She pretends to be a princess at childrenโs parties. But can she melt a real princeโs frosty heart? Get swept away by a Christmas story from Hallmark and bestselling author Teri Wilsonโ the queen of royal romance!
โIโm Prince Nikolas of San Glacera. Oh, youโve never heard of us? Well, youโre not the only one. Our country relies on winter tourism, but weโre attracting fewer and fewer visitors. I admit itโs a problem. I just donโt think the solution is an American who likes to play dress-up.
You see, while I was away on a trip, my younger sister convinced the palace to hold a contest. The winner gets to star in our annual Ice Village festivities and accompany our royal family to holiday events.
And who did they choose? Gracie Clark, who runs a childrenโs party business and performs asโI kid you notโโPrincess Snowflake.โ
Of course, I do respect the fact that she volunteers at childrenโs hospitals. I suppose to some, she might have a certain charmโฆ But the whole cheap spectacle is beneath our dignity.
Iโm not going to shirk my duty to my kingdom. Iโll go to every event with her. At least, once Christmas is over, sheโll be goneโฆโ
*****
Review:
A grumpy prince only doing his duty. A fake princess who is sunshine and happiness personified. A mix-up of royal proportion. All combined in a sappy package of holiday cheer.
You have to go into it knowing what you are getting – a fluffy, feel-good holiday romance – but I really enjoyed the heck out of this one. Is it predictable? Definitely. But that doesnโt stop it from being fun.
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns with the second novel in her โtantalizingโ (Publishers Weekly) Rumors in Ross County series. In Ross County, love can stay the course, but first you have to know who to trust.
Thereโs a lot going on in Joy Howardโs life. Sheโs got an ex-husband who starts acting like he doesnโt want to be an ex anymore, a sixteen-year-old daughter in need of a guiding hand and a lot of rides to dance practice, more orders for paintings than she has time to paint, and a roster of tutoring clients who sometimes need far more than she can give.
What she doesnโt have is time for a new relationship.
Samuel โBoโ Beauman is a lot of things. Heโs a counselor for transitioning ex-cons, a good friend to many, a construction worker, a brother and son, and even a part-time model for a high-end sportswear catalog. Heโs also a man searching for redemption.
One thing he isnโt is a man in need of a girlfriend.
But none of that seems to matter when Bo hears Joyโs kind voice in a crowded coffee shop. He instantly knows sheโs someone he wants to know better. The two of them hit it offโmuch to the dismay of practically everyone they knowโbut Bo doesnโt care what other people think. He feels at peace whenever heโs with Joy, and he wonโt let her go without a fight.
When Joy starts getting mysterious texts and phone calls from unknown numbers, she tries to ignore it. But instead of going away, the messages escalate and Joy realizes she canโt handle it alone. But she is juggling a jealous ex-husband, a handful of students with little to lose, and a brand-new boyfriend who spent several years behind bars. Who can she trust?
*****
Review:
Bo is a stand-up guy who made mistakes in his past and is now spending his life helping others who find themselves in a similar situation – working with other ex-cons to transition from prison to regular life. Itโs not easy but his no-nonsense attitude and occasional tough love helps.
Bo was one of my favorites from book 1 – his steady presence and Southern boy charm makes him a heart-stealer. Having him do something as fanciful as falling for someone at first sight is a hoot, but Joy proves to be a good choice as she is just as giving and big-hearted as he is. She volunteers her time teaching adults to read and is ready to look to the heart of people, not just what you see on the surface.
My biggest complaint with this book is that I would have loved for Joy and Bo to spend more time together. I found them delightful as a couple and would have enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and deepen. But thatโs the romance reader in me – maybe this one would fall more towards womenโs fiction as the author does a good job of letting us into the characters’ lives and thoughts.ย
The Rumors in Ross County series so far has given us two slow burn, clean stories about ex-cons and the women who stole their hearts. Thereโs a little suspense and tension at the end to keep us on our toes but at its heart Sycamore Circle is all about Bo & Joy falling in love.
A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for foreverโฆ
Scott
So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I donโt like talking and I donโt like strangers. But Theoโs sweet, smart, and sexyโthe perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.
Okay, things got overly friendly, but weโre adults and we know the score. Iโm too old, heโs too nice, and we live on different continents.
Then, out of the blue, he shows up at my bakery with that pretty smile and a list of wacky marketing ideasโlike how to make fairy cakes a thing.
I donโt like fairy cakes.
But I do like Theo, soโฆmaybe?
Theo
The new me takes risks. The new me is brave and confident. The new me flirts with hunky, imposing bears on planes while traveling to a foreign country.
Itโs going well, thank you.
However, my plans to do some sightseeing, drink tea, and eat my weight in biscuits every day get derailed when I realize there might be a way to help Scott and prove a few things to myself.
Donโt worry. I wonโt fall for the grumpy baker. No way. Heโs complicated and broody andโ
Uh ohโฆit might be too late. Help!
Fairy Cakes in Winter is a bisexual, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine MM romance featuring a sexy baker, a sunny tourist, and a few dozen fairy cakes.
The flight attendant directed traffic with a smile, pointing the college-aged twentysomethings hefting giant backpacks to the far side of the plane before picking up her microphone. She gave the usual rambling speech, asking passengers not to crowd the aisles or stuff winter jackets into the overhead binsโฆYadda, yadda.
I listened with half an ear for important info, like when this tin can was expected to get in the air and what time weโd land in London. Not that it mattered. Iโd been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that Iโd arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew Iโd be too disoriented to care about anything other than grabbing something to eat on my way home.
I had to admit, I was one of those weirdos who kind of liked the hum of airplane noise, and there was something vaguely comforting in the routine Iโd established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reachโalong with my iPad, reading glasses, and the Ziploc bag of homemade trail mix my sister had sneaked into my carry-on bag. Then I buckled up, settled in, and hoped like hell that the seat next to mine would magically remain open.
Of course, that rarely happened. And I highly doubted my wish would come true this time around โcause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didnโt have that kind of luck. The best I could hope for was a quiet neighbor. I peered over at the empty window seat and sent up a quick prayer for it to stay that way before slipping my readers on to check messages on my phone.
My ten-year-old nephew informed me heโd already beat my high score on Madden, my parents asked if there was any way I might finagle a trip home in the spring, and my sister claimed sheโd added more M&Mโs to her trail mix this year. She also asked if I was okay.
I sent an exclamation sign to Emmett, a heart symbol to my folks, and a thumbs-up to Heather. None of those messages required a wordy response. Iโd learned that it was best to stick to basic communication with my family. Emmett was happy with the occasional poop or wind emoji, and my parents liked hearts. Real words got tricky. My parents knew that coming home for Christmas had been a stretch for me. I couldnโt swing another trip too soon, and it was best to avoid circular arguments.
And questions that might spark conversations about an old ex and his new wife. Yep, a thumbs-up was much easier.
I added another for posterity and was about to switch my cell to airplane mode when a new message from Becca lit up my screen.
Call me when you land! Iโll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie Iโm dying for you to try. Safe travels! xo
*****
Review:
This is my first book by Hayes and I was pleasantly surprised – it was scorching, sweet, and funny.
Scott is deliciously grumpy and stoic. He’s had his heart broken badly enough that he’s not in a hurry to try love again. Too bad fate has him sitting next to bubbly, sweet Theo, who’s fear of flying has him talking Scott’s ear off. Before he realizes it, the flight is almost over and he didn’t mind it a bit. And definitely not when things get a little hot in an airport bathroom; after all, what can it hurt since they’ll never see each other again … until Theo walks into his bakery a couple of days later.
Not usually one to take chances, Theo finds himself acting quite out of character but there’s just something about Scott that draws him. And Theo knows he can help out the bakery. It’s a great opportunity to help him evaluate the direction his life is taking him … and get to spend even more time with the sexy baker. He just needs to remember that falling for him is a horrible idea.
With Fairy Cakes in Winter, Hayes gives readers appealing characters who find themselves in a realistic situation with minimal angst. It’s a slow, but definitely steamy, build to an enjoyable HEA.
Oh, I did this as an audiobook and I rarely listen to them – I had a horrible experience AGES ago that was so bad it still makes me hesitant today ๐ – but Dean has a pleasant voice and does a fantastic job bringing Hayes’s characters & their interactions to life. Made me brave enough to get another one to try out!
*****
Author Info:
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.
To celebrate the release of Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane is giving away the Winner’s choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
I’ve spent the better part of the last few years successfully avoiding my brother’s best friend, Weston Aldrich.
As CEO of Andes, Inc, the infuriatingly handsome and incessantly grumpy Weston also happens to be my new boss.
It shouldn’t have been hard to continue avoiding him. After all, he’s on the executive floor and I’m one of many copywriters.
Weston has his own ideas about how things should go between us. He’s in my emails, leaving notes on my desk, and as if that’s not enough, he arranges for me to accompany him on a business trip.
That leads to stolen touches, frenzied kisses, and the undeniable need to work each other out of our systems.
That always works, right?
Except now that I know what it feels like to have Weston Aldrich appreciate every inch of my abundant curves, avoiding him is impossible.
But he’s my brother’s best friend.
And a workaholic.
We have to stop.
And we will. Soon.
Just…not yet.
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OK, so after reading some of the other reviews I think I have a slightly differing opinion than some – the man does screw up royally, which isn’t a spoiler because you can see it coming a mile away. But maybe it’s because we get Weston’s POV as well that I just couldn’t lay all of the blame on him. The first time I put a lot of it on Elise. He explained the situation and what to expect, then when it happened (and maybe it was a little much), she just shuts down instead of having a conversation with him. Granted the way Wolf writes his jealousy is a little over the top for me, but I could see where some might find it sexy, and in in this case it definitely doesn’t help his situation. The second time, though the majority of their issues do lie at his feet, she could have been a bit more communicative here as well. Point out to him what is going on, why it isn’t working, and what you expect to change. Getting huffy – even understandably so – doesn’t help the situation.
Having both POVs, though, does mean that I felt for both of them. They have their reasons for doing the things they do and it’s hard letting go of the scars from their pasts. Just a little bit more working together would do a lot to get them to a healthier and more stable place to move towards a future together. It’s not going to be easy for either of them, they just have to decide if it’s what they want.
Wolf delivers delightful secondary characters (most of whom I really hope get their own story) and a love story that I found myself drawn to, even while I wanted to give them both a stern talking to. Dear Grumpy Boss is spicy, definitely angsty, and has a nice touch of whimsy & humor – as an introduction to a new-to-me author, I couldn’t ask for a better choice.
*****
Author Info:
Julia Wolf writes sexy rockers, broken bad boys, snarky heroines, and bad ass women. She’s a firm believer in happily ever afters, no matter how rocky the road is to get there.
Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.
What happens when a rock star with no plans of settling down finds out he has a teenage daughter, his manager is embezzling from him, and the woman heโs hired to design his tour wardrobe is breathing fire? Come along for the snarky, emotional, and insanely sexy ride as Jillian and Johnny get caught up in a storm that just might be bigger than both of them.
Jillian Bradenโs quick, creative thinking and fierce determination have helped her singlehandedly build a fashion empire. She doesnโt mince words and demands respect, but beneath all that armor, she carries the Braden curse of a soft heart. But that soft heart isnโt looking to start a family and doesnโt know the first thing about mollycoddling. When famed rock star Johnny Bad hires her to design his tour wardrobe and then postpones it at the last minute for the third time, sheโs had enough. Jillian is determined to set him straight, but she isnโt at all prepared for what she finds or for the type of help Johnny Bad really needs.
Scorching heat, laugh-out-loud humor, and an abundance of swoon-worthy moments make this sexy new standalone romance by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and happily ever afters guaranteed to leave you breathlessly in love with the fiercely loyal and wickedly naughty characters in the Love in Bloom series. All Love in Bloom books are written to stand alone or be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and enjoy the ride!
Next to Tru Blue, I think this was my favorite Melissa Foster book. Johnny is just all around awesome – he makes mistakes, but he has such a huge heart and really wants to be the best person he can be. He’s had a lot thrown at him all at once, but he steps up and does what needs to be done …. including taking on the sexy little spitfire yelling at him about cancelling a meeting yet again. With patience, understanding, and persistence, he’ll prove he’s in it for the long haul.
I’ve read a decent number of Foster’s books, but this is only the second of the Braden books so while I’ve met Jilly before it wasn’t all that much. She turned out to be just a spunky as I’d expected her to be, tho. She owns her sexuality, her smarts, and her spirit, giving Johnny both attitude and assistance in spades. She’s not going to let him get away with anything, but she also recognizes what we do – that he’s a genuinely good guy that’s doing the best he can. Together they can get through just about anything that life throws at them and I’m here for every minute of it.
I gotta say that the blurb doesn’t lie – Rocked By Love is full to the brim with humor, heat, and heart. Foster really hit it out the park with this one, delivering well-developed characters that seem so real and a story that is guaranteed to touch your heart. (And Johnny’s dirty mouth definitely doesn’t hurt!)
~part of a series but can be read as a stand alone – although there’s a lot of characters that were introduced in other books, enough info was given that I mostly figured out what’s going on~
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Heโs her next makeover project. Sheโs his next mistake.
Ivy
Iโm Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself Iโm only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but thatโs not the full story.
I canโt go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to. Iโm drawn in by my part-time job at Ziggy brewery, which I took to research for my next book, and by the mystery of Lou, my fatherโs stuffy lodger, a temporary transplant from New York.
Normally, I wouldnโt look twice at someone like Lou. Heโs a rules guy, and Iโve never met a rule I didnโt want to break just for the fun of it. But itโs obvious he needs an intervention to avoid becoming an old man at thirty-four, and I am going to make that happen.
Lou
I came to Highland Hills to hide. Itโs not every day a man loses his professional integrity, his fiancรฉe, and his pet fish all in the same week.
The last thing I want is for smoking hot Ivy Anders to get it into her head that I should be her project. But she has, and itโs hard as hell to say no to her. Believe me, Iโve tried.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize that I have another problem on my hands: Ivyโs everything Iโm notโyoung and wild and freeโand sheโs all I can think about.
*****
Review:
I’ll be honest, I expected Ivy to get on my nerves. There’s something about “party girls who have commitment issues” that usually comes off more as flighty and annoying, but Ivy was actually fun. She had a sense of adventure and a penchant for poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong (mostly to have an excuse to not look at her own troubles). She’s a good foil for Lou’s more serious demeanor and tendency to be a little too responsible. As their relationship develops and turns into something more, they blend together well. Ivy’s issues because of her childhood and the way she was treated by her mother were definitely going to prove to be a stumbling block but it’s done in a way that left me very satisfied.
With quirky humor, steamy (and sometimes surprising) sexy time, and a very Ivy & Lou HEA, Matchmaking a Roommate finishes the Highland Hills on a high note … with just enough of a hint to tease us about what comes next.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, heโs hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing heโs looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction.
The Pittsburgh Titans are still working to move on from the tragic plane crash that forever changed the landscape of their organization. Having lost my wife, I know all about grief and the guilt of survival which makes me uniquely equipped to take this team to the next level. From the very first time I stepped inside the Titansโ arena, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
New to town, Iโm still establishing my routine, but I have the most important aspect under controlโthe coffee shop where I stop on my way to the arena every morning. A strong cup of java and the gorgeous manager who I canโt help but chat up is quickly becoming my favorite way to start the day. But no matter how much I enjoy the blush that stains Ava Cavanaughโs cheeks with my admittedly awkward attempt at flirting, I know it will never be more than brazen banter with a new friend. My job consumes almost all my time, and I know firsthand what that level of commitment can do to a relationship.
That doesnโt mean Iโm not open to some fun. My career comes first, but Ava understands my boundaries. The only problem is that once I give into her temptation, the rules I set for myself become blurred, and my mixed signals hurt Avaโthe one thing I promised I wouldnโt do. Iโve put myself in what seems to be an untenable situation, but Iโve faced those before. Now I need to find the strength to move past my fears, or risk losing my second chance at love with the woman who has stolen my heart.
Buy the digital and signed paperback direct from Sawyer Bennett:ย https://bit.ly/STORE_Cannon (Digital files will be delivered via BookFunnel and sent to the device of your choosing)
*****
Review:
Ava moved to Pittsburgh because of a man and unfortunately it didn’t take long for her to realize what a mistake he was. But she’s making the best of her situation, working to get herself back on her feet. And, sure, a little distraction in the morning thanks to the hottie that comes in every day for coffee doesn’t hurt. Especially once she realizes that maybe it’s a little more than flirting … When a simple date turns out to be more life changing than she expects, Ava has to decide how she’s going to move forward.
Returning readers get a glimpse of what really happened in Cannon’s marriage and how it impacts his views on his job & relationships. It’s caused him to be concerned about how those things can work together and so he makes sure that he’s up front about how much he can give to Ava. It’s pretty obvious that Cannon is all talk tho and pretty much only fooling himself. He’s quickly falling for her and it’s just a matter of time before he figures it out. Readers know there’s going to be at least a few bumps before he gets there – best to just settle in and see how long it takes him to get his act together ๐
I appreciated how supportive Cannon is to Ava, really listening to her and abiding by her wishes. He’s there for her, willing to help in any way he can, but recognizing her need to handle things herself. He brings to the rest of his life the same skills that make him an amazing head coach and while may have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to himself, he definitely knows how to be there for others.
Bennett has always delivered delightfully steam, funny, and sweet reads and Cannon is no different. While I would have liked to have seen more of their flirtation at the coffee shop, and things move pretty quickly once Cannon makes a move, I enjoyed getting to know him and Ava better. I look forward to seeing what she has in store next for our beloved Titans.
(Part of a series and while probably more enjoyable if read in order all of them can be read as a standalone – I’ve missed one or two and it’s been OK.)
*****
Author Info:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both womenโs and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If youโd like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
New York Timesย bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a heartwarming tale of three people who are bought together when they’re bequeathed an old Wild West inn that has the potential to pull their lives apart, but instead turns into the gift of a lifetime.
When Alice receives a call about an unexpected windfall, she’s stunned to learn the gift is a falling-apart-at-the-seams old Wild West B&B she once considered home–and she’s inherited it along with two strangers. Except they weren’t always strangers. Once upon a time, they were friends. One is her ex-BFF Lauren. The other is Knox, the only guy to ever break her heart, all while never even knowing she existed.
It turns out their lives are unknowingly entangled because they once separately helped the same woman without expecting anything in return. Years later, Alice, Lauren, and Knox are broken in their own way, with their own history–and secrets– causing them to start out on the wrong foot with each other. But according to the will, they must renovate and be partners in the inn for one year or else lose their inheritance.
Stuck together, they make a list of rules to keep the peace–rules that end up doing the opposite, but by some miracle they find what they didn’t even know they were looking for–acceptance, true friendship, and in a case (or two!), true love.
~
Review:
Shalvis’s newest may be more women’s fiction than romance, but it definitely doesn’t scrimp on the feels. Alice is back in her hometown to reluctantly face her past, including her former best friend and her high school crush. For a woman who is quite good at running away from difficult situations, the next few weeks stuck together in the same house is guaranteed to be difficult. Luckily, Knox is amazingly centered and calm, able to handle Lauren’s self-doubt & scattered moments as well as Alice’s prickliness so that they manage to renovate Eleanor’s house … and something more.
Drama, love, healing, and friendship all mix together with a liberal dash of humor to delightfully entertain readers, as these three find their HEA in a meandering and satisfying way. There’s guilt, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings, but also a chance to finally make peace with themselves and each other.
(Part of a series but only in that it is set in the same community.)
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesnโt kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.
Abe and Lioโs thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.
Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesnโt engage in situations he canโt control. Theyโve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.
But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?
Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the authorโs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.
โAlex clearly doesnโt get his sportsmanship from his father,โ Abe quipped.
โKiss my ass, Beecham,โ I said softly in deference to the kids around us.
Abe leaned in until his hot breath ghosted over my ear. โGladly.โ
I turned my head and looked at my best friend. His expression held a carnal promise that made me swallow hard. If I gave him the word, Abe would take me home, yank down my pants, and bury his face between my ass cheeks. I could practically feel his hot breath against my quivering pucker. His tongue would swirl and tease the rim before pushing in. Lust gripped my balls and squeezed. God, I wanted him so bad.
โNow I really need to hear this story,โ Russ quipped, jerking me back to reality and saving me from breaking my own heart. I blinked away the fantasy, and Abeโs lips curled into a proud, wolfish smile. Unaware of the tension arcing between Abe and me, Russ continued chatting. โI knew you and Beecham went way back, Lio, but it sounds like thereโs more to it than I realized.โFew people knew the full story because I was stingy when it came to Abe. Our relationship had been fueled by variations of hate and love for three decades, but there had never been a right time to explore whether those feelings could develop into something more profound. My heart wanted to say until now, but my brain knew better than to get my hopes up. Abe and I had both drawn lines in the sand, and neither showed signs of relenting.
*****
Review:
There’s a few complaints that this one really doesn’t stand on its own but I didn’t have any issues. Yes, we start the book with the main characters on the bring of moving from friends to a romantic relationship but the main block to their HEA still needs to be resolved – Abe’s issues with abandonment. His mom left him as a kid at the mercy of his abusive father, his grandmother died, and now he’s afraid that anyone he loves will also leave him. Lio knows all about Abe’s issues and is willing to wait for him, but he needs him to be open to addressing it before he will take their relationship any further. It’ll take some time and patience but Lio knows their future is worth it. I enjoyed how Abe & Lio worked their way to the new aspect of their relationship. It felt like they were willing to make sure that it was on a solid footing. But then someone puts that future in peril.
**potential minor spoilers ahead**
My understanding is that Walker is great at crafting a good mystery and I can see it. I didn’t guess where things were going until she revealed the threat. I do have to agree with some reviewers that the motive is potentially problematic and while I feel for what the main characters went through, given the who and why, I would have liked more compassion given to the person and their reasons. But if this is any indication of the kind of suspense element brought by the author I’m open to more.
I’ll admit I’m a pretty vanilla kinda girl and while I enjoy a spicier read, it’s not something I would be comfortable with in my own life so I tend to be a bit … unsure of how these scenes come across for others. To me, Wilson delivered the heat & then some, and I’m not really seeing anyone else complain, so if steamy and explicit m/m scenes are your jam, then read away!
A satisfying blend of tension, eroticism, and affection, Lio and Abe’s story was a good introduction to a new to me author and has me interested in what else she has to offer ๐
*****
Author Info:
Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titlesโwife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.
Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj
My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimeeโs Dye Hards? Weโd love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/
Miss Julia Beaumont has exactlyย oneย night to find herself a husbandโฆ
The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her horrid stepmother. Any potential husband will doโrich, poor, even a reasonably well-groomed walrus. But all of Juliaโs matrimonial chances are completely obliteratedโฆthanks to the actions of an infuriating and utterly rakish duke.
Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, would never risk his cherished bachelorhood by flirting with marriage-starved debutantes. But one look at the luscious and refreshingly clever Julia, and he simply canโt resist a stolen kissโscandal be damned. Then just as things start getting deliciously interesting, the lady fleesโฆleaving only a slipper behind.
And it must have been one dandy of a kiss. Because now Julia has proposed toย him. After all, the lady needs a husband, and this roguish duke will certainly do. Itโs simply a matter of making him the perfect scandalous offerโฆ
*****
Author Info:
Lydia Drake is a reader of all things romance and a drinker of all the tea. A New Jersey resident, her favorite activities include taking the train to New York City, scouring used bookstores, spending time with her family, and wrangling her hyperactive cockapoo puppy. She loves talking romance with her fans.
*****
Review:
I admire Julia’s gumption – when a chance encounter with one of Society’s most sought after rakes means that she’s lost out on her chance to make a match for herself, she does what any self-respecting spinster with a brain and a lot of courage would do. She proposes to the man.
Gregory is not in the market for a wife. Ever. But faced with a business proposition from one of the first ladies to catch his attention in quite a long time, he’s not going to let a good thing go.
Which leads to a lot of fun for readers – these two are delightful together, with more than enough wit and sass, plus a good deal of humor and sizzle. Their interactions are both entertaining and at times frustrating as they let their insecurities and assumptions lead them away from what they truly want out of their relationship. Forever.
Drake’s newest reminds me once again how much I love historical romances. It includes a rake to reform, a marriage of convenience, and an attraction that they just can’t ignore, all wrapped up in a enjoyable (and winding) trek to a HEA. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next from this author.