Sophie Reads YA: 2022 New Release challenge

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Adam (Diamonds of the First Water #3) by Sydney Jane Baily

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Adam
Series: Diamonds of the First Water #3
Author: Sydney Jane Baily
Published September 22nd 2022 by WOLF Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
In this sizzling early Victorian romance by USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily the heir to an earldom must take a suitable wife... unless he falls for a middle-class governess with a shadowy past.

Lord Diamond leads a charmed life. The only brother amongst four sisters, he is touted as the best thing since frothy syllabub. Every young lady in London wants his leg shackled to hers. Summering in Bath brings freedom from the marriage-minded Mayfair mothers and reaps a new crop of single females. Problem solved!

Mrs. Alice Malcolm has an ideal situation tutoring two young ladies in an upper-class home. A clean room, a roof over her head, and best of all, she is safe from the demands and threats of her former brother-in-law. What does it matter if she is living a lie?

While Adam pursues Alice to be his mistress—anything more is unthinkable—she has only two options... ignore his amorous advances or flee for her life. Will pride, prejudice, and secrets keep these two out of paradise?

Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and passionate romance with a touch of intrigue — you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily.
Goodreads

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

Lord Adam Diamond has seen his two elder sisters fall in love and marry, and considers that now might be right for his own nuptials. Off to Bath to decide whether to sell or keep his maternal grandparents home, he meets Mrs. Alice Malcolm, working as a governess to friends of his family, and he is smitten. He wants Alice, and she seems to want him too, but she's keeping a secret - one which if it was revealed, would ruin everything. Can Adam break through her barriers, and show her that being with him will be nothing like her late husband, and she can take a risk?

With this being the third book in the series, we already know most of the Diamond clan, but Adam has always been a little aloof from his sisters. As heir to the Earldom, he's a catch, but he's never really considered marrying yet, but seeing Clarity and Purity find happiness, he wants the same. I liked Alice, a lot. She had a past, and though she was extremely secretive, I did understand why she was that way. She was extremely lovable, and it was lovely to see the way the Diamond's rallied around her, particularly when times got tough. A good addition to the series!

Dates Read:
October 25-27, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Purity (Diamonds of the First Water #2) by Sydney Jane Baily

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Purity
Series: Diamonds of the First Water #2
Author: Sydney Jane Baily
Published June 9th 2022 by WOLF Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
In this seductive early Victorian romance by USA Today Bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily, a proper young lady tries to civilize the unseemly bachelor baron. Can she do so without shattering her impeccable reputation?

She’s a straitlaced silk-stocking and he’s a scandalous fox!

Known as the “proper Diamond sister,” Lady Purity thoroughly enjoys adhering to the rules of society. Everything is right in her world when manners are minded and civility reigns. Clean gloves, no vulgarities, not a hair out of place!

Renowned for his past indiscretions, Lord Matthew Foxford doesn’t let propriety or tedious rules get in his way. Asking the prim earl’s daughter to teach him etiquette, he hopes to win her heart while loosening her corset.

Unaware of his intent, Purity agrees to turn this thundering buck into a reputable nobleman. Can she do so without falling for his seductive charm? Or will the Fox tempt her from the straight and narrow path into the garden of irreparable ruin?

Engaging characters, attention to period detail, and passionate romance with a touch of intrigue — you’ll find it all in the stories by USA Today bestselling author Sydney Jane Baily.
Goodreads

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

Lady Purity Diamond is everything her name entails. She is the pure and rule abiding member of the family, and even the patronesses turn to her for etiquette. So when Lord Matthew Foxford realises that he needs to rectify his rakish reputation, and prove to family that he is on the straight and narrow, he begs Purity for help. After all, he insulted her by thinking she was a light skirt, and she set him right. But as Matthew spends more time with Purity, learning what makes her tick, and understanding her character, he soon realises that she is the one he wants - but can he convince her of that?

Well, Purity was definitely better than Clarity. I liked Purity and Matthew's story a lot more than the previous one, and actually cared about their relationship much more too. Matthew was a definite rake, but he owned it, and was honestly trying to change his ways, and be better for both himself and for Purity. Purity was a bit too annoying at first - she was so stuck in her ways, and not a likeable person, but Matthew brought out the best in her. All in all, an alright story, and has made me consider continuing the series.

Dates Read:
June 2-3, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Clarity (Diamonds of the First Water #1) by Sydney Jane Baily

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Clarity
Series: Diamonds of the First Water #1
Author: Sydney Jane Baily
Published April 7th 2022 by WOLF Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
She’s a fun-loving earl’s daughter and he’s a titled stick in the mud!

Firstborn daughter of a prominent family, Lady Clarity Diamond came into the world smiling and has always brightened the lives of everyone around her. This social season, she’s decided to find a husband amongst her flock of suitors. And then her childhood friend appears, tall, handsome, and … as amusing as a box of rocks.

Lord Alex Hollidge’s heart turned to stone, and the laughter died in his eyes the moment he was orphaned. Taking up the mantle of a viscount at a young age, he has known nothing but responsibility and the tragedy of life. Now, it’s time to take a wife. Pity the lovely Lady Clarity is too frivolous to be his viscountess.

With everything—and everyone—telling Alex and Clarity to stay apart, and both of them promised to others, will their smoldering desire be snuffed out before it can blaze into love?
Goodreads

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

First born daughter, Lady Clarity Diamond, is ready to be married. She, and her sisters, and diamonds of the ton, and she finds joy and happiness in everything she does. But, she can't forget her childhood friend, and neighbour, Alex. Alex was orphaned at a young age, and being forced to become Viscount, and live with his dour aunt, has changed him beyond belief. Now, he is the shadow of the boy that Clarity once knew, and Alex finds Clarity too frivolous and carefree to be the woman for him. But when desire becomes too much, and they marry, will their differing characters ruin it all?

When I started reading this book, I'm going to admit, I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. I mean, the names of the daughters, and how cringy parts of the descriptions were, I nearly DNFed it. However, I was on a plane, and I really want to clear my NG shelf, so I persevered, and it did improve - somewhat. Clarity and Alex as people, were alright. They weren't anything special, but I did find myself invested in their relationship, and wanting them to find happiness - and see the downfall of Alex's wicked aunt. The ending definitely made up for the bad beginning, and I probably will continue with the series, but I'm not jumping at it, nor will I re-read this one.

Dates Read:
April 14-15, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Only Honest Man in London (The Brazen Burrells #1) by Lynne Connolly

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The Only Honest Man in London
Series: The Brazen Burrells #1
Author: Lynne Connolly
Published July 15th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
When the adventuress and the earl meet – sparks fly!

Welcome to book 1 in the new series The Brazen Burrells by USA Today Bestselling author Lynne Connolly.

When the Burrell sisters take the ton by storm, nobody is more surprised than Viola. The whirlwind of their elevation to the highest in the land pushes her into the arms of the Earl of Knowsley. Viola is lost, all her careful plans abandoned. She has nothing to offer but her beauty. A hidden disability has taken away her confidence and her grace. If she gives him her heart, will he give her a ring, or a carte blanche?

Gerald wants to marry, but not to the ravishing beauty who entrances him from the first time he sets eyes on her. He wants a rational marriage with moderate affection, not the tempest of passion Viola leads him into.

From an encounter in the sordid London docks, to a presentation at court, to riding lessons in the park, Viola and Gerald grow closer, until the actions of her sister and his best friend threaten to force them apart.

If they survive this, they can survive anything. If they don’t, they’ll part forever.
Goodreads

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

The Burrell sisters have one final chance to make good marriages, and set the family up, but it's harder that Viola Burrell ever expected. Though they are related to nobility, they are ignored by their grandfather due to their mother's Irish birth, and the money is running out. Taking London by storm, they need to have the perfect reputation, especially after Bianca's fashion faux pas at the theatre. The only person who Viola is drawn to is Gerald, the Earl of Knowsley, who made a bad first impression. But as the season continues, Viola and Gerald are thrown together again and again, and grow closer than ever.

This was an alright book. I liked Viola, but there was something about the whole book that didn't really grip my attention. I was wanting Viola and Gerald to get together, and the ending was great, but there was too many drama and cliches for my liking. I may continue with the series, because the second sister, Juliet, wasn't really discussed much in this book, and I think she has a lot of potential.

Dates Read:
August 14-15, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Enticing the Earl (The Arrogant Earls #3) by Kathleen Ayers

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Enticing the Earl
Series: The Arrogant Earls #3
Author: Kathleen Ayers
Published June 7th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Time is running out for Oleana Honeywell.

She’s found safety as a housekeeper in the Earl of Montieth’s household, but she can’t stay hidden forever. The earl’s butler is determined to have her fired. Oleana doesn’t know the first thing about managing a household. She can’t even find the linen closet. And Carrot, her overly large, very spoiled cat has taken a liking to Lord Montieth.

Carrot’s affections are not returned.

But it is the attraction growing between Oleana and Montieth that worries her the most. No housekeeper, not even a fake one, should engage in trysts with their employer. Or worse, fall in love.

What will happen when Montieth finds out everything Oleana has told him is a lie?
Goodreads

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

Oleana Honeywell has a secret. She's currently the housekeeper for the Earl of Montieth, but she's never worked as one before, and she's ridiculously bad at it. In fact, she is the widow of a country vicar, and is hiding from her in-laws who want to steal her inheritance, and will stop at nothing to get it. Montieth knows that Oleana is hiding something, and he sends his secretary to discover the truth. In the mean time, he sees how loving she is, and how much Oleana cares for his young daughter, and though Monteith needs to marry and have a son, he can't stop thinking about his clumsy housekeeper.

I liked the turn this book took. Oleana was clearly not fit for her role as housekeeper, but it's understandable why she wanted to stay hidden, and as a servant, it was the most obvious thing. Oleana's marriage wasn't too bad, but her in-laws made her life hell after her widowhood, and when it was clear that she had valuable land, they were willing to do whatever it took to get the money for themselves. I felt like Jason needed to be a little stronger than he was, particularly when it came to his mother and his butler, but he had been hurt in his first marriage, and wasn't willing to open himself up too early. The final few chapters were full of action, and Jason proved his worth to Oleana, and was there for her just when she needed him.

Dates Read:
December 26, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Chasing the Earl (The Arrogant Earls #2) by Kathleen Ayers

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Chasing the Earl
Series: The Arrogant Earls #2
Author: Kathleen Ayers
Published May 5th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Spinster Emmagene Stitch doesn’t believe in love…until she meets the worst earl in London.

Welcome to book 2 in the new steamy historical romance series set in Victorian London by Kathleen Ayers.

There is no gentleman in all of London considered more rude, impolite, blunt, and just plain awful than the Earl of Huntly. Miss Emmagene Stitch, self-proclaimed spinster is considered nearly as unpleasant with her sharp tongue and opinions.

The only thing Emmagene and Huntly can agree upon is their dislike of the house party they both find themselves attending. Forced into Huntly’s company by their hostess, Emmagene finds herself attracted to the earl despite the deficits to his character. Their affair is as unexpected as it is passionate.

But will it survive their eventual return to London?
Goodreads

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

All she's ever heard was that she was difficult and unpleasant, and Miss Emmagene Stitch relishes in her spinster status. After seeing how supposed 'gentleman' act when in love, she's more than happy to avoid marriage, but her favourite cousin is marrying her love, and she needs to go to the house party to support her. While en route, and at the party, Emmie is forced into the company of the arrogant and rude Earl of Huntly. Their every conversation is full of vitriol and disagreement, but soon they realise that they have more in common than they might expect, and open up like never before.

I didn't like Emmie in book 1, but we see why she was so harsh and abrasive in this book, and the same with Huntly. Both had had difficulties in their pasts, Emmie with a beau who broke her heart, and Huntly with his parents. They had put up walls to protect themselves, and their outward personas were designed to turn people away. That connection is what brought the pair together, and I feel like their relationship was better than book 1. An improvement in the series, and one I'm glad I continued.

Dates Read:
December 25-26, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Forgetting the Earl (The Arrogant Earls #1) by Kathleen Ayers

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2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: King Takes Queen (Ladies of Risk #3) by Rachel Ann Smith

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King Takes Queen
Series: Ladies of Risk #3
Author: Rachel Ann Smith
Published December 13th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
An innocent contest becomes the ultimate challenge.

Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand.

His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threated his fortitude to remain in the wings.

With a threat of banishment, from the Head of the Foreign Office, challenging Minerva to a game of chess was his only option if he wished to remain on English soil.

But if he wins, he’ll be denying Minerva the family she’s always wanted, and if he looses he’ll never have the only woman he’s ever loved.

Find out if Anthony will succeed in winning his best friend’s sister’s hand or if Minerva be left to spend the rest of her days in spinster seating... in Rachel Ann Smith's King Takes Queen.
Goodreads

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

After proclaiming to all and sundry that she would only marry the man who can defeat her in a game of chess, Lady Minerva Malbury has been plotting. There's only one man she's ever wanted to marry, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, her brother's best friend, but he's been vocal about not wanting to marry her. However, Anthony has a secret. He's been in love with Minerva for as long as he can remember, but he knows she wants a large family, and all the woman who've married into his family have died in childbirth - he won't do that to her. When Anthony is threatened with banishment unless he joins the Foreign Office, or plays against Minerva, he relents, but he can never force her to do something she doesn't want.

I had such high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it was worth it. Minerva and Anthony have had such fantastic chemistry in the previous books, and I needed to know just why they were punishing themselves by staying away from each other. Minerva's wish for freedom was a great sub plot, and I loved that she was able to explore that wish before realising that losing Anthony, losing her family, was too much to give up on. All of the missing links and loose ends that might have been left behind in the previous books were more than dealt with here. The ending of the book was perfect, and the Malbury family are so tight knit, that I couldn't have expected anything different! Rachel may have been a new author for me, but I'll be on the look out for more in future.

Dates Read:
December 24-25, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Duke of Aces (Ladies of Risk #2) by Rachel Ann Smith

11:00

The Duke of Aces
Series: Ladies of Risk #2
Author: Rachel Ann Smith
Published May 26th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Wagering on Love is Risky...

A lady’s fate should never be determined by the turn of a card.
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand.

Love is not in the cards for one of England’s top spies.
The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
Goodreads

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

After seeing her younger sister marry, many would expect that Lady Isadora Malbury hopes for the same this season. However, Isadora wants to continue to be a part of the Wicked Ladies Society, a secret group, where membership is dependent on marital status. As the leader for this season, it's her duty to rent their headquarters, and when the secretive Duke of Avondale, the brother of the lady she is scouting to join, bids on the premises, it's war. Avondale has a secret, and not many people know he is an agent for the crown. He knows Isadora has secrets, but she seems to be the perfect woman to be his Duchess. But will he be able to convince her of that?

I liked that the series has taken a turn with this book, and there's more of a mystery element to the plot. Avondale and his sister, Charlotte, are agents for the Foreign Office, and there's not many people they can trust other than each other. Charlotte wishes to join the Wicked Ladies Society and discover more about the ladies who are a part of the group. Isadora is sent to see whether Charlotte would be able to keep the truth from her brother, and in turn, she learns more about the Duke. Though they don't have many interactions at first, Avondale decides he wants her, and sets out to make her his duchess. I liked that she didn't back down easily, and forced him to realise that a marriage of convenience is not for him, and he wants love in his life. We learn more about Minerva's dream for the future too, and I can't wait to see her find her happiness with Drake!

Dates Read:
December 23-24, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: An Earl Unmasked (Ladies of Risk #1) by Rachel Ann Smith

10:00

An Earl Unmasked
Series: Ladies of Risk #1
Author: Rachel Ann Smith
Published January 20th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Lady Diana Malbury is known for her charm and intelligence, why else would she rather solve another one of the late Earl of Chestwick’s word puzzles than entertain potential suitors for the Season?

The old earl presents her with the highest-stake challenge yet…

If she remains unwed for the Season, she can return to his estate next summer and solve the latest puzzle by way of his extensive library, her favorite place in England…

But Randal Wilson, the new Earl of Chestwick, has returned from the war a decorated hero but also wounded and angry. His estate is off-limits to everyone. Why would the Beast of Chestwick allow the mindless fools of society to infiltrate his private world when he has greater things to worry about, like getting back to the war front.

But Diana doesn’t give up easily, and when she meets the earl after trespassing on his land—the two share a brief but soul-awakening kiss.

Suddenly Diana and Randal are forced to rethink their solitary ambitions...love is a riddle that only two hearts can solve together.
Goodreads

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

After promising the old Earl of Chestwick that she would return from her first season unmarried, ready to solve the riddle he left her, Lady Diana Malbury is ready to seek out the clues in his library. However, the late Earl's son, Randal, has newly inherited the title, and has no intention of letting a debutante invade his privacy. Diana does not give up easily, and though Randal does just about everything to turn her away, neither can deny the urge to be together.

I honestly could not remember anything about this book when I decided to check by kindle TBR, and saw that I had this trilogy to read. Thinking it was probably easiest to go in blind, I started An Earl Unmasked and was drawn to Diana's story instantly. The youngest daughter of an Earl, Diana is about to embark on her debut season, but would rather be with her family, and her neighbour the Earl of Chestwick, than in a London ballroom. Her elder sisters are yet to marry, and she promised the earl she would return to solve his riddle. The relationship between Diana and the old earl was lovely, and I know he fully intended for her and Randal to meet and fall in love. Randal returned from the battlefield on the death of his father, and his injuries mean he wants solitude and to not be disturbed, particularly not by a bluestocking such as Diana. He orders that anyone on his land is to be shot on sight, and the house to be shut up, but Diana is tenacious, and when she comes across him on the estate injured, she won't stop returning. I enjoyed the way Diana and Randal grew on each other, and how they started by respecting the other's mind, and then acting on their feelings. The added plot line of Minerva's plan to only marry whoever bests her at chess has definitely set the series up for a fun tale, and the extended Malbury clan are a family I hope we see more of in the sequels.

Dates Read:
December 23, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: If Not for the Duke (The Duke’s Lost Treasures #3) by Lana Williams

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If Not for the Duke
Series: The Duke’s Lost Treasures #3
Author: Lana Williams
Published November 30th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Can she keep her secret from the suspicious duke?

While thrilled her older sisters are happily married, Lena Wright doesn’t expect that future for herself. Not when her ability to foresee events causes her such distress. How unfortunate that her intuition places her directly in the path of the grumpiest man in all of London--the Duke of Renwick.

Sterling Dunworth, the Duke of Renwick, learned not to trust others from his father. Lena Wright is intriguing, and he’s grateful to her for befriending his shy sister, but a secret lurks in her beautiful eyes. If only he could remember that after their first kiss.

Lena is dismayed to learn His Grumpiness has launched a search for treasure on Oak Island. But when the famous treasure hunter the duke employs to lead the dig claims instant success, Lena refuses to remain silent.

All Lena wants is to unveil the treasure hunt as a fraud and protect her father’s legacy. She has no desire to hurt Sterling or his sister. Yet with each day that passes, it becomes clear she can’t manage both.

Sterling and Lena aren’t the only ones interested in the supposed treasure on the island, and they must put their love and lives on the line to stop the thief from stealing the most important treasure--the one they’ve found in each other.
Goodreads

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

As the youngest Wright sister, Lena has always followed her older sisters. But now the only one unmarried, she's both relishing and hating the silence. And when her 'gift' of feeling when something is about to go wrong occurs at a garden party, with the Duke of Renwick's sister, Lena finds she is drawn to his family like never before. Sterling Dunworth will do anything for his sister, and that includes buying up the rights to dig on Oak Island. He's wary of Lena and Bernice's friendship, as women have tried to befriend Bernie in the past to get closer to him. Lena seems to actually care about Bernie, though, and it's clear that Sterling is the one who is falling.

I enjoyed the romance in this one perhaps the most, but parts of the plot line weren't as enjoyable as previous books. I did like that we got to see Lena's gift more, and learn about the family connection it has. It allowed Lena to come to terms with it more, and see it as less of a curse, and more of a bonus, particularly when it came to the people she loved. Sterling was a grumpy hero, but one who loved hard, and Lena was no exception. They were both wary at first, and tried to fight the attraction, but it was too much for them, and anyway, they were perfect for each other. A lovely way to tie up the series.

Dates Read:
December 19-20, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Kiss from the Marquess (The Duke’s Lost Treasures #2) by Lana Williams

11:00

A Kiss from the Marquess
Series: The Duke’s Lost Treasures #2
Author: Lana Williams
Published August 4th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
A reclusive marquess meets a spirited lady and nothing will ever be the same.

Norah Wright is filled with guilt for what happened the day her father died while digging for treasure on Oak Island. Determined his work isn’t forgotten, she finds the perfect museum to display the few artifacts he found. But convincing the absentminded marquess who owns it to agree is a challenge.

Simon Webb, the Marquess of Vanbridge, carefully cultivates the artifacts on display at the Museum of Antiquities. His quiet and reclusive life focused on history helps ease the pain of his youth. He doesn’t fit in with Society, nor does he care to...until Norah barges into his world.

Though her eldest sister wants her to find a husband, Norah seeks adventure after their sheltered upbringing on the small island. She has no intention of marrying until she’s had a chance to truly live.

An unexpected kiss with Norah, who is opposite of him in every way, shocks Simon. She’s strong-willed, has more friends from her brief time in London than he’s made his entire life, and stirs a passion within him that he didn’t realize was possible.

When one of Norah’s father’s artifacts goes missing from Simon’s museum, along with several others, the pair must work together to uncover the thief even as desire burns between them, putting everything they hold dear at risk.
Goodreads

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

Norah wishes she never spoke harshly to her father on the day he died. Trying to atone for it, she wants the Marquess of Vanbridge to open an exhibit at his museum in honour of her late father, but getting him to turn up to any of her meetings is proving to be difficult. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she turns up at Vanbridge's home, and is shocked to see that he is just a shy man, more at home with his own studies rather than in society. Simon is intrigued by the beautiful woman who storms into his study and demands a meeting. Though not interested in pirate treasure himself, he finds himself agreeing to create the perfect exhibit for her father's items, to great success. But when items, including David Wright's coin, go missing, Simon and Norah find themselves involved in a plot which seems too big for them to manage alone, and which may be dangerous.

I like how the theme of the sister's time on Oak Island runs through the series. After Ella and Marbury have married, Norah finds she wants to have something to do, and a museum exhibit is perfect. Vanbridge's museum is the best, but she's angry he keeps forgetting her appointment. When they finally meet, the attraction is instantly there, and I loved that both characters came out of their shells, and were able to be vulnerable to each other, when they've always hidden those parts of themselves. Norah and Simon really were a great couple, made for each other, which was clear throughout the entire book. I hope book 3 explores Lena's 'feelings' a little more, as they were extremely useful here.

Dates Read:
December 18-19, 2022

Rating
3 Stars

2022 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Once Upon a Duke's Wish (The Duke’s Lost Treasures #1) by Lana Williams

10:00

Once Upon a Duke's Wish
Series: The Duke’s Lost Treasures #1
Author: Lana Williams
Published May 17th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
An earl shadowed by the past meets a lady determined to start anew.

Ella Wright brings her two younger sisters to London after the tragic death of their treasure-hunting father on Oak Island, hoping to secure their futures. But the city presents new challenges, the first of which is convincing their estranged grandfather, the intimidating Duke of Rothwood, to take them in. Then their father’s journal detailing his search for pirate treasure is stolen, and Ella has no idea who to trust.

Leo Stanton, the Earl of Marbury, is alarmed when he hears three ladies claiming to be Rothwood’s granddaughters have arrived in London. Fearing the man who’s been like a grandfather to him is being taken advantage of, he rushes to Rothwood’s side to find three beauties under his roof and their father’s questionable scribbles missing.

Given Leo’s expertise in pirate artifacts, the duke requests his assistance to find the stolen journal. Leo reluctantly agrees, though he thinks Ella’s father was a fool. While he can’t ignore his resentment of past events, one heated kiss with Ella convinces him that more is at stake than a notebook.

Ella knows the pain pursuing a dream can cause, yet her growing attraction for Leo can’t be denied. Dare she trust him in her quest to regain her father’s journal along with her love, or will fate demand payment for the past?
Goodreads

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

After their father died, sisters Ella, Norah, and Lena Wright leave the only home they've ever known, in Nova Scotia, to travel to London. They hope their grandfather, the Duke of Rothwood, will welcome them, after his only daughter - their mother - ran off with their father over twenty years ago. Allowed to live in his home, but not embraced with open arms, the sisters find themselves trying to navigate London society, and when their father's prized journal is stolen, Ella will do anything to get it back. Even if that means working with the Earl of Marbury, and potentially losing her heart in the process.

I was drawn to this book first by the cover, and then the synopsis. And let me tell you, the story inside is even better too. The Wright's have never known their maternal family, and the thought of setting across the ocean to hope their grandfather will take pity on them is hard. And eldest sister, Ella, is taking it all on herself. She knows they need help, and she will do anything to see her sisters settled. Holding tight to her father's prized possessions, she crashes into a handsome man who just turns out to be the son of the man her mother jilted all those years ago. Ella and Leo clash heads almost instantly, but working together to find the journal, and learning more about the other person, and not the persona they put on for others, they quickly fall. I really liked the progression from wariness to love that Ella and Leo went through. The book really shows them falling naturally, and the added mystery of David Wright's journal helped to aide the plot. A great start to the series, and the epilogue was so sweet too!

Dates Read:
December 17-18, 2022

Rating
3 Stars