Book Reviews Archives - Page 13 of 114

Book Review: For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks

Jul 8, 2021

For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks

Pages: 308
Publish date: June 11th 2021
Publisher: –
ASIN: B08T8118SH
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

When wealthy Blake Mulligan gets jilted at the altar, he breaks free of his ‘predictable’ reputation by going on the honeymoon cruise anyway—without his snobby, socialite fiancée. For the next fourteen days, he hopes to escape reality and pretend he hasn’t suffered the humiliation of a lifetime. The last thing he expects is to meet beautiful songstress Jubilee Collazo with her honey-sweet voice.

Jubilee is talented and passionate and doesn’t just march to the beat of her own drum—she dances to it. While she longs to do more than croon cover songs from a cruise ship stage, she enjoys seeing the world. Her love of travel makes her the perfect person to show Blake around each exotic stop of the Mediterranean cruise.

What starts out as a simple tour guide arrangement, quickly grows into something more. Despite their different backgrounds, Blake and Jubilee discover an incredible connection they never imagined possible. But as their final destination approaches, so does reality. Like points on a compass, their lives seem to be charted in opposite directions—his to the Hamptons and high-society, and hers back out across the rolling seas. Can anything short of a perfect storm keep these two lovebirds together?

For Vacation Only:

I received an earc of For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks. I had seen it floating around the romance verse and it seemed just the read that I needed. A fun, easy romance that will just take my mind of everything. And it was that for sure. Even though I didn’t love the book, it was still a fantastic book.

For Vacation Only follows Blake Mulligan who is left before his wedding even begins. To get away from the aftermath that his ex-fiance has left him in, Blake jumps on the fourteen-day honeymoon cruise that they booked together. What Blake doesn’t expect is for Jubilee to turn everything he knows on its head. Jubilee love for travel has kept her working on cruise ships around the world, but she wants more than that. Blake and Jubilee hit it off right away. But they only have fourteen days together. They come from different worlds, but cannot help their feelings. However, will they last everything that is thrown at them?

Photo by Georgy Trofimov on Unsplash

This book was such a delight to read. Blake and Jubilee immediately made me want to keep on reading. You know those characters that just make you smile and warm your heart. But Blake and Jubilee did that for me. Even though the book is set over a short period of time, the character development of both Blake and Jubilee is fantastic. Add to that a great summer romance – and you are good to go.

Blake was such an interesting character in For Vacation Only. Blake has just been left at the altar and needs to get away from the pressure of his high maintenance family. What better way than on a cruise ship. Blake has come from money there is no denying it. He doesn’t know what it’s like to live day today. Blake lives in luxury. Jubliee opens his eyes a little more. His growth throughout the book was fantastic. He went from doing what was expected of him to someone who stood up for himself.

Jubliee was just so fantastic. I liked her spunk. Her determination. Though there were times where I felt frustrated with her. She just looked on the negative side of a lot of things and I just wanted her to happy. The reader is able to see her grow throughout the book. Another thing that I really enjoyed about Jubliee was her passion. She loved music, she loved getting to share that – and throughout the book, we not only get to see her grow as a person but with her music as well.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

And while I did love so much about this book, things were missing for me. I wanted more from Blake and Jubilee. While I felt there was some connection between the two, I also felt that I was missing pieces. It was at like 90%, and then it dropped off. I was waiting for that last 10% to hit and it just didn’t. I loved that the romance was sweet and endearing but also didn’t shy away from sexy time. It’s something that I don’t read a whole lot of – and I really enjoyed that part of it. But as I said I felt like I was missing something between them.

I didn’t particularly like the time jumps at the end – we didn’t get to see them grow on the page here. While on the cruise we see nearly everything that happens, but after it is just told. It was only the last 10% or so of the book that I didn’t particularly love. I just felt disappointed in the ending. Not so how it ended – but things leading up to the ending.

I also wish we got to see a little more interaction between Jubliee and Blakes family and friends. We get to see Blake’s friends at the start but then we really don’t hear anything about them after that. His family isn’t great – like at all. But I adore that Blake is able to stand up to them. Jubliee’s family also is that crash hot. Her mother you can see does love her, but she doesn’t understand Jubliee. And that made me sad.

Photo by Fernanda Nuso on Unsplash

Overall, For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks is a great mix of sweet and sexy. It’s something that you can read in one sitting or over a few days. A great summer read that will take you on a journey. The romance was adorable. And I loved that we slowly got to see Blake and Jubilee fall for one another. A perfect read for you if you are looking for a sweet romance with a little spice.

Have you read For Vacation Only by Mila Nicks yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!

I have also caved and recently joined Tiktok – give me a follow if you would like. I’m having a lot of fun at the moment.

Book Review: Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries

Jun 20, 2021

Undercover Duke (Duke Dynasty #4) by Sabrina Jeffries

Pages: 352
Publish date: May 25th 2021
Publisher: Zebra
ISBN: 9781420148589
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright…

Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love…

Undercover Duke:

I received an e-arc of Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings.

If you don’t know already, I love reading Sabrina Jeffries books – I think she has become one of my favourite historical romance authors. This is the third series of her’s that I am making my way through and just loving it. You can check out my reviews on the rest of this series here and here. As well as my other Sabrina Jeffires posts.

Undercover Duke follows Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, as he and his family try and figure out, once and for all who has been killing their mother’s husbands and their own fathers. Now tasked with getting information out of one of the suspects Sheridan needs to get in her daughter’s good books. But it’s much more complicated than that. And as Sheridan and Vanessa become closer, things start to heat up. But they both have their burdens, but will they allow themselves to overcome them?

Photo by Liam McGarry on Unsplash

I adored this book. I couldn’t put it down and I was only a few chapters in. It’s not hard for me to read a Sabrina Jeffries book in one or two sittings. And the only reason this took me a little longer was that work has been crazy. Undercover Duke is filled with high stakes, a tense mystery and a romance that is addicting and a perfect slow burn.

I already enjoyed Sheridan from the previous books in this series, and Undercover Duke made me love him even more. He is charming and made me smile throughout the book. Throughout the book, the reader can see that Sheridan does care a lot about his family and wants to find out what happened to them. But he also didn’t expect to like Vanessa as much as he did. I liked that we get to see him grow throughout the novel and not only come to understand himself, but Vanessa as well.

Vanessa was a fantastic addition to Undercover Duke. I adored her so much. She was sassy and knew what she wanted. She played Sheridan in a way and I loved it. We also get to see her grow throughout the novel. At the start she is shy, but as the novel goes on and she and Sheridan get to know each other a little more, she pushes him. She is also very sneaky and I loved it! So much.

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

I also really enjoyed the romance in Undercover Duke. What started as a fake courting – turned into something way more. I loved that they both used each other for other purposes, but they both fell hard and fast for one another. While Vanessa has liked Sheridan for some time, Sheridan has his own demons that he has to deal with. I do wish that this was explored more. I felt that once we were told about it – it wasn’t really talked about much again.

One of my favourite tropes, especially in historical romance is fake courting/marriage of convenience. And it worked just so well here. Everyone could see that Sheridan and Vanessa were falling for one another. But both of them were obvious to one another’s feelings. I also liked that it was a mix of sweet and sexy. It was a great combination of being soft, but then the heat can be turned up.

Now to the mystery element of not only this book but the series. While Undercover Duke isn’t as intense as the previous ones in the series, the ending had some high stakes. And I loved it. While I did guess little bits of the mystery, I still really enjoyed it. I always say, I necessarily don’t believe a book is bad if you guess what is going to happen. It means that the author left enough clues that you were able to figure out what is going to happen.

Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash

Overall, I adored Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries. I think it was a fantastic addition to the series and just fit perfectly. Sheridan and Vanessa were fantastic together. I adored their banter, tension and just wanted to keep on reading. The romance was a nice slow burn and warmed my heart. If you are looking for a new historical romance series with a little mystery and some high stakes then pick up this series for sure. Not only does it have great characters, fantastic romances but it’s such a fun series to read.

And there we go! Have you read Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries yet? Have you read any of this series? What do you think of them? Have you read anything else from Sabrina? What is a recent historical romance that you have loved? Let’s Chat!

A Bet, A Rake and A Wallflower | Historical Romance Reviews

May 30, 2021

It’s time for some more mini-reviews. I really like doing these, I get to share a quick few thoughts and books that I either loved or hated to read. Today’s reviews are all on historical romances that I have read recently. I’m sharing my thoughts on To Love and to Loathe (The Regency Vows #2) by Martha Waters, The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon and The Wallflower Wager (Girl Meets Duke #3) by Tessa Dare. Here we go.

To Love and to Loathe (The Regency Vows #2) by Martha Waters

Pages: 384
Publish date: April 6th 2021
Publisher: Atria Books
ISBN: 9781982160876
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds.

So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavourably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

Diana thinks taking him up on his counter-proposal can only help her win her wager. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.

To Love and To Loathe:

I received an e-arc of The Love and To Loathe by Martha Waters in exchange for an honest review this has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

This was a fantastic historical romance. I didn’t know what to expect from this one, I hadn’t read anything from the author – but after my interview with her, I knew I had to pick up her books.

The Love and To Loathe follows Lady Diana Templeton and she strikes a bet with the Marquess of Willingham, Jeremy. Known for their sharp tongues and bickering, this time it’s getting real. Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. But as Diana tries to match Jeremy with a woman, she can’t help but spend time with him and then they strike another deal.

Diana was a delightful protagonist. I loved her quick tongue and the fact that she never gave up. She was seriously just a blast to read. I love that while she had this facade, the reader also gets to see her vulnerability throughout the book.

Photo by Halanna Halila on Unsplash

Jeremy was an interesting love interest and protagonist. While I didn’t love him as much as Diana, I did like seeing him evolve throughout The Love and To Loathe. I loved that he wasn’t a flat character, and the reader can see him really take on Diana.

I adored these together! Their banter was off the chats and I simply didn’t want to put the book down because of them. I was expecting there to be more sexy time considering their second deal. I just felt that it lacked throughout the book. There aren’t many historical romances I’ve read where a widow is one of the protagonists. And I felt that I wanted more from them.

Overall, I loved reading The Love and To Loathe by Martha Waters. It was a great romance, an intriguing plot and I could not put it down. I can’t wait to go back to the first book in this series and then the rest of the books. If you are looking for a new historical romacne authors – then pick this series up.

The Spinster and the Rake (Never a Wallflower #1) by Eva Devon

Pages: 306
Publish date: February 9th 2021
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
ISBN: 9781682816134
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

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?

The Spinster and the Rake:

I received an e-arc of The Spinster and the Rake by Eva Devon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I didn’t know too much about this book or the author before I started reading The Spinster and the Rake. I picked it up because it sounded really interesting and something that I would love – and in the end, I ended up really enjoying it.

The Spinster and the Rake follows Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Thornfield who doesn’t want much with life. He is pretty content with the way things are going. But when the Duke’s aunt interrupts and fiery battle the Duke and Miss Georgiana Bly things change, very quickly. Now engaged both Edward and Georgiana need to learn to live with the changes in their lives.

Edward is grumpy and is the type of male that wants things to go his way. And it’s all turned on its head when Georgiana comes into this life. He is the type of protagonist that I hate to love. He can be mean sometimes, but you can also see his soft side that he tries to hide.

Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash

Georgiana is very similar to Edward in many ways and I think that is why they clash so much. And while he wants to have his quiet life, Georgiana wants to do as much for her family as she can. As much as any women can. And as the novel goes on we get to see why she is this way.

From the start, I was hooked by the fantastic romance. I also love a grumpy male that doesn’t want to fall in love, but then is taken about with how quickly he falls. Georgiana and Edward both break down each other’s walls. And then the reader really gets to see them for who they are. Edward and Georgiana were fire and ice and I adored it.

Overall I had a great time reading The Spinster and the Rake by Eva Devon. It’s not my favourite historical romance out there, but I will pick up more books in this series and by this author. The romance was great, the pilot was great and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. It’s a good introduction to historical romance as well.

The Wallflower Wager (Girl Meets Duke #3) by Tessa Dare

Pages: 368
Publish date: August 13th 2019
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062672155
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

They call him the Duke of Ruin.

To an undaunted wallflower, he’s just the beast next door.

Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.

Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.

When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbour demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges if he can find them loving homes.

Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?

And a two-legged dog.

And a foul-mouthed parrot.

Also a goat, an otter, a hedgehog . . .

Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.

Not if he ruins her first.

The Wallflower Wager:

I love this series and I put off reading this one because of the delay of book four. But I couldn’t hold myself back any longer and I had to read it – and I loved it oh so much.

The Wallflower Wager follows Gabriel Duke hasn’t had the easier road, and it everything in him to get where he is now. Lady Penelope Campion is a sucker for a wounded creature. And she can’t help herself and has to take them home and mend them. When the Duke of Ruin moves next door, Lady Penelope doesn’t know what is about to hit her, but neither does Gabriel.

I’ve been hanging from Penelope’s story from the start. She is a lovely, intriguing and captivating character and protagonist. I love that she cares so much, it just makes my heart warm. Her warm nature just jumps off the page and makes everything so much better. I adore her love for the broken and fixing them as she could. The reader is also able to see her growth throughout the novel and it was fantastic.

Photo by Piotr Łaskawski on Unsplash

Gabriel on the other hand is rough around the edge. He has his hard exterior that Lady Penelope tries to break down – but that isn’t easy. Right from the start, you can see that Gabriel is taken aback by Penelope and her nature. He hasn’t encountered someone like her before. It takes some time for him to get used to her – but he actually never really does.

The romance in this one was fantastic. I loved the banter between Gabriel and Penelope. The tension was fantastic. I also love how they were around one another. They both have their own walls up for different reasons and as The Wallflower Wager goes on we get to see them slowly fall for one another – before they both even realise it.

Overall The Wallflower Wager is a fantastic inclusion to the ‘Girl Meet’s Duke’ series by Tessa Dare. I’ve loved everyone that I have read and I cannot wait for more. I also can’t wait to read more Tessa Dare – which I hope to soon. This one is full of fantastic banter, a lovely romance and many laughs. If you haven’t picked up this series yet and love historical romances – then please do.

And there we go, those are some mini historical romacne reviews. Have you read any of these? Are you planning on reading any of these books? What is a historical romance book that you have loved recently? Let’s Chat!