Book Review: The One with the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel

About the Book:

It was just one date.

My friend told me I needed more fun in my life, so I reluctantly said yes. Fun wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. After watching my own mother’s love life implode time and time again it’s only natural that I have a few rules to protect myself.

Actually, it’s just one rule…

Avoid relationships with men so I don’t get attached.

I wasn’t worried. Getting attached has never been a problem for me. This guy was just a warm body in a chair. I was here for the basketball game. I was absolutely NOT here for my date.

Or the kiss cam.

Or the kiss.

Or the impromptu evening with the one man who seems bent on throwing my tidy world off of its axis.

But when my life takes a nose dive, he’s also the man who seems bent on proving to me that good men do exist, dreams can come true, and sometimes throwing out the rule book is when the magic really starts to happen.

The One with the Kiss Cam is the first in a series of standalone romantic comedies by Cindy Steel. It is a sweet, closed door romance full of sizzle, witty banter, and chemistry, but without explicit content.

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My Thoughts:

The One with the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel was a case of Bookstagram-Made-Me-Do-It. I would not have purchased this book based on the cover, the title, or the blurb. However, I saw bookish friends raving about the book, so I took a chance. And… I am glad I did because it was one of my favorite reads so far in 2024.

The One with the Kiss Cam brimmed with flirting and swoony moments. The romantic arc was spot on with the ever-developing relationship pulling me on until the end. The flirtation and comebacks delivered humor repeatedly. The perfectly paced plot kept me flipping pages. In short, I read this book as quickly as I could.

The One with the Kiss Cam lands as book one in Cindy Steel’s new series, The One. The novel is not Christian fiction, but it is clean (minus five or so mild curse words) with a theme about sacrificial love and representations of hard work ethic.  I want to sit down and reread it now. Then, I want to read all of this author’s backlist. I have no regrets about spending money on this one. Five stars!

Book Review: Meet Hate by Abi Sabina

About the Book:

Meet Hate is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com with crackling chemistry full of laughs and heart set on a dairy farm. All the tension without the explicit bits. It's the third book in the Meet Cute Series, but it can be read as a standalone.

If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it's that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us.

Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong.

Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off.

When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us.

But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love.

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Meet Hate by Abi Sabina from start to finish. Initially, I thought the title unappealing. However, once I started reading, I was hooked by this enemies-to-lovers romance. The author used this familiar trope to create a feel-good romantic comedy (romcom) that was funny without relying too heavily on pop culture references.  

The characters in Meet Hate undergo limited character development as the focus is on Hayes and Ellie’s growing relationship. Unlike some enemies-to-lovers stories, Ellie’s antagonism of Hayes was completely understandable considering her impending loss. The pronounced tension between them led to legitimately funny moments that had me snickering (mostly at Hayes). The author deftly moved Ellie and Hayes from business-related tension to romantic tension. I enjoyed all the stages of their relationship as well as the story’s conclusion.

Meet Hate lands as the third installment in Abi Sabina’s Meet Cute series. The novel works well as a standalone, but it was so delightful that I’ve already added the prior books to my wish list. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy clean romance with fun, humor, and swoony moments. The only thing I would change would be to omit the last paragraph of the book blurb as it’s a bit of a spoiler.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Spotlight: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane 

Series: Hope Crossing #2 

Author: Melissa McClone 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: December 14, 2022

Genre: Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance (Christmas/Holiday)

She’s his Christmas miracle. Now all he has to do is convince her of that…

Figure skater Tasha Ramson used to love the holidays. But with her career on the skids, she needs a break from the festive season—and Berry Lake is the perfect place to take it. Organizing a Christmas fundraiser was not on her agenda. Neither was falling for the small town’s handsome lawyer. But…she did… 

Elias Carpenter needs a break, too. Between the demands of his family firm and managing the ice show fundraiser, he’s at the end of his rope. Tasha showing up is the best thing that could’ve happened for him professionally and personally. Now, if only he could convince her to move him out of the friendzone… 

When a pesky ghost from Tasha’s past arrives to wreck her present, will she hang onto Elias when it matters most? Or will she let her happily ever after skate away forever?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

Elias placed his arm around Tasha, doing his best bodyguard impression to push his way through the crowd and lead her off the rink.

“How do you want to handle this?” he whispered.

“A few photos.” She spoke so quietly he strained to hear her. “There aren’t that many people.”

For now.

News traveled wildfire-fast in Berry Lake. And with one member of the Volcanoes part of this town via his wife, people following the team would know about Tasha’s all-pro hockey-playing brother. Elias did, but he’d failed to make Tasha’s connection to Alek.

“Shoes?” Elias asked.

“Let’s get this over with first.” Her resigned tone contradicted the smile frozen on her face.

He wanted to whisk her out of there, give her a hot chocolate, and kiss the worry from her eyes.

Whoa. Where had that come from?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA TODAY bestselling, award winning author Melissa McClone writes heartwarming women’s fiction and sweet contemporary romance novels for Tule Publishing Group, Harlequin Books, and Cardinal Press. She has also optioned two screenplays. When she’s not writing relatable characters and sigh-worthy happy endings, she spends her time in the rainy Pacific Northwest reading from her Kindle’s ever-growing TBR, napping with her Norwegian Elkhound and two mini panthers, and decorating her Happy Planner. Melissa graduated from Stanford University with a mechanical engineering degree, but discovered she prefers writing happily ever afters to jet engine testing and analysis.

Connect with Melissa by visiting melissamcclone.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Christmas Mystery Prize Pack including a $10 Amazon card, a $10 Starbucks card, and Christmas items!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 14, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson

About the Book:

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

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My Thoughts:

Reading A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson gave me a calm respite from life. It’s the type of sweet romance novel that makes me root for the characters without feeling desperate to gobble up their story. It’s relaxed and fun and pleasant. In other words, it’s a classic Jen Geigle Johnson novel.

I liked that A Tenuous Betrothal held story tension without the main characters acting as adversaries. Rhianna’s natural leadership skills give her the necessary stubbornness and strength she needs to do good for her hometown. Marc is a born leader with a bent for protecting others, but these two characters partner together throughout the novel. Whether it’s finding a spouse or bettering the lives of others, Marc and Rhianna respect each other and willingly support the other’s goals. Although their romance felt a tad angsty as they rehashed their reasons to not be together, Rhianna’s uniqueness, plus the strong partnership between her and Marc, kept me turning pages until I finished this agreeable story.

A Tenuous Betrothal lands as book three in Jen Geigle Johnson’s Royal Regency Romance series. I read book one, but not book two, and A Tenuous Betrothal worked fine as a standalone story. Though the events involving Napoleon and France take a backseat to the characters’ relationships, that background setting does carry over from book to book. I suggest reading the novels in sequence to see how these six royal brothers navigate political happenings and personal romances.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae

About the Book:

A classic Cinderella fairytale with a Victorian Twist.

With her guiding hand, Lady Ada turns the mundane into the magnificent, lumps of charcoal into beautiful sketches—and second-hand clothes into gorgeous gowns. Only her debilitating stutter is beyond reach.

When her cruel brother is accused of treason, he threatens her—she must help him, or be thrown into an asylum, claiming her stutter as evidence of an unsound mind.

Like a rabid dog, the Duke of Girard is consumed with uncovering the traitorous plot surrounding Lady Ada’s brother. She holds the key to solving the mystery, but is unable to speak.

He’s determined to interrogate the woman, but the longer he’s in her company, the more kind he becomes. With Lady Ada’s brother on the loose, can the Duke of Girard win her trust—and her heart—in time to save the queen?

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My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae. This Cinderella retelling brings together an independent, freedom-chasing heroine (Lady Ada) and a persistent, duty-bound duke (Edwin, Duke of Girard). Romance brews from the moment they meet, and the relational tension grows as family ties and political intrigue swirl around the pair. Their growing attachment brings romantic moments that kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Although the romance in Cinders Like Glass is lovely, I also enjoyed the mystery of le Tailleur (which carries into the next book), the dangerous moments, and the character development. For much of Lady Ada’s life, her stutter could trigger unexpectedly, causing awkwardness and shame. As Ada learns to push through this disability, her strength blossomed in every area of life. A fabulous journey to watch unfold. 

Cinders Like Glass stands as the second novel in Clarissa Kae’s Victorian Retelling series. I recommended reading the series in order, but Cinders Like Glass can be read as a stand-alone. I confess, that I never did figure Nikolas out and I’m hoping his character will be fleshed out in a later novel. 

Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae is a clean fiction read. The romance goes no further than a few swoony kisses. There is occasional, mild English cursing, but not so much that it hindered my enjoyment of the story.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Lies & Letters by Ashtyn Newbold

About the Book:

After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.

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My Thoughts: 

Lies & Letters is a stand-alone, historical romance by Ashtyn Newbold, though it briefly mentions Kellaway Manor from Mischief & Manors. The romance centers on James and Charlotte, although there is a lovely background romance for Clara, Charlotte’s sister. James leads the romance with Charlotte as a devoted, inspiring hero. Charlotte, however, is an unsympathetic female lead. Her cruelty toward Clara made me want to abandon the book, and even after her catalyst for change, Charlotte could be very selfish. I had a hard time liking her and it affected my enjoyment of the story.

However, Lies & Letters features a beautiful cover, a clean storyline, and some good quotes. I’ll share one from page 145: “Now be determined enough to love your flaws as much as your beauty. And be determined enough to approach the flaws you are capable of changing, and do it. Be a person you can love.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Unexpected Love Novella Collection

About the Book:

Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons--whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.

Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Though decidedly against marriage, when Ambrose Notley discovers it may win him his uncle's good opinion (and his inheritance), he marries the orphaned Kate Mowbray. But will Kate be able to break down the walls that Ambrose has built around himself?

First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
When Letty's sister and husband unexpectedly die, a greedy uncle threatens to steal custody of the children and their money. David, Letty's brother-in-law, marries Letty in the hopes of retaining custody of their niece and nephew. But will this love for show become something deeper?

The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
When Faith McKinney witnesses a crime she shouldn't have seen, she's forced into hiding to protect her own life.As part of this, her uncle arranges her marriage to small-town sheriff Geoffrey. But when the men searching for her find Geoffrey as well, will he be able to protect her?

Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
When a marriage arranged by chance brings Fanny and Percy together, they quickly learn that clashing personalities and battles of wit are not a recipe for a happy match. How could a marriage between quick enemies ever result in something such as love? But fate has a way of bringing even the most unlikely hearts together...

👉 Cedar Fort Books is currently offering physical copies of Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology on sale for $1.99. Click here to purchase. Be sure to check the price. I'm not sure how long the sale lasts. 👈

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My Thoughts:

Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology features novellas by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth, and Ashtyn Newbold. I have enjoyed full-length novels by Ashtyn Newbold and gave this collection a try based on her name and my fondness for the marriage-of-convenience trope. I was pleased with the diverse subject matter and unique settings, but I wished for more character development in each story. All the stories held plenty of romantic potential and worked within the novella form constraints to produce the anticipated happily ever after.

Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology will likely appeal to fans of clean and/or Christian romance who enjoy novellas. The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth stands as my favorite story in this collection and I’ll be looking for additional novels by that author.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Mischief & Manors by Ashtyn Newbold

About the Book:

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers were orphaned, Annette closed her heart off, dedicating her life to raising her brothers and protecting them from her abusive aunt. But when her hateful aunt sends them to Kellaway Manor for the summer to reform the boys, Annette is reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood friend just as mischievous as her brothers. She soon finds her closeted heart in jeopardy in the battle between fear and desire. 

Does she have room in her heart for another?

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My Thoughts:

There’s no telling how many times I laughed out loud while reading Mischief & Manors by Ashtyn Newbold. Flowing humor integrated into the family atmosphere at Kellaway Manor whether it was banter between Owen and Annette, the mischief of Annette’s young brothers, or the antics of Grandma.

Beyond the humor, the steady romance between Annette and Owen kept me turning the pages of Mischief & Manors. I loved the witty teasing, delightful flirtation, and swoony moments. As their growing affection faced obstacles from within and without, tension mounted until the beautiful blossoming of their love.  

Mischief & Manors stands as Ashtyn Newbold’s debut novel, but it is my personal favorite out of the ones I have read by her. I found the book highly enjoyable and look forward to reading more novels by this author. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Halstead House by Aspen Hadley

About the Book:

Grace Natalie Burke was named after her mother's two favorite actresses, but the only thing they have in common is the ability to put on a good show. Growing up under an iron thumb, she's never gone off script, yet as she stares at the candles on her twenty-fifth birthday, she determines to reach for more.

Terrified but hopeful, Grace buys a one-way airline ticket to Lavender Island in order to visit Halstead House, the once upon a time home of the only person Grace had ever been safe with, her honorary grandmother Mary.

When Grace arrives on the island she's immediately caught up in the warmth-filled life she'd always imagined.

What she hadn't imagined, however, was John Lucas Halstead or the feelings he would stir in her – especially when he’ll do anything to keep her at arms length.

Just as Grace is finding her feet, her mother arrives on the island uninvited, forcing Grace to decide where she’ll stand once and for all. Is it finally time to rip up the script? Or will she accept her role and return?

Only Grace can decide.

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My Thoughts:

Halstead House by Aspen Hadley makes a lovely summer read. The descriptions of Lavender Island and Halstead House gave me all the beach vibes. With a cast of unique characters to support Grace, the story explored Grace’s journey to discover who she truly is as she opens her mind to new experiences and healthier ways of thinking. I cheered as she made her own decisions and did the hard work of setting boundaries with her mother.

Halstead House started off a bit slow as Grace makes her vacation escape from her extremely structured life. It took a bit longer than I would have preferred for the friendship between Lucas and Grace to commence. Not too much later, all the romance came into play. Grace and Lucas have chemistry and lots of kissing scenes, but the romance stays clean.

Halstead House by Aspen Hadley will likely appeal to readers who enjoy clean, contemporary romances with depth and some touches of humor. This is the first novel I’ve read by Aspen Hadley and I’m glad I have her other books waiting on my shelf. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton

About the Book:

Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause.

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

As the second stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, romantic series set in the Regency period.

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My Thoughts:

Several aspects of A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton endeared this short novel to me. First, I liked that it was an English Regency romance outside of the popular “London Season” setting. Also, the easy-to-read story had Jane Austen style vibes and felt perfectly paced. As far as the romance between Emma and Luca, their tender relationship grew as they gradually realized how perfectly suited they were.

A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton offers readers a few hours of escape from reality. Per the author’s note, this novel is meant to be a respite from troubles and anxiety. As such, the story entertains, but is not the type of book to keep the reader up past bedtime.

A Companion for the Count works well as a standalone novel although it enters the Clairvoir Castle Romances as book two and features appearances by the couple in the first novel, Mr. Gardiner and the Governess. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold

About the Book:

Growing up in a dreary coastal town, Lucy Abbot has secretly dreamt of a perfect and exciting romance, missing the childhood summers spent in the countryside with her cousins and their charming neighbor, Nicholas. After Lucy learns that Nicholas has been married in the six years of her absence, she is heartbroken and more determined than ever to move beyond her past and claim her independence.

Lonely and confined, Lucy grasps an opportunity to return to the estate of Rosewood at her cousin’s invitation, hoping the escape will lift her spirits, keeping her departure secret from her protective parents.

But just as her journey is finally underway, her carriage is besieged by highwaymen with a familiar man leading them. Struggling through past heartbreak and fearing for her life in the present, Lucy can’t help but wonder—could this mysterious outlaw be exactly the person she has been searching for?

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My Thoughts:

I practically devoured Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold. This fast-paced, historical romance carried my attention from beginning to end. Although there was some insta-love between Lucy and Nicholas, I loved their chemistry and childhood backstory. Their rekindled relationship thoroughly entertained and kept me turning the pages. I sometimes wished the plot would slow down and flesh out certain issues, but overall, the novel was well-written.

Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold is the first book I have read by this author, and I am eager to read more by her. This novel does not include a faith element, but will likely appeal to readers who enjoy clean and/or Christian fiction. It is a lovely choice for anyone desiring a light, entertaining romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Stage for Harriet by Mary-Celeste Ricks

About the Book:

When farmer's daughter Harriet Shore flees her small seaside town to accept a position as a governess in London, attending lavish balls and parties is the last thing on her mind. She long ago gave up her childish notion of acting, but when the Duchess of Dorset notices Harriet's uncanny resemblance to her own daughter, Virginia, the duchess offers Harriet the role of a lifetime.

Befriending and impersonating Virginia is easy enough at first, but Harriet's double life quickly becomes complicated. When her childhood sweetheart, Stephan Grimsby, arrives on the scene, along with some unwanted suitors, the entire charade threatens to unravel.

If Harriet maintains the illusion and pleases the duchess, her dreamed-of happy ending would be within reach, but her new friend Virginia might suffer a terrible fate.

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My Thoughts:

A Stage for Harriet by Mary-Celeste Ricks boasts a rich, eye-catching cover that invites the reader into this British Regency period romance. Harriet and Stephan’s childhood friendship blossoms into romance early in the novel, leaving most of the story to focus on this couple confirming their affections and pursuing a way to overcome the obstacles separating them. Sweet, romantic moments laced in with their efforts and kept me reading.

A Stage for Harriet offers a clean romance with young characters who experience limited character development. The friendship between Harriet, Virginia, and Mandie stands as a prominent element in the story and is filled with teasing and sarcastic humor. Although there are some serious situations in the storyline, it maintains a light, YA historical fiction feel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

About the Book:

Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.

But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.

Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.

Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright. This well-written, historical romance novel held my attention from start to finish, largely due to Caroline, an intelligent, plucky, young woman who finds herself in need of a husband and unable to live within society’s expectations for women. I loved her passion and wit as well as her personal journey throughout the story.

I found the romance in A Captain for Caroline Gray wonderfully entertaining. A steady romantic tension between Caroline and Thomas (Captain Scott) kept their relationship at the forefront of the story. Their clever banter, their attraction, and even their disagreements amused me.

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright possessed both depth and tension, but never felt heavy, even as it addressed themes of forgiveness and truth.  I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy clean historical romances.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review & Giveaway: A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae

About the Book

Book:  A Dark Beauty

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Fairytale

Release date: March 9, 2021

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

Click here to get your copy!

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My Thoughts

I enjoyed every page of A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae. From start to finish, this Beauty and the Beast retelling captivated my attention. The perfectly paced plot included fresh twists on expected events. Themes of loyalty and the value of family wove into this clean Victorian-era romance.

The enemies-to-lovers romance between Georgiana and Lord Pichon delighted me. Their “Battle of Wits” added humor and tension. From the first time these two met, I rooted for them find love together. I appreciated that their relationship went beyond companionship. Both characters, but especially Lord Pichon, change due to their growing relationship.

A Dark Beauty stands as the first novel in the Victorian Retellings series by Clarissa Kae. A mystery weaved into the story and set the stage for book two. I plan to purchase a paperback copy of this novel and the forthcoming book in the series. I recommend A Dark Beauty to readers who enjoy clean historical romances. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author

 

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

 

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

 

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

 

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More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

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Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25

Labor Not in Vain, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Books and Everyday Life, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Breny and Books, March 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Through the Fire Blog, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 30

deb’s Book Review, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

Inside the Wong Mind, March 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1

Inspiration Clothesline, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3

To Everything There Is A Season, April 3

Beauty in the Binding, April 3

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 4

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 5

Pause for Tales, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: Panning for Love by Meg Cross Wenig

About the Book:

Maggie Carver found herself as the third wheel in her own relationship with a guy who was really good at living a double life—until he wasn’t. Since then, trust didn’t come easily. Two years later, her best friend convinced her to go live for a week in Summit Springs, an old mining town in Utah. In a historical reenactment experience, they would get to live as people did in 1866 during the Wild West. What Maggie didn’t plan on was falling for an outlaw from a wanted poster.

For John, it was love at first sight. He and Maggie had a rare connection, and it wasn’t every day someone understood his humor. He never minded playing the part as livery owner by day and outlaw by night at Summit Springs—until now. His other job came with a nice paycheck, but people normally treated him differently when they found out about it. John didn’t want a thing to change between him and Maggie.

Will Maggie let John steal her heart or will past fears foil the heist?

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My Thoughts:

Panning for Love by Meg Cross Wenig is a clean, romantic comedy that exceeded my expectations. I laughed at the humorous parts while I appreciated that the characters had some deep issues to deal with: brokenness, trust, and healing, to name a few. The prose painted the characters in such a way that I could empathize with their emotions, especially Maggie’s.

My reading enjoyment level of Panning for Love was high, and I stayed interested the entire length of the story. The romantic tension was beautifully created. I rooted for Maggie and John to get together. Their kisses did get a bit steamy, but nothing that I would consider inappropriate.

Panning for Love by Meg Cross Wenig is a keeper for my bookshelf and I look forward to other novels by this author. I recommend the novel for readers who enjoy plenty of romantic chemistry between grounded characters that turn out to be exactly what the other one needs. 4.5 Stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

About the Book:

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. 

But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade.

West Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and to get better acquainted, he poses as the caretaker of his own house. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy.

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My Thoughts:

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson offers readers a fun Christmas novella with a Hallmark movie feel. While the characters tended to be pretty static, the events of the novel and the romantic potential for West and Emma kept me interested. The novella was a nice light read that marries well with Christmastime. I recommend The Christmas Swap to readers who enjoy clean romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.