Historical Love

All posts in the Historical Love category

Someone to Trust(Review Post)

Published November 27, 2018 by bookbesties

During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

OUT NOW!!(clink book for link)

This is the fourth book in this series that I have read, and I fall more and more in love with these characters and this family with each new book. This book is about Elizabeth, who if have been following the series, is the last member of this family I expected to find love.

In all of the previous books she was such a secondary character and the little we knew of her made her seem to be quite busy taking care of her mother with little time for romance. But Mary Balogh has done a wonderful job of bringing her out of the shadows and into the spot light to find her true love where she least expected it. I really like reading stories where love and happily ever after happen for someone who would be considered an underdog and Elizabeth is the perfect leading lady for such a story.

Seeing this couple realize their feelings for one another and that they were both completely wrong in their judgments of their individual compatibility gave this story a playfulness and joy that is both heartwarming and refreshing. I love watching Elizabeth find her personal fortitude in the face of scandal and seeing her perseverance carry her through. I am excited to read the romantic adventures of the next member of this family.

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Danielle

The Wolf of Kisimul Castle (Highland Isles Book 3)REVIEW POST

Published October 25, 2018 by bookbesties

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Mairi Maclean is kidnapped on her wedding day by the enemy of her dead husband. Taken north to the water-surrounded Kisimul Castle, she is held captive in the name of retribution. But The Wolf of Kisimul Castle soon learns Mairi is not a docile pawn in this game of war between neighboring Scots. Nor will she be frightened into walking down the aisle to wed the fierce Highland chief.

Alec MacNeil is set on revenge. When he finds his enemy dead, he takes his wife to replace the one that was murdered. An eye for an eye. A bride for a bride. But Mairi is more tiger than kitten and refuses to bend to his will. Set stubbornly against one another, the passion that flares between them threatens to tear Alec’s strategy to shreds.

Each book in the Highland Isles series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 The Beast of Aros Castle
Book #2 The Rogue of Islay Isle
Book #3 The Wolf of Kisimul Castle

This is a new author for me and I am so glad I found her!! This book was such a fun read. From the first page I was hooked. I will admit that after I saw that this book was based in the Scottish Highlands, I was a little worried if the dialogue in this book was going to annoy me since some authors like to try to write all dialogue with Scottish accents. But my worries were completely unfounded. Yes, this author uses phrasing and language from the time and location of the book, but it is not over done and I found it only enhanced both the dialogue and story line of the book.

The twist at the end of this book was awesome! I feel like it really brought the entire story and the romance together in a way that had my heart racing and my pages turning. I love the adventurous, cunning, and determined leading lady just as much as the stubborn, arrogant, and kind leading male character of this book. I like that while Kisimul Castle is a secluded fortress on an island the author made sure to show The Wolf’s dedication to his people by including the strong community of Barra and the love of the people for their Laird.

I can’t wait for all of you to read this book and start this series with me.

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Danielle

Duchess by Design(Review Post)

Published October 23, 2018 by bookbesties

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In the first novel of Maya Rodale’s enthralling new series, an English duke vows to make an American seamstress his duchess.

In Gilded Age Manhattan, anything can happen…

Seeking a wealthy American bride who can save his family’s estate, Brandon Fiennes, the duke of Kingston, is a rogue determined to do the right thing. But his search for an heiress goes deliciously awry when an enchanting seamstress tumbles into his arms instead.

…and true love is always in fashion

Miss Adeline Black aspires to be a fashionable dressmaker—not a duchess—and not even an impossibly seductive duke will distract her. But Kingston makes an offer she can’t refuse: join him at society events to display her gowns and advise him on which heiresses are duchess material. It’s the perfect plan—as long as they resist temptation, avoid a scandal, and above all do not lose their hearts.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, THIS BOOK!!!!! I adore all things historical fashion so when I discovered that the main character of this book is a dress maker I was insanely excited. Adeline is every bit of the strong, independent,and brilliant heroine I look for in any book I read. Seeing her overcome her obstacles with the help of a few generous and unexpected allies was truly heart-warming. In a time when rising above one’s social status from birth, was nearly-impossible for anyone, for a woman to make it happen with as much success as Adeline found makes her story remarkable. Throw in her handsome English Duke and their magnetic romance and you have a book I was hooked on from cover to cover (I even read the Author’s Notes ?).
This is the second book I have read by Maya Rodale and while I wasn’t terribly impressed with the first book of hers I read this one made up for it 10 fold. I can-not wait to read her next book to see who I meet and where their story takes me.

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Danielle

A Notorious Vow(Review Post)

Published September 25, 2018 by bookbesties

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Joanna Shupe returns to New York City’s Gilded Age, where fortunes and reputations are gained and lost with ease—and love can blossom from the most unlikely charade

With the fate of her disgraced family resting on her shoulders, Lady Christina Barclay has arrived in New York City from London to quickly secure a wealthy husband. But when her parents settle on an intolerable suitor, Christina turns to her reclusive neighbor, a darkly handsome and utterly compelling inventor, for help.

Oliver Hawkes reluctantly agrees to a platonic marriage… with his own condition: The marriage must end after one year. Not only does Oliver face challenges that are certain to make life as his wife difficult, but more importantly he refuses to be distracted from his life’s work—the development of a revolutionary device that could transform thousands of lives, including his own.

Much to his surprise, his bride is more beguiling than he imagined. When temptation burns hot between them, they realize they must overcome their own secrets and doubts, and every effort to undermine their marriage, because one year can never be enough.

OUT SEPT 25th

This is the third book in The Four Hundred Series by Joanna Shupe that I have read and again I am not disappointed. Oliver is my favorite leading gentleman for 2018!!!! I read this book in one sitting based on him alone. I love how, through his eyes Christina finally gets to see her own strength. I loved watching how her unconditional love and acceptance of him causes him to leave behind his life of solitude and step back into society. These characters make my heart smile and their story is the true meaning of hope.

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Danielle

The Lady Is Daring: A Duke’s Daughters Novel (The Duke’s Daughters)

Published September 25, 2018 by bookbesties

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Five well-bred sisters, one sensational scandal. Now the Duke of Marymount’s daughter Ida is about to find love in the most unconventional way . . .

It was easy for society to overlook Lady Ida Howlett; they found her bookish, opinionated, and off the marriage mart. But little did they know that behind a calm exterior beats the heart of an adventuress, one who, determined to discover her runaway sister’s whereabouts, steals a carriage and sets off on a daring mission. Then she discovers she’s not alone! Bennett, Lord Carson, is inside, and he refuses to leave.

Lord Carson’s plans had always been to find a soft, gentle wife who would run his home and raise his children. Still, he makes a bargain with Ida—he won’t desert her during her mad adventure. He’ll make sure she’s safe, and then find a suitable lady to fall in love with. But when rules (and garments) become discarded during this long, intimate journey, it’s soon clear that this surprisingly daring lady is the woman he’s needed all along.

OUT September 25th!!!(Clink on cover for link)

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This is book number 3 for me in this series and by this author and just like the first two I am in love with these ladies! I loved Ida from the moment we met her in the first book and was so very happy to find that this book is all about her. I adore how smart, stubborn, and unwilling to blend in with society Ida is and I am so very pleased to know that she got her happy ending. If you have been following this series then you will appreciate who she ends up matched with and how their love comes into focus for them both. This book has it’s own style of adventure with an amazing outcome that makes me eager to read the next book and get to know the next Duke’s Daughter.

Danielle

Summer of Scandal(Review Post)

Published September 24, 2018 by bookbesties

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Madeleine Atherton is no typical American heiress, sent to England to marry an English lord. A brilliant college graduate who secretly dreams of becoming a published author, she wants to marry for love. After receiving a proposal from a future duke, Madeleine flees the London Season for Cornwall to seek her sister’s advice, never expecting her decision to be complicated by a charming, handsome earl she’s certain she dislikes—even though his every touch sets her blood on fire.

Charles Grayson, the Earl of Saunders, has secrets and ambitions of his own. Although under pressure from his mother and gravely ill father to marry his cousin, Charles cannot find the words to propose. But this fascinating American visitor does not figure into his plans, either.

Thrown together unexpectedly at Trevelyan Manor, Madeleine and Charles struggle to rise above their intense attraction. But as things heat up between them over a summer that becomes increasingly scandalous, Madeleine and Charles will both be forced to make a difficult choice. Can two dreamers dare to defy convention and find their own happily ever after?

Another run read by Syrie James!!! After reading the first book in this series I was excited for this book and truly hoping that I would love it just as much. I was not disappointed! In this book we get to meet Maddie, the middle Atherton sister who is another smart, creative, and determined heroine just like her older sister. Watching her navigate the situations she finds herself in and how they play into the story is what had me hooked from the very first page. Rarely do I find books where the male and female lead characters are written in a manner that makes me see them as true soulmates, yes, they may compliment one another, but hardly do I finish a book feeling like the leading characters complete each other. This book is one of those rare instances. Books like this remind me of why I love romance novels.

As you all know from my other reviews I am a sucker for strong minded, strong willed, and independent female leads in any book I read, no matter the genera. Based on the heroines of this series, I will say Syrie James excels at creating just such women. Both Maddie and Lexi are women who even in modern times would be admired for their strength and perseverance. To me that speaks volumes about the author’s confidence in her characters and her ability to write stories that empower those characters to shine. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the next Atherton sister.

I loved this book and I love this series!!

Danielle

For the Duke’s Eyes Only(Review Post)

Published September 18, 2018 by bookbesties

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USA Today bestselling author Lenora Bell’s second novel in her enchanting School for Dukes series spins the unforgettable tale of a beautiful archaeologist and the one man she must—but cannot—forget

If adventure has a name…it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history’s forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.

Daniel Bonds, the Duke of Ravenwood, is a thrill-seeking antiquities hunter who only plays by one rule. Never fall in love. He’s in it for the fortune and glory. At least that’s what he wants the world to think. He’s sworn to hide his tangled web of secrets, especially from the one woman he cares about and will protect at any cost.

But when a priceless relic is stolen from the British Museum, the rivals must align forces. Racing to recover the stolen antiquity and avert an international disaster? All in a day’s work. Avoiding their buried feelings? More and more impossible. For love is about to become the greatest treasure of all.

The grand adventure begins…now!

OUT SEPT 18th!

This is the second book I have read by this author and I am very happy to report that while I was not impressed by the first book I read I adored this book in every way possible. If you are looking for adventure and historical romance this book is for you! Indy has got to be my favorite heroine for 2018. She doesn’t follow societies norms but follows her dreams and while it puts her in dangerous situations she shows her tenacity and strength and overcomes all obstacles. The fact that she manages to get the life of her dreams in spite of all her obstacles makes the entire story that much better! I can’t wait for all of you to read it and love it as much as I did.

Danielle

The Governess Game(Review Post)

Published August 28, 2018 by bookbesties

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The second unforgettable novel in USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare’s Girl Meets Duke series

He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson.

The accidental governess

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart… without risking her own.

The infamous rake

Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling… and he’s in danger of falling, hard.

OUT AUGT 28th!

RUN READ ALERT!!!!!

I could not put this book down!!! I love everything about this book! This is the first book I have read by this author and I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to read more. I fell head over heels in love with Rosamund and Daisy and wished I could have been Alex just so I could give them the love they needed. Seeing how Alex adapted to each challenge she was faced with was inspiring and made me hungry for more. The way she touched and changed the lives of the girls and Chase was moving. I am so very glad that they ALL got their happy endings and that this book didn’t leave me questioning as to how things turned out for them all. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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Danielle

An Earl Like You: The Wagers of Sin(Review Post)

Published August 23, 2018 by bookbesties

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When you gamble at love . . .

When Hugh Deveraux discovers his newly inherited earldom is bankrupt, he sets about rebuilding the family fortune—in the gaming hells of London. But the most daring wager he takes isn’t at cards. A wealthy tradesman makes a tantalizing offer: marry the man’s spinster daughter and Hugh’s debts will be paid and his fortune made. The only catch is that she must never know about their agreement . . .

You risk losing your heart . . .

Heiress Eliza Cross has given up hope of marriage until she meets the impossibly handsome Earl of Hastings, her father’s new business partner. The earl is everything a gentleman should be, and is boldly attentive to her. It doesn’t take long for Eliza to lose her heart and marry him.

But when Eliza discovers that there is more to the man she loves—and to her marriage—her trust is shattered. And it will take all of Hugh’s power to prove that now his words of love are real . . .

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This is the second book by this author I have read, and I am still in love with the writing. I love how this book is the second book in a series but it takes place at the same time as the first book in the series, so often series books are in an order where one story ends and then the next one starts so these two stories taking place at the same time was really cool. Just as I now know to expect from this author this book has wonderful twists and turns and a leading lady with strength that inspiring. Eliza’s ability to forgive is incredible and shows the true strength of her character. I really liked this book and can’t wait to read the next.

Danielle

The Illegitimate Duke: Diamonds in the Rough(Review Post)

Published August 22, 2018 by bookbesties

United in a common cause…

Lady Juliette Matthews longs to be much more than just another pretty ornament in society. But using her recently acquired fortune to do some good is more complicated than she anticipated. Young ladies are not expected to risk their safety in helping the less fortunate. And the one gentleman who could help in her mission is stubborn, infernally handsome—and far too honorable to act on their mutual attraction.

And in a desire impossible to deny…

Florian Lowell has suddenly been made heir to the Duke of Redding—a far cry from his status as a dedicated physician. Yet even with his new role as the country’s most eligible bachelor, the beautiful, fearless Juliette is utterly beyond his reach. The scandalous circumstances of his birth would destroy both their reputations if they became known. But when a more urgent danger threatens Juliette’s life, Florian must gamble everything…including the heart only one woman can tame.

OUT August 28th!(Click on cover for link)

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This is the second book by this author I have read, and I am so very happy to see that everyone in the Matthews family gets a happy ending. This book is about the youngest sister who just like her older sister (who we meet and love in the first book) is determined to make a difference in the world beyond ballrooms and tea parties. The compassion for those who are less fortunate than themselves makes this family stand out while putting then in situations perfect for romance with the most unlikely gentlemen. I adore an intelligent HR leading lady who shows she has more to her than what she learned in finishing school and considering that Lady Juliette never went to finishing school, it adds a depth to her character that endears her to my heart. Her sheer determination in all aspects of her life lead her to success in society, her charity work, and mostly her romance with Duke of Redding. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and see if Henry (the Duke’s rakish brother) finds the woman he finally settles down with.