About the Book
Enjoy this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance Signed, sealed… Seduced! Lady Frederica is the last person Samuel, the new Duke of Pelford, wants to marry! His childhood nemesis might have grown into a beautiful woman, but she’s as bold, outspoken and badly behaved as ever! Except marrying her is the only solution to the debts he’s inherited. As memories of their tense years growing up make way for a surprising desire, Samuel realizes the walls he put in place between him and his convenient wife are quickly crumbling!From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Books in the Series
Excerpt
‘Why do not we all sit down?’ Lady Hampford suggested, smiling at him. ‘Shall I ring for some tea?’
He shook his head, holding up one gloved hand. ‘Not on my account, please. And if you will forgive my abruptness, I would prefer to speak alone with Lady Frederica. My time is limited and there is a question of great importance I wish to ask her.’ Lady Hampford gave him a dazzling smile and left the room as if she were leaving a pair of young lovers and not childhood enemies. Samuel sat on a chair across from Frederica where he could readily observe her features. He smiled slightly when he realised that he was not the only one surprised at what he saw. The colour in her cheeks was high and her lips upturned into the slightest of smiles. ‘I suppose I ought to apologise for putting the bear cub in your room when last I saw you,’ Frederica said, in a completely unrepentant tone. She may have grown into a beauty, but her personality had not changed one whit. Something about her had always irritated him like a rash on his skin. ‘Freddie, do not bother apologising,’ Samuel said, sardonically. ‘I should not wish for our relationship to begin with a lie.’ She let out a crow of laughter and gave him a beguiling grin. ‘You are not as stupid as you used to be, and no one calls me Freddie any more.’ ‘And you are not as skinny as you used to be,’ he retorted. She laughed again and more colour came into her cheeks. She was an attractive woman with curves even courtesans would be jealous of. ‘I suppose I am not. But then, neither are you. You seem twice as broad as before.’ ‘Do you wish to marry me?’ he asked bluntly, hoping that by some miracle that she would be the one to release him from this unwanted obligation. ‘No,’ she said honestly, raising her eyebrows. ‘Do you wish to marry me?’ No, but I wouldn’t mind kissing you. Where had that thought come from? He pulled at his collar, feeling rather hot and betrayed by his own body. ‘Heavens no! I do not even know you.’ And I’ve never liked you. Frederica laughed loudly at this and his lips twitched. Earlier in the day, he would have thought that there was nothing humorous in his situation. But he’d forgotten that Frederica could be funny; unfortunately, in the past, he’d been the butt of most of her jokes. She sobered first, clearing her throat. ‘Perhaps we could become better acquainted now that we are no longer children? I long for adventure and purpose. And no doubt you have had many adventures and political intrigues whilst on the Continent.’ Samuel stiffened. He hated how the aristocracy glamourized war with their fancy uniforms and formal parades. There was nothing adventurous or exciting about a battle. It was loud. There was so much blood, the wounded, and the burying of your friends. ‘Those stories are not fit for a woman’s ears.’ Her lips tightened into a straight line. ‘Quite a set-down.’ He could not help but smirk back at her as he watched Frederica struggle within herself to be civil. As a child, she would not have even tried. She would have yelled at him, hurled an object, or got her revenge when he least expected it. Usually with a dead rodent or a live snake whilst he was sleeping. Still, he had loved the summers he’d spent at Hampford Castle with her older brothers, avoiding Frederica whenever possible. Her brother Charles had been his best friend and closest companion. He was also the first person he’d seen buried. After his death, Samuel had resented how Frederica had tried to take her brother’s place as his friend. She was a poor substitute for Charles who had been a good listener, clever, and kind. Little had Samuel known then how many friends he would lose in the war. How many pieces of himself he would bury with them. After a few moments she said in a lighter tone, ‘Shall I receive many set-downs as your wife?’ ‘I haven’t asked you to be my wife,’ he pointed out. Frederica lifted her eyebrows in an arched look and talked with her hands. ‘No, you have not. And I have not said yes, but somehow, I believe we will both find ourselves arrayed in finery and in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury before too long.’ ‘Dreadful thought.’ ‘I know. It quite gives me the dismals.’ About the Author
Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She's the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. She also writes cozy murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen.
Review
Author Samantha Hastings has written a charming and swoony childhood frienemies to lovers regency romance with plenty of danger and excitement. The MMC and FMC spend plenty of time bantering and flirting and readers will come to know them through this. Readers will also enjoy the various locations the story takes place, including London, Belgium, France, and Waterloo. The third book in the Stringham Family series, readers will not want to miss this fabulous edition.
Series: The Stringham Family Genre: regency, romance Publisher: Harlequin Historical Publication date: January 23, 2024 Number of pages: 258 Books in the series: 0.5-The Dutchess Contract 1-The Marquess and the Runaway Lady 2-Debutante with a Dangerous Past 2.5-Christmas in a Castle 3-Wedded to His Enemy Debutante Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTour Schedule
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About the Book Based on true World War II stories of life in the USO variety shows, worlds collide when performers from around the United States come together to tour North Africa. Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but her sharp tongue landed her in trouble, so an overseas adventure with the USO's camp show promises a chance at a fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving. The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers--a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician--but the harmony among their troupe is short-lived when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a coveted job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they'll do whatever is necessary to claim it. As their troupe travels closer to the dangerous battlefront in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, putting not only their careers but also their lives on the line. About the Author Amy Lynn Green is a lifelong lover of books, history, and library cards. She worked in publishing for six years before writing her first historical fiction novel. She and her husband live in Minnesota, where she teaches virtual classes on marketing at writer’s conferences, engages with book clubs, and regularly encourages established and aspiring authors in their publication journeys. ReviewAuthor Amy Lynn Green has written another excellent story that brings to life the world of WWII and the glorious people who gave of their time and talent to perform in the USO tours. Many of these were brave and strong women who wanted to do something for their country and to help the soldiers. Weaving together the story of various characters, including a WWI veteran and vaudeville entertainer, a magician, and a singer, Green crafts an enchanting and delightful story that will capture the attention and heart of readers. Another fantastic story that readers of WWII historical romance will not want to miss out on. Genre: historical, romance, WWII Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: January 23, 2024 Number of pages: 396 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book “Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.” A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed. A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more. AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED When Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom. But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late? Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone. About the Author K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right? ReviewTaking place at the tail end of the Regency Era, author K. Lyn Smith brings to life a story of putting together a backdrop for a production of Shakespear’s Much Ado About Nothing. The story is about embracing who you are and falling in love. This story has humorous moments of the MMC and the FMC when they get close to kissing, but something or someone always gets in the way and interrupts them. An absolutely charming slow burn childhood best friends to lovers Regency that readers will delight in. Series: Hearts of Cornwall Genre: Regency, romance Publisher: Davenwood Press Publication date: January 23, 2024 Number of pages: 224 Other books in the series: 1-Jilting Jory 2-Matching Miss Moon 3-Driving Miss Darling Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book A BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024! Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams? Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms. No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare. Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart. About the Author USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Victorian Reading RoomJoin Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets! ReviewFrom the turn of the first page, readers will adore this sweet and swoony second chance Victorian romance. The story is about Lady Anne Deveril, who is a beautiful and headstrong woman who withdrew from society due to her widowed mother, who is still mourning her father’s death. It’s about once again crossing paths with love interest Felix Hartford and him charming his way into her heart and enticing her to pull out of her mourning blacks and re-enter society, rather than remain a spinster. It’s about overcoming the hardships of life and getting not only a second chance at love, but a second chance at a relationship with her mother. This is such a powerful story about relationships and pushing through trials in life. An excellent installment to the Bells of London series that readers will not want to miss out on. Series: Bells of London Genre: Victorian, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 16, 2024 Number of pages: 432 Other books in the series: 1-The Siren of Sussex 2-The Belle of Belgrave Square 4-The Muse of Maiden Lane (coming October 2024) Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands. As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future. About the Author Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State. According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish. ReviewA beautifully written story from beginning to end. Frantz has a unique and captivating writing style that captures the heart of her readers. She has written a charming and historically intriguing story where readers will come to adore learning more about the Acadian people and their tragic history of being displaced from Adadia. And then there is the slow burn romance between Sylvie and William that is both enchanting and swoony. Another fantastic and engaging story from Frantz that readers will not want to miss out on. Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Revell Publication date: January 9, 2024 Number of pages: 416 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book From the author of Mr. Malcolm's List comes a delightful romantic comedy set in Regency England about a widow who takes high society by storm. Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, has no desire to ever marry again. Particularly not to someone who merely wants her for her fortune. So when she discovers that she’s listed in a directory of rich, single women she is furious, and rightly so. She confronts Maxwell Dean, the man who published the Bachelor’s Directory , and is horrified to find he is far more attractive than his actions have led her to expect. However, Diana is unmoved by Max’s explanation that he authored the list to assist younger sons like himself who cannot afford to marry unless it’s to a woman of means. She gathers the ladies in the directory together to inform them of its existence, so they may circumvent fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage. Though outraged, the women decide to embrace their unique position of power and reverse the usual gender roles by making the men dance to their tune. And together… the ladies rewrite the rules. About the Author Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband. Suzanne adapted her novel Mr. Malcolm’s List into a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Zawe Ashton.  ReviewFrom the moment readers discover that author Suzanne Allain has written another sweet Regency romance, readers will be completely captivated. Throughout this period novel, readers will constantly find themselves grinning as they consume this dazzling childhood friendship turned second chance romance novel, a charming addition to Allain’s works. Period readers of Georgette Heyer and/or Jane Austen will absolutely adore this amusing, sweet, and romantic novel about a group of heiresses that decide they aren’t going to follow the norms of society by following the whims of the men in their lives and write their own rules instead. Readers will quickly fall in love with not only the female and male main characters, but also the fabulous side characters, whose subplots make this story so much more engaging and fulfilling to read. Another enchanting read from author Suzanne Allain that readers will be charmed and dazzled with and absolutely will not want to put down.
Genre: Regency, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 9, 2024 Number of pages: 272 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book Phaedra Brighton is on the case when an innocent murder-mystery weekend turns into the real deal, in the newest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery. Phaedra Brighton has her life all figured out--she has a profession she enjoys, a wonderful (if exasperating) cat, and a cozy carriage house on the grounds of her aunt's inn. She needs no Captain Wentworth to sweep her off her feet (though, she would not mind a Mr. Darcy). But when Aunt Wendy decides she is selling Laurel Springs Inn, Phaedra faces losing her beloved home. In a last-ditch attempt to drum up more business, Phaedra convinces Wendy to host an immersive Persuasion-themed murder-mystery weekend. It is a fool proof plan to draw attention to the establishment in the hopes of saving it. Until one of the participants winds up dead. With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Phaedra finds herself on the hunt for a killer once again. But with time running out, Phaedra quickly realizes that with this investigation, there will be no second chances. About the Author Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. ReviewA fun whodunnit mystery full of charm and humor. Once again English Professor Pheadora Brighton is swooping in to save the day. She tries to convince her aunt not to sell her inn, Laurel Springs, by hosting a murder mystery week to promote publicity. Readers will love the cozy mystery with a twist on a Jane Austen classic vibe. It’s charming and humorous. Another wonderfully written story as part of the Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery that readers will delight in and will not want to put down.
Series: Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery Genre: cozy mystery, contemporary, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: January 3, 2023 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 1-Pride, Prejudice, and Peril 3-Cyanide and Sensibility Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Pride, Prejudice, and Peril (Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery #1) by Katie Oliver -- Review
1/10/2024
About the Book Like a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen.--Laura Childs, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jane Austen meets reality TV and murder in this quirky cozy mystery--the first in a new series! Phaedra Brighton is perfectly content with her life of lecturing college students, gossiping with her best friends, and dreaming of Mr. Darcy. As a young, respected (if somewhat peculiar) English professor, her expertise lies in all things Jane Austen--but she knows that the closest she'll ever get to being a real-life Elizabeth Bennet is in her dreams. When Who Wants to Marry Mr. Darcy, a new reality TV show, starts filming at her best friend Charlene's estate, Phaedra is intrigued. And when the producer asks her to lend her Austenian knowledge as a consultant on the show, she's over the moon. But on the first day of filming, when Charlene's new husband is found electrocuted and Charlene herself is accused of the crime, Phaedra comes crashing back to reality. With murder on the syllabus and her best friend in dire straits, there's no Mr. Darcy around to help Phaedra--she'll have to get to the bottom of this mystery herself. About the Author Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. ReviewA charming cozy mystery and romance with a spin on a Jane Austen classic. A story about an English professor who dresses up in Austenesque clothing to be in character for her classes. This story has the fun backdrop of a movie set and of course romance. This is a fun and light hearted story. It has engaging and humorous relationships between characters. Oh, and this story has the absolutely best cat, Wickham, who is cleverly written into the mystery. A fantastic story that readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Series: Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery Genre: cozy mystery, contemporary, romance Publisher: Berkley Publication date: December 7, 2021 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 2-A Murderous Persuasion 3-Cyanide and Sensibility Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. |