple's exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows...that he is no killer.
A scandal revealed...
It's a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady - and her past - are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything . . . even true love.
Goodreads
Review
In the third book of the The Rules of Scoundrels series, Temple has faced the stigma of being known as the Killer Duke for over a decade, and as his life is getting back on track, the girl he was accused of murdering turns up, very much alive, and very much a woman. Now the Duke of Lamont, Temple was young when he was invited to another one of his father's weddings, this time to 16 year old heiress, Mara Lowe. Mara very much did not want to marry the ageing duke, and planned, with her brother, for Temple to be drugged, and placed in her bed, with a little blood, to suggest that she was ruined, and the wedding wouldn't go ahead. Well, more than a little blood was left, and it's presumed she was murdered, especially as she was never seen since. Now that she's returned, to help her brother again, Temple wants revenge, and will use whatever he can to make it known that Mara is very much alive. But, as he formulates his plan, he starts to fall for Mara, and can he go through with his vengeance, after all?
I felt so sorry for Temple in this book. His live was irrecoverably changed by the events 12 years ago, and he adopted the persona of Temple, and as a fighter. He can't remember a thing from that night, and when Mara returns, it's perfectly understandable that he wants to make her suffer. I'll admit, I didn't warm to Mara immediately. Even if she hadn't wanted for Temple to be accused of murder, she was going to cry rape, and that's unforgivable, really. I felt like the two of them had a strange sort of relationship, as in they shouldn't work, but they did. Mara never fully redeems herself, I'd say, but she improves on further reading, and Temple finally deserved his happy ending. Her work with the boys home, and seeing how Temple turned into a big softy was lovely. As much as I enjoyed this, it still wasn't my favourite, but I'm really looking forward to Chase's story!
Dates Read:
December 17-19, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels #2) by Sarah MacLean
10:00
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #2
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published January 29th 2013 by Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean.
Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fifth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross. Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion - the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts - and giving the lady precisely what she wants.
Goodreads
Review
Lady Philippa Marbury is one of five daughters of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby, but her upbringing had left her more interested in books and science than she is in making a good match. Against all the odds, however, she is engaged to Lord Castleton, but her sister's marriage to one of the owners of the Fallen Angel has left her wanting more, and so she decides to sneak into the notorious hell, and proposition the charming Cross. Her idea - for Cross to give her the experience of being ruined, without any of the fall out. She wants to see it all, and Cross' reputation is legendary. But Cross isn't willing to give into temptation, especially not with Bourne's sister-in-law, but Pippa is like a dog with a bone, and soon, Cross can no longer resist her.
I loved Pippa when we met her in A Rogue by Any Other Name, and was overjoyed when I realised that book two would be her and Cross' story. No one knows who Cross really is, apart from his business partners, of course, and he's grateful to Chase for trusting him in his position. Because of how smart Pippa is, she hates the idea that she might not fully understand something, and can't face going to her marriage bed without understanding the logistics of it all. So, she believes that Cross would be the only 'safe' man for her to ask, as he would never risk her reputation or the story getting back to Bourne. However, his stubbornness is only eclipsed by her own, and I adored the banter between them as the two of them grew to know each other more. The lesson's Cross teaches her are phenomenal, and the conclusion of the story was one of the best I've read in a long time! I can't wait for Temple's story, and am so hoping we see more of Bourne, Penelope, Pippa, and Cross!
Dates Read:
December 16-17, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
2020 Beat the Backlist challenge
Review: A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels #1) by Sarah MacLean
10:00
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels #1
Author: Sarah MacLean
Published February 1st 2012 by Piatkus Books
Goodreads Synopsis
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . .
A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance - including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.
A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures. Bourne may be a prince of London's underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness - a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart.
This is the first novel in the Regency romance Rules of Scoundrels series by New York Time bestselling author Sarah MacLean - perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James
Goodreads
Review
In A Rogue by Any Other Name, the perfect and proper Lady Penelope Marbury soon finds herself kidnapped by one of her oldest friends, who is hellbent on marrying her, and returning to society - and his inheritance. When Michael, Marquess of Bourne, first came into his title a decade ago, he was brash and impulsive, and soon gambles away everything, expect his title and the clothes of his back, to his former mentor, now enemy. He's managed to rise through the ashes, becoming one of the owners of an exclusive London gaming hell, the Fallen Angel, but he wants his property back - and the final piece has been offered as dowry for Penelope - who's due to marry the son of Michael's enemy. Well, Bourne can't allow that, and when Penelope's reputation is in ruins, they marry, and he expects her to be a dutiful wife, who won't want to get involved in his business at the club. But Penelope proves him wrong, and soon makes him glad he married her for all the wrong reason.
I've been trying to read Sarah's backlist since I fell in love with her Bareknuckle Bastards series during lockdown last year. As an early Christmas present to myself, I ordered the entire Rules of Scoundrels series, and was so glad to have all 4 at my disposal, because I simply devoured them! Because of the history between our hero/heroine, there's a solid backstory there, that is teased out again and again, through their interactions with each other, and the other members of the Fallen Angel club, and through flashbacks. Bourne is everything a rogue should be, and well deserves his reputation as he literally fought tooth and nail to survive after his betrayal all those years ago. But, with Penelope, his steely exterior is slowly chipped away at, and Penelope will not stop until she forces him to be himself, the Michael she's always known and loved, and reveals his all to her. This was definitely a solid start to the series, and seeing the four owners of the Fallen Angel - all of whom will have their own story - has definitely cemented the series as one to look out for!
Dates Read:
December 12, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
