Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Divider

Review: The Match of the Century by Cathy Maxwell

December 1, 2015 Lily B Review 20 ★★★½

The Match of the Century (Marrying the Duke, #1) by Cathy Maxwell
Series: Marrying the Duke #1
Published by Avon on November 24th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: three-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's glittering new series, wedding bells are ringing… until the return of a rake throws a bride's plans—and heart—into a tailspin...
Every debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London's most powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.
Already exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet "family obligations," now Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.
As the wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose love over duty?

Elin Morris has been promised Gavin Baynton, but she has a secret she has been keeping. When Elin was around sixteen years of age, she had fallen in love with Gavin’s brother Benedict, who took her innocents and left the next morning without as much of a word. Now Gavin is hosting a ball to announce their engagement, and Benedict shows up on his doorsteps no thanks to Gavin who took away his military status. Elin is thrown, she has not seen Ben in so long his presence is a shocker. Midst the confusing feelings, her mother passes away and Elin is given a much needed break to mourn and set out her feelings. But danger looms, someone wants Elin dead, and Ben is the one she runs into the arms of.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Ben and Elin was an amazing, fun and heartwarming duo. I loved their interaction, I loved their heartbreaking story of why they were forced apart and of course I loved seeing how they were going to overcome the fact that she was promised to marry his brother.
The romance in this was sweet and exciting.

Ben is awesome, a little rough around the edges, a little cynical from having everything ripped from his life. But he is also protective and wears his emotions on his sleeve.

I loved the little bit of danger that was added into the book, which made the plot line flow quick and more fun. The fact that a lot of the book also took place in them trying to survive the men paid to hurt Elin was also refreshing. I really loved that this one was a really quick read.

The only thing I found odd was that Ben kind of flip flopped with his feelings. He said he was doing this due to lust, but then he realizes that he loves her, and then no soon after he says he always loved her. When at the beginning he was talking all about lust.

Enter to Win a Complete Print Set of

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Cathy Maxwell

New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats.

Don’t Miss the Marrying the Duke Novella

A LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE

Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Tasty Book Tours: No Groom at the Inn by Megan Frampton

November 19, 2015 Lily B Blog Tour, Review 25 ★★★

No Groom at the Inn by Megan Frampton
Series: Dukes Behaving Badly, #2.5
Published by Avon Impulse on November 10th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 96
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: three-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

In this Dukes Behaving Badly holiday novella, a young lady entertains a sudden proposal of marriage—to a man she’s only just met...
What does a lady do when a man she’s never seen before offers his hand in marriage? Lady Sophronia Bettesford doesn’t scream and run away. Instead, she accepts the shocking proposition. After all, what’s her other choice? To live with her cousin, caring for six children and a barnyard full of chickens?
James Archer has roamed the world, determined never to settle down. He’s faced danger and disaster…he fears nothing and no one—except his mother and her matchmaking ways. So when ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with holiday cheer and simpering young misses, he produces—a fiancée!
Sophronia and James vow to pretend to be in love for one month. But when they promise to give each other a Christmas kiss, it becomes clear that this pact made out of necessity might just be turning into love.

James Archer does not want to settle down, he likes roaming the world, and he has no plans of giving that up. So when his mother stages a house party for a couple of mothers and their eligible daughters, James accidentally blurts out that he is already engaged.

Lady Sophronia Bettesford has no where else to go but to see to her cousin, her six children and chickens. So when a mysterious stranger throws her an unexpected proposal, Sophronia can’t help but see this as an opportunity to get what she wants and get away from a lifetime of raising her cousins’ children and chickens.

I felt the story was refreshing. There was no mention of dukes, just Mr.Archer and Lady Sophronia. The house party was amusing watching one of the eligible ladies’ mother practically shoot daggers at Sophronia for stealing Mr.Archer. I hated the woman for being so cynical and treating Sophronia for the way she did, but I guess she and James deserved it. Their deceiving ways was kind of hurting James’ mother, who was over the moon that her son is actually engaged. All she wants from him is to get married and stay rooted so she could see him more often and that is in fact that last thing James wants.

As any novella this suffers from being too fast, too many jumps ahead, it felt like a skipping record or watching a movie on fast forward. The romance unfolded much too quickly, as well as the attraction between these two.

But I did enjoy it. I thought it was sweet watching the two fall in love, even with James struggles to accept the fact, a little. This was also a nice introduction to the authors writing, which is another reason I do find myself enjoying novellas, despite their length. I already know they aren’t the strongest piece of writing, and I take that into consideration. But, it told a story of two unlikely people who might have been missed out on a book, and that I was okay with.

Also, there is holiday cheer as the house party is preparing for Christmas, and a contest of who can bring in the best Christmas tree. I loved watching these two work together. So if you are looking for a quick Christmas read and love historical romance, I would give this one a shot. There are also plenty of moments to chuckle over.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Megan Frampton

Megan Frampton writes historical romance under her own name and romantic women’s fiction as Megan Caldwell. She likes the color black, gin, dark-haired British men, and huge earrings, not in that order. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and son.

Review: The Wrong Bride (Highland Weddings #1) by Gayle Callen

November 4, 2015 Lily B Review 15 ★★★½

The Wrong Bride (Highland Weddings, #1) by Gayle Callen
Series: Highland Weddings, #1
Published by Avon on October 27th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: three-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

USA Today bestselling author Gayle Callen creates an unforgettable story of mistaken identity and irresistible attraction in this first in a wonderfully engaging series set in the Scottish Highlands...
Shaken from sleep during the night and bundled off to the Highlands by a burly Scot, Riona is at first terrified, then livid. Hugh McCallum insists they were promised to each other as children to ensure peace between their clans. The stubborn laird refuses to believe he's kidnapped the wrong Catriona Duff. Instead, he embarks on a campaign of slow-burning seduction.
At first, Hugh cares only what their marriage can do for his people. Now he's starting to crave Riona for her own sake, but her true identity jeopardizes his clan's contract. And unless she chooses to risk all to be his bride, he'll lose the only thing he prizes more than the lands he's fought so hard to save—the passionate marriage they could have together.

Hugh McCallum has kidnapped the wrong bride. When Lady Riona is awaken in the middle of the night by a Scot that has found his way into the room, the last thing she expected was to be swept away out of her home and into the highlands. Hugh claims that she is his promised wife, due to a contract between their families to ensure peace among their clans, a contract her “father” was refusing to honor. Riona is lived with the highlander that doesn’t seem to get it, or refuse to acknowledge the fact that this is all just a case of mistaken identity, but as she grows to understand Hugh - the contract is not the only thing that ends up in jeopardy.

Thoroughly enjoyed Callen’s step into the Scottish world. Hugh and Riona were such a wonderful pair to follow through the book and as I watched the two fall in love, something wonderful settled within my heart. It wasn’t easy for Hugh and he had some persuading to do, but their interaction was fun and amusing at times. I liked the little twist and a sort of mystery that Callen throws into the book about Hugh, the little boy and Hugh’s father. I found Hugh admirable and not at all the brute Riona thought him to be at first. He took the fact that he had an arranged marriage in stride, even if it took him years to get used to the idea. Riona on the other hand, needed some convincing, but watching the attachment towards Hugh grow, gave me all sorts of warm butterflies.

Hugh had never told a woman he loved her before, but he didn’t think abject sobbing was the right response. “Riona?”

The story was well done and I found myself enjoying it. I loved Maggie, Hugh’s sister and can’t wait to see what is in store for her in the next book, especially with the kind of curve ball Callen had tossed at us, setting up book 2 perfectly.

“So ye have to work that hard to win her?” Maggie prodded. “She didn’t swoon at the sight of your fine face?”

The only thing I wished was that the part of Hugh and Riona travelling to the Highlands were cut shorter, it took up a good part of the book.

I also wished a bit that Hugh would have stood up for himself instead of living in the shadow of the events his father had created. Since the man was long dead, I didn’t see a reason for him to continue living with the lie.

I kept waiting for something to transpire between Hugh and Dermot, the book felt like it was setting up for that, but in the end it never went anywhere and was a bit disappointing.

Overall, for her first Highlander book I thought Callen did a great job. I really liked Maggie and so looking forward to her own book.

Review: The Duke and Miss Christmas (The Heirs’ Club of Scoundrels Trilogy #2.5) by Amelia Grey

October 14, 2015 Lily B Review 16 ★★★½

The Duke and Miss Christmas (The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy, #2.5) by Amelia Grey
Series: The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy #2.5
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on October 13th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: three-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Crispin, the Duke of Hurst, has never met a woman he couldn't handle--until he's hit over the head with a basketful of mistletoe by a young lady who mistakes his intentions. When he gets into a tussle with her--and she can hold her own--Crispin knows he has finally met his match.
Miss Gwen Prim is mortified that she attacked a duke, but even more concerning is the way her resolve melts when she's near him. She's never felt this way about a London gentleman in her life. And with the magic of Christmas in the air, she may end up with a proposal she didn't expect...in this delightful Regency gem, The Duke and Miss Christmas by New York Times bestselling author Amelia Grey

Delightfully charming and sweet read, too bad it ended up being so short.

When Crispin, the Duke of Hurst finds a young injured girl, the last thing he expected was to suddenly be attacked by her older sister with a basket. After striking him in the face and causing a cut under his eye, Gwen and Crispin ends up in the tussle. Unaware that Crispin is a duke who was only trying to help her younger sister Sibyl, she accidentally mistakes him for an attacker and boy can Gwen hold her own.

“Let me up, you foul beast!” She ground out a hiss as she struggled to break free.

Not a chance in hell, he thought as his fingers tightened.

When the realization who she had attacked finally sinks in, Gwen cannot help but feel bad and a little ashamed for striking the duke and not giving him a chance to escape. Her past had made her wary of other gentleman but she cannot help the attraction between them.

Loved the banter, loved the plot-line, and characters full of wit and humor but unfortunately because this is a novella, it made me wish for so much more. I think I especially loved Sibyl, Gwen’s cheeky young sister. She had to be my favorite part of the story. It is a shame that this is a trilogy because I do hope Miss Sibyl get’s her own book.

She gave him a smoldering expression of defiance and crossed her hands over her chest. “I don’t cry,” she stated firmly. “Crying is for babies.”

Thought I really did enjoy Grey’s writing and humor, it was the reason this novella fell a little short for me. I really liked Crispin and wished this was a full length novel. I wanted to feel more of a connection between the two characters but it was quite quick and I guess because everything was so quick I just couldn’t connect.

Another reason I gave it 3.5 stars is that I felt Gwen was a bit careless in the beginning. She could have really hurt her sister. Plus at the end, Gwen admitted in her rent that she loved Crispin but a little after she says to him, well you don’t know that I love you, and he acts like she never said it. That was kind of a blooper it felt on that part.

Overall, it was enjoyable, though quick. I needed something like among all the thrillers I have been reading, and this definitely gave me that. Do I wish it was longer? Absolutely, especially since this was a Christmas romance and I love to get lost in those.

Forever Your Earl by Eva Leigh

October 2, 2015 Lily B Review 13 ★★★★

Forever Your Earl (The Wicked Quills of London, #1) by Eva Leigh
Series: The Wicked Quills of London #1
Published by Avon on September 29th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: four-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Eva Leigh's irresistible new series introduces the Wicked Quills of London: a group of bold, brilliant female writers whose spirited allure is beyond seductive...
Eleanor Hawke loves a good scandal. And readers of her successful gossip rag live for the exploits of her favorite subject: Daniel Balfour, the notorious Earl of Ashford. So when the earl himself marches into her office and invites her to experience his illicit pursuits firsthand, Eleanor is stunned. Gambling hells, phaeton races, masquerades . . . What more could a scandal writer want than a secret look into the life of this devilishly handsome rake?
Daniel has secrets, and if The Hawk's Eye gets wind of them, a man's life could be at stake. And what better way to distract a gossip than by feeding her the scandal she desperately craves? But Daniel never expected the sharp mind and biting wit of the beautiful writer, and their desire for each other threatens even his best-laid plans.
But when Eleanor learns the truth of his deception, Daniel will do anything to prove a romance between a commoner and an earl could really last forever.

Forever Your Earl is the first book in The Wicked Quills of London by Eva Leigh and it follows a brilliant woman, Eleanor Hawke, a writer who lives for a good scandal to entertain the readers of her newspaper with. When one of her favorite subjects shows up in her office, the last thing Eleanor expects was to end up experiencing his illicit pursuit by the earls side.

Ashford has his own reasons for allowing Eleanor to tag along on his exploits. As long as the woman keeps her focus on his rakish behavior for her newspaper, he can continue searching for his friend Jonathan and hopefully keep his family out of a scandal that can ruin them, should his disappearance go public.

If you have followed me for a while, you know I love my historical romance and Eva Leigh did a good job delivering exactly what I wanted. A swoon worthy romance, an entertaining plot, and well written main characters.

Eleanor and Ashford were fantastic together.

“You set me adrift,” she confessed.
“And you anchor me,” he answered.

Seriously. They had so many moments that melted my heart. She was a hard working woman who made a name for herself and built her newspaper from scratch. He is an earl who has a lot of money, lots of free time on his hands and very unsure of the purpose he has in his life. Together, they made a great duo that I could not help but root for, especially when in their day and age, society would frown upon their match.

“We’ve degenerated into name-calling now.” She shook her head. “The last refuge of those deprived of wit.”
“Now who’s calling names?” He grinned.

The banter between them was so much fun. I loved how the two clicked together and the tension that built around their relationship. Eleanor seemed to have bought out a different side of Ashford, a very vulnerable side that not even Ashford he was aware of. His confessions to her about not knowing his purpose was heart touching.

The plot I found interesting as well. Daniel (Ashford) search for his friend fueled Eleanor’s writing and the reason why the two have ventured into some questionable places. Jonathan’s story was also very heartbreaking, a veteran of war with demons. I hope he eventually get’s his own book.

This was my first taste of Leigh writing and I really did enjoy it. I am looking forward to exploring more of her writing in the future.

I leave you with one more…

A long while later, she said, “You’ve a peculiar way of showing a woman you love her.”
“Never done it before,” he answered.

Quick Note + Review: The Trouble with Being Wicked (The Naughty Girls #1) by Emma Locke

March 5, 2015 Lily B Review 15 ★★★

The Trouble with Being Wicked by Emma Locke
Series: The Naughty Girls #1
Published by Intrepid Reads on December 18th 2012
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 334
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Rating:
Heat Rating: four-half-flames

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

HE PUT HER ON A PEDESTALWhen Celeste Gray arrives in the sleepy village of Brixcombe-on-the-Bay, she thinks she's one step closer to leaving her notorious past behind. She even suspects the deliciously handsome--if somewhat stuffy--viscount next door is developing a tendre for her. That is, until the day Ashlin Lancester learns she's not the unassuming spinster she's pretending to be.
NOW SHE HAS FARTHER TO FALLAfter a decade of proving he is nothing like his profligate father, Ash is horrified to have given his heart to a Cyprian. He launches a campaign to prove his attraction is nothing more than a sordid reaction he can't control. But he soon learns that unlike his father, he can't find comfort in the arms of just any woman. He needs Celeste. When he takes her as his mistress, he's still not satisfied, and the many late nights in her arms only make him want more...

When Celeste Gray arrives in Brixcombe to take care of a friend who is about to go into confinement and have a baby, she plans on leaving her old past behind. A notorious courtesan, Celeste hopes the country life will keep her past where it needs to stay, in the past. Until she meets Ashlin Lancester and his wonderful sisters and suddenly her past might just come biting her back.Interesting enough read, I did enjoy it. I liked Celeste for her tenacity and boldness. I had a hard time with Ashlin once he found out about Celeste profession and the fact that he goes out of his way to hire the woman he has feelings for to have as his mistress just because he cannot come to terms with his feelings and figures that is the only way due to her profession. He does grow on me over time by the end of the book.

The chemistry between the two was palatable, it was there and that’s all that matters. The storyline flowed well enough with some slow snags here and there, but overall I did enjoy the book.