historical

All posts tagged historical

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

A Duke Changes Everything(Review Post)

Published November 27, 2018 by bookbesties

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In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

Out NOV 27th!

This is the first book by Christy Carlyle that I have had the great pleasure to read. I love how independently strong both Mina and Nick are but when they are together their vulnerabilities are bared for the other to see. The trauma of Nicks childhood gives him such depth of character it would have been easy for Mina’s character to be lacking in compassion, but impressively this author used her unwavering loyalty to give her a depth that matches his. I really enjoyed this book and these characters and I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.

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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

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

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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