Romance

All posts in the Romance category

A little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian(Review Post)

Published August 7, 2019 by bookbesties

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A seductive thief

Lady’s maid Molly Wilkins is done with thieving—and cheating and stabbing and all the rest of it. She’s determined to keep her hands to herself, so she really shouldn’t be tempted to seduce her employer’s prim and proper companion, Alice. But how can she resist when Alice can’t seem to keep her eyes off Molly?

Finds her own heart

For the first time in her life, Alice Stapleton has absolutely nothing to do. The only thing that seems to occupy her thoughts is a lady’s maid with a sharp tongue and a beautiful mouth. Her determination to know Molly’s secrets has her behaving in ways she never imagined as she begins to fall for the impertinent woman.

Has been stolen

When an unwelcome specter from Alice’s past shows up unexpectedly at a house party, Molly volunteers to help the only way she knows how: with a little bit of mischief.

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading a F/F romance let alone a Historical F/F romance. I’m glad my first was written by an author I adore! As usual for Cat Sebastian the heroines are well written and have lots of character. I like how she made the intimate scenes between Alice and Molly more real to life rather than the crap you see in adult films, that was one of the biggest reasons I hadn’t yet read any f/f romance books. This book has adventure, strength, empowerment, and acceptance, all things that make up a great story.

As the daughter of a impoverish Vicar, Alice Stapleton,was not prepared for her new life as a lady’s companion. But her new position not only saved her from starvation, it led her to make friends withMrs. Wraxhall’s lady’s maid. Through her friendship with Molly she not only discovers her sense of self, she is empowered to stand up for herself and right the wrongs done to her in her past. Her friendship with Molly also gives her the confidence her to embrace other aspects of herself that she denied herself in the past.
Molly Wilkins needs her position as Mrs. Wraxhall’s lady’s maid and she is determined not to mess it up or let anyone get in the way, not even the very attractive new lady’s companion, who can’t seem to take her eyes off of Molly. Will sharing the thievery skills she acquired to survive in the past help her and her new friend gain their independence, or will they be caught red handed and lose it all?

I am glad this was my first f/f romance. Let me know what you think of it?

3 and a half

Danielle

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The Rouge to Ruin by Vivienne Lorret(Review Post)

Published July 30, 2019 by bookbesties

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The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn’t be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.

Find all series of the Misadventures of Matchmaking HERE

The Rogue to Ruin by Vivienne Lorret

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OK so you guys know how much I enjoyed the first two books in this series and how much I have been looking forward to Ainsley’s story and the close to the Misadventures in Matchmaking series? Well I can say 100% that Vivienne Lorret did not disappoint! This was the ultimate finale book for any series. While this is in fact Ainsley’s happy ending we still get the perfect amount of little continuation tid-bits about Jacinda and Briar to make each of their stories come full circle, making this a beautiful end to the series.
Each of the Bourne sisters has their own strength and gifts that they bring to the Bourne Matrimonial Agency, but it’s the eldest sister Ainsley who has the taken on the task of holding everything together and making their dreams of a successful business come true. She isn’t about to let the gaming hell across the street with it’sunsavory patrons and infuriating owner stand in the way of their success. She has declared war against Sterling’s and is determined to see it’s doors closed forever until a threat from her past forces her to need the help of the man she is set to destroy.
Reed Sterlinghas one goal for his life, leave his mark on the world as the owner of “London’s most elite gambling club.” Will his plans be thwarted by the haughty, highborn, matchmaker that lives next door? Or will circumstance push them together in the most unexpected ways and turn them from enemies to passionate lovers?
This was such a fun story and the perfect ending to the series. I can’t wait for you all to read it!

Danielle

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This is Wild by Natasha Madison(Review Post)

Published July 30, 2019 by bookbesties

From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off Series This is…

Zoe
When you grow up surrounded by hockey players you know one thing for sure, I was never going to settle down with one.

Heck, I didn’t even know what icing was. I was too busy climbing the corporate ladder, becoming one of the most successful realtors in New York City.

I wasn’t interested in dating or anything that got in my way.

First, he was my client and then he became my friend.

Viktor
My parents told me I skated before I walked.
When I was eighteen I was drafted into the N.H.L third overall, playing in Los Angeles—the city of dreams.
What more could I ask for? I played hard, but eventually, I partied even harder.

Five years later I was traded a week after I entered rehab.

There was no time for anything except my health and making sure I’d come out on top. I had to be better.
There wasn’t another option.

One of the rules of recovery was ‘don’t fall in love’ and I made it a top priority. She was off limits in every single way.

Until it was too late

One night, one decision, one act can derail everything.

When push comes to shove, I’m only certain that, This is Wild.

AVAILABLE NOW

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This Is Wild by Natasha Madison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love a sports romance and at best a hockey romance. I love this family they are relatable and funny.
Fresh out of rehab from his addiction Viktor Petrov has a long road ahead of him. Viktor has a lot of changes going on including being signed by the NY Stingers and will be leaving his old team in LA. He meets the sister of the owner of his new team and also new realtor, Zoe. There is attraction at first sight but Viktor knows she is off limits and during his recovery period he does not need distractions. Zoe keeps telling herself that she won’t date a client and hockey players but why doesn’t she believe herself? Watch Viktor journey towards his first year of sobriety and now that him and Zoe are settled on being friends well let’s see if that lasts!

I love the chemistry with all the characters and the story just flows so well. I have enjoyed this series thoroughly! 5 stars all the way! Great read

Damaris

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When her nose isn’t buried in a book, or her fingers
flying across a keyboard writing, she’s in the kitchen creating gourmet meals.
You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or
possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It’s a good thing her
characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn’t listen to her…

Brazen and the Beast(Review Post)

Published July 30, 2019 by bookbesties

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The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans. Plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune and to live her own life. But first, she has plans to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. She does not, however, plan to find the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin The Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers her plans for a night of pleasure…on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure: she won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power…but neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything…including their hearts.

OUT NOW!

I am head over heels in love with The Barenuckle Bastards!!!!!! Two books in and I am addicted to this series! I can’t wait for the next book! Another strong leading lady who refuses to let any man steal her dreams. So much inspiration can be found in the determination, drive, and cunning of this single female character that I am interested to see who we meet next and how she will compare. Writing an equally strong hero who is able to support such a lady is a major reason why I adore this author. The fact that this leading male character has so much stand-alone character without over shadowing the leading lady makes this book a truly fantastic read! I loved every page of this book!

Lady Henrietta Sedleyhas a plan and this will be the year of “Hattie”, where she achieves all her dreams. She isn’t about to let an unconscious stranger on the floor of her carriage,on the eve of her birthday stop her from putting that plan in motion. If only she knew how that one night and that one unconscious strangerwould change her whole life.

Saviour “Beast” Whittington is a Barenuckle Bastard and with that comes a certain level of respect. Or at least it is supposed to, that is when he isn’t being kissed then thrown out of a moving carriage by a brazen Lady of London’s high society. Convinced he must find her for the sake of his business, his employees, and his way of life he must find that Lady, he soon learns he must find her for far more emotional reasons.

Another incredible book by Sarah MacLean. I can’t wait to know what you all think of it!

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DANIELLE

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All it Takes by Kristen Proby(Review Post)

Published July 30, 2019 by bookbesties

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In Kristen Proby’s second novel in her Romancing Manhattan series, a playboy vows never to commit—until he meets the one woman he’s tempted to break his promise for.

Quinn Cavanaugh doesn’t do anything halfway. He drives fast, works hard, and plays even harder. And the word “commitment” doesn’t exist in his dictionary. He has no plans of settling down with one woman for he needs to be free to move on to the next big thing—whatever or whoever that may be. Each party knows the score going into it, and it’s all been working out fine. That is, until a sexy new colleague enters the scene.

Sienna Hendricks doesn’t give much thought to Quinn and the revolving door leading to his bedroom. She’s way too picky about who she shares her time or her body with and screwing around with a colleague isn’t part of her plan either. Quinn doesn’t intimidate her. And unlike most other members of her sex, she doesn’t melt into a puddle at his feet whenever he’s near. Most importantly, she has no issues telling him no.

But for a man who has the world at his feet, Quinn isn’t accustomed to being rejected. And he’s not about to let that change—no matter how persistent Sienna is. To his surprise, Sienna is everything he thought he’d never find. Pursuing her, and convincing her he’s changed, is going to be the biggest challenge of his life. One he’s completely up for….

Check out the series HERE

All It Takes by Kristen Proby

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of the Romancing Manhattan series. I actually enjoyed this couple more than the first, even though the couple from the first book do show up in this book . Quinn is a very established and successful lawyer in the city. He likes his money and fast cars. He meets Sienna when he drops in to the Will reading of her grandpa. Did I mention that Sienna is also a lawyer?? When a property in the Will is in question they get thrown together to try to get the issue solved. Sienna is artistic and likes her hours where she works. Quinn is a total workaholic. Things heats up between these two the more time they hang out. Sienna is outgoing and loving and Quinn is manly and sweet and always ready to take care of people. It was a great story to add to the series!

Damaris

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1001 Dark Nights: The King by Jennifer L. Armentrout(Review Post)

Published July 28, 2019 by bookbesties

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From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the next installment in her Wicked series.

As Caden and Brighton’s attraction grows despite the odds stacked against a happily ever after, they must work together to stop an Ancient fae from releasing the Queen, who wants nothing more than to see Caden become the evil Prince once feared by fae and mortals alike.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

The King by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A year is a long time to wait for a continuation of a story and sometimes I find myself having to re-read the previous book to get myself back in the world. I didn’t have to do that with this book and that was a plus for me. While this is a continuation of the first book, The Prince, it didn’t feel as if I forgot anything and the story kind of jumps right back into it.

Caden is now King of the Summer Fae and with that comes certain duties he has to withhold for his people. Brighton thought at one point they were friends, more than friends until he cut her off so she continues on in her quest to find the Fae responsible for killing her mother and nearly killing her.
Everyone seems to forget that Bri is a member of the order and when she is outed for hunting, everyone strongly encourages her to stop. Bri is angry that one one believes she is strong enough to kill an Ancient, including the King and when he drops a bomb on her about part of his duties, she is more determined than ever to prove everyone wrong. But when Bri’s life is put in peril she realizes just how strong she is and how wrong she was.
Although this book is a novella it doesn’t read like one and I guess that has more to do with there being more to the story. There was so much feeling in the scenes with Brighton and the King it was pouring off the pages. And man, the sexy times were REALLY sexy!
The story doesn’t have a cliffhanger per-say, but it does leave you wanting more, like NOW!

Great job once again Jennifer, but also boo because now I have to wait a whole year! 🙂

Vonetta

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Highland Solution by Ceci Giltenan (Review Post)

Published July 23, 2019 by bookbesties

Laird Niall MacIan needs Lady Katherine Ruthven’s dowry to relieve his clan’s crushing debt but he has no intention of giving her his heart in the bargain.
Niall MacIan, a Highland laird, desperately needs funds to save his impoverished clan. Lady Katherine Ruthven, a lowland heiress, is rumored to be “unmarriageable” and her uncle hopes to be granted her title and lands when the king sends her to a convent. King David II anxious to strengthen his alliances sees a solution that will give Ruthven the title he wants, and MacIan the money he needs. Laird MacIan will receive Lady Katherine’s hand along with her substantial dowry and her uncle will receive her lands and title.
Lady Katherine must forfeit everything in exchange for a husband who does not want to be married and believes all women to be self-centered and deceitful. Can the lovely and gentle Katherine mend his heart and build a life with him or will he allow the treachery of others to destroy them?
Highland Solution is a romance about a married couple and thus contains several mildly explicit love scenes, as one might expect to occur in married life. If you want more steam than that, you might be disappointed. If you prefer to stay out of the bedroom this title is available in an Inspirational version.

OUT NOW

Check out whole series HERE

WARNING: This book is a run read Alert!!!

This is another new author I discovered while researching the attending authors of the Space Coast Book Lovers event your Book Besties attended. As you all know I get quite a bit of Highland romance books to read and review and no matter how many I read I always start them with a little apprehension as to how thickly accented they will be written and if the author is going to be able to give the story its own originality.

This book was beyond expectations! There was the perfect amount of brogue used to enhance spoken dialogues without overdoing it and making it slow to read. As for the story’s own originality; the characters, and how their personal back stories affect their romance is both unique and refreshing. We don’t often see a historical romance, high born, heroine who comes from a place of physical abuse nor an author confident enough in that character to write about the mental and physical effects of that abuse. As a survivor of abuse this heroine not only speaks to my own life’s journey but the fortitude of Katherine’s character and the strength of her love for her fellow man/ woman is deeply inspiring. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and I loved it from start to finish.

Lady Katherine Ruthven has dedicated herself to tirelessly protect her people from her cruel uncle at all costs. Sadly when her uncle buys favor with King David II her only options are to marry a stranger or join a convent, neither of which will protect her people, so she chooses to keep some of her freedom and marries the dark, and brooding Highlander. Will her choice to marry this stranger lead to a happy ending or will she face a life of continued abuse at the hands of her new family?

Niall MacIan, Laird of Clan MacIan is desperate for money when he meets with King David II to ask for a loan. Due to high debts of his own the king has no money to lend but he does offer another way for the Laird to get the money he needs, all he has to do is marry the very wealthy Lady Kathrine Ruthven and turn over her title and lands to her uncle. Will his new wife be just as conniving and manipulative as every other woman he has ever met or will she be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside?

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the next in the series.

Danielle

Operation Bailey Wedding(Review Post)

Published July 23, 2019 by bookbesties

No one could have guessed a
marriage could sprout from a one-night stand, but Holly Radcliffe and Austin
Bailey appear to be written in the stars. From the backseat of Austin’s Jeep to
the altar they come. The town of Lake Starlight along with the Bailey’s are
prepping for the event of the year, but as usual things never go smoothly with
these nine siblings and let’s not forget Grandma Dori!
This is a novella in the Bailey series!

If you have been reading the Bailey series then you will enjoy this Novella of Austin and Holly’s upcoming nuptials. The book starts several days before the big day and I love how each chapter is from the different siblings.

If you have been reading the Bailey series then you will enjoy this Novella of Austin and Holly’s upcoming nuptials. The book starts several days before the big day and I love how each chapter is from the different siblings.

To see each of their POV I think was a great idea. This book just makes you fall even more for this great big family. I have always loved The Baileys they are so relatable, warming and inviting.

To see each of their POV I think was a great idea. This book just makes you fall even more for this great big family. I have always loved The Baileys they are so relatable, warming and inviting.

You get a little more glimpse of Sedona and Phoenix and of course you can’t forget about Grandma Dori who is still up to her shenanigans! I love the writing style of their books because they flow so easily and always makes me excited for the next book. Soooooo…. you will definitely want to read all pages till the end because the sneak preview well….😁😁😁 Thanks for another 20 star read!

Damaris

AVAILABLE NOW

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Piper
Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author,
we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one.
Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor
With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline). A
little about us… We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re
both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our
kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh,
and we hope you do, too.

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DIRTY FLIRTY ENEMY(REVIEW POST)

Published July 16, 2019 by bookbesties

He’s the arrogant Manhattan
realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in
negotiations.I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall
from his office.

From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might
have accidentally stolen one of his clients. Well, is it stealing if the client
comes to me?

Even our vicious banter and loathing gazes can’t hide the
chemistry between us. Who can blame me? He has enough charisma to make every
hot-blooded woman in the city melt with a single word.

Just when I think a mutual respect could be born between us,
the biggest developer in the city offers us an opportunity that pits us against
each other.

Time to forget Carmelo Mancini’s dreamy eyes and tight abs.

Game on.

Just seeing that the author is Piper Rayne would be enough to one click and buy, but for everyone else I guess we will talk about the book a little.

Once again we see the second Mancini brother in this series and he is sex on a stick and charm that drips off the pages.

Carmelo Mancini is this hotshot sexy realtor broker and his enemy is Bella the FSBO(for sale by owner) broker who seems to be giving our boy Carm a hassle and she just moved her office right next to his……cue sexual tension and rivalry. They both are put on with the same client to try and sells a condo on the floor they were given. With just a little competition, sexual tension, and alpha male, what could happen?

The banter between these two is exhilarating and sweet. Bella is not a pushover but is a great strong character. I can’t say enough how personable and relatable these characters are. They are very homey and warming. This is an excellent read. The last of the Mancini brothers has been quite mysterious so I cant wait to see what’s in store. Thanks for another great read!!

AVAILABLE TODAY

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA |

AMAZON AU | APPLE BOOKS | B&N | KOBO

Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline). A little about us… We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

Join our newsletter and get 2 FREE BOOKS!

Be one of our unicorns

DAMARIS

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How To Forgive a Highlander(Review Post)

Published July 9, 2019 by bookbesties

William MacGregor will lie, spy, and happily die to protect his clan from their greatest enemy. But when he kidnaps the wrong woman, he triggers the very events he’d been working so hard to prevent. And puts everyone in danger.

Rose Thatcher will do anything to protect her lady and return them both safely to English soil. But the damn Highlander who snatched her off the docks has done nothing but get in her way. She’d love to ditch the bastard, but if they want to save their respective loved ones, they are going to have to stay together.

Somewhere along the grueling journey to Scotland, their constant bickering turns into something more. Something worth fighting for. But how can an English lady’s maid, who longs for the safe, comfortable life she had in London, find love with a Highlander who can’t wait to wipe England’s dust off his feet? If they can’t defeat the enemy they accidentally led home, they might not live long enough to find out.

Each book in the MacGregor Lairds series is STANDALONE:
* How to Lose a Highlander
* How to Ensnare a Highlander
* How to Blackmail a Highlander
* How to Forgive a Highlander

Out NOW

This is the first book I have read by this author and it is a 100% run read. From page one this book is full of adventure. From mistaken identity and kidnapping to a hostage turned spy and enemies turned to lovers this book surely kept my heart racing from start to finish. This book was fast paced, and I loved being swept along in the whirlwind of it! Most H.R. books are about highborn society characters (or at least one of the main characters is) but neither hero nor heroine in this love story is, and honestly, I feel like it gave the author so much freedom to build their adventure. This book was so exciting and the romantic ending was so perfect I really enjoyed this book.

Rose Thatcher was filled with worry for her mistress as she boarded a boat to run away to the Highlands of Scotland (somewhere she NEVER wanted to go), but her mistress was determined and had a plan. A plan that didn’t involve Rose being kidnapped, in a case of mistaken identity, that very morning, right there on the docks, by a member of the same clan her Lady was running away too. When her kidnapper discovers his error will he release her to carry out her mistress’s plans, or will it be too late for her to escape? Will she be able to forgive him or will they be enemies for the rest of their lives?

William MacGregor has worked very hard to protect his clan from Ramsey their bloodthirsty enemy, to the point where he risked being discovered as a spy in Ramsey’s ranks just to see his cousin safely aboard a boat that will take him home to the highlands. He wasn’t about to let some female, possibly a spy sent by Ramsey to ruin all his hard work. He just wanted to talk to her and make sure she wasn’t dangerous. He soon discovers that she is dangerous, not to his clan but to his heart.

I loved the adventure of this book so much!