Sophie Reads YA

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Unladylike Lessons in Love (The Marleigh Sisters #1) by Amita Murray

10:00

Unladylike Lessons in Love
Series: The Marleigh Sisters #1
Author: Amita Murray
Published May 16th 2023 by Avon/May 30th 2023 by HarperCollins

Goodreads Synopsis
Not every Regency lady is looking for a husband…

As the daughter of an English earl and his Indian mistress, impulsive Lila Marleigh has already broken the rules of society into tiny pieces.

When a face she never thought she would see again appears and begs for help, Lila must court notoriety once more and pit her wits against the annoyingly handsome aristocrat, Ivor Tristram. But does she risk opening her heart to the one person who can break it…?
Goodreads

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

Lila Marleigh is not a typical society lady. The illegitimate daughter of an English Earl and his Indian mistress, she has lived a privileged life with her father. However, his death left her with her cruel stepmother and half brother, and finally fleeing their abusive home, she is set to make a name and life for herself, not relying on anyone. Embracing her scandalous reputation, she forms a salon out of her drawing room, and the gaming club is enough to survive on. So when Ivor Tristram demands she stops her affair with his father - who she has never met, or slept with - Lila is not about to accept any demands than an aristocrat makes, no matter how handsome he may be. Ivor refuses to take no for an answer, and that is the only reason he finds himself darkening Lila's door again and again, right, not because he wants to see her?

I don't really know how to rate this book. The characters were decent enough, and Lila and Ivor definitely had a strong chemistry and romance, but the story was a little disjointed and confusing. The stepmother hated Lila and Anya, but still accepted them into her home, and saw that they were educated. Maybe that was to keep her husband happy, but it was a bit of a plot hole I didn't understand. I did like that plot line which got Ivor and Lila working together. Lila's friend arrives at her home, pregnant and distraught that her love is set to be executed, and only Ivor can stop it. I think that was the main reason I kept reading, as I hoped the pair would be able to be free and together, as a family. The romance was spicy, and like I said, Lila and Ivor's chemistry wasn't really the problem, it just didn't grip my attention as much as it could've. I'll maybe read Anya's book when that's released, but I don't think I'll be in any rush,

Dates Read:
September 10-13 2023

Rating
3 Stars

Brigid Kemmerer

Waiting On Wednesday: Destroy the Day (Defy the Night #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

10:00

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Investigating the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #8) by Alexa Aston

17:00

Investigating the Duke
Series: Suddenly a Duke #8
Author: Alexa Aston
Published November 21st 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
A serious clergyman whose brothers die, leaving him an unexpected duke . . .

A woman who is making her way as a Bow Street runner . . .

An investigation that leads them to the truth—and each other . . .

Jasper Lincoln is happy tending to his congregation when news arrives of his brother’s death in battle. Jasper’s father, ailing for several months, slips away, unable to bear the news. And on that same night, Jasper’s brother, Lord Sutton, drunkenly falls down the stairs, dying instantly, making Jasper a sudden duke. He harbors lingering suspicions about these two deaths and seeks help at Bow Street.

Orphan Shelby Slade grew up on the cruel streets of London, surviving as a pickpocket until being rescued by Mr. Franklin, head of the Bow Street runners. Shelby finds her purpose, becoming the only female agent at Bow Street. She is assigned to the Duke of Edgehaven’s case and fights the growing attraction she feels for the solemn clergyman-turned-duke.

As her inquiry proceeds, Shelby believes the previous duke was poisoned with arsenic and that the new duke’s niece, who has suddenly turned mute, may have witnessed her own father’s murder. Together, with Edgehaven’s help, she searches for answers, wanting to uncover the truth regarding both deaths.

Will Shelby’s investigation lead to discovering the killer’s identity—and will she live long enough to claim happiness with Jasper?
Goodreads

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

Lady detective Shelby Slade is no stranger to dukes, so why is helping Jasper Lincoln, new Duke of Edgehaven, investigate the suspicious circumstances which gave him the title? Once an orphan turned pickpocket, her life was changed when the head of the Bow Street Runners took her under his wing, and gave him a home. So all she wants is to be the best investigator she can be, and the feelings she's forming for the staid clergyman turned duke will only get in her way.

I was waiting for Shelby's book, because the amount of times she had shown up in the series, and made such great friendships with some of the duchesses, she had to have a fantastic romance herself. She meets Jasper when he arrives at Bow Street wanting help investigating his father and two brother's deaths. As the third son, he had accepted his position as a clergyman, and never wanted to become Duke of Edgehaven. So arriving at the family estate following his brother's death in battle, he wants only to grieve with the rest of his family. However, in one night his father and surviving brother all die, and he is left with the Dukedom and guardianship of his young nieces. As he works with Shelby to find out how he came to be in this position, they discover so much more than they could ever have imagined, and grow closer day by day. They really were great for each other, and made the other person better. They supported each other through everything, and the found family element of the story was the icing on the case. A fantastic ending to the Suddenly a Duke series.

Dates Read:
November 11, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Training the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #7) by Alexa Aston

16:00

Training the Duke
Series: Suddenly a Duke #7
Author: Alexa Aston
Published October 12th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
An army officer who has returned to his childhood home . . .

An earl’s daughter forced to earn her own living . . .

Two damaged souls who find friendship . . . and love . . .

Lieutenant-General Cyrus Cressley’s head wound leaves him blind in one eye and unsuited to lead men into battle. Selling his commission, Cy returns to Melrose to find his father long dead and his distant brother, who is in poor health, the new Duke of Margate. Cy is given use of the hunting lodge on the estate, where he seeks to find his purpose in life after being forced from the military.

Lady Finola Honeyfield’s come-out was ruined when a cruel trick was played upon her, leaving her to trust no one but her dogs. She retreats to the country and becomes one of England’s premier trainers of English springer spaniels, having found a way to earn her keep, even as she is lost in loneliness.

Thanks to her Honeyfield spaniels, Finola has a chance meeting with Cy. Soon, a friendship springs up between them, with Cy even helping Finola train her current litter of pups. But these two keep secrets from one another and when Cy suddenly finds himself the Duke of Margate, Finola washes her hands of him.

Can Cy convince Finola they are meant to be together and forge a path as the Duke and Duchess of Margate—or will her mistrust of gentlemen of the ton keep them apart forever?
Goodreads

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

Losing her parents at such a young age, Lady Finola Honeyfield was lucky to be taken in by her neighbour, who raised her in the country, training springer spaniels. She's only been to London once, but her come out was marred by both a cruel trick played on her by a handsome suitor, and the death of her guardian. Now one of the premier dog trainers across the country, Finola has no need to wed, and has never found herself even interested. But when she meets Cy Cressley, newly returned from war and living in the hunting lodge on the Duke of Margate's estate, Finola begins to wonder if there could be a future between them. But Cy is the heir to the ailing duke, and his injuries have left him with sight loss. Working together, Cy comes to terms with his disability, and dreams of a future with Finola. But they are both keeping secrets from each other, and when Cy's brother dies, it may prove too big a problem to overcome.

I'm always so happy when I see another book by Alexa available to review, and this book was perfect for her fans. Finola and Cy's pasts had been fraught with loss and heartbreak, and they needed to find themselves and heal, before they could be with someone else. I loved the growth in both of the couple, and seeing them as a little makeshift family when Bertie was around, was so joyful. I do wish that they both had been real with each other about who they were, as hiding their titles led to more heartache than either deserved. A lovely story, and I can't wait to read the next in the series!

Dates Read:
September 30, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Love Blooms with the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #6) by Alexa Aston

15:00

Love Blooms with the Duke
Series: Suddenly a Duke #6
Author: Alexa Aston
Published August 31st 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
A fourth son instantly propelled into a dukedom . . .

A beautiful woman trying to support herself as a governess . . .

Two people who want to be accepted—and who long for love . . .

Xander Hughes, London’s biggest rake, suddenly finds himself in over his head, becoming the Duke of Brockbank and guardian to two nieces he has never met. He decides he must turn over a new leaf and become a sober, responsible duke and starts by hiring a governess for the girls. But Miss Fennimore is a most unique governess with her odd methods of education—and soon Xander wonders if she might make for an even better duchess.

Willa Fennimore’s parents were the toast of London’s theatre world until Theodosia Fennimore murdered her playwright husband and then leaped to her death. Not wishing to become an actress like her mother, Willa supports herself as a companion and governess for a decade, finding her latest post is to instruct a duke’s two unruly nieces.

As Willa falls in love with the orphaned girls, she finds herself also tumbling into love with the Duke of Brockbank. She’s been warned that the duke was a wild rogue before he inherited his title, but Willa only knows the caring man who meets his duties head on and spends an inordinate amount of time with his nieces, who aren’t so terrible after all.

After Brockbank offers marriage to Willa, she dreams of a new life filled with love and happiness. The only thing standing in her way is the secret of her past. If Willa shares her background, she fears she might lose Xander forever.

Will Xander reject Willa when he learns of the scandal involving her parents—or will this rule-breaking duke flout the rules of Polite Society yet again and make a most inappropriate woman his duchess?
Goodreads

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

Xander Hughes, fourth son of the Duke of Brockbank, has returned to the family estate in time for his late father's funeral. Meeting his young nieces for the first time, he realises what he has missed, but still looks forward to returning to his old life, and London, as soon as possible. But tragedy soon strikes, and when his three brothers all die, as well as his sister in law, Xander finds himself the new duke, and guardian for Cecily and Lucy. He needs help, and fast! Miss Willa Fennimore had an eclectic upbringing to say the least. Born to a playwright father and actress mother, she had to raise herself alone, and when her mother kills her father, and then herself, she is left alone to fend for herself. Spending some time as a companion and a governess, she is in London looking for a new position when Xander finds her, and proclaims he needs her. She should refuse the position because of her attraction to Xander, but Cecily and Lucy need her, and she can't pull away from the girls who've stolen her heart. But her secret past won't stay hidden for long, and will Xander still want her if he knows the truth?

I always love a book where there are found family elements, and this one had it all. Xander, Willa, Cecily, and Lucy became the perfect family, and though all had their struggles and faults, together they overcame them, and it was wonderful to see. I liked how Xander didn't gloss over his rakish past, but as soon as he became duke and guardian to the girls, he grew up, and took responsibility. Willa was so well rounded, more so than I would expect with how hectic her childhood had been. She spent most of her time in the theatre as a child, and was left to her own devices often. She took her education into her own hands, and became fluent in a number of languages, which helped her in her governess work. But her looks were her downfall, as the men who hired her decided that she was theirs for whatever they wanted, and she had to leave again and again. This time though, she was upfront with Xander about what he could expect, and he did respect it, while also trying to convince her to marry him. I did hate the misunderstanding which occurred, and was so happy that the girls convinced their uncle he was being an idiot! Another wonderful addition to the series, and it was lovely seeing Henry and Fia again.

Dates Read:
August 26-27, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Fashioning the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #5) by Alexa Aston

14:00

Fashioning the Duke
Series: Suddenly a Duke #5
Author: Alexa Aston
Published July 20th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Eight titled peers who never expected to become dukes do just that—and are attracted to females whom Polite Society does not believe worthy of the title duchess, due to their desires to be more than typical ladies of the ton.

But these sudden dukes choose to forge their own paths with the remarkable women who are already doing just that—and the resulting love proves that trusting one’s heart is always the right choice.

A career army officer who never has known love . . .

The bastard daughter of an earl who owns a millinery shop . . .

A growing passion that could turn Polite Society on its ear . . .

Major-General Nigel Foxwell has spent his entire adult life at war. When he receives word that his much older half-brother has died, Fox inherits not only the title Duke of Abington—but he becomes the guardian to his two nieces who are on the verge of making their come-outs.

Miss Delaney Colebourne lost her beloved father and suffers the wrath of his heir. The new Lord Kinnison tells members of the ton if they frequent Delaney’s Designs , he and Lady Kinnison will give them the cut direct. His edict causes Delaney’s business to evaporate overnight.

A chance meeting at a solicitor’s office has Fox pleading with Delaney to help him manage his nieces’ come-outs. She agrees to design the young ladies’ wardrobes and has her former employees help her in making up gowns for the pair. An attraction grows—and Fox and Delaney act upon—but she refuses to marry him.

Will this newly-minted duke convince Delaney that she can maintain her independence and still love him—or will her mistrust of Polite Society prevent her from a lifetime of love?
Goodreads

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

Miss Delaney Colebourne was lucky to have had her father for so long. She may be illegitimate, but her father, the late Earl of Kinnison, always loved her, and helped her set up Delaney's Designs, a millinery store frequented by many of the ton. That is until her half brother destroys her name, and denounces that anyone who shops there will be given the cut direct. Delaney knows she needs a miracle, and soon. Quite literally running into the new Duke of Abington outside her solicitor, Nigel Foxwell begs Delaney to help him with his nieces, and with navigating the ton himself. Fox knows he needs a bride, but he's found his match in Delaney, and now he just has to convince her.

As this series progresses I never know how Alexa will manage to create something new for each of the couples, but she always does. Fox and Delaney were a lovely couple, and I felt really sorry for how Delaney had been punished by her half-brother. She was the daughter of the late Earl of Kinnison, and his mistress, who he had always loved and wished to marry, but he had been forced to marry his proper countess, and his son never let him forget it. As soon as he inherited the title, he set about ruining his half-sister's chances, and was managing quite well until Fox came along. Fox had been at war until he learnt his elder brother had died, and left him the dukedom and guardianship of his teenage nieces. Now back in London, he needs help, and when Delaney literally runs into him, it's perfect. I loved how they worked together and didn't try and railroad each other with their ideas. Fox clearly wanted Delaney, but he knew how important her work was for her, and tried everything to help her, even if they wouldn't be together. A lovely addition to the series - I can't wait for more!

Dates Read:
July 11, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: Designs on the Duke (Suddenly a Duke #4) by Alexa Aston

13:00

Designs on the Duke
Series: Suddenly a Duke #4
Author: Alexa Aston
Published June 8th 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
A twin back from war, his brother dying in his arms . . .

A woman who has traveled the world and learned from those travels . . .

Two people who don’t fit into the constricting rules of London’s Polite Society . . .

Major Elijah Young never met his father, the Duke of Bradford, who believed his young wife betrayed him and gave birth to twins sired by another man. Now, two deaths have changed the trajectory of Elijah’s life—and he is the new duke. Elijah vows never to wed and father children, wanting the ducal line to end with him.

Miss Abigail Trent lost both her parents and spent a decade with her guardian, journeying to exotic countries around the world. Abby takes her experiences and begins Trent Furnishings, sketching furniture influenced by her travels and having craftsmen bring her visions to life. The ton is who can afford her designs, and so she enters Polite Society to bring notice to her business.

Neither Elijah nor Abby want marriage—and love is out of the question—yet their attraction grows as she accepts his commission to furnish his entire London townhouse.

Will this unlikely pair admit their feelings for one another—or will their lack of communication prevent them from finding lasting happiness?
Goodreads

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

Though the son of the Duke of Bradford, Elijah Young never met his late father, nor did he expect to inherit. After his mother married the previous duke and fell pregnant, she was thrown out and accused of carrying illegitimate sons. All throughout his life, Elijah's mother has claimed that he and his twin, Gil, were true born sons, and Gil would one day inherit. Unfortunately, both brothers served in the war, and just before they discovered their father's death, Gil was killed. Now Elijah is duke, though his homes have been stripped of all their possessions. Luckily the first people he meets in society are the Earl of Ladiwyck and Miss Abigail Trent, the owner and designer at Trent Furnishings. Elijah immediately hires Abby to furnish his townhouse, and other properties, and soon realises that though he's always said he would never marry or have children, Abby is making he reconsider.

Another great tale with the hero being someone outside of society, and the heroine being a lady who works for her living. I liked how Elijah and Abby met, and how close both they became, as well as Ladiwyck and the duchess. The fact the late duke had been so vindictive as to refuse to support his pregnant wife, and leave her and their twin boys penniless was horrific, and to top it all off, he sold all the furnishings of the estate off, so that whenever they do inherit, they won't have anywhere to live. It was quite lucky that there was still enough money in the bank to buy new, and Abby worked her socks off to create the home that Elijah wanted. There was less conflict in this book as there had been in previous ones, but the romance was still great, as was the secondary plot line of the Duchess and Ladiwyck. I can't wait to see what happens next for our couples so far.

Dates Read:
June 4, 2023

Rating
3 Stars