Fiction

All posts tagged Fiction

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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Danielle

Unmasked by the Marquess(Review Post)

Published August 2, 2018 by bookbesties

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Robert Selby is determined to see his sister make an advantageous match. But he has two problems: the Selbys have no connections or money and Robert is really a housemaid named Charity Church. She’s enjoyed every minute of her masquerade over the past six years, but she knows her pretense is nearing an end. Charity needs to see her beloved friend married well and then Robert Selby will disappear…forever.

May not be who you think…

Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke, has spent years repairing the estate ruined by his wastrel father, and nothing is more important than protecting his fortune and name. He shouldn’t be so beguiled by the charming young man who shows up on his doorstep asking for favors. And he certainly shouldn’t be thinking of all the disreputable things he’d like to do to the impertinent scamp.

But is who you need…

When Charity’s true nature is revealed, Alistair knows he can’t marry a scandalous woman in breeches, and Charity isn’t about to lace herself into a corset and play a respectable miss. Can these stubborn souls learn to sacrifice what they’ve always wanted for a love that is more than they could have imagined?

OUT NOW!! Get it HERE

This is the second book I have read by this author and I can happily say I am falling in love with her work! I love the fact that her stories are historically accurate and that she isn’t afraid to build romances and characters who stray from the cis/ hetero normal world. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I find it very important that LGBTQ+ characters and romantic story lines show the internal struggles that the characters (as individuals and as couples) face as they grow as people and as romantic entities. This author does an incredible job of including all of it without losing any of the story line or needing to create a different society where all love is accepted.

I absolutely adore Charity and love her unwavering dedication to Louisa and to her most genuine self. I see this character and this book as having the ability to inspire people to stand fast in who they are and that as long as they hold on to their authenticity they too can find their own love and unconditional acceptance. I see this book as a beacon of hope for people who may feel like they have none. I can’t wait to add this book to my collection and I am doubly excited to read my next Cat Sebastian book.

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Danielle

A Duke by Default: Reluctant Royals(Review Post)

Published July 25, 2018 by bookbesties

Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way…

New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she’s capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss…when she’s not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn’t need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory…even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice—and his attraction to her—but when Portia accidentally discovers that he’s the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armor is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?

OUT JULY 31st!(click on cover for link)

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Ok all my fellow HR nerds, I am giving you fair warning right now. While it does involve a Duke, THIS IS NOT A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BOOK. That being said this book was a fun read! It was a nice break from my typical genre and I really enjoyed it. Getting to know Portia and her view of herself was like getting to see my own internal reflections, which made it really easy to become fully engrossed in this book. Her sassy interactions with Tavish made me wish I had her quick wit. I love how she was able to bloom and grow and find herself through Tavish and the other character’s eyes. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be on the look-out for more.

Danielle

To Love A Duchess

Published July 24, 2018 by bookbesties

From New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Ranney comes the first book in a royally romantic and deeply emotional new series about taking risks and allowing the power to love satisfy the questions of the heart . . .

Undercover as a majordomo, spy Adam Drummond has infiltrated Marsley House with one purpose only—to plunder its mysteries and gather proof that the late Duke of Marsley was an unforgivable traitor to his country. At the same time, Adam is drawn to a more beguiling puzzle: the young and still-grieving duchess—a beauty with impenetrable secrets of her own. For Drummond, uncovering them without exposing his masquerade will require the most challenging and tender moves of his career.

That a servant can arouse such passion in her is too shocking for Suzanne Whitcomb, Duchess of Marsley, to consider. Yet nothing quickens her pulse like Drummond’s touch. It’s been two years since the duke lost his life in a tragic accident—and even longer since she’s been treated like a woman. But when Drummond’s real mission is revealed, and the truth behind Suzanne’s grief comes to light, every secret conspired to tear them apart is nothing compared to the love that can hold them together.

OUT July 31st!!!(Click on cover for link)

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This is the first book by this author and in this series that I have read, and I am intrigued to read more. I love how this book explores the grief and loss of both main characters and how they find solace in one another. I truly love how well the author allows you to see into Suzanne’s mind and emotions, giving her a depth both as a written character and as a Duchess that I don’t see much in Historical Romance characters. I found the rawness and the honesty of her emotions addicting. I did feel like I would have loved a little more of an ending once the characters admitted their love for one another. I felt like the ending was cut short. I want to know things like: How her father responded to the relationship? How did they adjust to their new life together? Do they eventually have children together? Do they actually get their happy ending? I feel like with the ending the way it is I will never know for sure. However I overall thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Danielle

The Protector by HelenKay Dimon(Review Post)

Published July 23, 2018 by bookbesties

Salvation, Pennsylvania. The commune located in the small town was advertised as a modern Utopia: a place to live, share, and learn with other like-minded young people. Cate Pendleton’s sister was one of them. Now she’s dead—and Cate won’t rest until she finds out who killed her. Stonewalled at every turn, she approaches a DC Fixer for help and ends up with Damon Knox, a mysterious man with a secretive past. But Cate soon discovers that she not only needs Damon, she wants him, which isn’t good—for the attraction brewing between them will only lead to complications that can turn into danger . . .

Damon has tried to erase the hellish memories and the evil that happened in Salvation ever since he left a long time ago. Still, he can’t turn his back on Cate. As Damon works with Cate to uncover her sister’s killer, he finds himself drawn to her more and more. But how will she feel about him when she learns about his connection to the place?

Joining forces to uncover the truth, they must stay one step ahead of a cunning killer who’s bent on not being exposed.

OUT JULY 31ST(CLICK ON COVER FOR LINK)

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Cate Pendleton is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s accident. In her quest for justice she seeks the help of the Quint Five. There is only one person who can get her into the compound where her sister was murdered. Damon Knox, has been avoiding the Compound where he was raised for more than a year. For him, Salvation is anything but Salvation. They come up with a plan, a fake relationship, to get into the Compound. They go under the premise that Damon is trying to convince Cate that her sisters accident really was an accident and that Sullivan has nothing to hide.

Troubles arise between Cate and Damon when she learns secrets at the school where her sister was murdered. The head of the school is determined to prove that this is a straight-laced school now and welcomes Cate and Damon with open arms. Damon is determined to prove otherwise and unable to keep up the idea that he believes that the school is innocent.

As their investigation progresses, their connection grows. Soon they find themselves forgetting that this is supposed to be a fake relationship. While they get closer to each other, the danger that Cate is in raises. A series of attacks, fires, and kidnapping takes place where eventually, the head of the school has to truly open his eyes to see what is really happening at the school. When Cate is put in even more danger she learns that what happened to her sister and just how far Damon’s feelings for her go.

Okay, this is the second book in the series that I have read and reviewed. After reading the second book, I can tell you the plot of the remaining two books. Both of the books I read followed the same plot. A member of the Quint Five is sent to a location to protect the female from whatever dangers they will encounter and then they fall in love. These are good books if you read them as stand alone. I really enjoyed the first one that I read. I enjoyed this one as well but it is pretty predictable if you have read another part of the series. You don’t know who did what but you do know the path that the story will take it.

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Tiffani

The Duke Buys a Bride: The Rogue Files(Review Post)

Published July 17, 2018 by bookbesties

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A bride wasn’t in his plans . . .

The last thing Marcus, the Duke of Autenberry, expects to see after sleeping off a night’s drunken shenanigans is a woman being auctioned in the village square. Before he can think about the ramifications, he buys her, thinking he’s winning the girl her freedom. Instead, he discovers he’s bought a wife.

A duke wasn’t in hers . . .

Alyse Bell is almost rid of the shackles that bound her in a name-only marriage, but the day her friend promised to purchase her in a wife auction, he vanishes, leaving her to face a mob of unsavory bachelors intent on owning her body and soul. But the appearance of a wicked, wealthy stranger changes her path forever.

The road to ruin . . .

Marcus doesn’t know what to do with the impertinent chit who clearly isn’t duchess material! Insisting their marriage isn’t legitimate, they leave for his estate in Scotland, hoping to devise a plan to get rid of each other. However, on a journey fraught with misadventure, their attraction grows and Marcus realizes he’ll do anything to keep this fiery woman for his own.

OUT July 24th!(Click on cover for link)

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This is book number 2 for me in this series and by this author. I will admit I was expecting a completely different story based off of the title of this book, but I am not at all unhappy about the story I got. This book has humor and adventure and a strong-willed woman in difficult situations beyond her control, all things that make for a great historical romance novel. I love how in the ending of the book the author hints to a scandal with one of the Duke’s sisters and left me curious and eager for the next book.