ABookNook's bookshelf: all en-US Sat, 28 Sep 2024 07:07:13 -0700 60 ABookNook's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Dare to Be a Duchess (The Elusive Lords #1)]]> 56717665 He's a powerful duke. She's his uncle's ward. They have forever been at war, until one night, one masquerade, and one kiss...

Lara Ramsay is no stranger to scandal. As the orphaned daughter of a British colonel and his beloved Indian wife, whispers follow her everywhere. Not even the protection of the formidable Duke of Wolverton, a man she can't stand, keeps the gossips at bay.

The audacious Lara has driven Tristan Wentworth, The Duke of Wolverton, to distraction since the day his uncle took her in—and he's quite certain doing so is her favorite pastime. After catching her and his younger sister at a salacious masquerade, he's had enough scandal and issues a marriage ultimatum: find a husband within six months, or one will be chosen for her.

Unfortunately, no one in the ton appeals to her. Except, perhaps, the duke himself. The battle of wills has only just begun, and when Lara kisses him, their fate is sealed.

Sometimes even the most proper duke needs to break the rules to win the heart of the woman he loves...

]]> 312 Sapna Bhog 1649370199 ABookNook 5
This book is full of my favorite tropes: feisty heroine, grump hero whose world gets turned upside down by the heroine, enemies to lovers, publicly spurning the heroine then groveling, protective hero, I could go on.

The colonization of India and the hate against Indians from the white community during those times is a subject very dear to my heart as an Indian woman. So many books have characters that were a part of the East India Company and will make insensitive and hurtful comments about Indian people. While I understand that is accurate to the times, it hurts a lot. I was worried going into this book that we were going to see Lara facing constant tongue lashings from other characters and we were going to have to read that. But not including some of that treatment would be a disservice to the Indian narrative. Bhog did a wonderful job of balancing that. She included many instances of people degrading Lara to her face and behind her back to convey the reality of that time without it being overwhelming for the reader. Lara's experience was realistic and conveyed the POC community's struggles beautifully. Another thing I was worry about with books with diverse MCs is that their race and the discrimination they face become the MC's only personality trait. Again, Bhog did a wonderful job with Lara. Lara was a wonderfully done character, she embarrassed her Indian heritage fully and was more than just an Indian woman. She had passions, wit, desires, hobbies, and more. The book wasn't constantly pushing her Indian heritage into our face. When authors flesh their characters out like this while still making them diverse, it normalizes their presence in the publishing world. For achieving that balance, I commend Bhog.

Don't even get me started on Wolf and Lara's relationship. These two had sizzling chemistry from the very first chapter. While they began kissing and lusting for each other very quickly, the hurdles in their way and the progression of their feelings for each other were slow-burning and amazing to read. I loved watching Wolf grow emotionally and mentally as the book progressed. He started out as an arrogant, prideful, and stern asshole and ended the book as an emotionally mature, understanding, and respectful man. Reading his inner monologues as he thought about Lara made my heart sing. I loved how independent and strong Lara was without being obnoxious. So many times characters are sassy and witty to a fault, they'll make brash decisions and will defy people for the sake of rebelling. Lara was smart and adaptive. She didn't let her pride get in the way and always stood up for herself when she knew she deserved better.

I loved the side characters. If Leo and Cammy do not get their own book, and our rakish scoundrel Hawk doesn't get a happy ending, I am going to riot. The way Bhog was able to establish chemistry and relationships between side characters all while wonderfully developing Wolf and Lara's relationship is astounding.

Long story short, this is definitely a new favorite of mine. I implore anyone and everyone to read this. If I don't' get my hands on a physical copy of this book, I will cry.

- 5 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Sapna Bhog for an eARC for this amazing novel in exchange for my honest opinion.]]> 3.84 2021 Dare to Be a Duchess (The Elusive Lords #1)
author: Sapna Bhog
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/01/27
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves:
review:
Beautifully crafted and sinfully sensual, this book stole my heart from the first page. I loved this book more than I can describe. I am always on the hunt for books with Indian heroines, but so many of them tend to disappoint. This was not the case with this book in the slightest. I loved Lara and her story as a half Indian woman in the ton.

This book is full of my favorite tropes: feisty heroine, grump hero whose world gets turned upside down by the heroine, enemies to lovers, publicly spurning the heroine then groveling, protective hero, I could go on.

The colonization of India and the hate against Indians from the white community during those times is a subject very dear to my heart as an Indian woman. So many books have characters that were a part of the East India Company and will make insensitive and hurtful comments about Indian people. While I understand that is accurate to the times, it hurts a lot. I was worried going into this book that we were going to see Lara facing constant tongue lashings from other characters and we were going to have to read that. But not including some of that treatment would be a disservice to the Indian narrative. Bhog did a wonderful job of balancing that. She included many instances of people degrading Lara to her face and behind her back to convey the reality of that time without it being overwhelming for the reader. Lara's experience was realistic and conveyed the POC community's struggles beautifully. Another thing I was worry about with books with diverse MCs is that their race and the discrimination they face become the MC's only personality trait. Again, Bhog did a wonderful job with Lara. Lara was a wonderfully done character, she embarrassed her Indian heritage fully and was more than just an Indian woman. She had passions, wit, desires, hobbies, and more. The book wasn't constantly pushing her Indian heritage into our face. When authors flesh their characters out like this while still making them diverse, it normalizes their presence in the publishing world. For achieving that balance, I commend Bhog.

Don't even get me started on Wolf and Lara's relationship. These two had sizzling chemistry from the very first chapter. While they began kissing and lusting for each other very quickly, the hurdles in their way and the progression of their feelings for each other were slow-burning and amazing to read. I loved watching Wolf grow emotionally and mentally as the book progressed. He started out as an arrogant, prideful, and stern asshole and ended the book as an emotionally mature, understanding, and respectful man. Reading his inner monologues as he thought about Lara made my heart sing. I loved how independent and strong Lara was without being obnoxious. So many times characters are sassy and witty to a fault, they'll make brash decisions and will defy people for the sake of rebelling. Lara was smart and adaptive. She didn't let her pride get in the way and always stood up for herself when she knew she deserved better.

I loved the side characters. If Leo and Cammy do not get their own book, and our rakish scoundrel Hawk doesn't get a happy ending, I am going to riot. The way Bhog was able to establish chemistry and relationships between side characters all while wonderfully developing Wolf and Lara's relationship is astounding.

Long story short, this is definitely a new favorite of mine. I implore anyone and everyone to read this. If I don't' get my hands on a physical copy of this book, I will cry.

- 5 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Sapna Bhog for an eARC for this amazing novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
]]> <![CDATA[The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington (The Swooning Virgins Society, #2)]]> 53399331 As the women of the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls fearlessly bring corrupt aristocrats to justice, they put their lives—and their hearts—on the line...

Going undercover as a governess is a first for Cecilia Gilchrist. But once she's installed in Darlington Castle, discovering whether the mysterious marquess murdered his wife proves more daunting than she imagined. Dashing widower Gideon Rhys, Marquess of Darlington, is clearly harboring secrets—but is it possible a cold-blooded killer lurks behind his devastating gaze? Trailing his every move only brings her closer to him. But if her heart misleads her, she could pay with her life...

He never should have let her into his world, but now that Cecilia has infiltrated his home, his senses, and his heart, Gideon will do anything to keep her safe from the darkness that has robbed him of everything. Yet keeping her close only makes it more challenging. For the more Gideon falls for Cecilia, the greater the danger to her...]]> 267 Anna Bradley 1516110382 ABookNook 5
While I don't really like reading sunshine heroines that often, I fell in love with Cecilia as a character. She is the sunshine and the hopeless romantic of Lady Clifford's girl. I loved reading the moments in the previous book when she would reassure Sophia that everyone deserves a great story and that she is the main character of her own. I commemorate Bradley's take on badass women. Cecilia is a sweet woman who sees the good in everyone, but she is still an undercover agent. So many times "badass" women in fiction tend to be cold-hearted, "masculine", and ruthless women. Bradley proves to us that women can be kind, sweet, romantic, and hopeful dreamer while still being a force to be reckoned with. Cecilia shows kindness and compassion is a strength and not a weakness. I thank Bradey for putting forth this narrative in fiction.

This had it all, an undercover mission, a ghost, a mysterious death, a murderer to catch, a mysterious and sexy single-dad kinda Lord, a great heroine, and a slow burn romance. Watching these two fall in love as secrets and plots are uncovered kept me on my toes. Both had their fair share of secrets and plots brewing, Bradley unpacked the story wonderfully. I loved the slow-burning romance between Gideon and Cecilia. Bradley's description of Gideon's grief and how it affected him was intriguing, stirring, and beautifully done. Cecilia challenged Gideon with her kindness, she helped him out of his grief.

I will say the plot leading up to the reveal of the bad guy was more interesting than the reveal itself. As some reviewers have stated, the reveal felt like a [insert bad guy here] kind of moment rather than it being the most flushed out reveal. I felt the reveal of the bad guy in the last book was similar but there were two "bad guys" that were revealed in the previous one. One of them was done wonderfully while the other came out of nowhere (as we barely saw that character enough to suspect them of the crime, we only had a small clue given to us in the beginning). But I honestly can overlook this.

This series is the perfect mix of Kerrigan Byrne's grit and emotion and your regular light, fun historical romance. Long story short, this book and this series are perfect for readers looking for a beautifully written gothic romance with an engaging plot. I implore you to read this book and this series.

- 4.5 stars -
(rounded up to 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyrical Press, and Anna Bradley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

Just as its predecessor, this book is a wonderfully crafted and unique historical romance. It wasn't as fast-paced as The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray but that was honestly part of the beauty of this book.

While I don't really like reading sunshine heroines that often, I fell in love with Cecilia as a character. She is the sunshine and the hopeless romantic of Lady Clifford's girl. I loved reading the moments in the previous book when she would reassure Sophia that everyone deserves a great story and that she is the main character of her own. I commemorate Bradley's take on badass women. Cecilia is a sweet woman who sees the good in everyone, but she is still an undercover agent. So many times "badass" women in fiction tend to be cold-hearted, "masculine", and ruthless women. Bradley proves to us that women can be kind, sweet, romantic, and hopeful dreamer while still being a force to be reckoned with. Cecilia shows kindness and compassion is a strength and not a weakness. I thank Bradey for putting forth this narrative in fiction.

This had it all, an undercover mission, a ghost, a mysterious death, a murderer to catch, a mysterious and sexy single-dad kinda Lord, a great heroine, and a slow burn romance. Watching these two fall in love as secrets and plots are uncovered kept me on my toes. Both had their fair share of secrets and plots brewing, Bradley unpacked the story wonderfully. I loved the slow-burning romance between Gideon and Cecilia. Bradley's description of Gideon's grief and how it affected him was intriguing, stirring, and beautifully done. Cecilia challenged Gideon with her kindness, she helped him out of his grief.

I will say the plot leading up to the reveal of the bad guy was more interesting than the reveal itself. As some reviewers have stated, the reveal felt like a [insert bad guy here] kind of moment rather than it being the most flushed out reveal. I felt the reveal of the bad guy in the last book was similar but there were two "bad guys" that were revealed in the previous one. One of them was done wonderfully while the other came out of nowhere (as we barely saw that character enough to suspect them of the crime, we only had a small clue given to us in the beginning). But I honestly can overlook this.

This series is the perfect mix of Kerrigan Byrne's grit and emotion and your regular light, fun historical romance. Long story short, this book and this series are perfect for readers looking for a beautifully written gothic romance with an engaging plot. I implore you to read this book and this series.

- 4.5 stars -
(rounded up to 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyrical Press, and Anna Bradley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]]> 4.13 2021 The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington (The Swooning Virgins Society, #2)
author: Anna Bradley
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/02/01
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves:
review:
Just as its predecessor, this book is a wonderfully crafted and unique historical romance. It wasn't as fast-paced as The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray but that was honestly part of the beauty of this book.

While I don't really like reading sunshine heroines that often, I fell in love with Cecilia as a character. She is the sunshine and the hopeless romantic of Lady Clifford's girl. I loved reading the moments in the previous book when she would reassure Sophia that everyone deserves a great story and that she is the main character of her own. I commemorate Bradley's take on badass women. Cecilia is a sweet woman who sees the good in everyone, but she is still an undercover agent. So many times "badass" women in fiction tend to be cold-hearted, "masculine", and ruthless women. Bradley proves to us that women can be kind, sweet, romantic, and hopeful dreamer while still being a force to be reckoned with. Cecilia shows kindness and compassion is a strength and not a weakness. I thank Bradey for putting forth this narrative in fiction.

This had it all, an undercover mission, a ghost, a mysterious death, a murderer to catch, a mysterious and sexy single-dad kinda Lord, a great heroine, and a slow burn romance. Watching these two fall in love as secrets and plots are uncovered kept me on my toes. Both had their fair share of secrets and plots brewing, Bradley unpacked the story wonderfully. I loved the slow-burning romance between Gideon and Cecilia. Bradley's description of Gideon's grief and how it affected him was intriguing, stirring, and beautifully done. Cecilia challenged Gideon with her kindness, she helped him out of his grief.

I will say the plot leading up to the reveal of the bad guy was more interesting than the reveal itself. As some reviewers have stated, the reveal felt like a [insert bad guy here] kind of moment rather than it being the most flushed out reveal. I felt the reveal of the bad guy in the last book was similar but there were two "bad guys" that were revealed in the previous one. One of them was done wonderfully while the other came out of nowhere (as we barely saw that character enough to suspect them of the crime, we only had a small clue given to us in the beginning). But I honestly can overlook this.

This series is the perfect mix of Kerrigan Byrne's grit and emotion and your regular light, fun historical romance. Long story short, this book and this series are perfect for readers looking for a beautifully written gothic romance with an engaging plot. I implore you to read this book and this series.

- 4.5 stars -
(rounded up to 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyrical Press, and Anna Bradley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

Just as its predecessor, this book is a wonderfully crafted and unique historical romance. It wasn't as fast-paced as The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray but that was honestly part of the beauty of this book.

While I don't really like reading sunshine heroines that often, I fell in love with Cecilia as a character. She is the sunshine and the hopeless romantic of Lady Clifford's girl. I loved reading the moments in the previous book when she would reassure Sophia that everyone deserves a great story and that she is the main character of her own. I commemorate Bradley's take on badass women. Cecilia is a sweet woman who sees the good in everyone, but she is still an undercover agent. So many times "badass" women in fiction tend to be cold-hearted, "masculine", and ruthless women. Bradley proves to us that women can be kind, sweet, romantic, and hopeful dreamer while still being a force to be reckoned with. Cecilia shows kindness and compassion is a strength and not a weakness. I thank Bradey for putting forth this narrative in fiction.

This had it all, an undercover mission, a ghost, a mysterious death, a murderer to catch, a mysterious and sexy single-dad kinda Lord, a great heroine, and a slow burn romance. Watching these two fall in love as secrets and plots are uncovered kept me on my toes. Both had their fair share of secrets and plots brewing, Bradley unpacked the story wonderfully. I loved the slow-burning romance between Gideon and Cecilia. Bradley's description of Gideon's grief and how it affected him was intriguing, stirring, and beautifully done. Cecilia challenged Gideon with her kindness, she helped him out of his grief.

I will say the plot leading up to the reveal of the bad guy was more interesting than the reveal itself. As some reviewers have stated, the reveal felt like a [insert bad guy here] kind of moment rather than it being the most flushed out reveal. I felt the reveal of the bad guy in the last book was similar but there were two "bad guys" that were revealed in the previous one. One of them was done wonderfully while the other came out of nowhere (as we barely saw that character enough to suspect them of the crime, we only had a small clue given to us in the beginning). But I honestly can overlook this.

This series is the perfect mix of Kerrigan Byrne's grit and emotion and your regular light, fun historical romance. Long story short, this book and this series are perfect for readers looking for a beautifully written gothic romance with an engaging plot. I implore you to read this book and this series.

- 4.5 stars -
(rounded up to 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Lyrical Press, and Anna Bradley for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
]]> <![CDATA[To Covet a Countess (The Elusive Lords #2)]]> 59085678
Sania Aaryan has no choice but to trust the breathtakingly handsome Earl of Hawksley with both her life and her sister’s. Trusting him with the truth, however, is out of the question. Because fleeing India for the icy shores of England was rash. Impulsive. And it might have saved her life—only to land her into the arms of a man who poses an entirely different kind of danger.

Now Sania is experiencing a world filled with luxury and opulent decadence. But starry nights and fairy-tale balls cannot chase away the shadows of Sania’s secrets. Especially when her terrible past arrives in London with an eye for icy vengeance…]]> 329 Sapna Bhog 1649372051 ABookNook 4
If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.

Tropes:


Merged review:

✨is it just a rule in romancelandia that heroes named Nicholas are heartthrob grumps?�

If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.

Tropes:]]> 3.78 2021 To Covet a Countess (The Elusive Lords #2)
author: Sapna Bhog
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/25
shelves:
review:
✨is it just a rule in romancelandia that heroes named Nicholas are heartthrob grumps?�

If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.

Tropes:


Merged review:

✨is it just a rule in romancelandia that heroes named Nicholas are heartthrob grumps?�

If you are looking for a sweet, easy romance with wonderful undertones of historical accuracy and that’s infused with amazing representation, this is the book for you.

Tropes:
]]> Never Cross a Highlander 56798152
Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil...who has plans of his own.

Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough...if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn.

As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.]]> 412 Lisa Rayne 1649371160 ABookNook 0 4.19 2022 Never Cross a Highlander
author: Lisa Rayne
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Rake's Redemption (Rake Trilogy Book 1)]]> 40911966
Inis Fitzgerald escaped her home in Dublin to avoid an arranged marriage and is now working for a rakishly handsome lord who seems to enjoy bucking convention as much as she does. She plays along with his little game, pretending she knows nothing about being a lady. It doesn’t take long before Alex discovers Inis is every bit as much of an aristocrat as the women he’s sworn only to seduce and not love…]]> 312 Cynthia Breeding 1640632468 ABookNook 4
When I initially picked up the book, I was worried that it was going to be another basic rendition of the trope we have seen so often. However, I was pleased to see that even though some aspects were pretty basic, the story was pretty refreshing and felt like a new story. There were some unexpected plot twists that really kept me on my toes which I appreciated.

I really enjoyed reading the main characters. I loved watching the two grow and butt heads throughout the book. Their chemistry and their relationship seemed really real to me.

I hadn't read the previous books prior to reading this book but now I am definitely interested in picking up the rest of them.

An overall great read.

- 4 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

This was a simple and sweet historical that I would recommend to anyone trying to get into the genre but not wanting to read the generic take on the rake tamed by firey girl trope.

When I initially picked up the book, I was worried that it was going to be another basic rendition of the trope we have seen so often. However, I was pleased to see that even though some aspects were pretty basic, the story was pretty refreshing and felt like a new story. There were some unexpected plot twists that really kept me on my toes which I appreciated.

I really enjoyed reading the main characters. I loved watching the two grow and butt heads throughout the book. Their chemistry and their relationship seemed really real to me.

I hadn't read the previous books prior to reading this book but now I am definitely interested in picking up the rest of them.

An overall great read.

- 4 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]]> 4.05 A Rake's Redemption (Rake Trilogy Book 1)
author: Cynthia Breeding
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves:
review:
This was a simple and sweet historical that I would recommend to anyone trying to get into the genre but not wanting to read the generic take on the rake tamed by firey girl trope.

When I initially picked up the book, I was worried that it was going to be another basic rendition of the trope we have seen so often. However, I was pleased to see that even though some aspects were pretty basic, the story was pretty refreshing and felt like a new story. There were some unexpected plot twists that really kept me on my toes which I appreciated.

I really enjoyed reading the main characters. I loved watching the two grow and butt heads throughout the book. Their chemistry and their relationship seemed really real to me.

I hadn't read the previous books prior to reading this book but now I am definitely interested in picking up the rest of them.

An overall great read.

- 4 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

This was a simple and sweet historical that I would recommend to anyone trying to get into the genre but not wanting to read the generic take on the rake tamed by firey girl trope.

When I initially picked up the book, I was worried that it was going to be another basic rendition of the trope we have seen so often. However, I was pleased to see that even though some aspects were pretty basic, the story was pretty refreshing and felt like a new story. There were some unexpected plot twists that really kept me on my toes which I appreciated.

I really enjoyed reading the main characters. I loved watching the two grow and butt heads throughout the book. Their chemistry and their relationship seemed really real to me.

I hadn't read the previous books prior to reading this book but now I am definitely interested in picking up the rest of them.

An overall great read.

- 4 stars -

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
]]> <![CDATA[A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders, #2)]]> 54293138 USA Today bestselling author Darcy Burke, your next Regency obsession: The Pretenders! Set in Burke’s popular world of The Untouchables, indulge in the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?

Tricked into marriage five years ago, Thomas Devereaux, Lord Rockbourne is suddenly a widower. Rumors abound that his wife’s death may not have been an accident and given the troubling secrets Thomas keeps buried, even he isn’t entirely sure. But when a woman sees what happened, he agrees to accept her help to disguise the facts in exchange for not divulging her suspicious behavior. Their arrangement grows more complicated under the force of a scorching mutual attraction.

Abandoned by her father—a duke—after the death of her mother—his beloved mistress—Beatrix Linley has fought to become a daughter he could be proud of, that he would regret leaving. She becomes the toast of the Season until her penchant for pilfering pretty things threatens to expose the illicit past she needs desperately to remain hidden. Soon the scandal and darkness both Beatrix and Thomas fear comes to light, compelling them to finally face their demons—and potentially driving them apart forever.]]> 358 Darcy Burke 1944576894 ABookNook 0 to-read, romance 4.36 2020 A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders, #2)
author: Darcy Burke
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: to-read, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3)]]> 56883656 There’s nothing distinct about the brick building that houses The Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls, which perfectly suits the purposes of its extraordinary residents—bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats—and find their true loves along the way . . .

The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behavior. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for help to escape her witty, charming, handsome, heartless monster of a husband, she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to safely disappear the duchess, along with her young son. Her greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. If only he would get out of her way—yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?

Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell . . .]]> 288 Anna Bradley 1516110390 ABookNook 4
This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.

Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?

Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot

I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!

So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.

Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!

The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.

I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.

Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars |

Merged review:

✨gritty, feminist historical romances are definitely my thing. especially those with badass women in stem solving mysteries �

This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.

Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?

Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot

I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!

So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.

Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!

The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.

I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.

Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars |]]> 4.14 2021 The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere (The Swooning Virgins Society, #3)
author: Anna Bradley
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves:
review:
✨gritty, feminist historical romances are definitely my thing. especially those with badass women in stem solving mysteries �

This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.

Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?

Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot

I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!

So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.

Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!

The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.

I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.

Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars |

Merged review:

✨gritty, feminist historical romances are definitely my thing. especially those with badass women in stem solving mysteries �

This series is criminally underrated and I need everyone to read it. A perfect blend of romance and grit this book series serves me the perfect historical romance that keeps me on the edge of my seat and thoroughly entertained. The series is perfect for fans of Lorraine Heath, Grace Callaway, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Kerrigan Byrne.

Summary:
The Clifford Charity for Wayward Girls is just a front for an organization of bold young ladies who expose London’s most corrupt aristocrats. When the Duchess of Kenilworth approaches Georgiana to help find a missing girl, she jumps at the chance to help. But Her Grace’s brother, Benedict Harcourt, will stop at nothing to keep his sister safe. Yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation . . .?

Trope:
- enemies to lovers vibes
- secret cinnamon roll, rake hero
- strong heroine
- banter + wit
- great mystery subplot

I loved the previous books in this series and this one did not disappoint. Georgiana is chaotic, strong, witty, smart, kind, etc. I love heroines who are badass without having to be unfeeling or hyper masculine, heroines who are kind and loving all while kicking butt. Plus she’s a mathematician!

So many times I find romances falling short because there is no real emotional connection or intimacy. Benedict and Georgiana had explosive chemistry, a genuine connection, and wonderful emotional intimacy.

Benedict, oh my gosh that man. He was roguish and charming, supportive and loving. He was perfect. Secret cinnamon rolls are everything!

The mystery was fun and engaging. The grit of the story was nicely woven into the plot and romance. Bradley executed the details and accuracies of the time period beautifully.

I only had two issues with the book which is why a few points were docked. I felt there were some plot holes in the story that mislead and distracted me unnecessarily. Do keep in mind that this won't be a minus for everyone. If you like a lot of misleading twists and turns in your stories then this is definitely for you. I personally just prefer books with a more straightforward mystery, even if it is filled with twists and turns. My other problem with the book was that the "bad guy" felt a little comical to me. I wish they were a little more realistic. I do tend to notice that is a problem in a lot of historicals though. Finally, though I loved Georgiana to pieces, her "wittiness" did come across overdone at some points. If you get easily annoyed by heroines then I would suggest that you tread carefully.

Regardless, I would totally recommend you pick up this book! I especially suggest that you pick up this series. It is very underrated and one of my favorites. Though this book could technically be an interconnected standalone, I suggest reading this series for the most enjoyment. You get to fall in love with the characters in the past books, get wonderful set up for this one, and get to see the past characters you already love appear in this one :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars |
]]> <![CDATA[One Thing Leads to a Lover (Love and Let Spy, #2)]]> 54709603 Opposites attract more than trouble in the latest captivating Regency romance from Susanna Craig.

Amanda Bartlett, widowed Countess of Kingston, is a woman beyond reproach. Married at nineteen, she dutifully provided the Earl with an heir and a spare before his death three years ago. Since then, Amanda has lived a simple, quiet life. A life that, if she were honest, has become more than a trifle dull. So when an adventure literally drops into her lap, in the shape of a mysterious book, she intends to make the most of it—especially if it brings her closer to a charismatic stranger...

Major Langley Stanhope, an intelligence officer and master mimic known as the Magpie, needs to retrieve the code book that has fallen into Amanda’s hands. The mistaken delivery has put them both in grave danger and in a desperate race to unearth a traitor. It’s also stirred an intense, reckless attraction. Langley believes the life he leads is not suitable for a delicate widow, but it seems he may have underestimated the lady’s daring...and the depths of their mutual desire.

]]> 291 Susanna Craig 1516110595 ABookNook 4
I will note that my enjoyment was a little hindered by the heroine at times, there were times where I just wished she wasn't so passive. I understand she is a sheltered widow with a kid, she has to be cautious, but it doesn't really fit in an action, spy book if the main character is so passive. She didn't hinder my enjoyment as much as she did for others though. I definitely liked reading her most of the time, she was pretty relatable, badass, and assertive at many points.

I didn't read the first book in this series but after really enjoying this one, I would like to go back and read that one. I am a big sucker for spy historical romances, especially a series of spy romances.

The premise for this book was super interesting, the hero was extremely hot, the steam was great, and the plot was super engaging. I would definitely check this book out if I were you.

- 4 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Susanna Craig for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

This was a really fun-to-read spy romance. I loved the adventure, the danger, and the plot in this book. Many times I find spy books disappointing me because I just didn't get enough. this book gave me a perfect amount of spy stuff happening in the plot and romance.

I will note that my enjoyment was a little hindered by the heroine at times, there were times where I just wished she wasn't so passive. I understand she is a sheltered widow with a kid, she has to be cautious, but it doesn't really fit in an action, spy book if the main character is so passive. She didn't hinder my enjoyment as much as she did for others though. I definitely liked reading her most of the time, she was pretty relatable, badass, and assertive at many points.

I didn't read the first book in this series but after really enjoying this one, I would like to go back and read that one. I am a big sucker for spy historical romances, especially a series of spy romances.

The premise for this book was super interesting, the hero was extremely hot, the steam was great, and the plot was super engaging. I would definitely check this book out if I were you.

- 4 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Susanna Craig for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.]]> 3.91 2021 One Thing Leads to a Lover (Love and Let Spy, #2)
author: Susanna Craig
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves:
review:
This was a really fun-to-read spy romance. I loved the adventure, the danger, and the plot in this book. Many times I find spy books disappointing me because I just didn't get enough. this book gave me a perfect amount of spy stuff happening in the plot and romance.

I will note that my enjoyment was a little hindered by the heroine at times, there were times where I just wished she wasn't so passive. I understand she is a sheltered widow with a kid, she has to be cautious, but it doesn't really fit in an action, spy book if the main character is so passive. She didn't hinder my enjoyment as much as she did for others though. I definitely liked reading her most of the time, she was pretty relatable, badass, and assertive at many points.

I didn't read the first book in this series but after really enjoying this one, I would like to go back and read that one. I am a big sucker for spy historical romances, especially a series of spy romances.

The premise for this book was super interesting, the hero was extremely hot, the steam was great, and the plot was super engaging. I would definitely check this book out if I were you.

- 4 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Susanna Craig for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Merged review:

This was a really fun-to-read spy romance. I loved the adventure, the danger, and the plot in this book. Many times I find spy books disappointing me because I just didn't get enough. this book gave me a perfect amount of spy stuff happening in the plot and romance.

I will note that my enjoyment was a little hindered by the heroine at times, there were times where I just wished she wasn't so passive. I understand she is a sheltered widow with a kid, she has to be cautious, but it doesn't really fit in an action, spy book if the main character is so passive. She didn't hinder my enjoyment as much as she did for others though. I definitely liked reading her most of the time, she was pretty relatable, badass, and assertive at many points.

I didn't read the first book in this series but after really enjoying this one, I would like to go back and read that one. I am a big sucker for spy historical romances, especially a series of spy romances.

The premise for this book was super interesting, the hero was extremely hot, the steam was great, and the plot was super engaging. I would definitely check this book out if I were you.

- 4 stars -
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Susanna Craig for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
]]> Written on His Skin 35651398 You could be anyone. I could be anyone.
And then, suddenly, we're more than anyone.
We're someone...

When Abigail Trent agreed to write a letter to a soldier deployed overseas, she expected it to be a fleeting exchange. A friendly back-and-forth that ended barely after it began. She didn't expect Theodore LaRoux.

It isn't strange that writing feels so good. It's right.
Here's my I like making you feel good...

Abby didn't expect Roux to be a living fantasy, either--sexy, smart and strong enough to star in every one of her dreams. So, was it any wonder that when he asked for a photo, she sent one that would star in his dreams? The fact that it was a picture of someone else wouldn't be a problem. After all, it's not like they'd ever meet...right?

Wrong.

***

Written On His Skin is a sexy, dirty 30,000-word novella featuring a set-the-pages-on-fire Cajun hero and the curvy girl who wins his heart. HEA guaranteed.]]> 114 Simone Stark 0999192302 ABookNook 0 to-read, historical-romance 3.85 2017 Written on His Skin
author: Simone Stark
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/02/25
shelves: to-read, historical-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bone Crier's Moon (Bone Grace, #1)]]> 46249012 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie comes a high-stakes fantasy duology flush with doomed romance and macabre magic, perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Roshani Chokshi.

Bone Criers are the last descendants of an ancient famille charged with using the magic they draw from animal bones to shepherd the dead into the afterlife—lest they drain the light from the living.


Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become their matriarch, but first she must complete her rite of passage: to kill the boy she’s destined to love.

Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Now his vengeance must wait, as Ailesse’s ritual has begun and their fates are entwined—in life and in death.]]> 480 Kathryn Purdie 0062798774 ABookNook 3 fantasy-ya-wanna-read 3.63 2020 Bone Crier's Moon (Bone Grace, #1)
author: Kathryn Purdie
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/17
date added: 2024/01/13
shelves: fantasy-ya-wanna-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[10 Things I Hate About Pinky (Dimple and Rishi, #3)]]> 52753485 Pinky Kumar wears the social justice warrior badge with pride. From raccoon hospitals to persecuted rock stars, no cause is too esoteric for her to champion. But a teeny tiny part of her also really enjoys making her conservative, buttoned-up corporate lawyer parents cringe.

Samir Jha might have a few . . . quirks remaining from the time he had to take care of his sick mother, like the endless lists he makes in his planner and the way he schedules every minute of every day, but those are good things. They make life predictable and steady.

Pinky loves lazy summers at her parents� Cape Cod lake house, but after listening to them harangue her about the poor decisions (aka boyfriends) she's made, she hatches a plan. Get her sorta-friend-sorta-enemy—who is a total Harvard-bound mama’s boy—to pose as her perfect boyfriend for the summer.

When Samir’s internship falls through, leaving him with an unplanned summer, he gets a text from Pinky asking if he’ll be her fake boyfriend in exchange for a new internship. He jumps at the opportunity; Pinky’s a freak, but he can survive a summer with her if there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

As they bicker their way through lighthouses and butterfly habitats, sparks fly, and they both realize this will be a summer they'll never forget.]]> 354 Sandhya Menon 1534416811 ABookNook 0 3.84 2020 10 Things I Hate About Pinky (Dimple and Rishi, #3)
author: Sandhya Menon
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/09
shelves: to-read, ya-want-to-read, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Must Love Scoundrels (The Royal Saboteurs #4)]]> 123892549
For eighteen months, Duncan Slorach trained to be a Royal Saboteur. He's one of the best, and when he's finally offered a mission, he jumps at the chance. The only problem? His partner. For eighteen months, Duncan has been in love with Lucy Galloway. Unrequited love. The woman barely seems to know he's alive. Duncan is ready to put his feelings aside and concentrate on the assignment, but that proves impossible when Lucy and Duncan are forced to spend long hours alone together and begin to build a friendship. Surely, if he could just kiss her, she'd realize she has feelings for him too.

As Lucy and Duncan draw closer to discovering the traitor in their midst, they realize nothing is as it seems � with this mission or their relationship. In fact, Duncan isn't the villain Lucy has made him out to be. In fact, he might just be the scoundrel she's been looking for all along.]]> 0 Shana Galen ABookNook 4
I just love a reformed rake. Pair that with a spies in a spicy historical romance? I’m SOLD.

Lucy, our FMC, is the daughter of two renowned spies (characters we saw in a previous book) and Duncan, our MMC, is a reformed rake who falls in love with her the moment he lays eyes on her. The both of them are rival spies at the same training school. Much to Lucy’s dismay, Duncan and Lucy get paired together on their first mission.

In their forced proximity, Lucy admits to Duncan that she feels an attraction but is only interested in scoundrels, which he is not. So Duncan, calls upon his old self to become the scoundrel Lucy wants.

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery and plot twists in this book were very well done and I really enjoyed following along. Duncan was so easy to fall in love with; it was adorable watching him try to be the rake he once was. But because he is so in love with her, he just can’t do it.

I did find Lucy a little irksome in the beginning of the book; but I felt that was necessary for the

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars (rounded up)
]]> 4.00 2023 Must Love Scoundrels (The Royal Saboteurs #4)
author: Shana Galen
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/11/05
shelves: historical-romance, rivals-to-lovers, spies, its-always-been-you, he-falls-first, he-falls-hard, enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, reformed-rake, rakes, mystery-subplot, he-fell-first, he-fell-hard
review:
“I’ve loved you since I met you, Lucy, and I love you more every day.�

I just love a reformed rake. Pair that with a spies in a spicy historical romance? I’m SOLD.

Lucy, our FMC, is the daughter of two renowned spies (characters we saw in a previous book) and Duncan, our MMC, is a reformed rake who falls in love with her the moment he lays eyes on her. The both of them are rival spies at the same training school. Much to Lucy’s dismay, Duncan and Lucy get paired together on their first mission.

In their forced proximity, Lucy admits to Duncan that she feels an attraction but is only interested in scoundrels, which he is not. So Duncan, calls upon his old self to become the scoundrel Lucy wants.

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery and plot twists in this book were very well done and I really enjoyed following along. Duncan was so easy to fall in love with; it was adorable watching him try to be the rake he once was. But because he is so in love with her, he just can’t do it.

I did find Lucy a little irksome in the beginning of the book; but I felt that was necessary for the

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars (rounded up)

]]> Lady Valiant 1332491 Once Mary, Queen of Scots, had been her closest friend. Now Thea Hunt was determined to pay back the queen's kindness--by journeying to Scotland to warn her away from a treacherous marriage. But in the thick of an English forest, Thea suddenly finds herself set upon by thieves ... and chased down by a golden-haired highwayman who'd still her struggles--and stir her heart--with one penetrating glance from his fiery blue eyes.

A DARING ROGUE
As a spy in Queen Elizabeth's service, Robin St. John was prepared to despise this traitorous wench ... to enjoy her torment as he spirited her away to the castle where she'd remain until Mary Stuart was safely wed. But from the moment he beheld Thea's tantalizing golden eyes, her raven locks and stubborn courage, he found himself desiring her more than any woman he had ever met. And now, as captive and captor clash, Robin vows to use his every weapon to make Thea surrender--to the raging fires of his need and to the rising heat of her own passion.]]> 321 Suzanne Robinson 0553295756 ABookNook 0 3.67 1991 Lady Valiant
author: Suzanne Robinson
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.67
book published: 1991
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/05
shelves: to-read, romance, historical-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1)]]> 60714999 Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always � always � guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown� and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone � but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book in a new series of heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.]]> 504 Carissa Broadbent ABookNook 0 to-read 4.30 2022 The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Ruin of Roses (Deliciously Dark Fairytales, #1)]]> 58785677 A spicy new twist on an old classic - a deliciously dark Beauty and the Beast reimagining.

I could save him, but he would ruin me.

The beast.
The creature that stalks the forbidden wood.
The dragon prince.

He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king.

We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction.

The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter.

He’s our hope.
He’s my nightmare.

When he catches me trespassing in the forbidden wood, he doesn’t punish me with death, as he’s entitled.

He takes me, instead. Forces me back to the castle as his prisoner. Seeks to use me.

Apparently, I can save him. I can save the whole forgotten kingdom, locked away by the demon king’s power.

But it would mean taming the monster beneath his skin. It would mean giving myself to him.

It would mean my ruin.

_ _ _ _ _ _

This is a dark and sexy Beauty and the Beast retelling, featuring a strong heroine, a dangerous anti-hero, and a humorous supporting cast. It is a full-length novel at 80k words and suitable for 18+. This is the beginning of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Buckle up. The author was let off her leash.]]> 386 K.F. Breene ABookNook 0 to-read 3.83 2021 A Ruin of Roses (Deliciously Dark Fairytales, #1)
author: K.F. Breene
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Confessions of a Scoundrel (Talisman Ring, #2)]]> 54477452 384 Karen Hawkins 0380820803 ABookNook 0 3.60 2003 Confessions of a Scoundrel (Talisman Ring, #2)
author: Karen Hawkins
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/08/02
shelves: romance, to-read, books-i-own, historical-romance-i-own, romance-i-own
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1)]]> 166484157 No god, no creature, no war can come between them

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, their fate depends on their facing the depths of hell� together.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring �

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands � that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper � an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.]]> 368 Rebecca Ross ABookNook 0 to-read 4.40 2023 Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1)
author: Rebecca Ross
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Anchored Hearts 54946702
Award-winning photographer Alejandro Miranda hasn't been home to Key West in years--not since he left to explore broader horizons with his papi's warning echoing in his ears. He wouldn't be heading there now if it wasn't for an injury requiring months of recuperation. The drama of a prodigal son returning to his familia is bad enough, but coming home to the island paradise also means coming face to face with the girl he left behind--the one who was supposed to be by his side all along...

Anamaría Navarro was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. But after her father's heart attack, there was no way she could leave--not even for the man she loved. Now ensconced in the family trade as a firefighter and paramedic, with a side hustle as a personal trainer, Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of Alejandro is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sun sets on their chance at happiness?]]> 352 Priscilla Oliveras 1420150197 ABookNook 4 to-read
Summary:
After award-winning photographer, Alejandro Miranda, falls off a waterfall and is forced to return home bedridden, he comes face-to-face with the childhood sweetheart he never fell out of love with, Anamaría Navarro. Anamaría was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. Now Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of him is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sunsets on their chance at happiness? (You don’t have to read the first book in order to read this book)

This Key West set second-chance romance stole my heart within the first chapter. This book is a beautiful display of the importance of Own Voices authors and diversity in books. The integration of Cuban culture and the beautiful handled use of Spanish throughout the book while a heart-melting romance comes together amazed me. The diversity element and Cuban culture added so much to the story and would be tragically incomplete without it. That is the beauty in books like this. Oliveras wove Spanish into the story frequently and so seamlessly that I was in awe. I see in books where some characters speak other languages, they will speak in their native language then the author would either just put a translation under it or have the character repeat themselves. I always find that extremely irritating. Oliveras would have a character speak in Spanish then weave the translation into the context or the response of the other characters. I thought it was brilliant. I was excited to read the next line with Spanish to see how Oliveras handles it. Beautifully written books like this are a huge push in normalizing Own Voices authors and diversity in romance.

The chemistry and angst between Anamaría and Alejandro were beautiful. Reading the way they secretly still loved each other broke my heart and put it back together in the best way possible. I loved that they both had lives and purposes outside of each other. Many times in romances we don’t get to see the characters' lives outside of their romance. I loved watching AM’s business come together and Alejandro’s passion for photography.

The family element of the story warmed my heart. The integration of Cuban culture and family dynamics into the story was absolutely amazing and so entertaining to read. I loved the comedic moments created by their family's interventions and meddling. I wish the frequent mention of their familia or secondary characters was dialed back a little bit; however, that made sense with the story so I am not too beat up about it.

I will say, I wish the communication element of Anamaría and Alejandro's second chance came earlier. Of course, there were past hurts and egos they had to get over and self-growth they had to work on before they began communicating and they're only human; plus, it all added to the angst. But I did wish that they had talked it out sooner.

This is for you if you are looking for a book with great diversity, an amazing cast of characters, a stunning setting, and a wonderfully done second-chance romance. I would especially recommend this to anyone looking for the perfect beach read and a wonderful summer-y, feel good, heart-melting romance. Please read this book, seriously!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars
(4 out of 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Priscilla Oliveras for an eARC for an honest review in exchange. ]]> 3.58 2021 Anchored Hearts
author: Priscilla Oliveras
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/04/29
date added: 2023/01/23
shelves: to-read
review:
It is no secret that second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes of all time. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it when the characters come back together after they separated because of a fight. When done right, the angst and the communication just make it the perfect read. I am so happy to report that this one of those perfect reads.

Summary:
After award-winning photographer, Alejandro Miranda, falls off a waterfall and is forced to return home bedridden, he comes face-to-face with the childhood sweetheart he never fell out of love with, Anamaría Navarro. Anamaría was shattered when Alejandro took off without her. Traveling the world was their plan, not just his. Now Anamaría is dismayed that just the sight of him is enough to rekindle the flame she's worked years to put out. And as motherly meddling pushes them together, the heat of their attraction only climbs higher. Can they learn to trust again, before the Key West sunsets on their chance at happiness? (You don’t have to read the first book in order to read this book)

This Key West set second-chance romance stole my heart within the first chapter. This book is a beautiful display of the importance of Own Voices authors and diversity in books. The integration of Cuban culture and the beautiful handled use of Spanish throughout the book while a heart-melting romance comes together amazed me. The diversity element and Cuban culture added so much to the story and would be tragically incomplete without it. That is the beauty in books like this. Oliveras wove Spanish into the story frequently and so seamlessly that I was in awe. I see in books where some characters speak other languages, they will speak in their native language then the author would either just put a translation under it or have the character repeat themselves. I always find that extremely irritating. Oliveras would have a character speak in Spanish then weave the translation into the context or the response of the other characters. I thought it was brilliant. I was excited to read the next line with Spanish to see how Oliveras handles it. Beautifully written books like this are a huge push in normalizing Own Voices authors and diversity in romance.

The chemistry and angst between Anamaría and Alejandro were beautiful. Reading the way they secretly still loved each other broke my heart and put it back together in the best way possible. I loved that they both had lives and purposes outside of each other. Many times in romances we don’t get to see the characters' lives outside of their romance. I loved watching AM’s business come together and Alejandro’s passion for photography.

The family element of the story warmed my heart. The integration of Cuban culture and family dynamics into the story was absolutely amazing and so entertaining to read. I loved the comedic moments created by their family's interventions and meddling. I wish the frequent mention of their familia or secondary characters was dialed back a little bit; however, that made sense with the story so I am not too beat up about it.

I will say, I wish the communication element of Anamaría and Alejandro's second chance came earlier. Of course, there were past hurts and egos they had to get over and self-growth they had to work on before they began communicating and they're only human; plus, it all added to the angst. But I did wish that they had talked it out sooner.

This is for you if you are looking for a book with great diversity, an amazing cast of characters, a stunning setting, and a wonderfully done second-chance romance. I would especially recommend this to anyone looking for the perfect beach read and a wonderful summer-y, feel good, heart-melting romance. Please read this book, seriously!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars
(4 out of 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Priscilla Oliveras for an eARC for an honest review in exchange.
]]> <![CDATA[The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)]]> 31307650 The one woman he will never forget�
Malcolm Bevingstoke, Duke of Haven, has lived the last three years in self-imposed solitude, paying the price for a mistake he can never reverse and a love he lost forever. The dukedom does not wait, however, and Haven requires an heir, which means he must find himself a wife by summer’s end. There is only one problem—he already has one.

The one man she will never forgive�
After years in exile, Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, returns to London with a single goal—to reclaim the life she left and find happiness, unencumbered by the man who broke her heart. Haven offers her a deal; Sera can have her freedom, just as soon as she finds her replacement…which requires her to spend the summer in close quarters with the husband she does not want, but somehow cannot resist.

A love that neither can deny�
The duke has a single summer to woo his wife and convince her that, despite their broken past, he can give her forever, making every day The Day of the Duchess.]]> 405 Sarah MacLean 0062379461 ABookNook 4 3.85 2017 The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)
author: Sarah MacLean
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/23
date added: 2023/01/18
shelves: books-i-own, historical-romance-i-own, romance-i-own
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Loved by the Lyon (The Lyon's Den)]]> 55716294 Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.

It’s amazing how quickly a marriage of convenience can become so very complicated�

Kingston Barclay cannot inherit the dukedom soon enough. With siblings to support and a nearly bankrupt estate, an opportune marriage is his last hope. But his best-laid plans are upended when he discovers his best friend’s lovely sister sneaking around the Lyon’s Den. His immediate attraction to her would make her a most inconvenient bride, given his circumstances. Convincing his heart of that, however, is another matter entirely�

The last thing Vanessa Becket needs is another man in her life. Between her conniving stepbrother, a parade of fortune hunters, and the investigator who failed to reclaim her stolen jewels, she’s had enough. But when she finds herself in a notorious gaming hell, she discovers something far more valuable than missing gems. A temporary arranged marriage to Kingston could solve all her problems. If she manages to not fall for him in the process, that is� It was supposed to be a simple arrangement.

But given their histories—and the secrets Kingston is keeping—the road to happily ever after will surely be anything but simple.

]]> 126 Collette Cameron ABookNook 0 4.38 2020 Loved by the Lyon (The Lyon's Den)
author: Collette Cameron
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/01/14
shelves: gambling-den, marriage-of-convenience, suddenly-a-duke, brother-s-best-friend, historical-romance, to-read, romance, indie
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Barbarian's Touch (Ice Planet Barbarians, #7)]]> 30524238
Well, this girl escapes.

Of course, that means I go from frying pan into the fire, and my situation gets even more dangerous. Just when I have no hope left, a new hero appears. Sure, he’s blue, horned, and has a tail. He’s also fierce, protective, makes me purr... and thinks I'm perfect.

But is what we have real or just a mating instinct?
]]> 322 Ruby Dixon ABookNook 0 3.97 2016 Barbarian's Touch (Ice Planet Barbarians, #7)
author: Ruby Dixon
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2021/01/02
date added: 2022/09/08
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Raven and the Rush (The Book of All Things, #1)]]> 59479243 One raven. One boy. One destiny.

From the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of Kingdom of the White Sea comes a new series set in the same vibrant world: The Book of All Things. Escape into this story of destiny and forbidden love weaving together a fate bigger than man, bigger than magic.

Evrathedyn Blackrook whiles his days away at university, blissfully oblivious to the horrors afflicting his homeland. He escapes into dusty books, content as a second son.

Rhosynora Ravenwood spends her sleepless nights fantasizing of ways to escape her icy, suffocating dynasty. To flee her birthright is to invite a traitor’s penance. To stay is another kind of death.

But time and fate have a way of mending all mistakes.

Evra soon finds himself the new Lord Blackrook. His inheritance is a plague-ridden land, the pyres from his late father’s campaign against magic still smoldering.

His realm’s future in the balance, he travels beyond his borders to a remote northern hamlet, where he meets Rhosyn. The spark between them is immediate; the suspicion even stronger. In Rhosyn, Evra sees her rare magic as the perfect answer to his troubles. In Evra, Rhosyn sees everything wrong with the depraved world of men.

But Evra is out of options. And Rhosyn is out of time.

As they resist the undeniable, forbidden bond growing between them, Evra’s dawning horror of Rhosyn’s fate brings him to an impossible choice.

His home, or her?]]> 364 Sarah M. Cradit ABookNook 0 to-read 3.46 2021 The Raven and the Rush (The Book of All Things, #1)
author: Sarah M. Cradit
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/09/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Tarnished by the Troll (Monsters & Romance #1)]]> 55435231
An ominous toll booth or the ex that's chasing me down. The choice is easy...that is, until I realize I've just made a deal with a troll. A seven foot, hulking monster with dangerous eyes. Except he's not glaring at me at all. Just when I thought my life was over, he saves me. I'd be lying if I said desire isn't coursing through my veins...and from the way he's devouring me with his eyes, I'd say he wants to ravage me too.

A 8k+ word provocative fantasy short with some dark elements, leading female with oral fetish and very mature content (18+)]]> 33 Harpie Alexander ABookNook 0 to-read 3.42 2020 Tarnished by the Troll (Monsters & Romance #1)
author: Harpie Alexander
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/09/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Death God’s Sacrifice (Peculiar Tastes, #1)]]> 62029794
Stheno the Fierce is the most feared of slayers, a Gorgon assassin sent to hunt terrifying beasts, but when her sister is kidnapped, she's forced to hunt a monster even she fears in order to get her back. The Dark Druid is a mysterious and powerful recluse who demands a human sacrifice each year to perform a ritual that drops the veil between the realms for Samhain. Stheno volunteers to be his sacrifice to get close enough to slay him with her lethal curse, but finds he's harder to kill than she could've imagined.

***
The Death God's Sacrifice is a spicy standalone monster romance perfect for spooky season, set in the shared world of the Peculiar Tastes series. CWs can be found at the beginning of the book.

It's that time of year, friends. The moon is full and Samhain approaches. Your invitation to the Shadow Market is here. Three days of magic, drama, seduction, and maybe just a dash of human sacrifice! Come through the portal and meet witches, demons, gorgons, mermaids, the fae, and even the odd human who's gotten turned around and ended up somewhere they shouldn't.]]> 148 Jenny Nordbak ABookNook 0 to-read 3.76 2022 The Death God’s Sacrifice (Peculiar Tastes, #1)
author: Jenny Nordbak
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/09/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Kiss of War (City of Stars, #1)]]> 55566580
Ironic if you ask me.

City of Soul-Sucking Black Holes seems much more fitting.

A safe haven for the wealthy and corrupt.

A sewer of vice and sin.

Leonardo Bianchi burns the darkest and shines the brightest of all.

My lover turned foe.

Four years ago, my family ruined his, and his tongue got sharper than his jaw. His eyes fostered demons solely reserved for me. They craved to own my soul.

And for the longest time, I took it, I bore his cruelty alone.

But then... then I grew thorns of my own.

And now?

Now it's time for his torment to taste my kiss of war.


Kiss of War is a complete standalone and a part of the City of Stars series.]]> 436 Clara Elroy ABookNook 0 3.89 Kiss of War (City of Stars, #1)
author: Clara Elroy
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/09/03
shelves: to-read, childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lov, childhood-friends-to-lovers, contemporary-romance, retelling, romance, second-chance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Never King (Vicious Lost Boys, #1)]]> 59918505
For two centuries, all of the Darling women have disappeared on their 18th birthday. Sometimes they’re gone for only a day, some a week or a month. But they always return broken.

Now, on the afternoon of my 18th birthday, my mother is running around the house making sure all the windows are barred and the doors locked.

But it’s pointless.

Because when night falls, he comes for me. And this time, the Never King and the Lost Boys aren’t willing to let me go.

* Release Date is not final and will likely be much sooner. Target release date is March 2022 *

The Never King is a dark retelling of Peter and Wendy. If you like your enemies to lovers romance with hot, ruthless, morally gray love interests, you’ll enjoy The Never King and the Lost Boys. You can expect hate kissing, fighting, bickering, and ‘touch her and I’ll unalive you� vibes.]]> 192 Nikki St. Crowe ABookNook 3 3.55 2022 The Never King (Vicious Lost Boys, #1)
author: Nikki St. Crowe
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/07/29
shelves: dark-romance, reverse-harem, retelling, villain-hero, fantasy-romance
review:
✨this is what my crush on Peter Pan from Once Upon a Time has amassed to
]]> <![CDATA[For Butter or Worse (The Hollywood Series #1)]]> 59040889 They go together like water and oil�

All chef Nina Lyon wants is to make a name for herself in the culinary world and inspire young women everywhere to do the same. For too long, she’s been held back and underestimated by the male-dominated sphere of professional kitchens, and she's had enough. Now, as co-host of the competitive reality TV seriesThe Next Cooking Champ!, she finally has a real shot at being top tier in the foodie scene.
Too bad her co-host happens to be Hollywood’s smarmiest jerk.

Restaurateur Leo O’Donnell never means to get under Nina’s skin. It just seems to happen, especially when the cameras are rolling. It's part of the anxiety and stress he has come to know all too well in this line of work. So nothing prepares him for the fallout after he takes one joke a smidge too far and Nina up and quits—on live TV.

To make matters worse, the two are caught in whatlookslike a compromising situation by the paparazzi…and fans of the show go absolutely nuts. Turns out, a “secret romance� between Nina and Leo may just be what their careers need most.

Now all they have to do is play along, withoutkilling each other...and without catching feelings. Easy as artisanal shepherd's pie. Right?]]> 368 Erin La Rosa 1335506349 ABookNook 4
you know those books you go into, thinking you’re not going to get that much steam. “it’s a cute contemporary, why would I get a steamy book?� you think, and then ]]> 3.38 2022 For Butter or Worse (The Hollywood Series #1)
author: Erin La Rosa
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.38
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/07/28
shelves:
review:
✨discrete cover in the streets, freak in the sheets �

you know those books you go into, thinking you’re not going to get that much steam. “it’s a cute contemporary, why would I get a steamy book?� you think, and then
]]> <![CDATA[The Contract (The Contract, #1)]]> 29333677
Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss.

Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contract � fiancée instead of PA.

What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love?

Sparks.

That’s what happens.

Can the power of love really change a person?

Will they survive the contract?

What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can’t live without?]]> 371 Melanie Moreland ABookNook 0 3.83 2016 The Contract (The Contract, #1)
author: Melanie Moreland
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/18
shelves: to-read, grumpy-hero, playboy-heero, boss-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Glass Slipper (Cinderella, #3)]]> 56655906 Winston has my heart, the Morellis have incriminating photos, and I’m left with nothing except three stepbrothers who want to hurt me and a future in doubt. I knew Winston wouldn’t be my prince charming, but that didn’t stop me from falling for him.
After all, the slippers fit, and I let myself believe I’d be dancing with Winston forever.
Until too much truth comes to light.
Until I realize instead of ruling the board, I was just a pawn.
In the end, I have only one question. When his game with me is over, will I be able to pretend as if the glass slipper wasn’t a perfect fit?
]]> 328 K. Webster ABookNook 0 to-read, dark-romance 4.23 2021 The Glass Slipper (Cinderella, #3)
author: K. Webster
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/18
shelves: to-read, dark-romance
review:

]]> Bewitching (Regency Magic #1) 520536
Alec, Duke of Belmore, did as he pleased --- and he wanted to marry the beautiful, bubbly girl who had positively bewitched him: Joyous MacQuarrie, who had appeared from nowhere and turned stately Belmore Park upside down with merriment and mischief. It hardly mattered that her Scottish bloodline was shrouded in mystery. But Alec's heated desire turned ice-cold when he discovered that this winsome lady was, in fact, a witch --- whose powers of white magic were not always perfectly under control ...

Too late, Joy knew she was desperately in love and that nothing could stop the course of their destiny --- the scandal threatening to destroy her and the passion that held them both spellbound in a forbidden, irresistible match.]]> 452 Jill Barnett 0671778633 ABookNook 0 3.91 1993 Bewitching (Regency Magic #1)
author: Jill Barnett
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1993
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/07/18
shelves: witchy-romance, to-read, historical-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Always Be My Duchess (Taming of the Dukes, #1)]]> 59530699 Pretty Womanmeets the Bridgertonsin this witty, vivacious historical take on 90s romcoms byUSA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard.

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can't break a man's heart—or make promises it can’t keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution . . .

Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makesNève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.

Only neither is prepared when veryreal feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts.]]> 355 Amalie Howard 153873771X ABookNook 4
Don’t let me talk about this book for too long because I we will be sitting here for hours if you let me keep going on about this book ]]> 3.63 2022 Always Be My Duchess (Taming of the Dukes, #1)
author: Amalie Howard
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/07/12
shelves:
review:
� can I say that my type is grumpy, strait-laced men who fall hopelessly head over heels for a headstrong heroine?�

Don’t let me talk about this book for too long because I we will be sitting here for hours if you let me keep going on about this book
]]> <![CDATA[Fake It Till You Bake It (Sugar Blitz, #1)]]> 58724876
Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most reviled woman in America after turning down a proposal on a reality dating show. When she comes home to lick her wounds, Jada finds herself working at San Diego's newest cupcake bakery, Sugar Blitz, alongside the uptight owner and professional football player Donovan Dell.

When a reporter mistakenly believes Jada and Donovan are an item, they realize they can use the misunderstanding to their advantage to help the struggling bakery and rehabilitate Jada's image. Faking a relationship should be simple, but sometimes love is the most unexpected ingredient.

Fake it Till You Bake It is a sweet confection of a novel, the perfect story to curl up with and enjoy with a cupcake on the side.]]> 336 Jamie Wesley 1250801850 ABookNook 3 3.56 2022 Fake It Till You Bake It (Sugar Blitz, #1)
author: Jamie Wesley
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/07/12
shelves:
review:
✨when there are sexy football player heroes involved, those cupcakes aren’t the only cake I need
]]> The Wedding Crasher 55506996 The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with another hilarious rom-com about two strangers who get trapped in a lie and have to fake date their way out of it...

Just weeks away from ditching DC for greener pastures, Solange Pereira is roped into helping her wedding planner cousin on a random couple’s big day. It’s an easy gig... until she stumbles upon a situation that convinces her the pair isn’t meant to be. What’s a true-blue romantic to do? Crash the wedding, of course. And ensure the unsuspecting groom doesn’t make the biggest mistake of his life.

Dean Chapman had his future all mapped out. He was about to check off “start a family� and on track to “make partner� when his modern day marriage of convenience went up in smoke. Then he learns he might not land an assignment that could be his ticket to a promotion unless he has a significant other and, in a moment of panic, Dean claims to be in love with the woman who crashed his wedding. Oops.

Now Dean has a whole new item on his to-do list: beg Solange to be his pretend girlfriend. Solange feels a tiny bit bad about ruining Dean’s wedding, so she agrees to play along. Yet as they fake-date their way around town, what started as a performance for Dean’s colleagues turns into a connection that neither he nor Solange can deny. Their entire romance is a sham... there’s no way these polar opposites could fall in love for real, right?]]> 385 Mia Sosa 0062909894 ABookNook 3
Sometimes when I am told a book is a rom-com, I roll my eyes because not all of them end up being funny. This book? Got me cackling in my bed at 2 in the morning. My roommates must have been so confused.

This book was full of some of my favorite tropes, a swoony hero, amazing representation, mouthwatering description of food, hilarious family moments, and more ]]> 3.64 2022 The Wedding Crasher
author: Mia Sosa
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/06/17
shelves:
review:
✨oh no! there’s only one bed!�

Sometimes when I am told a book is a rom-com, I roll my eyes because not all of them end up being funny. This book? Got me cackling in my bed at 2 in the morning. My roommates must have been so confused.

This book was full of some of my favorite tropes, a swoony hero, amazing representation, mouthwatering description of food, hilarious family moments, and more
]]> <![CDATA[How to Be a Wallflower (Would-Be Wallflowers, #1)]]> 58460799 From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which a heiress with the goal of being a wallflower engages a rugged American in a scorchingly sensual, witty wager that tests whether clothing does indeed make the man—or the wallflower!

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He's furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby's Costume Emporium from under his nose.

Jake strikes a devil's bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe� and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can't resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn't until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she's stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn't belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves�if she'll have him!

]]> 384 Eloisa James 0063139537 ABookNook 4
Who told Eloisa James that she can write heartthrob heroes like this and get away with it?

This is my favorite read from Eloisa James so far. It has an understanding, simp hero, a badaass businesswoman heroine, a delicious wager, secret trysts, stolen glances, last night dates, and more ]]> 3.64 2022 How to Be a Wallflower (Would-Be Wallflowers, #1)
author: Eloisa James
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves:
review:
✨simp hero: *exists* me:*adds another book boyfriend to the ever-growing list*�

Who told Eloisa James that she can write heartthrob heroes like this and get away with it?

This is my favorite read from Eloisa James so far. It has an understanding, simp hero, a badaass businesswoman heroine, a delicious wager, secret trysts, stolen glances, last night dates, and more
]]> <![CDATA[The Village Maid: A Fairy Tale with Benefits (Sylvania, #2)]]> 60434902
Once a castle courtier, Avianna now toils as a laundry maid. She owes the landlady two moons� rent, and she’s destroying her one asset—her looks. Her best and only plan to escape poverty is to lure hapless Jeb Doolihan into marriage.

Jeb’s handsome and rich� and boring. And Avianna can’t stop thinking about her new friend in the village, the humble fairy Thorn. Thorn actually talks to her, unlike most men. He’s teaching her to read. And now he’s starting to look far too attractive.

But Thorn’s a fairy. And fairies can cast love spells.

Avianna is determined to resist his charms and pursue her goal. Thorn doesn’t fit the picture of the secure life she’s always wanted. But when they escape together from a pirate invasion, that picture starts to change.]]> 264 Emily Jane Buehler 1957350008 ABookNook 0 to-read 3.60 The Village Maid: A Fairy Tale with Benefits (Sylvania, #2)
author: Emily Jane Buehler
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Maid and the Orcs (Orc Sworn, #6)]]> 59231162 She’s fallen for an angel� but he’s mated to a monster.

In a realm of orcs and powerful men, housemaid Alma Andersson is drowning � in grief, debt, and drudgery. And when her awful employer makes his darkest demand yet, she flees for the forest, and tumbles toward her doom�

Until she’s snatched to safety by a huge, vicious green beast.

An orc.

He’s utterly terrifying, with his towering bulk, sharp teeth, and deadly black claws � but his touch is gentle, and his eyes are kind. And his scent is a deep, decadent sweetness, sparking a furious flame between them�

But it’s only more disaster, because Alma’s shy, soft-hearted rescuer is already mated� to another orc. A tall, silent, snarling monster named Drafli, who loathes Alma on sight, and clearly longs for her death.

Yet Drafli will do anything for his sweet mate, even if it means tolerating a weak, worthless human. So he makes Alma a cold, calculated offer: he’ll share his mate with her� but only on his terms.

He wants her silence.
Her surrender.
Her servitude.

And with Alma’s fate firmly in Drafli’s ruthless hands, how can she face her own dark desires � or all the secrets hidden behind Orc Mountain’s walls? Can a lost, lonely housemaid come between two orcs� without being crushed?

_____________________

A dark, angsty, full-length, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Comes after The Midwife and the Orc, but also reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.

]]> 688 Finley Fenn ABookNook 5 4.10 The Maid and the Orcs (Orc Sworn, #6)
author: Finley Fenn
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/06/15
shelves: monster-romance, enemies-to-lovers, golden-retriever-hero, m-m-f-romancee, heavy-steam, breeding-k-nk, angst
review:
✨make fun of me for reading monster romances all you want straight men. y’all aren’t cutting it for us anyways
]]> Fearless 60153010 He’s intense, he’s fearless, and he’ll stop at nothing to save her.

My job is to protect the innocent, but Blake van Hamilton has never been innocent.
With killer curves, silky brown hair, and silvery-blue eyes, she’s been an inconvenient object of my lust since we were teens.
Now I’ve been hired to guard her against a band of criminals who want her money, and maybe even her life.
I'm the last person she wants helping her.
Blake van Hamilton hates me, but it won’t stop me from doing my job.

Hutch Winston may be sexy as hell, but I won’t fall for his white knight, alpha-protector act.
Not since he used it to ruin my life at sixteen.
But when my best friend turns up dead and my uncle goes missing, Hutch is my only option.
Moving into his family estate is the real test.
It gets worse when I accidentally see him naked in the shower, moaning my name.
I have to keep my head and my heart in line—not to mention my body.
Every part of me wants him in every possible way.
I may be fearless, but how I feel about him scares me most of all.

(FEARLESS is a stand-alone, enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense novel. It contains an insanely hot alpha protector and the curvy, feisty socialite he’s hired to protect. The forced proximity angle sets it all ablaze. No cheating. No cliffhangers.)]]> Tia Louise ABookNook 0 4.06 Fearless
author: Tia Louise
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.06
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/27
shelves: plus-size, to-read, contemporary-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel (Seduction Diaries, #3)]]> 25980816 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston continues her enchanting Seduction Diaries series as a bookish spinster and an unrepentant rogue unite to unmask a traitor.

Every girl dreams of a hero . . .

No one loves books more than Miss Mary Channing. Perhaps that’s why she’s reached the ripe old age of six-and-twenty without ever being kissed. Her future may be as bland as milk toast, but Mary is content to simply dream about the heroes and adventures she reads about in her books. That way she won’t end up with a villain instead.

But sometimes only a scoundrel will do.

When she unexpectedly finds herself in the arms of Geoffrey Westmore, London’s most notorious scoundrel, it feels a bit like a plot from one of her favorite novels. Suddenly, Mary understands why even the smartest heroines can fall prey to a handsome face. And Westmore is more handsome than most. But far worse than the damage to her reputation, the moment’s indiscretion uncovers an assassination plot that reaches to the highest levels of society and threatens the course of the entire country.

When a tight-laced miss and a scoundrel of epic proportions put their minds together, nothing can stand in their way. But unless they put their hearts together as well, a happy ending is anything but assured.]]> 384 Jennifer McQuiston ABookNook 0 3.51 2016 The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel (Seduction Diaries, #3)
author: Jennifer McQuiston
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/28
shelves: bookish-heroine, spinster-heroine, historical-romance, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rake Gets Ravished (The Duke Hunt, #2)]]> 58456691 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns with an all new sizzling historical romance in her Duke Hunt series about a woman determined to reclaim her family home from the dangerously handsome owner of London’s most popular gaming hell.

The owner of London’s most popular gaming hell, wealthy and powerful Silas Masters is feared by men and desired by women—except Mercy Kittinger. When the blackguard wins her family home in a game of cards, Mercy steals into Silas’s rooms, intent on destroying the proof. But things don’t go to plan...

She would have her way with him...

Caught in the act, Mercy must be bold to save herself... even if it means seducing the dangerous rogue and then disappearing with the dawn, debt voucher in hand. Safe at home and determined to settle back into her quiet, uneventful life, Mercy burns at the memory of her night spent ravishing the most compelling man she’d ever met. Thank goodness she’ll never see him again!

He didn't see her coming...

No one trifles with Silas Masters. Even if he could forget the dark-haired seductress who undid him, he can’t allow anyone to steal from him. He will hunt down the sultry woman who haunts his dreams and show her just how sweet payback can be.

]]> 338 Sophie Jordan 0063035677 ABookNook 0 3.64 2022 The Rake Gets Ravished (The Duke Hunt, #2)
author: Sophie Jordan
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/28
shelves: rakes, gaming-hell, historical-romance, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Temptations of a Wallflower (The Wicked Quills of London, #3)]]> 26029537 Eva Leigh’s deliciously sexy Wicked Quills of London series continues as a Lady’s secret career writing erotic fiction is jeopardized by real-life romance . . .

In society circles she’s known as the Watching Wallflower—shy, quiet, and certainly never scandalous. Yet beneath Lady Sarah Frampton’s demure façade hides the mind of The Lady of Dubious Quality, author of the most titillating erotic fiction the ton has ever seen. Sarah knows discovery would lead to her ruin, but marriage—to a vicar, no less—could help protect her from slander. An especially tempting option when the clergyman in question is the handsome, intriguing Jeremy Cleland.

Tasked with unmasking London’s most scandalous author by his powerful family, Jeremy has no idea that his beautiful, innocent bride is the very woman he seeks to destroy. His mission must remain a secret, even from the new wife who stirs his deepest longings. Yet when the truth comes to light, Sarah and Jeremy’s newfound love will be tested. Will Sarah’s secret identity tear them apart or will the temptations of his wallflower wife prove too wicked to resist?]]> 374 Eva Leigh 0062358677 ABookNook 0 3.69 2016 Temptations of a Wallflower (The Wicked Quills of London, #3)
author: Eva Leigh
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/28
shelves: secret-writer-heroine, historical-romance, wallflower, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Aphrodite and the Duke (The DuBells, #1)]]> 59811821 A jilted beauty and a regretful duke discover that second chances can be divine in this diverse Regency romance for fans of Bridgerton

Second chances are even sweeter. . . .

Aphrodite Du Bell has always resented her name. While the members of the ton, and even the queen herself, praise her warm brown skin, perfect curls, and exquisite features, Aphrodite can't help but think that living up to the literal goddess of beauty is asking a bit much. Her renowned loveliness certainly didn't stop the love of her life from jilting her and marrying another woman four years ago.

When Aphrodite's formidable mother summons her back to London to aid in her sister's debut, she has no choice but to acquiesce. But Aphrodite is determined to ignore one man in particular: Evander Eagleman, the Duke of Everely, the man who devastated her all those years ago. Yet why does her guileless heart still flutter at the sight of him?

Evander Eagleman lost his chance for true love, but now that he is an unattached widower, he is determined to win back Aphrodite's trust--and her hand in marriage. But just as the couple make strides to mend old wounds, Evander's true reason for rejecting Aphrodite threatens their coveted future . . . and even their lives.
]]> 384 J.J. McAvoy 0593500040 ABookNook 0 3.62 2022 Aphrodite and the Duke (The DuBells, #1)
author: J.J. McAvoy
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/24
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, indie
review:

]]> In a New York Minute 58340964
Worse yet? Someone posted their (entirely not) meet-cute online. Suddenly Franny and her knight-in-couture, Hayes Montgomery III, are the newest social media sensation, and all of New York is shipping #SubwayQTs.

Only Franny and Hayes couldn’t be a more disastrous match. She’s fanciful, talkative, and creative. He’s serious, shy, and all about numbers. Luckily, in a city of eight million people, they never have to meet again. Yet somehow, Hayes and Franny keep running into each other—and much to their surprise, they enjoy each other’s company.A lot. But when Franny’s whole world is turned upside down (again!), can she find the courage to trust in herself and finally have the life—and love—she’s always wanted?

A clever, tender rom-com romp for readers of Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez, and Sophie Cousens.

Read this if you love:
Opposites attract romance
A love letter to New York City
An adorable meet disaster
Found family]]> 320 Kate Spencer 1538737620 ABookNook 3 3.77 2022 In a New York Minute
author: Kate Spencer
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/03/24
shelves:
review:
✨adorable, awkward heroes and career driven heroines are one of my many weaknesses.
]]> <![CDATA[Doctor Heartless (Boston's Billionaire Bachelors, #3)]]> 59796035 He’s cruel. Insufferably attractive. And broken beyond redemption.

After the nightmare I just ran from, those details should have made him the perfect storm of do not touch. Except I didn’t know any of this—other than the attractive part—when I met him.

Our story started on a lie.

He pretended to be someone else, and I didn't ask a lot of questions. Nor did I try to stop him when he snuck out of my hotel room in the wee hours of the morning. I was determined to start my new life on an uptick and a wild one-night with a hot stranger felt like just the ticket.

Only I should have known something that good wouldn't end that easy.

On my first night in my new house, our paths cross again when I discover he's my new neighbor. No longer the charming man I met in the bar, he's a grump, completely unfriendly, and utterly intolerable. As if this couldn't get any worse, I quickly learn I'm also his daughter’s new teacher.

A wonderful daughter I can't help but fall in love with.

Something I refuse to do with him. Our button-pushing back and forth never fails to get under my skin. If anything, his sudden off-limits status makes resisting this devil of a single dad that much easier.

Regardless of the temptation he presents. How searing his heated gaze is when I catch him staring. Or how breathless our stolen moments leave us.

After all, this is the fresh start I so desperately need, and I will not let anything get in my way.

No. I can’t give in to Doctor Heartless. No matter how hard he tries to change my mind.

DOCTOR HEARTLESS is a 95k word deliciously STEAMY, grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers romance that will hit you straight in the feels! It is a standalone in the bestselling Boston's Billionaire Bachelors series featuring Boston's hottest billionaire doctors and the women they fall head over heels for!]]> 310 J. Saman ABookNook 0 4.34 2022 Doctor Heartless (Boston's Billionaire Bachelors, #3)
author: J. Saman
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/21
shelves: to-read, enemies-to-lovers, doctor-romance, contemporary-romance, single-dad
review:

]]> Jane Eyre (Manga Classics) 26591771 319 Stacy King 1927925657 ABookNook 5 4.26 1847 Jane Eyre (Manga Classics)
author: Stacy King
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1847
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/03/12
shelves:
review:
While Jane Eyre wasn't necessarily a story I enjoyed when I had read it in high school, this retelling of it made me fall in love with the story. Seeing everything that Jane goes through, the interactions she has, and the relationships she builds through this beautiful art made me have a new appreciation for the story. The scenes were beautifully and accurately portrayed and added a new layer to the classic I didn't enjoy prior to reading this manga version. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to dip their toes into the story of Jane Eyre or someone who already loves the classic tale.
]]> <![CDATA[Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mystery, #1)]]> 53914898
Except the man accused of the crime already has a lawyer on his side: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious Pemberley Associates law firm. Lizzie is determined to solve the murder before Darcy can so that she can show the world that a woman can be just as good as a man. (The fact that Darcy is an infuriating snob doesn’t help.) But there’s still a killer on the loose, and as the case gets more complicated, Lizzie and Darcy may have to start working together to avoid becoming the next victims themselves.



Running Time => 8hrs. and 30mins.

©2021 Tirzah Price (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers]]> 368 Tirzah Price 006288980X ABookNook 0 to-read 3.74 2021 Pride and Premeditation (Jane Austen Murder Mystery, #1)
author: Tirzah Price
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/03/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rejected Mate (The Alpha Shifter Collection, #13)]]> 59591025 Alone.
After going through her first transition, Constance finds her mate—who publicly rejects her. The pack wants her to leave, but Gage, the alpha, tells her to stay. His son may have rejected her, but he wants her to stay. At a meeting, Gage declares he will be the unmated male to claim her. She will be his.

All her life, she’s had a crush on the softly spoken alpha, and now he intends to be her mate. Is he doing it out of pity?

He has watched her flourish into a beautiful, curvy wolf, and since his son doesn’t want her, he craves her. He’ll stop at nothing to claim her for his own.

He loves her. He will mate with her.

But he couldn’t have anticipated what would happen when he finally leaves his mark on her.

Will he save her before it is too late?]]> 133 Sam Crescent 0369504666 ABookNook 0 3.81 Rejected Mate (The Alpha Shifter Collection, #13)
author: Sam Crescent
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.81
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/23
shelves: rejected-mate, ill-sleep-with-your-dad-then, to-read, alpha-hero, werewolves
review:

]]> <![CDATA[His Refused Mate (Katu Wolves, #1)]]> 57975071 60 Jade Marshall 0369503457 ABookNook 0 3.73 His Refused Mate (Katu Wolves, #1)
author: Jade Marshall
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/23
shelves: hero-pines-for-love, hero-pines-for-a-mate, emotionally-closed-off-heroine, to-read, werewolves, alpha-hero
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Broken Bonds (The Bonds that Tie, #1)]]> 58081613 I was sure everything would be okay if I had them.
It wasn’t.
The fate of our people is in my hands and I know we’re better off if I’m alone.
After five years on the run, I’m caught and dragged back to face the men I ran away from.
I thought I was doing the right thing.
Now, I’m not so sure.
North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe may never forgive me but one thing is for sure.
I won’t ever forgive myself.

*Broken Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.]]> 289 J. Bree ABookNook 0 reverse-harem, pnr, to-read 4.13 2021 Broken Bonds (The Bonds that Tie, #1)
author: J. Bree
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/23
shelves: reverse-harem, pnr, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Pippa and the Prince of Secrets (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels, #2)]]> 58695270 Will a lady from London's high society and a brute from its darkest streets defy destiny and find everlasting love?

A Widow Gone Wild

After the tragic ending to her marriage, Pippa, the widowed Countess of Longmere, vows never to fall in love again. The former paragon decides to live life by her own rules, finding new purpose as an agent with Lady Charlotte Fayne’s investigative society. As Pippa embarks on a dangerous mission, she encounters a man from her past who reawakens her youthful dreams and ignites her deepest desires�

A Brute with a Noble Heart

After surviving brutal beginnings, Timothy Cullen has become the powerful leader of the mudlarks, a gang of scavengers dealing in goods and information. Known as the Prince of Larks, Cull is a feared and mythical figure in the London underworld, and he lives in the shadows, using his mystique to protect those under his care. Yet beneath his scarred façade beats a secret longing: to be seen by the woman he has loved from afar since he was a lad�

A Love that Defies Destiny

Brought together by a deadly mystery, Pippa and Cull discover fiery passion and all-consuming love. Yet their enemies, past and present, are closing in. In order to survive, they must surrender their secrets and trust in love…before time runs out.

Grace's books feature hot historical romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series.

]]> 375 Grace Callaway 1939537576 ABookNook 5 3.96 2021 Pippa and the Prince of Secrets (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels, #2)
author: Grace Callaway
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/23
shelves:
review:
✨secret agents and pinning heroes make for the spiciest of times
]]> Memento Mori 58204869
Advanced praise: "Memento Mori is a historic tale with a modern-day twist. Tragically beautiful, this novel depicts how pain can lead to the greatest of love stories. Some things are just written in the stars. And I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!" � Ivy Smoak, International Bestselling Author

"An escapist's dream full of art, history, and sexiness. It was a vacation I truly needed." -Laurelin Paige, New York Times bestselling author]]> Jane Morris ABookNook 3
Who knew the world needed a modern retelling of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood set in today's world with glimmers of fantasy and mystery? But now that I have read it, I am glad it exists.

Tropes:
- the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
- love triangle/square
- surprise pregnancy
- spunky main character
- fuckboy hero
- engaging plot
- mystery

Morris weaves an engaging tale with lyrical writing and heaps of intrigue. However, there were many points in the book where I just wanted more that I, unfortunately, could not ignore.

From the very start, it is evident that Morris spared no expense in the research and proper integration of it for this book. The book is lush with historically accurate tidbits about the brotherhood. Many times, I found myself looking up facts about them. I, much to my pleasant surprise, left with a new and expanded understanding of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

The mystery was well developed and definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. As the somber, fantastical connotation of the cover suggests, this book was full of a sense of serenity and grit. It felt like walking through a forest with the full moon looming above you, not knowing what lurks around the corner. Morris tucked in beautiful themes of art and mystical realism. Sometimes, I get very overwhelmed when I read books like this. I will admit, I had picked this up when I had just gone back in person to uni and grew very overwhelmed with the depth Morris packed into this book. I had to put it down and come back when I knew I was in a better place, mentally, to read it to make sure I gave it a fair shot.

I was disappointed to see the development and the depth that the Morris had weaved into her integration of mystical and artistic themes and history was not really evident in all the characters or romance.

The way the characters spoke really rubbed me the wrong way. F-bombs after F-bombs were getting dropped, the same way a teenager who just learned a new cuss word would. The dialogue in general was unnatural, juvenile, and consistently got on my nerves.

Talking about juvenile, it seemed to me that the main character was written in the shadow of the surface level, obnoxious "badass" female lead character we used to see when dystopian YA literature had a grip on the publishing industry. Jane was very "badass woman character" caricature-esque, which was incredibly disappointing.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters in general. I already don't like love triangles all too much, it has to be well-written for me to like it, no matter how well-written the characters caught in the triangle are. So add hard-to-connect-with characters into a lightly fleshed out love triangle and we are not headed for a romance that would capture me.

If you guys know me, [spoilers removed] But I know some people do enjoy that trope.

So while this book might have not really been for me. If you are a fan or are intrigued with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, looking for a book with lyrical writing and artistic themes that draw you in with a sprinkle of romance, I would suggest you pick up this book.

⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars | ]]> 3.72 Memento Mori
author: Jane Morris
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.72
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/02/22
shelves:
review:
� a brood of sexy artists, caught in a fantastical, sensual romance riddled with mystery and lush history �

Who knew the world needed a modern retelling of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood set in today's world with glimmers of fantasy and mystery? But now that I have read it, I am glad it exists.

Tropes:
- the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
- love triangle/square
- surprise pregnancy
- spunky main character
- fuckboy hero
- engaging plot
- mystery

Morris weaves an engaging tale with lyrical writing and heaps of intrigue. However, there were many points in the book where I just wanted more that I, unfortunately, could not ignore.

From the very start, it is evident that Morris spared no expense in the research and proper integration of it for this book. The book is lush with historically accurate tidbits about the brotherhood. Many times, I found myself looking up facts about them. I, much to my pleasant surprise, left with a new and expanded understanding of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

The mystery was well developed and definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. As the somber, fantastical connotation of the cover suggests, this book was full of a sense of serenity and grit. It felt like walking through a forest with the full moon looming above you, not knowing what lurks around the corner. Morris tucked in beautiful themes of art and mystical realism. Sometimes, I get very overwhelmed when I read books like this. I will admit, I had picked this up when I had just gone back in person to uni and grew very overwhelmed with the depth Morris packed into this book. I had to put it down and come back when I knew I was in a better place, mentally, to read it to make sure I gave it a fair shot.

I was disappointed to see the development and the depth that the Morris had weaved into her integration of mystical and artistic themes and history was not really evident in all the characters or romance.

The way the characters spoke really rubbed me the wrong way. F-bombs after F-bombs were getting dropped, the same way a teenager who just learned a new cuss word would. The dialogue in general was unnatural, juvenile, and consistently got on my nerves.

Talking about juvenile, it seemed to me that the main character was written in the shadow of the surface level, obnoxious "badass" female lead character we used to see when dystopian YA literature had a grip on the publishing industry. Jane was very "badass woman character" caricature-esque, which was incredibly disappointing.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters in general. I already don't like love triangles all too much, it has to be well-written for me to like it, no matter how well-written the characters caught in the triangle are. So add hard-to-connect-with characters into a lightly fleshed out love triangle and we are not headed for a romance that would capture me.

If you guys know me, [spoilers removed] But I know some people do enjoy that trope.

So while this book might have not really been for me. If you are a fan or are intrigued with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, looking for a book with lyrical writing and artistic themes that draw you in with a sprinkle of romance, I would suggest you pick up this book.

⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars |
]]> <![CDATA[The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes (Last Chance Scoundrels, #1)]]> 58212242 In USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh’s new novel a notorious rake and an innocent debutante strike a scandalous bargain�

When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?

Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.

In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves� respectable or not.]]> 367 Eva Leigh 0063086271 ABookNook 4
Is there some secret rule that fictional, rakish scoundrels get to have so much power over me? ]]> 3.74 2022 The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes (Last Chance Scoundrels, #1)
author: Eva Leigh
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/02/22
shelves:
review:
✨a s*xually repressed heroine and a sexy, eyeliner wearing reformed rake based off of aidan turner who wants nothing but to ravish her �

Is there some secret rule that fictional, rakish scoundrels get to have so much power over me?
]]> <![CDATA[Delilah Green Doesn't Care (Bright Falls, #1)]]> 54756850
Delilah Green swore she would never go back to Bright Falls—nothing is there for her but memories of a lonely childhood where she was little more than a burden to her cold and distant stepfamily. Her life is in New York, with her photography career finally gaining steam and her bed never empty. Sure, it’s a different woman every night, but that’s just fine with her.

When Delilah’s estranged stepsister, Astrid, pressures her into photographing her wedding with a guilt trip and a five-figure check, Delilah finds herself back in the godforsaken town that she used to call home. She plans to breeze in and out, but then she sees Claire Sutherland, one of Astrid’s stuck-up besties, and decides that maybe there’s some fun (and a little retribution) to be had in Bright Falls, after all.

Having raised her eleven-year-old daughter mostly on her own while dealing with her unreliable ex and running a bookstore, Claire Sutherland depends upon a life without surprises. And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise…at first. Though they’ve known each other for years, they don’t really know each other—so Claire is unsettled when Delilah figures out exactly what buttons to push. When they’re forced together during a gauntlet of wedding preparations—including a plot to save Astrid from her horrible fiancé—Claire isn’t sure she has the strength to resist Delilah’s charms. Even worse, she’s starting to think she doesn’t want to...]]> 375 Ashley Herring Blake 0593336402 ABookNook 4 4.06 2022 Delilah Green Doesn't Care (Bright Falls, #1)
author: Ashley Herring Blake
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/02/22
shelves:
review:
✨don’t you love it when . . . women
]]> <![CDATA[Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom, #1)]]> 57789637
“Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish.”—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series

“An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."—BookPage, starred review

A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.]]> 503 Sue Lynn Tan 0063031302 ABookNook 4 4.08 2022 Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom, #1)
author: Sue Lynn Tan
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/02/15
shelves:
review:
✨why do I always end up falling for the sexy villain?
]]> <![CDATA[Second Star to the Left (Reimagined Fairy Tales Collection, #1)]]> 60166452
Determined to find a way home, Tink doesn’t hesitate to follow the one lead she has, even if that means seducing a filthy pirate to steal precious gems out from under his…hook.

Captain Hook believes he’s found a real treasure in Tink. That is, until he recovers from her pixie dust laced kiss with a curse that turns the seas against him. With his ship and reputation at the mercy of raging storms, he tracks down the little minx and demands she remove the curse. Too bad she can’t.

However, the mermaid queen has a solution to both of their problems, if Tink and Hook will work together to retrieve a magical item for her.

As they venture to the mysterious Shrouded Isles to find the priceless treasure, their shared nemesis closes in. However, his wrath is nothing compared to the realization that achieving their goal may mean losing something they never expected to find—each other.]]> 302 Megan Van Dyke 1648981399 ABookNook 0 to-read 3.86 2022 Second Star to the Left (Reimagined Fairy Tales Collection, #1)
author: Megan Van Dyke
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/15
shelves: to-read
review:
✨maladaptive daydreaming about Killian “Captain Hook� Jones the entire time I read this
]]> <![CDATA[A Perfect Equation (The Secret Scientists of London, #2)]]> 58065805 How do you solve the Perfect Equation? Add one sharp-tongued mathematician to an aloof, handsome nobleman. Divide by conflicting loyalties and multiply by a daring group of women hell-bent on conducting their scientific experiments. The solution is a romance that will break every rule.

Six years ago, Miss Letitia Fenley made a mistake, and she’s lived with the consequences ever since. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she is suddenly asked to take on another responsibility—managing Athena’s Retreat, a secret haven for England’s women scientists. Having spent the last six years on her own, Letty doesn’t want the offers of friendship from other club members and certainly doesn’t need any help from the insufferably attractive Lord Greycliff.

Lord William Hughes, the Viscount Greycliff cannot afford to make any mistakes. His lifelong dream of becoming the director of a powerful clandestine agency is within his grasp. Tasked with helping Letty safeguard Athena’s Retreat, Grey is positive that he can control the antics of the various scientists as well as manage the tiny mathematician—despite their historic animosity and simmering tension.

As Grey and Letty are forced to work together, their mutual dislike turns to admiration and eventually to something... magnetic. When faced with the possibility that Athena’s Retreat will close forever, they must make a choice. Will Grey turn down a chance to change history, or can Letty get to the root of the problem and prove that love is the ultimate answer?

]]> 308 Elizabeth Everett 0593200640 ABookNook 5 3.61 2022 A Perfect Equation (The Secret Scientists of London, #2)
author: Elizabeth Everett
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/15
shelves:
review:
✨spicy times on everything but a bed . . . carriages, walls, desks, etc.
]]> <![CDATA[Cassius and Ellendarra (The Chronicles of Evlontus, #1)]]> 58929414
Imprisoned within Cassius� soul lives a terrifying dark force threatening to destroy all existence. As his control over it weakens, it is up to his brother, King Magnus, along with his deceitful machinations, to repress and vanquish the evil entity and restore balance to the realm. Total annihilation looms over Evlontus, and the brothers� efforts begin to unravel due to the interference of two soldiers, Japheth and Ellendarra. When the truth is finally revealed, destiny takes them down an unexpected path towards the ultimate battle between good and evil.]]> 294 D.C. Armstrong ABookNook 0 to-read 3.38 Cassius and Ellendarra (The Chronicles of Evlontus, #1)
author: D.C. Armstrong
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.38
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Best Kept Secret (Smokejumper, #3)]]> 54860264
Mr. Always Does the Right Thing Leo Sayre is discovering that pain meds are apparently his truth serum. Now his best friend Nyla—the smartest, funniest, and sexiest woman ever—knows the biggest, darkest secret about his past. And the confession has everything flipped upside down and turned inside out…including his relationship with Nyla.

But secrets have a way of piling up, and it’s just a matter of time before someone lights a match. Because while the truth can set you free, it can also burn completely out of control�

Each book in the Where There’s Smoke series is STANDALONE:
* The Two-Date Rule
* Just a Little Bet
* The Best Kept Secret]]> 354 Tawna Fenske 164937030X ABookNook 0 to-read 3.75 The Best Kept Secret (Smokejumper, #3)
author: Tawna Fenske
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Off Script 58724937
Jada Berklee’s acting career is finally heating back up after an on-set romance with her ex ruined her last job on a popular TV show. When she gets a second chance with a desirable supporting role in a hot new romantic comedy, Jada’s determined not to let on-set politics or her off-set ex get in the way again. She’s prepared, polished, professional--and she’s going to knock their socks off.

Still, despite Jada’s best efforts to keep her head down she accidentally walks in on leading man--and notorious lothario--Tristan Maxwell cheating on his latest fling. An intense and embarrassing showdown on set ensues. Of course, there are no secrets in Hollywood, and when their confrontation makes its way to the biggest gossip site in the world, it has consequences for both their careers.

With their reputations on the line, they need public relations rehab, and stat. Tristan’s agent suggests the perfect solution--a fake relationship to get the press off their back and repair both their images. Jada reluctantly agrees. But when their faux-romance begins to have real consequences for them both, Tristan and Jada need to decide if they’re in it for real, and not just when the cameras are rolling.]]> 376 Ashley Marie 1990259154 ABookNook 0 to-read 2.90 Off Script
author: Ashley Marie
name: ABookNook
average rating: 2.90
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Assignment 60117823 From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

Reasons why I should not be drawn to Troy Serrano.
Number one: He’s obnoxious.
Number two: He and I were enemies over a decade ago in high school.
Number three: He’s my friend’s ex-boyfriend.
I could go on and on, really.
When my boss gives me an unwanted assignment and tells me it involves spending time with the grandson of one of our residents—the grandson turns out to be Troy. He’s now as successful as he is undeniably handsome.
Lucky me. Four hours a week of having to deal with his insufferable personality and unsolicited advice.
The only consolation is getting to stare at his annoyingly gorgeous face in between our many arguments.
Eventually, though, we slowly warm to each other and our outings become something I actually look forward to.
What’s happening to me?
Apparently, I misunderstood the assignment, because it certainly didn’t include thinking about Troy when I close my eyes at night, imagining what it would be like with him—just once. All the while hating myself for fantasizing about a guy who’s all wrong for me. A guy whose car I keyed back in the day. (Long story, but he deserved it.)
That’s all this is—a fantasy.
Well, until that one night at the bar.
The night Troy and I run into each other, and all of our pent-up frustration comes barreling out.
Still, I refuse to accept that it means anything.
There’s no way the guy I’m supposed to hate is also the one I can’t live without.]]> 292 Penelope Ward 195104570X ABookNook 0 to-read 3.69 2022 The Assignment
author: Penelope Ward
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> From Salt to Skye 60207457
Fable Prescott believes two lies. The first, that she was chosen at random for the summer study abroad program at her university, and the second, that she came to the wind-whipped Isle of Skye to research her family's mysterious Scottish ancestry. She never expected to find herself embroiled in a cold case that has kept a tiny seaside village on edge for years.

When another woman vanishes, Fable begins to wonder if there is more to the dark legends that cling to the island like a cold ocean mist. And if her brooding, devastatingly handsome new neighbor, Alder, is the only one that holds the key to her family's tragic past.

LEGENDS AND LOVERS is a collection of dark legends and star-crossed love stories from twenty bestselling authors. Woven with mystery and magic, love and lore, romance and suspense, this multi-author collaboration promises to make your heart pound and keep you reading late into the night.]]> 240 Adriane Leigh ABookNook 0 to-read 3.13 2022 From Salt to Skye
author: Adriane Leigh
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.13
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cheat Sheet (The Cheat Sheet, #1)]]> 60092577
The friend zone is not the end zone for Bree Camden, who is helplessly in love with her longtime best friend and extremely hot NFL legend, Nathan Donelson. The only problem is that she can’t admit her true feelings, because he clearly sees her as a best friend with no romantic potential, and the last thing Bree wants is to ruin their relationship. But those abs . . .

Nope! Nothing but good old-fashioned, no-touching-the-sexiest-man-alive, platonic friendship for Bree. In any case, she has other things to worry about. After a car accident ended her chance at becoming a professional ballerina, Bree changed paths and now owns her own dance studio, with big dreams to expand it. But one more rent increase could mean the end of the studio entirely.

Then, as usual, Nathan comes to the rescue and buys the entire building. A stubborn Bree is not happy about it and decides to rebel with a couple—okay, maybe more than a couple—of tequila shots. Then her plan backfires as she spills her deepest, darkest secret to a TMZ reporter. One viral video later, the world thinks Nathan and Bree are the perfect couple. Before they can really talk about her confession, Nathan’s publicist proposes a big opportunity that could mean financial security for Bree. The catch? They have to pretend to be in love. For three whole weeks.

What will happen when Bree gives in to the feelings she’s been desperately hiding for so long, and could she be imagining that Nathan is actually enjoying it? Sarah Adams scores more than touchdowns in this exciting romantic comedy.]]> 336 Sarah Adams 0593500768 ABookNook 0 to-read 3.78 2021 The Cheat Sheet (The Cheat Sheet, #1)
author: Sarah Adams
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> How to Fake It in Hollywood 59029665 A talented Hollywood starlet and a reclusive A-lister enter into a fake relationship . . . and discover that their feelings might be more than a PR stunt in this sexy debut for fans of Beach Read and The Unhoneymooners.

Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen soap has her (unsuccessfully) pounding the pavement again. With a life-changing role on the line, she's finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist's scheme... faking a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity, but for very different reasons.

Ethan Atkins just wants to be left alone. Between his high-profile divorce, his struggles with drinking, and his grief over the death of his longtime creative partner and best friend, he's slowly let himself fade into the background. But if he ever wants to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together, Ethan needs to clean up his reputation and step back into the spotlight. A gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress might be just the ticket, even if it's the last thing he wants to do.

Though their juicy public relationship is less than perfect behind the scenes, it doesn't take long before Grey and Ethan's sizzling chemistry starts to feel like more than just an act. But after decades in a ruthless industry that requires bulletproof emotional armor to survive, are they too used to faking it to open themselves up to the real thing?]]> 368 Ava Wilder 0593358953 ABookNook 0 to-read 3.63 2022 How to Fake It in Hollywood
author: Ava Wilder
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/02/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rebel and the Rake (League of Scoundrels, #2)]]> 57653414 He holds her fate in his hands—she holds his heart in hers.

Rafe Davies might seem like just another charismatic rake, but in reality, he is one of the crown’s most valuable agents. As relentless as he is reckless, Rafe has never come upon a mission he couldn’t complete. But when he encounters the intriguing-yet-prickly lady’s companion Miss Sylvia Sparrow while on assignment at a Scottish house party, he finds himself thoroughly distracted by the secretive beauty.

Though most women would be thrilled to catch the eye of a tall, dark, and dangerously handsome man, Sylvia is through with that sort of adventure. She trusted the wrong man once and paid for it dearly. The fiery bluestocking is resolved to avoid Rafe, until a chance encounter between them reveals the normally irreverent man’s unexpected depths—and an attraction that’s impossible to ignore. But when Sylvia begins to suspect she isn’t the only one harboring a few secrets, she realizes that Rafe may pose a risk to far more than her heart . . .]]> 337 Emily Sullivan 1538737345 ABookNook 4
A spitfire bluestocking who gets in the way for a Victorian spy pretending to be a rake? Sounds like a pretty basic story right? It’s really not.

Tropes:
]]> 3.74 2021 The Rebel and the Rake (League of Scoundrels, #2)
author: Emily Sullivan
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/02/09
shelves:
review:
✨how many times can I see bluestocking and rake in the same sentence and get excited? answer: infinity�

A spitfire bluestocking who gets in the way for a Victorian spy pretending to be a rake? Sounds like a pretty basic story right? It’s really not.

Tropes:

]]> <![CDATA[When You Wish Upon a Duke (Awakened by a Kiss #2)]]> 56267003 USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels returns to her Awakened by a Kiss series where overlooked fairy tale characters get their own happy endings, with a captivating romance about Miss Isobel Tinker and the duke who makes her believe in magic.

All it takes...

After a childhood spent cavorting around Europe with a dangerous crowd, Miss Isobel Tinker has parlayed her experience and language skills into a safe, reliable life. Working as a clerk in Mayfair’s Everland Travel Shop, she dreams of someday owning her own travel agency and has vowed never to leave the familiar shores of England ever again. When a handsome duke arrives at her doorstep, she realizes her staid existence is about to take flight.

...is faith and hope

Jason “North� Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland, desperately needs a travel guide. He’s inherited a dukedom but has a final mission for the Foreign Office—rescuing his wayward cousin from Nordic pirates. Isobel Tinker is the ideal translator, discreet and unknown, but she’s also uncooperative, stubborn, and disarmingly beautiful.

And a little bit of trust

In exchange for her help, North promises Miss Tinker her own travel agency upon return and strict professionalism at sea. Isobel cautiously agrees but soon realizes “strict� and “professional� are not how she would describe her feelings for the irresistible duke. As their adventure sweeps them to the shores of Iceland and beyond, can temptation and growing trust give way to the magic of wild, passionate love?]]> 384 Charis Michaels ABookNook 5 3.88 2021 When You Wish Upon a Duke (Awakened by a Kiss #2)
author: Charis Michaels
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/08
shelves:
review:
✨peter pan but make it ✨spicy�. . . not exactly though (let’s admit it, we all had a crush on peter pan at some point though
]]> <![CDATA[The Singles Table (Marriage Game, #3)]]> 57246632 Opposites attract in this romantic comedy about a free-spirited lawyer who is determined to find the perfect match for the grumpy bachelor at her friend’s wedding

After a devastating break-up, celebrity-obsessed lawyer Zara Patel is determined never to open her heart again. She puts her energy into building her career and helping her friends find romance through the wedding season. She's never faced a guest at the singles table she couldn’t match, until she crosses paths with the sinfully sexy Jay Donovan.

Former military security specialist Jay has no time for love. His life is about working hard, staying focused, and winning at all costs. When charismatic Zara crashes into his life, he's thrown into close contact with exactly the kind of chaos he wants to avoid. Worse, they're stuck together for the entire wedding season.

So they make a deal. She'll find his special someone if he introduces her to his celebrity clients. But when their arrangement brings them together in ways they never expected, they realize that the perfect match might just be their own.]]> 322 Sara Desai 0593100603 ABookNook 4
You would think with the amount of grump/sunshine romances I read that I would get tired of them. I am here to report that will never happen. This book is definitely going into my favorite reads of all time. The representation, the romance, the characters, I loved everything about this book.

Tropes:
]]> 3.66 2021 The Singles Table (Marriage Game, #3)
author: Sara Desai
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/02/05
shelves: desi-mc, it-s-just-a-hookup, grump-sunshine
review:
✨How many hot desi men name Jay can romancelandia make me fall in love with? The answer: infinite�

You would think with the amount of grump/sunshine romances I read that I would get tired of them. I am here to report that will never happen. This book is definitely going into my favorite reads of all time. The representation, the romance, the characters, I loved everything about this book.

Tropes:

]]> <![CDATA[Electric Idol (Dark Olympus, #2)]]> 60048993 384 Katee Robert 1666530964 ABookNook 5
This book had me in it’s CLUTCHES. I was invested from page one. The pining, the angst, the development of their relationship, all of it had my heart stinging in the best kind of pain.

I enjoyed Neon Gods, but I LOVED this one ]]> 3.89 2022 Electric Idol (Dark Olympus, #2)
author: Katee Robert
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/02
shelves:
review:
✨Hot assassin experiences tenderness for the first time in his life and falls head over heals: swooning is anticipated�

This book had me in it’s CLUTCHES. I was invested from page one. The pining, the angst, the development of their relationship, all of it had my heart stinging in the best kind of pain.

I enjoyed Neon Gods, but I LOVED this one
]]> <![CDATA[Count Your Lucky Stars (Written in the Stars, #3)]]> 58079450 FollowingWritten in the StarsandHang the Moon, national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur pens another steamy queer rom-com about former best friends who might be each other's second chance at love�

Margot Cooper doesn’t do relationships. She tried and it blew up in her face, so she’ll stick with casual hookups,thank you very much. But now her entire crew has found"the one"and she’s beginning tofeel like a fifth wheel. And then fate (the heartless bitch) intervenes. While touring a wedding venue with her engaged friends, Margot comes face-to-face with Olivia Grant—her childhood friend, her first love, her first� well, everything. It’s been ten years, but the moment they lock eyes, Margot’s cold, dead heart thumps in her chest.

Olivia must be hallucinating. In the decade since she last saw Margot, her life hasn’t gone exactly as planned. At almost thirty, she’s been married... and divorced. However, a wedding planner job in Seattle means a fresh start and a chance to follow her dreams. Never in a million years did she expect her important new client’s Best Woman would be the one that got away.

When a series of unfortunate events leaves Olivia without a place to stay, Margot offers up her spare room because she’s a Very Good Person.Obviously. It has nothing to do with the fact that Olivia is as beautiful as ever and the sparks between them still make Margot tingle. As they spend time in close quarters, Margot starts to question her no-strings stance. Olivia is everything she’s ever wanted, but Margot let her in once and it ended in disaster. Will history repeat itself or should she count her lucky stars that she gets a second chance with her first love?]]> 384 Alexandria Bellefleur 0063000881 ABookNook 5
Can someone just give Alexandria Bellefleur an award already? She can really do no wrong. I have loved all the books in this series so much. I was grinning like an idiot throughout this book.

This book was the perfect blend of childhood friends to lovers that get a second chance, both tropes you guys know I love ]]> 3.95 2022 Count Your Lucky Stars (Written in the Stars, #3)
author: Alexandria Bellefleur
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/02
shelves:
review:
✨How can you put in lines like “I’m pretty sure a part of me has been waiting for you for eleven years." in a second chance romance and not expect me to cry? �

Can someone just give Alexandria Bellefleur an award already? She can really do no wrong. I have loved all the books in this series so much. I was grinning like an idiot throughout this book.

This book was the perfect blend of childhood friends to lovers that get a second chance, both tropes you guys know I love
]]> Games We Play (One Night, #1) 58233776
When the top gaming site on the West Coast sends someone out to interview him, Quinlan walks into his apartment with her auburn curls and thick curves, and they’re instantly drawn to each other.

Quinlan has no idea of the monster that lurks beneath the surface of his calm demeanor.

Jack is quicksand, pulling her down into the dark underbelly of his desires.

To get out unscathed, she’ll need to give into the hunger she has always tried to deny.]]> 90 Dana Isaly ABookNook 3
I do wish that it was longer and so we could have gotten more development. The characters, their backstories, their relationships with each other, I would have enjoyed at a whole new level if this was a little longer and spanned beyond one day. It was just a lot to pack into one day. And we could have gotten so much more of the smut that Jack had promised Quin. But, duh, Riya isn't that the whole point of a novella? Yeah it totally is, but that doesn't mean I can't wish for it to be longer right?

I can't wait to read the next book. I loved all of Jack's friends.

Recommend? Absolutely!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ stars | ]]> 3.52 2021 Games We Play (One Night, #1)
author: Dana Isaly
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/12
date added: 2022/01/13
shelves: bdsm, kinky, toys-in-the-bedroom, friend-group-of-guys-gets-hea, daddy-kink
review:
I really enjoyed this novella. And if you are a fan of Corpse, Professor Cal, vo.Eros, etc. you will really enjoy this book. It was all sorts of fun and dirty.

I do wish that it was longer and so we could have gotten more development. The characters, their backstories, their relationships with each other, I would have enjoyed at a whole new level if this was a little longer and spanned beyond one day. It was just a lot to pack into one day. And we could have gotten so much more of the smut that Jack had promised Quin. But, duh, Riya isn't that the whole point of a novella? Yeah it totally is, but that doesn't mean I can't wish for it to be longer right?

I can't wait to read the next book. I loved all of Jack's friends.

Recommend? Absolutely!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ stars |
]]> <![CDATA[The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate (Five Packs, #1)]]> 59046399 He rejected me, and then he realized I’m the center of his world. Bummer.

Una
I keep my head down. In this backwards pack, females rank low, and my bad leg makes me damaged goods. It doesn’t help that I’ve never shifted. I don’t mind the late twenties single life, though. No one’s paying any attention as I build an illicit farmer’s market empire.

My roomies and I are doing it for ourselves, and if life under Killian Kelly is stifling, at least it’s predictable. We can deal.

But when biology finally kicks in, I lose my mind. I claim our alpha as my mate. And he rejects me in front of the whole pack.
It’s all good. It only hurts when I breathe. I’ll survive. That’s what I do.

Who wants an arrogant jerk for a mate, anyway? I’ve got a business to run.

Killian
To lead this pack out of the dark ages, I’ve had to be hard. Merciless. I don’t flinch, and I don’t make mistakes.

Una Hayes isn’t my mate.

My wolf might have some kind of strange infatuation, but if she were mine, I’d know it. And I can walk away, can’t I?
And if I keep coming back? If she starts living in my head?

I’m the strongest male in five generations. My pack scrambles to do my bidding. I can bring one quiet female back in line. No one can possibly be as stubborn as I am.

There’s no way I’ve ruined the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I’m the Quarry pack alpha. I don’t lose.

The Tyrant Alpha’s Rejected Mate is a full-grown shifter romance. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. Intended for adult readers only.]]> 382 Cate C. Wells ABookNook 3
This book puts you inside the world of a wolf-shifter pack in the modern day that is slowly evolving from its misogynistic and old-set ways. And as much as it unnerved me how restrained the women were and how backwards so many of the pack members thought, I knew that was the whole point of the book. It is a great parallel to the world we still live in. With old-timers living in the past and men wanting women to be like they used to in the yee ol' days.

What rubbed me the wrong way was the male character. While he was trying to bring change to the society, he wasn't the radical feminist I wanted him to be. Not until he started to fall for the heroine. He had made a lot of changes that made life easier for women, but he was still an assehole at times. And though I love an assehole hero, something about him rubbed me the wrong way. Not so much so that it made me want to put the book down. But I get uneasy around the "ignorant leader becomes progressive after he falls for the underdog girl" when it is written in a way where it seems like he is "fixing him." He just came across as a sleez bag until he suddenly wanted the heroine to accept him as his mate. The description of him wearing a white undershirt and faded black jeans all the time didn't really help either. I know too many frat "nice guys" like that *shudder* Honestly, the hero did have a lot of good things about him. He made a lot of mistakes throughout the story but he did his best to make for them and acted very mature when he realized he made a mistake. [spoilers removed] There was a show of maturity I did not expect from his character. . . Or maybe the bar is just on the f*cking floor for men. Probably both.

Something about the couple in this book just gave me ✨straight✨couple vibes you know? I don't know how else to describe it. But while the hero and this couple wasn't my favorite, they weren't horrendous, there wasn't nothing explicitly bad I have to say about them.

I don't have too much experience with werewolf romances so maybe I might not have enjoyed this if I had read a lot of them. Who knows?

I look forward to reading the next books in the series though!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars | ]]> 3.84 2021 The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate (Five Packs, #1)
author: Cate C. Wells
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/12
date added: 2022/01/13
shelves: mates, grey-sweatpant-moment, rejected-mate, how-did-i-ever-think-you-were-plai, grey-sweatpants-moment, underdog-heroine, alpha-a-hole, how-did-i-not-notice-you-trope, hero-gives-heroine-a-nickname, hero-calls-mc-baby
review:
Ok so I did enjoy this book, but some things just rubbed me the wrong way. This was my first venture into the rejected mate trope. And if you know my reading taste, I am a girl who loves high angst. While I didn't get the full level of rejected mate angst I wanted, the author made it work so well with the character and her motivations that I didn't mind at all.

This book puts you inside the world of a wolf-shifter pack in the modern day that is slowly evolving from its misogynistic and old-set ways. And as much as it unnerved me how restrained the women were and how backwards so many of the pack members thought, I knew that was the whole point of the book. It is a great parallel to the world we still live in. With old-timers living in the past and men wanting women to be like they used to in the yee ol' days.

What rubbed me the wrong way was the male character. While he was trying to bring change to the society, he wasn't the radical feminist I wanted him to be. Not until he started to fall for the heroine. He had made a lot of changes that made life easier for women, but he was still an assehole at times. And though I love an assehole hero, something about him rubbed me the wrong way. Not so much so that it made me want to put the book down. But I get uneasy around the "ignorant leader becomes progressive after he falls for the underdog girl" when it is written in a way where it seems like he is "fixing him." He just came across as a sleez bag until he suddenly wanted the heroine to accept him as his mate. The description of him wearing a white undershirt and faded black jeans all the time didn't really help either. I know too many frat "nice guys" like that *shudder* Honestly, the hero did have a lot of good things about him. He made a lot of mistakes throughout the story but he did his best to make for them and acted very mature when he realized he made a mistake. [spoilers removed] There was a show of maturity I did not expect from his character. . . Or maybe the bar is just on the f*cking floor for men. Probably both.

Something about the couple in this book just gave me ✨straight✨couple vibes you know? I don't know how else to describe it. But while the hero and this couple wasn't my favorite, they weren't horrendous, there wasn't nothing explicitly bad I have to say about them.

I don't have too much experience with werewolf romances so maybe I might not have enjoyed this if I had read a lot of them. Who knows?

I look forward to reading the next books in the series though!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars |
]]> <![CDATA[Mating the Huntress (Monsters and Mates, #1)]]> 55517826 Librarian's Note: an alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.

This Halloween, love bites back� hard.

Chastity Adofo knows a monster when she sees one. As soon as Luke Anthony wanders into her family’s coffee shop, she recognises the evil lurking beneath his charming smile and fantastic arse. The handsome werewolf is determined to have her—but she’s determined to cut out his heart.

Little does she know, Luke’s plans for her are far more pleasurable than murder. And when the full moon rises, all bets are off�

Warning: Mating the Huntress is 30,000+ words of red-hot, Halloween-themed romance. This novella contains one flirtatious, cursed creature of the night, one badass, knife-happy heroine, and forbidden lust at first sight. Please read responsibly!]]> 135 Talia Hibbert ABookNook 3
I really enjoyed this novella. It was short, sweet, steamy. It cut all the bullshit and drama. I had a great time reading it. I felt the proclamations of love and mushy, gushiness at the end was a little out of place since the characters barely knew each other.

Don't be deterred by the three star rating. I am not really a short novella kind of girl. I find it hard to get attached to the characters or their chemistry, so I tend to give most novellas three stars. I enjoyed this story, I really did. I definitely recommend it.

Recommend? Yes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars | ]]> 3.81 2018 Mating the Huntress (Monsters and Mates, #1)
author: Talia Hibbert
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/01/13
date added: 2022/01/13
shelves: to-read, romance, fantasy-romance, prn-romance, novella, i-have-to-kill-you-trope
review:
Does Talia Hibbert ever disappoint? No. Not ever.

I really enjoyed this novella. It was short, sweet, steamy. It cut all the bullshit and drama. I had a great time reading it. I felt the proclamations of love and mushy, gushiness at the end was a little out of place since the characters barely knew each other.

Don't be deterred by the three star rating. I am not really a short novella kind of girl. I find it hard to get attached to the characters or their chemistry, so I tend to give most novellas three stars. I enjoyed this story, I really did. I definitely recommend it.

Recommend? Yes!

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars |
]]> Fractured (Mate Rejected, #1) 59572648 What do you do when your mate teaches you that fate is a curse to be broken?

You run, that’s what.


I dream that my mate will give me the home I never had. Will give me the life I never had.

One day, my dream comes true. The finding-my-mate part. That’s it.

Now I’m stuck with a mate who’s already taken. One who views me as worthless, and who never lets me forget it. Every. Single. Day.

As an omega, I never had a place in my pack. It doesn’t take me long to learn that I don’t have one with my mate either.

I might just find one in Winter Lake. If my mate doesn’t track me down, and if the alpha of the pack that shouldn’t exist doesn’t learn what and who I am.

But staying is impossible. Not in my condition.

Only, the brown-eyed shifter who saves me is making it harder and harder for me to remember all the reasons why I can’t stay.

When you break your curse, where do you run? Who do you run to?

Due to mature themes and steamy scenes, this book is recommended for 18+

Warning: ends in a cliffhanger]]> 222 Eve Bale ABookNook 0 to-read, rejected-mate 3.80 2021 Fractured (Mate Rejected, #1)
author: Eve Bale
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/12
shelves: to-read, rejected-mate
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Nemesis (Heroes and Villains, #1)]]> 57346491
All-American Man: the Hero
Lillith Giles: his Fiancée
The Raven: the Villain out for revenge . . .

One year after All-American Man clipped my wings and left me for dead in the California desert, I’ve finally found the way to unseat the country’s most beloved Hero: by getting to his less-than-happy fiancé. Lillith Giles may be all smiles for the paparazzi, but I know a trapped bird when I see one.

My nemesis took what mattered most to me, so I’ll return the favor.

But then All-American Man tries to kill Lillith himself. Suddenly I’m her savior, and the more time we spend together, unraveling the threads of this golden-boy-turned-murderer, the more I have trouble staying a Supervillain who needs to take down his enemy.

I’m a Villain. She belongs to the Hero.

Do I want my revenge, or do I want her?]]> 240 Liza Penn ABookNook 0 to-read 3.62 2021 Nemesis (Heroes and Villains, #1)
author: Liza Penn
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Darkfever (Fever, #1) 112750 "My name is MacKayla, Mac for short. I'm a sidhe-seer, one who sees the Fae, a fact I accepted only recently and very reluctantly.

My philosophy is pretty simple—any day nobody's trying to kill me is a good day in my book. I haven't had many good days lately. Not since the walls between Man and Fae came down. But then, there's not a sidhe-seer alive who's had a good day since then."

When MacKayla's sister was murdered, she left a single clue to her death, a cryptic message on Mac's cell phone. Journeying to Ireland in search of answers, Mac is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to master a power she had no idea she possessed—a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae.

As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister's death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho…while at the same time, the ruthless V'lane—an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women—closes in on her. As the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac's true mission becomes clear: to find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book—because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of both worlds in their hands.]]> 309 Karen Marie Moning 0385339151 ABookNook 0 4.08 2006 Darkfever (Fever, #1)
author: Karen Marie Moning
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/04
shelves: to-read, fantasy-romance, romance
review:

]]> From the Deep 59112478
Join the authors of From The Deep as they plunge into the mysterious below to explore the wonders, horrors, and curiosities of the sea. Mermaids, ancient underwater cities, sea gods, creatures of legend, pirates, and more await you inside this multi-author collection!]]> 537 C.L. Cannon 1736070347 ABookNook 0 4.61 2021 From the Deep
author: C.L. Cannon
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.61
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: dark-romance, fantasy-romance, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Throne of Ruin (Deliciously Dark Fairytales, #2)]]> 59073456 The only thing protecting me from the demons...is the beast.

Nyfain, the golden dragon prince, tried to set me free. But there is no freedom in this kingdom. Not for anyone.

The demons have sought me out. They want to trap me. To use me against Nyfain.

It's only a matter of time before they call in the demon king.

Nyfain thinks I should save myself. That I should barter with the demon king to escape this place.

But can I give myself to the creature responsible for torturing the people I love?

In order to save them, though, I might not have a choice.]]> 445 K.F. Breene ABookNook 0 4.18 2021 A Throne of Ruin (Deliciously Dark Fairytales, #2)
author: K.F. Breene
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: to-read, fantasy-romance, super-steamy
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Married a Lizardman (Prime Mating Agency, #1)]]> 58124042 Scaly, grumpy, but oh so cuddly...

As a third daughter on the farming colony of Meterion, Susan’s future prospects aren’t too promising. A pretty face, top-notch skills, and hard work mean nothing if your dowry doesn’t include fertile lands. With her twenty-fifth birthday approaching, and no suitors even remotely sniffing in her general direction, Susan will be forced to leave the family lands to work as an indentured servant in the capital city. Her only way out is to settle for an arranged marriage through the PMA � the Prime Mating Agency. She just never expected to be paired to a grumpy, massive lizardman, and above all not to grow so fond of his scales and quirky ways.

With everything going on, the last thing Olix needs is a mate, especially a squishy, scaleless, off-worlder with strange ways, and an obsession with farming. He is a Hunter, not a dirt digger. The Seer must have been mistaken when she insisted that, for the sake of the people, he take a mate from the stars. How can such a tiny thing be their salvation? And yet, his Susan’s softness is disturbingly addictive while hiding a surprising resilience.

With his ancestral lands on the line and the future of the clans threatened, could this wisp of a woman turn their fate around?]]> 220 Regine Abel ABookNook 0 4.05 2021 I Married a Lizardman (Prime Mating Agency, #1)
author: Regine Abel
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: to-read, monster-romance, scifi-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Trick or Orc (Monsterly Yours #6.5)]]> 59406998 Garval Ironclaw---Ever since the last harvest festival, I haven’t been able to get a certain female out of my mind. Even now that I’ve hung up my battle axe in exchange for the warm comforts of a cozy kitchen in my own bakery inside of The Spiced Pumpkin. Co-owning this little establishment is a dream come true for this giant of an orc, but what I truly yearn for is the female I haven’t forgotten. The same female who is now working in the kitchen across from me. I can’t seem to stay away even when I know I should. And with the human festivities of All Hallows Eve bleeding into our quiet village, merging with our own traditions of Hallow Night, I’m eager to cook up a few memorable treats. I’m not such a fool that I cannot see that no sweet can compare to the lips of the female I wish to make my mate.]]> 151 S.J. Sanders ABookNook 0 4.26 2021 Trick or Orc (Monsterly Yours #6.5)
author: S.J. Sanders
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: monster-romance, to-read, sexy-orcs, romance, fantasy-romance
review:

]]> Sisterwives for the Orc 59238658
I spend five bucks to play an old arcade game that promises adventurers a chance to choose their very own epic romance.

I'm transported to another reality. A realm where three Orc women inform me that I've been added to their family, and I'm about to marry their husband.

That's right. They share a husband. These Orcs think I'm about to become their sisterwife. Obviously, I have to escape them. There’s absolutely no way anyone could be happy living like this forever� right?

Note: This is a 78K story that tells the tale of a woman trapped in a wild game reality like Jumanji (and a bit like Zoltar from Big). Romance readers (and '90s-era gamers and Skyrim fans) will find little easter eggs here and there!]]> 304 Amanda Milo ABookNook 0 4.35 Sisterwives for the Orc
author: Amanda Milo
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: to-read, monster-romance, sexy-orcs, romance, fantasy-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Kiss of the Blood Prince (The Fae Universe, #1)]]> 56703856 A fated mates fae series about cursed fae princes and the women destined to save them.

Cursed. Betrayed. Banished.
Fifteen hundred years is a long time to wait to get revenge. The Fae know how to nurse a grudge, and now they have returned to England to claim their rightful place.

Elise thought her biggest problems were her crap job and lack of a love life, but when a pissed off fae prince attacks her train, and she's taken as his slave, her problems are only just beginning.

Prince Kian has spent years planning his revenge, and it's going to take more than one infernal female to stop him. It doesn't matter that desire burns between them and that she could be the key to saving him, the bloodlines who betrayed him will suffer his wrath even if it kills him.

Kian needs her blood to break the curse that's destroying him.
Elise needs to break his curse to win her freedom.
Once a bargain is struck with the fae, there's no breaking it. But will her freedom be worth it if she loses her heart and condemns England in the process?]]> 217 Alessa Thorn ABookNook 0 3.75 Kiss of the Blood Prince (The Fae Universe, #1)
author: Alessa Thorn
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/12/01
shelves: to-read, fantasy-romance, mates, romance
review:

]]> The Donut Trap 56922672 Julie Tieu sparkles in this debut romantic comedy, which is charmingly reminiscent of the TV show Kim’s Convenience and Frankly in Love by David Yoon, about a young woman who feels caught in the life her parents have made for her until she falls in love and finds a way out of the donut trap.

Jasmine Tran has landed herself behind bars—maple bars that is. With no boyfriend or job prospects, Jasmine returns home to work at her parents� donut shop. Jasmine quickly loses herself in a cyclical routine of donuts, Netflix, and sleep. She wants to break free from her daily grind, but when a hike in rent threatens the survival of their shop, her parents rely on her more than ever.

Help comes in the form of an old college crush, Alex Lai. Not only is he successful and easy on the eyes, to her parents� delight, he’s also Chinese. He’s everything she should wish for, until a disastrous dinner reveals Alex isn’t as perfect as she thinks. Worse, he doesn’t think she’s perfect either.

With both sets of parents against their relationship, a family legacy about to shut down, and the reappearance of an old high school flame, Jasmine must scheme to find a solution that satisfies her family’s expectations and can get her out of the donut trap once and for all.]]> 368 Julie Tieu 0063069806 ABookNook 3
If you are looking for a sweet coming of age story with a wholesome romance I think you should read this.

Do beware: this book is definitely a women’s fiction marketed as a romance. But I am not too mad at it because this one isn’t as depressing as some women’s fiction tend to be.

Tropes:
- awkward, sarcastic heroine
- Chinese representation
- super healthy, realistic portrayal of Asian immigrant culture
- great secondary characters
- cute romance
- flirty banter
- ex-fling comes back

I am filled with so much joy to be able to tell you guys how real the representation was in this book. I cannot speak for Chinese representation, but the tensions and issues a 2nd generation, Asian immigrant child faces were so brilliantly painted out in this book. You guys know I am so tired of seeing toxic communities and relationships. And while that is a reality for many of us, I am beyond tired of that being the only thing that these sort of books emphasize on. Julie Tieu did not disappoint me, I loved how she wrote all the struggles of the family and the culture; it depicted the flaws in the culture while being refreshingly realistic.

I really enjoyed Jasmine’s character. She was such a joy to read. I loved watching her figuring out her life and learning to love herself.

I do wish that companies stop marketing women’s fiction as romance because that could lead to the wrong audience picking up the book and being disappointed. So I will say again, the romance is definitely not the main focus of this book. It focuses on Jasmine and her personal growth.

I enjoyed this book and recommend this to someone looking for a wholesome women’s fiction with great characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars

Thank you to Avon, Netgalley, and Julie Tieu for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion ❤️]]> 3.35 2021 The Donut Trap
author: Julie Tieu
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.35
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2021/11/30
shelves:
review:
✨a story with kim’s convenience vibes and a sprinkle of romancelandia’s wonderful twist �

If you are looking for a sweet coming of age story with a wholesome romance I think you should read this.

Do beware: this book is definitely a women’s fiction marketed as a romance. But I am not too mad at it because this one isn’t as depressing as some women’s fiction tend to be.

Tropes:
- awkward, sarcastic heroine
- Chinese representation
- super healthy, realistic portrayal of Asian immigrant culture
- great secondary characters
- cute romance
- flirty banter
- ex-fling comes back

I am filled with so much joy to be able to tell you guys how real the representation was in this book. I cannot speak for Chinese representation, but the tensions and issues a 2nd generation, Asian immigrant child faces were so brilliantly painted out in this book. You guys know I am so tired of seeing toxic communities and relationships. And while that is a reality for many of us, I am beyond tired of that being the only thing that these sort of books emphasize on. Julie Tieu did not disappoint me, I loved how she wrote all the struggles of the family and the culture; it depicted the flaws in the culture while being refreshingly realistic.

I really enjoyed Jasmine’s character. She was such a joy to read. I loved watching her figuring out her life and learning to love herself.

I do wish that companies stop marketing women’s fiction as romance because that could lead to the wrong audience picking up the book and being disappointed. So I will say again, the romance is definitely not the main focus of this book. It focuses on Jasmine and her personal growth.

I enjoyed this book and recommend this to someone looking for a wholesome women’s fiction with great characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 stars

Thank you to Avon, Netgalley, and Julie Tieu for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion ❤️
]]> <![CDATA[King of Battle and Blood (Adrian x Isolde, #1)]]> 56651967
Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him.

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries to kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court.

Except it isn’t the court she fears most � it’s Adrian. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king � fierce, savage, merciless � chose her as consort.

The answer will shatter her world.]]> 391 Scarlett St. Clair ABookNook 3
If you had handed me this book in high school, I would have practically foamed at the mouth from joy. Now, I might have had some issues with the book, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyable.

Tropes:
- arranged marriage to her enemy
- sent to kill her husband
- hero calls her a nickname that she thinks is an insult
- banter
- vampire king hero
- heroine puts a knife at his throat
- “keep your hands off my wife� vibes
- hero who would k*ll for his wife
- mixed race, mid-size MC ? (only mentioned briefly)

I think this book will be a great hit with its target audience. This is definitely the kind of book that BookTok would lose its minds over. I am very glad I got to read it because I really enjoyed this book.

Deliciously woven with dark magic and smut, this fantasy romance genuinely had me in its clutches.

It was giving me easy, basic fantasy vampire romance while still having unique elements to it. And that cover?! I think it is stunning. The plot was fast paced and kept me interested.

It was entertaining and gripping, don’t get me wrong, but there were some issues that I do want to point out. They could have all been easily solved and I hope that they do get solved in the next books.

My first issue: the formulation of the plot. While the plot was going at a fast pace, there were alot of elements that were introduced and then dropped or never explained. Despite that, there was still a lot happening. There were a lot of conflicts and a lot of twists being uncovered without getting a proper foundation or resolution.

My second issue: the choppiness of the writing. I had heard this about St. Clair's other books too, but I felt that the writing and the pacing of this book was very choppy. We would go from one tone to the next or from a slow part of the book to something insanely fast paced in the matter of sentences. While this is what happens with fast paced plots, the super successful ones are able to do it by creating a seamless transition between changes or progression in the story. I felt like my brain was jumping throughout the book.

My third issue: the main characters feeling caricature-ish. I felt the hero was a basic villainous, sexy, mysterious hero and the heroine was a basic fiery, sword wielding, "badass" warrior princess heroine. They didn't have much depth or development to their characters. I didn't really get to connect with them or get any genuineness from them. When the heroine would pull out her sword on a man who said something to her, I didn't think it's badass because that felt like her only personality trait. I think this worked from 2015-2018ish but I think there are so many fantasy romances out there with these characters and this kind of plot, that we need a little more from new releases. I will say, I saw such a brilliant glimmer of hope in the beginning. The heroine was discussing how she had spent her whole life preparing to be queen and proving a single woman could rule and now that she was suddenly getting married, she felt like she was losing her purpose and failing women. That would have been such a beautiful part of Isolde's personality to explore. That would have had me so in love with her character. I see the potential Isolde and Adrian have, I hope St. Clair taps into it.

One more issue I had was the plot twist at the end. The plot twist pertaining to Isolde just didn’t sit well with me. I know it is supposed to be romantic, but it made the love story seem a little ingenue to me. If you read the book, you'll know exactly what twist I am talking about. It technically is romantic and doesn't really steal away from the intensity of their relationship, in fact it adds to it, but something about it just didn't sit well with me. But I will say, I feel like I am in the minority with this opinion though.

I point out these issues, not because I am trying to bash on the book, but because I hope the author is able to resolve these issues in the next book. Because, honestly, I am hooked and very interested to see where this series is going to go.

Fans of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, hold onto your bookmarks, because King of Battle and Blood is FOR YOU. This book really reminded me of those two series. You have your villain hero, take-no-bs heroine, kingdoms at war, dark magic, engaging plot, and steaminess.

Just beware, this book is steamy, but it’s basic steam. Nothing really kinky or unique. It’s vanilla sex with a little paprika that just happens frequently.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend you guys read this if you are looking for a new fantasy vampire romance. I look forward to reading the next books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars | ]]> 3.66 2021 King of Battle and Blood (Adrian x Isolde, #1)
author: Scarlett St. Clair
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2021/11/30
shelves:
review:
✨the sexy villainous hero was not a dark skinned, brown haired man that could have his way with me, but ill let it pass this time�

If you had handed me this book in high school, I would have practically foamed at the mouth from joy. Now, I might have had some issues with the book, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyable.

Tropes:
- arranged marriage to her enemy
- sent to kill her husband
- hero calls her a nickname that she thinks is an insult
- banter
- vampire king hero
- heroine puts a knife at his throat
- “keep your hands off my wife� vibes
- hero who would k*ll for his wife
- mixed race, mid-size MC ? (only mentioned briefly)

I think this book will be a great hit with its target audience. This is definitely the kind of book that BookTok would lose its minds over. I am very glad I got to read it because I really enjoyed this book.

Deliciously woven with dark magic and smut, this fantasy romance genuinely had me in its clutches.

It was giving me easy, basic fantasy vampire romance while still having unique elements to it. And that cover?! I think it is stunning. The plot was fast paced and kept me interested.

It was entertaining and gripping, don’t get me wrong, but there were some issues that I do want to point out. They could have all been easily solved and I hope that they do get solved in the next books.

My first issue: the formulation of the plot. While the plot was going at a fast pace, there were alot of elements that were introduced and then dropped or never explained. Despite that, there was still a lot happening. There were a lot of conflicts and a lot of twists being uncovered without getting a proper foundation or resolution.

My second issue: the choppiness of the writing. I had heard this about St. Clair's other books too, but I felt that the writing and the pacing of this book was very choppy. We would go from one tone to the next or from a slow part of the book to something insanely fast paced in the matter of sentences. While this is what happens with fast paced plots, the super successful ones are able to do it by creating a seamless transition between changes or progression in the story. I felt like my brain was jumping throughout the book.

My third issue: the main characters feeling caricature-ish. I felt the hero was a basic villainous, sexy, mysterious hero and the heroine was a basic fiery, sword wielding, "badass" warrior princess heroine. They didn't have much depth or development to their characters. I didn't really get to connect with them or get any genuineness from them. When the heroine would pull out her sword on a man who said something to her, I didn't think it's badass because that felt like her only personality trait. I think this worked from 2015-2018ish but I think there are so many fantasy romances out there with these characters and this kind of plot, that we need a little more from new releases. I will say, I saw such a brilliant glimmer of hope in the beginning. The heroine was discussing how she had spent her whole life preparing to be queen and proving a single woman could rule and now that she was suddenly getting married, she felt like she was losing her purpose and failing women. That would have been such a beautiful part of Isolde's personality to explore. That would have had me so in love with her character. I see the potential Isolde and Adrian have, I hope St. Clair taps into it.

One more issue I had was the plot twist at the end. The plot twist pertaining to Isolde just didn’t sit well with me. I know it is supposed to be romantic, but it made the love story seem a little ingenue to me. If you read the book, you'll know exactly what twist I am talking about. It technically is romantic and doesn't really steal away from the intensity of their relationship, in fact it adds to it, but something about it just didn't sit well with me. But I will say, I feel like I am in the minority with this opinion though.

I point out these issues, not because I am trying to bash on the book, but because I hope the author is able to resolve these issues in the next book. Because, honestly, I am hooked and very interested to see where this series is going to go.

Fans of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, hold onto your bookmarks, because King of Battle and Blood is FOR YOU. This book really reminded me of those two series. You have your villain hero, take-no-bs heroine, kingdoms at war, dark magic, engaging plot, and steaminess.

Just beware, this book is steamy, but it’s basic steam. Nothing really kinky or unique. It’s vanilla sex with a little paprika that just happens frequently.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend you guys read this if you are looking for a new fantasy vampire romance. I look forward to reading the next books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars |
]]> <![CDATA[A Governess of Discretion (The Governess Bureau, #2)]]> 58020808 When a governess of great talents is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: The Governess Bureau.

And one of the most trusted? Miss Anne Gilbert. She’s known for keeping her employer’s secrets, and when she is selected by the Earl of Clarcton, that is precisely why.

Because the Earl, Timothy Lexington, has secrets. Secrets he has worked hard to keep from the world for the last two years. While scandal waits in the wings, Clarcton Castle has entire wings that are shut off and the Countess is nowhere to be found.

Anne may be discrete, but that doesn’t mean she’s not curious. When Timothy makes a scandalous request of her—pretend to be his countess at the Christmas Ball to prevent rumors of her disappearance from spreading—he doesn’t tell her why. He doesn’t tell her she has a strange and unexplainable resemblance to his wife.

Anne is faced not only with half-lies and stony-faced servants…but a growing passion for the man she knows is lying to her. When an Earl won’t tell the truth about his own wife, a governess has only one course of action: accept the lies demurely. What a shame Anne isn’t going to stop seeking the truth.

As the Christmas Ball grows closer, will Anne learn to trust a man she knows is trying to deceive her? Is it possible that the truth, once found, will bring them closer together—or break the connection forever?

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

]]> 349 Emily E.K. Murdoch ABookNook 0 4.24 2021 A Governess of Discretion (The Governess Bureau, #2)
author: Emily E.K. Murdoch
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: governess, fake-relationship, to-read, historical-romance, romance, starchy-hero, working-women-in-historicals
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Temptations of a Duke's Daughter (The Duchess's Investigative Society #2)]]> 57357786 Solving a murder is dangerous business. So is falling in love�

Lady Chastity Fallon will not stand idly by while her sister is suspected of murder. Since no one wants to help, she’ll take matters into her own hands. The plan? Simple. She’ll disguise herself as a servant and investigate. But when her ruse leads her to the enigmatic Lord Kendall, Chastity soon realizes nothing in her life will ever be simple �

As much as Valentine would like to ignore the scheming beauty who claims to be a servant, he simply can’t. He needs her. Bringing his footman’s killer to justice would be impossible without her, because the vivacious Chastity can do what he can’t�talk to people and gain their trust. So, he’ll accept the chaos she brings into his life. Accepting her into his heart, however, is another matter entirely�

Fortunately for Chastity and Valentine, intrigue has a way of putting lovers on the path to happily ever after. But first, they’ve got a killer to catch�

Temptations of a Duke's Daughter, book two in the The Duchess's Investigative Society series, is a light, sexy, opposites attract, regency historical romance full of suspense, emotion, and fun banter. Download today and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite series. ]]> 195 Samantha Holt ABookNook 0 4.40 2021 Temptations of a Duke's Daughter (The Duchess's Investigative Society #2)
author: Samantha Holt
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: crime-fighting-heroine, to-read, crime-fighting, series-about-badass-women, hidden-identity, historical-romance, indie, romance, opposites-attract, banter
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Marry Me, If You Dare (Wagers and Wallflowers #2)]]> 55923903 Marry Me, If You Dare is the 2nd book in the steamy Regency Historical romance series, Wagers and Wallflowers!

They are wallflowers, bluestockings, merry widows, and debutantes—members of a secret, exclusive Lady’s Club in Berkeley Square! There ladies indulge in daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, and learn the art of wooing the gentlemen they will bring to their knees�

The last thing Lady Perdie expected when she fled London was to encounter difficulties in securing lodgings as a lady traveling alone. Claiming a particular Scotsman as her husband was only supposed to be a brilliant tiny ruse. Except the damn handsome, devilish, charming scoundrel claims they are now truly married, and he must stay by her side to protect her from undesirables.

Perdie was not looking for distraction, or marriage, or the love and attention from any gentleman. Yet, with each moment spent in Thaddeus’s presence, attraction burns hot and fierce, and Perdie finds he awakens an irresistible desire within her to which she can never surrender.

What's a lady to do but run...

Unfortunately, London was not where Perdie should have gone. With the ton all atwitter over the newly minted and sought-after Earl of Sherburn, Perdie finds herself face to face with the sensual Scot who is more determined than ever to tear down her walls and claim her as his.]]> 238 Alyssa Clarke ABookNook 0 4.18 2021 Marry Me, If You Dare (Wagers and Wallflowers #2)
author: Alyssa Clarke
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: wallflower, to-read, fake-relationship, series-about-badass-women, historical-romance, hot-scotts, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dark Angel (Gentlemen of the Order, #4)]]> 56321150 Meet the Dark Angel—the last of four gentlemen who work to right injustices—in the new heart-stopping series Gentlemen of the Order.

Having witnessed his parents� murder as a boy of eight, Dante D’Angelo has spent his adult years hunting the culprit. Working as an enquiry agent for the Order enables him to conduct his own secret investigations. But while working on a case of fraud, he makes a shocking discovery, a connection between the suspect and the devil who murdered his parents. With ruthless determination, Dante pursues the villain—until he encounters a problem in the form of a golden-haired temptress. The Order’s first female agent has been assigned the same case, too.

Beatrice Sands has a deeply personal reason for joining the Order. She must form an alliance with Mr D’Angelo and help him find the beast who killed his parents. But the gentleman is as dangerous as he is handsome. Bitterness consumes him. Beneath his cool facade is a soul wracked with pain. The only way to gain his trust is to prove herself a worthy agent. Yet as their friendship blossoms, she wonders if she has what’s needed to heal his broken heart.

Working together to solve a crime that has damaged both their lives irreparably, friendship gives way to an intense attraction. But when a man knows nothing but pain, is he capable of love? When a man is willing to die for his cause, is there any hope for the future?

]]> 240 Adele Clee 1916277497 ABookNook 0 4.49 2021 Dark Angel (Gentlemen of the Order, #4)
author: Adele Clee
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: crime-fighting, crime-fighting-heroine, friends-to-lovers, icy-hero, historical-romance, to-read, indie, working-women-in-historicals, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower, #1)]]> 53265646
Edward Stanhope, the icy Duke of Thornfield, likes his life in a certain order. Give him a strong drink, a good book, and his dog for company, and he’s content. But when he goes to his library and finds a woman sitting in his chair, petting his dog, what starts as a request for her to leave quickly turns to a fiery battle of wits, leading to a steamy kiss that could ruin them both if they were caught.

So of course, damn it all, that’s when Edward’s aunt walks in, and thereafter announces Miss Georgiana Bly is the future Duchess of Thornfield.

Georgiana was content to be a spinster, spending her days reading and working to keep her family out of debt. But now her days are spent locked away with a growly duke, learning how to be the perfect duchess, and her nights spent fighting the undeniable attraction to a man who was never meant for her.

As their wedding day approaches, the attraction between them burns hot and fierce, but is it enough to melt the duke’s chilly facade?]]> 306 Eva Devon 1682816133 ABookNook 0 3.51 2021 The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower, #1)
author: Eva Devon
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, romance, wallflower-rake, starchy-hero, spinster-heroine, arranged-marriage, bookish-heroine
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Married to the Rogue (Season of Scandal, #3)]]> 55621850 Free to follow her heart…just not to her husband!

Deborah needs a husband to protect her from the scandal breaking over her head; Christopher Halland, a radical and ambitious member of parliament, needs a wife to get at his fortune and Gosmere Hall. It is the perfect marriage of convenience. Or is it?

She should have been warned off by the fury in his eyes on their first encounter when he almost rode over her. And by the whispered rumors of his women and loose living. Instead, she thrives as the lady of Gosmere Hall, and her calm soothes her volatile husband throughout quarrels with his grandfather, and even when his black-sheep cousin, accused of murder, turns up wounded in the cellar.

However, falling in love was not part of their agreement—at least not with each other—and they have to overcome many misunderstandings before happiness is within their reach.

Only then, her scandal rears its ugly head once more, and the arrival of the reptilian Lord Barden threatens to ruin everything, and even take Deborah’s life.

]]> 229 Mary Lancaster ABookNook 0 4.29 2020 Married to the Rogue (Season of Scandal, #3)
author: Mary Lancaster
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: marriage-of-convenience, to-read, historical-romance, indie, she-s-the-only-one-who-can-calm-him, i-want-my-wife-energy, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Queen of My Hart (Headstrong Harts, #2)]]> 55855452
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is to marry a title—and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter's plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley's illegitimate daughter instead.

Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace for eight years. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn't understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she—a world of society, traditions, and etiquette, where even the servants don't hide their scorn. But she soon learns that beneath her husband's ruthless exterior lies a passionate man who renders her breathless with his fiery kisses and skillful touch.

But when Meggie's past returns to haunt her, she must decide whether she can trust the husband she's growing to love—or risk losing him forever.

Contains mature themes.]]> 260 Emily Royal ABookNook 0 4.36 Queen of My Hart (Headstrong Harts, #2)
author: Emily Royal
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.36
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: self-made-man, use-mc-for-revenge, spinster-heroine, marriage-of-convenience, to-read, historical-romance, indie, revenge, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shining Knight (Gentlemen of Knights, #5)]]> 57201683 A hoyden plus Society’s darling equals... a recipe for disaster?

Lady Eugenia Knight was the youngest of five, and the only daughter of a duke, so was it any wonder she was a hoyden? When she made her London debut, naturally Society—and the gossip columns—were fascinated with her. When her best friend and her brothers married, she was left to her own devices with an inattentive aunt and a childhood family friend as chaperones to navigate the perils of the ton.

Graham Tinsley, said childhood friend and neighbor, had returned from his diplomatic post to learn the duties of the family viscountcy. Yet, he spent most of his time in London enjoying Society during the Season. As the Knight brothers began to marry, one by one, at an alarming rate, he found himself squiring Eugenia about and rescuing her from one mishap after another.

When her ruination threatens, he finds he is perfectly willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Yet what if Eugenia refuses to accept his gift?

]]> 215 Elizabeth Johns ABookNook 0 4.48 2021 Shining Knight (Gentlemen of Knights, #5)
author: Elizabeth Johns
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: series-about-a-family, series-about-brothers, to-read, childhood-friends-to-lovers, historical-romance, spitfire-heroine
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lord Lucifer (Lords of the Masquerade, #1)]]> 53720664 Three titled gentlemen throw a masquerade party at Vauxhall for their own secret purposes. Three ladies attended for fun but find something far greater in the shadows of the pleasure garden.

Welcome to the fabulous new series Lords of the Masquerade by USA Today Bestselling Author Jade Lee. Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited!

LORD LUCIFER

Twelve years ago, Lucas failed to protect the love of his life from being forced into an arranged marriage. The day she wed another man, he left England to join the fight against Napoleon. Now he’s back with scars on his body and soul. He’s happy hidden from the peerage as he helps his men reintegrate back into society. Then he discovers the woman he still loves is in terrible danger.

LADY DIANA

Diana is not the same obedient girl who wed a man three times her age. She’s grown up and found a strength she didn’t have before. Now the one man she can’t forget is back and talking about things that can’t be true. Then her husband is murdered, the estate is in jeopardy, and every finger points at her.

ALL OR NOTHING

No one will help her except Lucas who defies constables, thieves, and his own family to save her. But when she begs him to do more than stand guard, he decides on a dangerous ploy.

He risks everything to save more than her life. He dances with the devil to win her heart. ]]> 221 Jade Lee ABookNook 0 4.23 2020 Lord Lucifer (Lords of the Masquerade, #1)
author: Jade Lee
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: estranged-lovers, to-read, scarred-hero, historical-romance, indie, romance, second-chance, soldier-hero
review:

]]> <![CDATA[To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower, #6)]]> 55158406
Sebastian Denholm, Lord Hastings, will endure a Scottish Season if it means he can seduce Lady Elizabeth Mackintosh. Coveting an estate she owns, marriage is the simplest way to acquire it. Shockingly, the courtship is enjoyable when Lady Elizabeth reveals herself as one of the most beautiful, intelligent women he's ever met.

But when marriage binds Sebastian and Elizabeth together, Sebastian's real reason for their union threatens to rip them apart. One English Earl finds there is nothing more fearsome than a Scottish lass who's been played the fool twice.

]]> 146 Tamara Gill ABookNook 0 4.24 2020 To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower, #6)
author: Tamara Gill
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, marriage-of-convenience, wallflower, groveling, romance, heiress, indie
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Duke of Renown (Dukes of Distinction #1)]]> 56589778 Who doesn’t love a duke? How about five of them?

Welcome to bestselling author Alexa Aston’s new Regency romance series, the Dukes of Distinction! These five aristocrats all come with nicknames Polite Society has bestowed upon them. Renown. Charm. Disrepute. Arrogance. Honor.

A woman with a broken heart...

A soldier who never dreamed he’d become a duke...

Phoebe Smythe, Countess of Borwick, suffers a tragic miscarriage when she learns her husband and young son have been killed in a carriage accident. The grieving widow retreats to an isolated cottage on the coast of Cornwall, where she finds a smuggler who’s washed ashore, blood leaking from a bullet wound.

Captain Andrew Graham returns home from the Napoleonic Wars after the death of his older brother, finding his father on his deathbed. Soon he becomes the Duke of Windham and must deal not only with numerous responsibilities but his wayward half-brother, who has amassed a mountain of debt and then shoots Andrew so he can become the new duke.

Andrew awakens to an angel of mercy, Mrs. Smith, a middle-class widow who nurses him back to health. She thinks he’s a criminal, which amuses him, but he soon falls in love with her beauty and spirit. On the day he decides to ask for her hand in marriage, she disappears and he has no way to find her—until he spies her across a London ballroom.

Though her heart belongs to the Cornish smuggler she left behind, Phoebe places herself once more on the Marriage Mart. She yearns to be a mother again—which means finding a husband.

What will Phoebe do when she learns that her Mr. Andrew is none other than the famous Duke of Renown?

Find the answer in The Duke of Renown, Book 1 in the Dukes of Distinction.

Each book in Dukes of Distinction is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

Series Order:
Book #1: Duke of Renown
Book #2: Duke of Charm
Book #3: Duke of Disrepute
Book #4: Duke of Arrogance
Book #5: Duke of Honor]]> 218 Alexa Aston ABookNook 0 4.25 2021 Duke of Renown (Dukes of Distinction #1)
author: Alexa Aston
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: captain-hero, nurse-back-to-health, to-read, hidden-identity, soldier-hero, historical-romance, indie, romance, widow, suddenly-a-duke
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Discouraging the Duke (Dukes Done Wrong, #1)]]> 58237356 Welcome to the new world from Alexa Aston—Dukes Done Wrong.

Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime.

A lonely army captain who suddenly finds himself a duke. A gentleman’s daughter running an estate, because her father no longer can. Two lonely souls whose sparks are undeniable...

Miles Notley returns home as the new Duke of Winslow after being sent away for accidentally killing his younger brother when he was ten years old, an act his older brother committed—and denied. With his brother’s death, Miles finds himself in unfamiliar waters. He has no idea how to run an estate, much less be a duke. Until he meets an intriguing young woman.

Emery Jenson came to Wildwood ten years ago with her parents, hired to be the estate’s steward and housekeeper. She has taken on more responsibility as her father’s mind grows weak and now runs the ducal country seat. When the new duke shows up, she schemes to hide her father’s deficiencies, believing the Duke of Winslow won’t remain long since the Season is in full swing and he will need to claim a bride and provide an heir.

But Miles isn’t going anywhere. He becomes captivated not only by Emery’s charm and confidence but admires her skills in making Wildwood a profitable estate. Miles decides no one but Emery can be his duchess—and he is up for the challenge, ready to convince the blunt beauty in the battle of wills that they can both come up winners—if she will only say yes.

Will Emery, who thinks she has found her place in the world and urges Miles to now find his, discover that the best place she can be is at the Duke of Winslow’s side?

Find the answer in Discouraging the Duke, Book 1 in Dukes Done Wrong.

Each book in Dukes Done Wrong is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

Series Order:
Book #1: Discouraging the Duke
Book #2: Deflecting the Duke
Book #3: Disrupting the Duke
Book #4: Delighting the Duke
Book #5: Destiny with a Duke]]> 230 Alexa Aston ABookNook 0 4.21 2021 Discouraging the Duke (Dukes Done Wrong, #1)
author: Alexa Aston
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, captain-hero, historical-romance, suddenly-a-duke, indie, romance, soldier-hero, series-about-friends-guys
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Seduced by a Devil (The Deville Brothers, #1)]]> 57613085 From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Vella comes a sizzling new series full of passion, scandals and intrigue. Tasked with protecting the King, the Deville brothers are part of a secret alliance forged centuries ago, but when it comes to affairs of the heart they are yet to be tamed.

Desperate for his help

Gabriel Deville, Earl of Raine, has never met a woman like Dimity Brown. Mysterious, alluring and utterly infuriating, she has no respect for him. In fact, the piano teacher treats him like he is the underling, not her. His beloved sister, however, calls her friend, and when Dimity disappears, he cannot refuse his sibling’s urgent plea to find her.

Gabe’s first shock is finding Dimity in a seedy tavern, dancing on the bar. The second is seeing the feisty young woman vulnerable and scared. He soon realizes that what he feels for her is a great deal deeper than anger and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe. Earning her trust and uncovering her secrets will be a challenge, but securing a place in her heart will be the biggest challenge of his lifetime.

Powerless to resist

Dimity had believed her life would never be anything more or less than it currently was, but then her father dies, and everything changes. She is thrown out of the only home she has ever known, and finds a letter in her father’s things that turns her life completely on its head. Penniless, confused and desperate, she has nowhere to turn until Gabriel Deville steps back into her life.

Lord Raine is arrogant, ridiculously wealthy, and far too dangerously handsome. Despite the sparks that had always flown between them, their interactions had been coldly civil. When he insists she accept his help, Dimity takes it, certain she can resist him, and what is growing between them long enough to unravel the secrets of her past.

Can they overcome their differences and society dictates to forge a life together?


]]> 300 Wendy Vella ABookNook 0 3.97 2021 Seduced by a Devil (The Deville Brothers, #1)
author: Wendy Vella
name: ABookNook
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: series-about-brothers, to-read, working-women-in-historicals, historical-romance, indie, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[To Have and To Hoyden (The Hoydens of Hyde Park, #1)]]> 58513387 From glittering ballroom to stunning castles, join four Hoydens as they turn London and the ton upside down in their pursuit of dreams, passion, and love!

Lady Phoebe is on a mission! She must wed to secure her fortune... A fortune being stolen by her guardian. She's found the perfect laird. Now, she just needs to convince him. And when he agrees, Laird Dunbroch's kisses convince her that passion is in her future. But will passion prevent the pursuit of her dreams?

Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch is in dire needs of funds. His lands have been left in terrible debt by his ne'er do well father! So, when Phoebe Danvers turns up on his doorstep and proposes marriage, he can't refuse. But first, he must extricate her from her guardian, and as they race to the highlands and the fulfillment of her dreams, he discovers that she is more than a plump purse. She may be the answer to his wounded heart... If he can but give it.]]> 176 Eva Devon ABookNook 0 4.19 2021 To Have and To Hoyden (The Hoydens of Hyde Park, #1)
author: Eva Devon
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, indie, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sleepless in Southampton (The Hellion Club, #4)]]> 58311086 Every touch brings with it a world of temptation. Eventually, there is a point of no return.

Miss Sophia Upchurch is not having a good day. Her employer is dead, she’s been robbed, she’s now stranded in a strange city, and the handsome man she’d met on the stage, the man she’d flirted with, is no longer simply Mr. Henry Meredith, a possible suitor. He turns out to be Lord Henry Meredith, Viscount Marchwood, and so far above her reach, there can’t possibly be any hope, even as he heroically secured a position for her as companion to his cousin. But that position is beset with complications, and Sophie fears the young woman’s life is in danger.

When Sophie informs Henry of her suspicions, he’s dubious at best. But the more he looks into the matter, the more convinced he becomes that she is correct. And that means, not only is his cousin in danger, but so is a woman he is coming to care for very deeply...possibly even a woman he loves.

Can they get to the bottom of it before his cousin succumbs to the plot? And assuming they survive to have a future, can he convince Sophie to share it with him?

]]> 207 Chasity Bowlin ABookNook 0 4.40 2021 Sleepless in Southampton (The Hellion Club, #4)
author: Chasity Bowlin
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, hidden-identity, mystery-subplot, historical-romance, indie, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Devereaux Affair (Ladies of the Order, #1)]]> 57434993 Two lonely children form a bond.

As the daughter of a famed courtesan, Julianna de Lacy had seen more than her share of heartbreak. As a child, her own heart was broken the night her mother dragged her from the Marquess Devereaux’s mansion and forced her into a stranger’s carriage. It was not the fear of meeting her mother’s new lover that had Julianna sobbing, but the fact she was leaving Bennet Devereaux—the marquess� young son and Julianna’s only friend. Their parting words became a mantra she recited every night before bed.

Promise you’ll find me when you’re old enough.

Promise you’ll return if you can.

Two promises made and broken.

Someone is trying to kill Bennet Devereaux. The twenty-seven-year-old marquess has received copies of his obituary, witnessed two staged murder scenes and fears the third might be his last. Desperate to uncover the culprit, he seeks to hire an enquiry agent. Imagine his surprise when the only available agent is a woman—a woman who was once his childhood friend and confidante.

Two people thrown together by fate.

Bennet and Julianna must find the villain before it’s too late. But the deep bond they forged as children quickly develops into an intense attraction. How will they navigate these uncharted waters when Julianna refuses to be any man’s mistress? What options are left for Bennet when he can’t make a courtesan’s daughter his wife?

Find out in The Devereaux Affair - Ladies of the Order Book 1

]]> 227 Adele Clee ABookNook 0 4.31 2021 The Devereaux Affair (Ladies of the Order, #1)
author: Adele Clee
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: childhood-friends-to-lovers, second-chance, to-read, historical-romance, indie, romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dare to Be Wicked (Daring Daughters, #1)]]> 54923596 daring daughters.

Dare to be Wicked

Two daring daughters�

Lady Elizabeth and Lady Charlotte are the daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin. Raised by an unconventional mother and an indulgent if overprotective father, they both strain against the rigid morality of the era. The fashionable image of a meek, weak young lady, prone to swooning at the least provocation, is one that makes them seethe with frustration.

Their handsome childhood friend�

Cassius Cadogan, Viscount Oakley, is the only child of the Earl and Countess of St. Clair. Beloved and indulged, he is popular, gloriously handsome and a talented artist. Returning from two years of study in France, his friendship with both sisters becomes strained as jealousy raises its head. A situation not helped by the two mysterious Frenchmen who have accompanied him home.

And a simmering sibling rivalry�

Passion, art, and secrets prove to be a combustible combination, and someone will undoubtedly get burned.]]> 291 Emma V. Leech 2492133141 ABookNook 0 4.20 2021 Dare to Be Wicked (Daring Daughters, #1)
author: Emma V. Leech
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, romance, indie
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds, #1)]]> 44420988 An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here and here.

Alexandra Dunforth’s conniving uncle is forcing her into wedding a man she doesn’t know. Her uncle is determined. He’s threatened to sell Helmsby Abbey, the only home Alexandra has ever known, and throw the estate’s staff into the streets if he doesn’t get his way. But her uncle has the intelligence of a turnip, surely Alexandra can manage to outwit him and save all she holds dear.

After years of living in Macao, Sutton “Satan� Reynolds, the decadent, handsome Marquess of Cambourne, has finally returned to take his place in society. As beautiful as he is wealthy, the ladies of the ton are lining up to be ruined at his hands. He finds them all tedious and boring until he meets the delectable Miss Dunforth. Miss Dunforth seems immune to his charms. In fact, the tart-tongued spinster assures Sutton that she finds him arrogant. Annoying. And lacking in some way.

One wicked kiss leads to a scandalous attraction.

Determined to save her home, Alexandra has no time to flirt with scandalous rakes, especially one who sports a dragon tattoo and possesses a ridiculous nickname. Lord Cambourne is a distraction Alexandra can ill afford, even after he kisses her. Besides, she’s certain he is only toying with her for his own amusement. After all, notorious rakes don’t desire plain, bookish spinsters from Hampshire.

Do they?]]> 275 Kathleen Ayers ABookNook 0 4.16 2013 Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds, #1)
author: Kathleen Ayers
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: indie, rakes, romance, historical-romance
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Wallflower at the Highland Court (The Highland Ladies #3)]]> 56499658 A wallflower...

Maude Sutherland grew up racing the boys, but when adolescence arrived, she became the ugly duckling of her clan. Sent to the Scottish royal court of King Robert the Bruce, forced to navigate the social machinations of courtiers, Maude is certain no man will choose her over the more elegant ladies-in-waiting. When a Highland laird arrives and sweeps her off her feet, Maude finds hope that she might grow into a swan. Can he convince her to trust his intentions are true?

A protector...

Kieran MacLeod arrived at court to settle clan business and to have a dalliance or two. But when he discovers a woman with lush curves crying on a terrace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the shy lady-in-waiting. Kieran finds he must use patience and kindness to lure Maude out of her shell. Can Kieran help Maude overcome her self-consciousness to stoke the passion stirring between them? Can he prove that his love can protect her from the cruel words of the other ladies-in-waiting?

A family that would keep them apart...

This slow burn romance bursts into flames as Kieran and Maude must unite to defend their love when she is put to the test by the MacLeod clan. Can Maude withstand the scrutiny? Or will Kieran's family have the last word?

�

Welcome to Robert the Bruce’s Highland Court, where the ladies in waiting are a mixture of fire and ice. The Highland Ladies, the STEAMY spin off series from Celeste Barclay’s The Clan Sinclair series, returns to the Medieval royal court for love and intrigue.]]> 352 Celeste Barclay ABookNook 0 4.29 2020 A Wallflower at the Highland Court (The Highland Ladies #3)
author: Celeste Barclay
name: ABookNook
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/11/28
shelves: to-read, historical-romance, hot-scotts, wallflower, romance, ugly-duckling
review:

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