Showing posts with label Four Flame

Star Cursed

in , , by Duchess Bethany, June 01, 2022

Star Cursed
Zodiac Wolves #2
by Elizabeth Briggs

My fated mate rejected me, and now he wants me back. I'd rather die.


I'm being held captive by my worst enemies, the Leo pack. My fated mate is their new alpha, and he says he has big plans for me. For us. But no matter how much the mate bond tries to convince me he's the one, there's another man I can't stop thinking about: the alpha of the lost pack. My new pack. Kaden thinks I went willingly with my mate and turned my back on him. I don't know if he's coming for me, but I'm not giving up 'til I find my way back to him—and to my new family.


I'm an Ophiuchus. I'm Moon Touched. And my enemies have underestimated me for far too long.


Review
Wow, these books never cease to surprise me! More twists and turns and suspense! I find it hard to review books that end with a cliff hanger because I don't want to give away the story.  A lot of things become clearer and Kaden and Ayla get even closer. As we start this second book, Kaden things Ayla left him because she couldn't resist the pull of her mate, but really she was forced to leave or they would kill most of their pack. Most of the story is spent with her under the Leo's pack with her fated mate, Jordan, looming around. It is dramatic to say the least and it with Ayla finding out who her mother is and Kaden presumed dead! Ah!

Tropes
Paranormal Romance, Alpha Hero, Abused Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Enemies to Lovers, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Instant Attraction, Abduction, Suspense/Danger/Murder



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Moon Touched

in , , by Duchess Bethany, June 01, 2022

Moon Touched
Zodiac Wolves #1
by Elizabeth Briggs

My fated mate rejected me—and now I've been captured by someone even worse.


As the half-human outcast of the Cancer pack, I've been beaten and bullied my whole life. Gaining my wolf form and my fated mate is my only chance to change packs and hope for a better life.

Except when my fated mate is revealed, he's the future alpha of the Leo pack—our worst enemies. He rejects me in front of everyone, just before the Leos slaughter my entire pack and murder my family.

I manage to escape, but then I'm kidnapped by a far greater threat: the alpha of the mysterious lost pack. The 13th sign was banished from the Zodiac Wolves years ago, and I thought they were just a myth.

They're real. They're holding me captive. And the dark, dangerous alpha is offering me something I can't refuse—revenge.

Review
Ayla spent her whole life being the outcast. She was the child of her father's affair and he resented her, so she spent her first twenty-two years being shamed and beaten by her father, step-mother and others in the pack.  I am not sure how she turned out remotely as well as she did considering the abusive childhood she had. She was so optimistic about getting her wolf and hopefully a mate from a different pack! Rejection shouldn't surprise her anymore, but of course her fated mate, an alpha-heir in another pack, rejected her. Her beloved brother was killed in the brawl that followed and she barely managed to escape with her life; the mysterious Alpha of the lost pack saved her and brought her to their lands.  While she is proving her trust and skills to the new pack, she starts to find what she was missing, acceptance. The new pack, and especially their alpha, begin to accept her and she even joins their pack! But just as she is feeling at home and figuring out the relationship with Kaden, her mate that rejected her appears and steals her back. 

I loved this book and devoured it so quickly! I hated the abuse that Ayla endured growing up, but to see her transformation, skill, and confidence grow was amazing! I really, really, really wish we could have Kaden's perspective!  I was dying to know what he was thinking throughout the book; I payed special attention to any scene involving him so I could learn as much as I could about him and his personality. 

Tropes
Paranormal Romance, Alpha Hero, Abused Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Enemies to Lovers, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Instant Attraction, Abduction/Kidnapped, Suspense/Danger/Murder



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100 Nights with the Duke

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 04, 2022

100 Nights with the Duke
by Jess Michaels
★★★★★
🖤🖤🖤🖤🤍

Once upon a time, a handsome duke was madly in love with a beautiful courtesan. But when his grandmother manipulated him into marrying for position, rather than love, they were torn apart. Now Edward, the Duke of Lockhart, is widowed, out of mourning and ready to pursue the love of his life again.

But Sophia Russell was brokenhearted when she lost him before and she sees no way that it can work out this time any more than it did before. Still, Edward’s seduction is something she cannot…will not resist. So she creates elaborate rules of their affair and hopes she can keep her heart separate this time.

Passion has always been easy for these two, but love will be hard. Especially when a terrible danger becomes clear and their fight for each other becomes one they may die from if they lose.

The Plot
This book wrecked me, wooed me, made me cry, made me so anxious, scared me and then tied it all together with a happy ever after. Sophia and Edward had a short liaison that was cut short because he had the duty to marry for the Dukedom. But the love lost when they separated broke both of them. When Edward's wife dies, he returns for Sophia determined to win her back in to his life...forever! He spends the whole book trying to convince her he means marriage, kids and everything and that they can stand up to the scrutiny of the Ton and his horrible Grandmother, the Dowager. Seriously, finished this in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. One section had me so sad and feel a horrible pit in my stomach (you KNOW what I'm talking about), then I was swooning as they made love, then I was frustrated with Sophia for not letting herself go and just love Edward, then I was scared of the Dowager, and then the cycle started all over again. 

I know this makes no sense and I am rambling but seriously, I was on the edge of the page the whole time! 

The Heroine
Sophia Russell is a courtesan that had a rough childhood, although I don't recall much detail about it. She is beautiful and the sweetest woman to everyone. Its no wonder Edward (and many other men) adored her! But when Edward had to walk away to fulfill the duties of the Dukedom, she was crushed. It took her a long time to get past the pain, but she did eventually and took other protectors, but none compared to Edward. So when she reconnected with Edward, she had to protect her heart from something that she thought could never be.  She was truly trying to protect him as well, but slowly Edward was able to break down the wall around her heart. 

The Hero
Edward, the Duke of Lockhart is now my new favorite book boyfriend. Hands down.  He had very little choice but to walk away from Sophia and get married, but it was a difficult marriage as he and his new wife were in love with other people. When she died, he felt horrible that her short life was so miserable. But he was able to return to Sophia and convince her to love him. He was so sweet to give her space when she needed it and obey her 'rules' she put in their liaison. So patient! Ugh, he was the best and I was rooting for him the whole book, just hoping Sophia would see reason! 

The Steam
I mean its Jess Michaels, OF COURSE there is steam and in the best way!

Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Hot, Steam Carriage, Beta Hero, Titled Hero, Mistress Heroine, Courtesan, Experienced Heroine, Angst Romance, Second Chance Romance, Courtesan Romance, Class Difference, Betrayal, Five Star, Four Flames



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Ice Planet Honeymoon : Vektal and Georgie

in , , by Duchess Bethany, April 13, 2022

ICE PLANET HONEYMOON: VEKTAL & GEORGIE BY RUBY DIXON
Ice Planet Barbarians #1.5

What happens after happily ever after? Quite a bit, actually. Georgie and Vektal are mated, but Georgie has a few things on her mind before she settles into her new life… 

Why not have a honeymoon? 

The Plot

We are back with Georgie and Vektal and Georgie is feeling unsettled. Of course, Vektal can tell something is amiss, so he asks her and she requests a honeymoon. Of course he agrees because he will do anything for her! When they head out, she requests that they go bury the three girls that died to give them a proper burial and closure for herself. She feels very guilty that she couldn’t save them. Vektal agrees and helps her see to the burial and Georgie feels much better.  Now she is ready to look towards the future with Vektal and their Kit. 


This was a quick and easy read and a great glimpse into the future for the original Ice Planet couple, Georgie and Vektal. 


Tropes
Paranormal Romance, Alien Hero, Alpha Hero, Protective Hero, Alien Steam




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A Daring Pursuit

in , , by Duchess Bethany, April 11, 2022

A Daring Pursuit
Ruthless Rivals #2
by Kate Bateman

The Davies and Montgomery families have been locked in an ancient feud. But it’s a thin line between love and hate in Kate Bateman's A Daring Pursuit. 

TWO ENEMIES
Carys Davies is doing everything in her power to avoid marriage. Staying single is the only way to hide the secret that could ruin her—and her family—if it was revealed. For the past two seasons she’s scandalized the ton with her outrageous outfits and brazen ways in a futile bid to deter potential suitors. Outwardly confident and carefree, inside she’s disillusioned with both men and love. There’s only one person who’s never bought her act—the only man who makes her heart race: Tristan Montgomery, one of her family’s greatest rivals. 

ONE SCANDALOUS BARGAIN
Wickedly proper architect Tristan needs a respectable woman to wed, but he’s never stopped wanting bold, red-headed Carys. When she mockingly challenges him to show her what she’s missing by not getting married, Tristan shocks them both by accepting her indecent proposal: one week of clandestine meetings, after which they’ll go their separate ways. But kissing each other is almost as much fun as arguing, and their affair burns hotter than either of them expects. When they find themselves embroiled in a treasonous plot, can they trust each other with their hearts, their secrets…and their lives? 

The Plot
Carys and Tristan both have had feelings for each other since they were young, but they both channel that passion into sparing rather than romance. But when Tristan finds Carys waiting in Howe’s carriage, he is intrigued. Unbeknownst to him, Howe is blackmailing Carys to keep the secret that she is not a virgin because he basically raped her two years ago. She is terrified a husband would know she wasn’t a virgin and loathe her, so she flaunts herself and declares that she doesn’t want to get married. They strike a deal to have Tristan show her how passionate and pleasurable sex can be and boy does he ever! I thought the plot was unique in that, Carys didn’t turn into a whore after her loss, but she decided sex wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  There was some drama with Howe and Carys’s animal menagerie that kept the story interesting and moving along. 
“I love you. I’ve loved you for years, even when I couldn’t admit it to myself. Why do you think the walls in my bedroom are green?” A glow of happiness was welling up inside her, spreading to every limb, but she was still afraid to hope. “Why?” “Because I imagined you there. Always.” Her throat felt hot and painfully tight. “Truly?” “Truly. I want you by my side, to dazzle and charm everyone who comes into your orbit. I’ve seen you do it a thousand times.” “Only to make you jealous,” she admitted. He let out a strangled laugh. “Well, it worked. I’ve hated every man who laughed at your jokes, every idiot who’s sighed over your figure. The day you wore that bloody handkerchief dress was the worst day of my life.” She managed a coy smile. “You didn’t like it?” “I loved it and hated it in equal measure.”
The Heroine
Lady Carys Davies thought she was in love and was seduced by Christopher Howe, only to find him engaged to someone else days later. So she keeps the shame secret to save her family from ruin, but it only causes her more pain.  She resigns herself to spinsterhood because she’s afraid what will happen if her future husband should find out. So she puts on a happy face, shocks society with her hoydenish behavior and shocking attire, all the while masking her sadness and despair. I felt for Carys; she had to feel so alone. 
The house sounded very much like herself: an illusion. A vision that looked perfect from afar, but on closer inspection was still a work in progress.
The Hero
Tristan Montgomery wants everything in order and behaved, the exact opposite of Carys, but he has been pining after her since they were kids….in conscious and unconscious ways!  When he finds out she isn’t a virginal debutante, he is almost relieved, which kind of bothered me, but I guess that made her more ‘real’ or attainable. Either way, I loved that he offered to help her and the tug of war he went through in the process. 

She stifled a giggle. “You’re doing a sterling job.” She pressed against him and wriggled provocatively. “I can feel how hard it is for you.” “That’s my pistol,” he said, straight-faced. She wiggled again. “My other pistol.” She flattened herself full-length against him, from breasts to thighs, and with them both wearing breeches there was no mistaking his desire. A thrill of feminine triumph coursed through her. “And this?” she teased. “That’s all for you.”

The Steam
Loved their banter, whether it was sexual or not, they had some great quips! Great chemistry and a few good steamy scenes. 

“You’re only one bad experience away from being a virgin. You barely qualify to wear pale pink, let alone scarlet. You, Carys Davies, are a fraud.” Her mouth dropped open, as he’d known it would at the perceived insult, and he choked back a laugh. Outraged Carys was much better than miserable Carys. “Being a virgin is a finite thing,” she bit out. “You either are or you aren’t. There’s no gray area.” “True.” He kept his tone to just the right level of amused and condescending guaranteed to drive her mad. “But sexual experience is a sliding scale. A marathon, as opposed to a sprint. You’ve barely stumbled across the starting line.”
“No,” he agreed huskily. “You’re not thin. Or willowy. You’re delicious. And I’m a starving man who wants to feast.”

“You have an excellent assortment of curves, Lady Carys. And curves are some of the most desirable forms in all of architecture. Beautiful and strong.” 

Tropes
Regency Era, Outdoor Steam, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Historical Romance, Country Life, House Party, Ton Society, Titled Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Starchy Hero, Independent Heroine, Hoyden Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Childhood Crush, Unrequited Love, Enemies to Lovers, Fling to Love, Opposites Attract, Architect Hero, Animal Lover Heroine, Plus Size Heroine, Four Star, Four Flame


RegencyEra, OutdoorSteam, Beta/CinnamonRollHero, HistoricalRomance, CountryLife, HouseParty, TonSociety, TitledHero, Soldier/WarHero, StarchyHero, IndependentHeroine, HoydenHeroine, ExperiencedHeroine, BluestockingHeroine, Damaged/TorturedHeroine, ChildhoodCrush, UnrequitedLove, EnemiestoLovers, FlingtoLove, OppositesAttract, ArchitectHero, AnimalLoverHeroine, PlusSizeHeroine, Fourflame, fourstar
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The Scandalous Vixen

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 17, 2022

The Scandalous Vixen
The Duchess Society #2
Tracy Sumner

Helena Astley, Lady Hell to the ton, has plans. To control her father’s shipping business, to live her way, by her rules. Her plan is going remarkably well until one ill-advised kiss invites the duke she doesn’t want but cannot resist into her life. Hardnosed Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, cares little for society or finding a duchess. The only person ever to challenge him is the incorrigible, infuriating Helena Astley. The one woman he’s never been able to forget. 

When they’re caught in a ruinous situation, Roan offers her an alternative. A sham engagement she can break off after Christmas. As they discover a world of forbidden pleasure, Helena must decide if she can relinquish a heart she vowed to withhold from the only man powerful enough to seize it. And Roan must decide if falling madly, passionately in love is worth the risk.

The Hero
Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton was handed the dukedom at the age of 21, suddenly and out of the blue. He was not happy about the inheritance, but came to recognize his duty. He and his sister Pippa were forced out of their simple life, to one they were I’ll prepared for. 
"He spread his palm across her lower back to steady her, taking subtle possession. “You see, my darling heiress, I seek a kiss that says everything. The kiss to end all kisses. The kiss of the century. Why run the race if you’re not trying to win? That’s my rule. Or rather, my quest. That we don’t limit ourselves.” With his free hand, Roan cradled her jaw, tilting her head until her gaze pierced his. She stilled with the effort, like a feather coming to rest on a feather coverlet. “I want to show you that the heat we generate is enough to make anyone, even you, believe in the power of desire. What we do with it is up to us, I suppose.”
The Heroine
Helena Astley is the only daughter of a shipping giant, who gave her the company when he died, making her an instant outcast in society but incredibly wealthy! She is smart, witty and an amazing business woman. Her mother having died when she was little, she is lonely and has no friends outside of work relationships. 

The Plot
Roan has been pining after Helena for over a decade. He would watch her by the seashore and try to gather the nerve to speak to her. When he finally did, he botched the whole thing and ruined any chance he had with her. 

Now, it’s 10 years later and, although they still harbor strong feelings for each other, they are rude to each other and bicker every time they meet. But, when the opportunity presents itself, Roan invites Helena, and her newly discovered half sister, to his country house for the Christmastide so that her sister and his sister can get lessons from the Duchess Society. He offers to pretend a courtship with Helena so that he can help put aside rumors he accidentally when he punched a man for insulting her and save her from scandal. 

Helena and her sister arrive at Roan’s house and she starts to see a side of him that she didn’t expect, a caring and responsible side. But when he dares her to a kiss, that simple kiss leads to more and they are caught in a compromising position. Thrust into a world she is I’ll prepared for, Roan must convince Helena that he wants and loves her and the rest will fall into place. And she needs to let her guard down and open her heart to the possibility of love and a family. 

The Steam
A couple of very steamy scenes and lots of swooning! One particularly steamy scene on a pianoforte that leads to a compromising situation! 
"You see, I’m not interested in half measures. From my friends, my colleagues, or my wife. No business agreements are going to carry us through. It’s love or nothing for me. You have mine, you always have, but I must have yours in return. Or I can’t do this, Hellie. I can’t.”
Final Thoughts
Once again, Ms. Sumner’s book gives me all the feels! Such a good book and, since, all three storylines in this series are so different, I know it is Tracy’s writing that can pull me into any romance she can put to paper!

Tropes
Regency Era, Historical Romance, House Party, Holiday Romance, Titled Hero, Spinster Heroine, Wallflower Heroine,  Matchmaker Heroine, Independent Heroine, Working Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Angst Romance, Unrequited love, Second Chance Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Married in Scandal, Class Difference, Rake Hero, Sudden Nobility/Rags to Riches, Dare or Bet, Dirty Talk, Five Star, Four Flame


RegencyEra, HistoricalRomance, HouseParty, HolidayRomance, TitledHero, SpinsterHeroine, WallflowerHeroine,  MatchmakerHeroine, IndependentHeroine, WorkingHeroine, ExperiencedHeroine, AngstRomance, Unrequitedlove, SecondChanceRomance, EnemiestoLovers, FakeRelationship, MarriedinScandal, ClassDifference, RakeHero, SuddenNobility/ragstoriches, DareorBet, DirtyTalk, Fivestar, fourflame
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The Marauder’s Mistress

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 14, 2022

The Marauder’s Mistress
Wanton Wastrels #1 
by Tabetha Waite

Constance Freewater has lived almost two decades of her life as a celebrated courtesan known as Madame Corressa—a woman always living on the edge. As she approaches her fortieth birthday, she realizes that what used to be a fulfilling existence no longer holds any excitement for her. She’s tired of the empty sort of temporary passion that used to be enough. When she crosses paths with a mysterious gentleman who becomes intent on pursuing her, she is inexplicably drawn to him. But when circumstances alter their fate, she has to decide if she is prepared to be his mistress—or nothing at all.

Devin Blackmore had a hard life. Growing up with drunkards, scoundrels, and pickpockets on London’s city streets was a normal way of life. But one mistake was all it took for him to learn a harsh lesson. After spending five years in a penal colony, he returns to England determined not to succumb to his old ways. However, he never intended to meet such an enchanting woman as Constance, nor believe that she could make him a better man. But when a late-night attack leaves him fighting for his life, he realizes that he can’t escape his past. He doesn’t want to drag Constance into mire with him, but he finds out she’s not easily intimidated.

As hearts become entangled, they have to decide if what they feel for each other runs deeper than the demons of their past. Or is love even possible for these two, broken souls? 

The Plot
Devin Blackburn grew up in the East End with a life thievery, crime, and death. But when crosses path with the wrong person, he ends up spending five years in jail. Constance Freewater was forced into a brothel by her mother, but managed to escape by becoming a mistress. Now they both find themselves back in London for the first time in a long while. When their paths cross, the attraction is instant and Devin vows to find out more. When he is shot and doesn’t make their rendezvous, his friend lets Constance know what has happened and she moves them both to her home to nurse him back to health. Living under the same room is just flaming the attraction already there. While the heat sizzles between them, they must face the danger both of them are in by those who would destroy them. 

“Why did you seek me out in the first place?” His lips quirked and Constance held her breath as he moved toward her. He kept his tone low when he spoke. “Because I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Because I had been a dying man in need of salvation and you were my angel who rescued me from the depths of hell.” He stopped before her. “And because I could easily find myself falling in l—” She placed two fingers over his lips. “Please don’t say it. That’s a dangerous word and only leads to heartache for those who suffer from it.” He kissed the pads of her fingers and then moved them until they were covering the steady beat of his heart. “Why does it have to be suffering? Have you been conflicted by such strong emotions when you’re with me?” She sighed. “No, but that doesn’t mean—” “You’re looking for reasons why something can’t build between us.” He reached out and ran the backs of his knuckles down the length of her braid, pausing at the tip, directly where it encircled her breast. “We are both broken in our own way. Maybe we were brought together for a reason. To find happiness with one another.” Constance swallowed. “Maybe we don’t deserve happiness.” “I disagree.” His arm slowly snaked around her waist. Lowering his head, he breathed against her lips, “And you, my dear, deserve so much more.”

The Heroine
Constance Freewater is a former mistress several times over, who is trying desperately to suppress that side of her and become a respectable lady. She is a caring, sweet person, but has lost loves and been hurt many times so she holds her heart close and refuses to let it fall again. Having grown up in the brothels, she is also a strong foe, who knows her way around a gun and a knife!  She fights hard to not give in to Devins advances, but she knows her feelings for him are different and his need of her is more than just the physical. 

The Hero
After serving his time, Devin Blackburn returns home to London to start a new life free of crime, but his old friends don’t make it easy.  He knows what he wants and he goes after it with confidence, he accepts his past and helps Constance accept hers so she can realize there is more to their relationship than sex. He shows her how they can be friends, lovers, confidants, and even husband and wife. I loved Devin and it was obvious he cared deeply for Constance.

“All I need is you. Besides, I’m not sure I would be a very good father.” She placed a hand on his chest. “I disagree. And you should have the chance if you want it.” She sighed. “I don’t want you to have any regrets—” “Listen to me very closely.” He held her face immobile. “The only regret I would ever have is letting you go. And you can rest assured that is not going to happen.”

The Steam
There is definitely several steamy scenes, but you could also count the way Devin dirty talks to Constance…phew! 

Stand Out Moment
When she goes to Devins rooms during his nightmares and she finally gives in to her lust for him!
“I’m not sure I like that look, Mr. Blackmore.” “This is the part where you have to trust me.” He offered her a teasing wink. “Because I’m going to show you what your life could be like with me.” “Indeed.” She sounded unimpressed. “And how long would that be, exactly?” “That, sweetheart, is up to you to decide.”
Tropes
Victorian Era, Warm Steam, Historical Romance, East End London, Alpha Hero, Criminal/Thief, Courtesan, Spinster, Independent Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Age Gap Romance, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Forced Proximity, Nursed Back to Health
He didn’t want them to end up in the bedroom, as that was how she evaded breaking down that fortress around her heart, if not her entire soul. She assumed sex was the answer and he yearned to show her that there was more to being with a man. It was about touching and caressing, cherishing each other’s bodies. It was about leaning on each other after a difficult day, it was gaining the courage that they required to face another dawn when it appeared that the entire world was crashing down. He intended to teach her how to let go of her inhibitions and trust in him, because he was quite sure he wasn’t falling in love with her, that he had been there from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her in that dark alley. If that made him sound like a poet, or a dandy, then he would wear the title with pride, as long as it meant he could keep her by his side.




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The Brazen Bluestocking

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 08, 2022

The Brazen Bluestocking
The Duchess Society #1
Tracy Sumner
★★★★★

A defiant society outcast.
A forbidding rogue who doesn’t believe in love.
And a passionate wager.

Daughter of an earl, Lady Hildegard Templeton hasn’t conformed to what society expects from a woman of her station. Industrious and unique, she’s created an emboldened organization for women on the cusp of marriage, The Duchess Society. Called a bluestocking to her face and worse behind closed salon doors, she vows to marry for love. And nothing but. Although the emotion has never shown itself to her. Until she meets him.

Bastard son of a viscount and king of London’s sordid streets, Tobias Streeter has spent a lifetime building his empire, and he needs the Duchess Society to find a suitable wife. An asset to expand his worth in society’s eyes. But he vows his search will have nothing to do with love and everything to do with vengeance. Until he meets her.

Soon, Tobias and Hildy’s plans are in turmoil as they choose between expectation, passion, and love.

The Plot
Hildegard Templeton and the Duchess Society are hired to facilitate the match between Tobias Streeter and Matilda. It’s a marriage of convenience so Tobias gets doors opened to him within Tom and Matilda can practice medicine. But when Tobias and Matilda see sparks fly, they realize this may be more complicated than they ever imagined.  


The story hooked me from the first pages; curious how Hildy and Tobias end up together with him already engaged.  From their first meeting, the attraction was palpable. Oh the kisses and the dirty talk. Swoon!  There was lots of things keeping them apart, pride, people, miscommunication, secrets, and of course danger!  It had it all and it was all done well! 


The Heroine
Hildegard Templeton is smart and witty and, having been left with a crumbling home when her brother and father died, she needs a good match to increase the Duchess Society’s business. She had an abusive father and left home as soon as she could. She refuses to marry and be under the control of a husband…that is unless she falls madly, deeply in love, like fairy tale love. She is confident is who she is despite how the ton treat a self-made spinster. But when Tobias sees her for her and not a pretty face with a title, she starts to fall, fast. 


The Hero
Tobias Streeter is the bastard son of a viscount and grew up on the streets of East End. After sometime serving in the Royal Navy, he was given contracts with the East India Company and used them to make a thriving business.  But he wants more; he has studied architecture and designed buildings but he wants to work with a famous architect and needs the credibility that marrying the Earl of Hastings daughter will bring. He is not sure he can give all that up for Hildy. 

The Steam
The narration of the electricity flowing between them, the dirty talk, and the passionate sex is just so good!

Stand Out Moment

My heart still aches when I replay the scene of him kicking her out of his office


Who Would Like This

Do you like steamy historical fiction, then this will be an instant favorite for you too!


Final Thoughts
Oh. My. Gosh. This is an absolute favorite. 

Tropes
Working class, East End, Bluestocking heroine, Abduction/Kidnapped, Shipyard, danger/suspense, Illegitimate, Architect Hero


Working class, East End, Bluestocking heroine, Abduction/Kidnapped, Shipyard, danger/suspense, Illegitimate, ArchitectHero
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The Ice Duchess

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 06, 2022

The Ice Duchess
The Duchess Society #0.5
Tracy Sumner
★★★★★

Georgina Whitcomb survived a horrible marriage, been widowed and now runs a successful school that educates young women how to manage a marriage. But when she runs into Dexter Munro at a house party, all the feelings from her youth coming flooding back. Dex is back to find a wife as his father is dying and he will become Duke soon. Georgina refuses to marry again and lose her independence but Dex is determined to make her change her mind because he has always loved her as well. After spending several passionate days together, she is still determined to carry on…alone. Dex tells her to meet him at the museum in a few days if being apart makes her realize how much she loves him.  

The Plot
So much pining, angst, love and passion tossed into a short novella, but it was perfection! Their unspoken feelings for each other still smoldering after years apart and watching them realize the others feelings was too good! And his compassion for what she went through in her first marriage and his pursuit of her had me so in love with Dex. Some heroines who just deny, deny, deny bother me, but Georgie didn’t; I genuinely understood her hesitation with giving her heart away. 
“He wants to give me the world, Hildy.” She glanced again at the map while she negotiated with her heart. “And you know what? I think I’ll take it.”
The Heroine
Georgina Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne was in love with Dex, but left her behind to pursue his geology career, and with the death of her brother, she was married off to an old man, who treated her poorly. She morphed from a fun loving adventurous girl to the closed-off Ice Countess she is now. I truly felt for her and understood her heartbreak. 

The Hero
Dexter Munro, soon-to-be Duke of Markham, left home years ago after a fight with his father, leaving Georgina behind. He traveled everywhere pursuing his interest in geology, but with his dad dying, he came home to pick up his place as the future Duke. It bothered me that he could leave her to her fate all while harboring feelings for her, but he redeemed himself by revealing his feelings for her and pursuing her even when she closed herself off to his pursuits. 
“Dex, the other young lady I planned to introduce you to…” His gaze shot to a window high above them. His father’s bedchamber, she assumed. Stepping back, his hands dove into his trouser pockets as his lips flattened. “Send me a note with the date and time, and I’ll be there. Looking very ducal and pretending to feel happy about this process. No one will have any clue it’s you I want.”
The Steam
Although a slow burn, when the spark finally does ignite it is hot since they’ve been pining after each other for over a decade!

Stand Out Moment
Oh my gosh, my heart ripped out of chest when she didn't show up to their meeting spot!

Who Would Like This
Anyone looking for a quick, steamy read that sets the stage for the rest of the series.
"Parts of her body that had lain dormant for years aroused with his choked breath. He was affected; she was overwhelmed. If Dex turned, pushed her to the floor, and climbed atop her, she’d let him. Welcome him, despite her fragile heart, despite her fears, despite her suspicion that their chance at love had passed. This level of desire was a creature she’d never experienced nor soothed."
Final Thoughts
I adored watching this romance unfold and am eager to start the next book in the series!

Tropes
Regency Era, House party, Titled hero, Widow, Experienced heroine, Damaged heroine, Unrequited love, Second Chance, fling to love




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