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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.

Danielle

The Prince:1001 Dark Nights Wicked Novella(review post)

Published August 16, 2018 by bookbesties

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From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes a new story in her Wicked series…

She’s everything he wants….

Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.

She’s everything he can’t have…

Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.

She’s everything he’ll take….

But there’s someone out there who wants to return the Prince to his former self. A walking, breathing nightmare that is hell bent on destroying the world and everyone close to him. The last thing either of them needs is a distraction, but with the attraction growing between them each now, the one thing he wants more than anything may be the one thing that will be his undoing.

She’s everything he’d die for….

**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.**

OUT NOW(Click Here)

I was familiar with the Wicked world but not so much so that I finished the series, but I should say that if you are not familiar with the Wicked world there are DEFINATE spoilers contained in The Prince.

Warnings aside, I loved it. Brighton is part of the Order, a secret sect in New Orleans committed to fighting the good fight against evil Fae who want to enslave the world. But Brighton isn’t a fighter, she takes care of her mother a once great fighter for The Order who got injured and Brighton is fine with that, she would much rather let Ivy, her friend handle all of that, until tragedy strikes and two years later Brighton is no longer old Brighter but a warrior and a fighter out for vengeance.

Until she stumbles upon, The Prince of the summer Fae, a supposed good Fae who seems to pop up everywhere she is blocking her chances at revenge. When the Summer Fae come to Bri for help with missing young-lings, she can’t say no and thus the mystery, action and suspense ensues along with romance, some crazy serious ‘connections‘ and angst. Brighton is drawn to The Prince and The Prince, well he is invested in Brighton’s well being until things come to a head and the get a lead on the young-lings, and their feeling toward each other. I loved seeing the lives of the other Wicked characters unfold as well.

To say that I hate this is a Novella is an understatement. It obviously stops at the GOOD PART and while it’s not really a cliff hanger per say, you are left with more questions than answers, which is fine, but comeon! Jennifer did such an amazing job setting up this world and bask story in such a sort amount of time that it makes you want to know more, thus going back and reading from where it all started. I can’t wait for the next installment in this!

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You can Pre-order The King out next summer(Clink on pic for link)

Vonetta

Down With Love(Review Post)

Published August 7, 2018 by bookbesties

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Out Now! Get it HERE!

Sparks fly when the hot-shot divorce lawyer meets the high-powered wedding planner. The only question is, what kind?

If you ever get married, remember my name: Max Henderson. In my line of work, you acquire a certain perspective on supposedly everlasting unions. . . .

1. Pre-nups are your friend.
2. The person you married is not the person you’re divorcing.
3. And I hope you didn’t spend much on the wedding because that was one helluva waste of hard-earned cash, wasn’t it?

But some guys are willing to take a chance. Like my brother, who thinks he’s going to ride off into the sunset with the woman of his dreams in a haze of glitter on unicorns. And the wedding planner—the green-eyed beauty who makes a living convincing suckers to shell out thousands of dollars on centerpieces—is raking it in on this matrimonial monstrosity.

The thing is, Charlie Love is not unlike me. We’re both cogs in the wedding-industrial complex. As the best man, I know her game—and I can play it better than her. But after one scorching, unexpected kiss, I’m thinking I might just want to get played.

This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Opposites always attract right?
Well what about a divorce lawyer and a wedding planner?
First let me say that this is was a new to me author and while I love finding new authors, there is always a hesitations going in. With that being said, this book had me from ‘GO’ just by that alone. Meet Max, the brother of the groom who is a divorce lawyer. Charlie the wedding planner for his brother’s weeding and obviously, loves, love. When Max first hears about his brothers wedding plans he is happy for him but as a realist he knows that love is not always 100%. He has been there and done it and has the t-shirt, mug and souvenir photo. He meets Charlie and has an instant attraction when he find out she is the wedding planner. Even though they both have different views when it came to marriage she still feel’s that spark whenever she is Max around. The relationship starts to evolve and walls start to come down. Max starts to change his views while Charlie wants to stay as a one night hitter, but when that spark’s combust it made for one steamy read.
This was a flirty, fun read with a dash of spice. These two characters were well developed and funny. Great Job Kate Meader I will def be reading more of your amazing stories!

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Damaris

Born to be Wilde(Review Post)

Published August 2, 2018 by bookbesties

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The next enthralling installment in New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James’ The Wildes of Lindow Castle series

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for a heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there’s only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: Being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he’s chosen a far more suitable bride. But when he learns of Lavinia’s desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he’ll find her a prince.

As usual, there’s no problem Parth can’t fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who’s completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

Out NOW. Get it HERE

This is the third book in this series that I have read, and I’m beyond hooked, I AM COMPLETELY ADDICTED TO THIS SERIES. I love how this book included Parth even though he is not a Wilde by blood he is a Wilde in every way that matters, and I really hoped that he would be a feature in the series. I love the depth we get to see in Lavinia. Having access to her internal vulnerability and seeing that she was more than bonnets and lace made her more relatable and human. I love historic fashions from all eras so reading about looms, silk, and lace was a real treat for me. Add all of those things together and you have this book which is now my favorite in the series. I am now eagerly waiting for the release of the next book in the series to see how this author feeds my new addiction to this family.

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