Showing posts with label Three Flame

A Court of Thorns and Roses

in , , by Duchess Bethany, June 26, 2022

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS
A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.


The Plot
This was a mix between a Beauty and Beast and a Cinderella retelling and I LOVED it! Feyre is the backbone of her family. Her once wealthy family was thrust into poverty after her father’s investments failed dramatically and his creditors left him with a limo and constant pain. Feyre was forced to take care of her family by hunting, chopping wood and sacrificing her few comforts to her father and two sisters. But when she accidentally kills a Fae in the shape of a wolf, she is taken as a trade to the world of the Fae. Over many months, Feyre gets to know Tamlin, Lucien, and the other residents of the Spring Court. Slowly, Tamlin and Feyre fall in love…But, when it gets to dangerous for Feyre, Tamlin sends her home to keep her safe. Weeks later, sensing something is wrong, she returns to find the castle destroyed and Tamlin taken hostage.  Now she must fight for her life to free Tamlin and all the other courts in the Fae world. 

Tropes
Fantasy Romance, Beauty and the Beast, Fae Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Artist Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Independent Heroine, Knife-Wielding Heroine, Age-Gap Romance, Angst Romance, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Artist-Heroine



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The Secret Life of a Debutante

in , , by Duchess Bethany, June 06, 2022

THE SECRET LIFE OF A DEBUTANTE BY BIANCA BLYTHE
Determined Debutantes #1
Eloisa Holt is not the type of woman to wander London on her own. In fact, she’s not even the type of woman to consider such a thing. After all, her governesses hailed her as a paragon of everything proper. But when a nude painting of her mother scandalizes the ton, Eloisa must stop more paintings from being displayed. This debutante is desperate.

Lord Cornelius Chichester knows the first rule of being a best friend: Don’t fall in love with your best friend’s sister. Unfortunately, that rule becomes difficult to follow when he discovers Eloisa by herself at an indecent hour. Still, perhaps helping his best friend’s younger sister is honorable. He may have promised his friend long ago he would never marry one of his sisters, but Cornelius never promised he would not be of assistance.


Review
Honestly, I hate to even review this book. I found it utterly ridiculous. The steamy scenes were just silly and I was laughing instead of swooning. The dialogue was awkward. And, although I thought the storyline was intriguing, it was poorly done. I found so many errors with the timeline…he was fondling her breasts and the the next paragraph, her breast had apparently been put back in her dress because they were exposed again! Another instance, he was ‘inside her’ then all the sudden we were right back to starting over! It really was crazy! 

Also the characters were bothersome. Her sisters did not object to Eloisa attempting all this scandalous stuff, in fact, they were sound asleep when she came after sneaking into a party as a footman to destroy the paintings! Her brother Timothy and his wife were so rude to the girls after the scandal. Cornelius barely hesitated in helping Eloisa pull off all these stunts. He even dressed up as an old woman to fool her brother! 

I’m going to just stop there as it won’t do any good to carry on. I just want to move on to another book and let this one slide from my memory. 

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Beta Hero, Rake Hero, Titled Hero, Compromised Heroine, Dresses as Male, Virgin Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Could-Get-Caught Steam, Best Friends Sibling, Friends to Lovers 



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Enticing the Earl

in , , by Duchess Bethany, June 04, 2022

ENTICING THE EARL BY KATHLEEN AYERS
Arrogant Earls #3

Time is running out for Oleana Honeywell.


She’s found safety as a housekeeper in the Earl of Montieth’s household, but she can’t stay hidden forever. The earl’s butler is determined to have her fired. Oleana doesn’t know the first thing about managing a household. She can’t even find the linen closet. And Carrot, her overly large, very spoiled cat has taken a liking to Lord Montieth. Carrot’s affections are not returned. But it is the attraction growing between Oleana and Montieth that worries her the most. No housekeeper, not even a fake one, should engage in trysts with their employer. Or worse, fall in love.

What will happen when Montieth finds out everything Oleana has told him is a lie?

The Plot

Poor Oleana. She is such a sweetheart and has been through so much! Married to the vicar who grew tired of her marriage and eventually died, she was left to his horrible mother and step-brother. She managed to escape and hide out in London working for Lord Monteith. There she battles not only her attraction to Monteith but also his horrible butler who wants her gone!

Monteith is a widowed father, who’s wife was an adulterer and died years ago. His daughter, Elizabeth, immediately connects with Oleana, which only adds to Monteith’s attraction to Oleana. He knows she isn’t really the housekeeper that his deceased grandmother recommended for him, but he just can’t let her go. Eventually the pull is just to much and they give in to their mutual attraction.

I thought the story was adorable. Oleana was so sweet and I was rooting for her the whole book. Monteith was a bear, but he softened with Oleana who made him smile and laugh for the first time in a long time. I appreciated that there wasn’t too much angst being a Peer-servant love story; sometimes the ‘throws her hand over her brow’, ‘oh woes me’ we can’t be together angst is just annoying. But there was only a little of that, just enough to make it feel true.

Overall, an enjoyable read and of course Oleana and Monteith get their happy ever after!

Tropes

Historical Romance, Grumpy Hero, Single Dad, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Experienced Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Widowed Hero, Working Heroine, Desk Steam, Kitchen Steam, Library Steam, Kidnapping




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Kiss or Dare

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 26, 2022

Kiss or Dare
The Debutante Dares #3
by Charlie Lane


This enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by Charlie Lane, shows what happens when sparks fly between a flirty second son of a duke and an inventor’s daughter.

She’s risen like a Cinderella.
He’s more charming than any prince.
They shouldn’t be together, but fate can’t resist.

A new year and a new Season means a new Lillian Clarke. She’s transformed herself from wallflower to incomparable. But she’s no Cinderella. She’s washed her hands of love and of Lord Devon, her own charming prince who barely knew she existed. She’d rather be the fairy godmother, helping invisible debutantes gain the attention they deserve on the marriage mart. But even though she’s booted Lord Devon from her heart, he’s not done with her. His sudden appearance at her home and inexplicable teasing threaten to distract her from her debutante dreams.

Lord Devon, the second son of duke, has put self-pity and scandal behind him and found a new purpose. He’ll invent a machine that improves coffee, buy a coffeehouse, and be a self-made man. He’s determined to be more than the heir’s spare, privileged but kept in case of emergency. Unfortunately, he needs the assistance of Miss Clarke’s brilliant father. And he hates Lillian Clarke for speaking the truth about him. The delectable woman thinks she’s better than him. He’ll teach her she’s not. If he can ignore the way her courage makes him smile.

When sparks in the workshop fly, Lillian and Devon invent a passion that’s more than they bargained for and complicate their paths to happily ever after.

Review
Lillian has had a crush on Lord Devon for as long as she can remember but he does not notice her AT ALL. After her disastrous last season, she commits herself to become an incomparable for the next year. And she does it. She transforms herself with clothes and confidence and successfully conquers the ballrooms the next season. She is determined to help other wallflowers find their confidence and their happy ever after. Meanwhile, the man she is trying to desperately to forget has taken up residence in her house as her fathers apprentice, which gives her very little room to move on from him.

Devon’s job is to wait. To sit around and wait incase he is needed to replace his brother as Duke. But he is determined to be a self made man and not live off his family’s money. Devon didn’t mean to become an inventor but, after meeting Lillian’s father, he wants to invent a machine that will filter the grinds out of a cup of coffee. He hasn’t been very successful yet, but he has successfully annoyed Lillian!

When an late night explosion sounds in the workshop, Lillian checks to make sure Devon is okay. But when she helps him solve his problem, he kisses her and things start to escalate…until her father walks in and demands that they marry.

They resolve to make the best of their new marriage but find that they quite enjoy each other’s company and intimacies. They open up and share their dreams as well as their fears.

Both Lillian and Devon have issues of feeling worthless or unnecessary; Devon as only being useful as a 'spare' to his brother and Lillian being an invisible wallflower. But when Devon finally 'sees' Lillian and Lillian "chooses" Devon, they both feel the attention and love they have been looking for.

While going after their dreams together and making a life, they stumble, but in the end, they both realize that they simply need each other.

I thought the story was very well done. They both had hang ups with insecurities, but I didn't feel like it bogged the story down or become tedious to hear about. I loved Devon's transformation from being a flirt in previous books to a serious inventor and husband. And Lillian determined to be "seen" and standing up for herself when the ton cuts her down.

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Ton Society, Season/Marriage Mart, Self-Made Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Carriage Steam, Enemies to Lovers, Married in Scandal, Unrequited Love






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A Dare to Far

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 24, 2022

A Dare to Far
The Debutante Dares #2
by Charlie Lane

A daring lady.
A caring earl.
And a Christmas house party that turns love into a dangerous game.


The Earl of Abbington is not a daring man.

Responsible for the care of an opium-addicted uncle, George’s life poses dangers to a bride that he’ll never risk. It’s why he avoided the independent and kind Lady Jane last year, despite her brother’s request he protect her during her season. His neglect no doubt led to Jane’s tattered reputation. In reparation, he’s sent pre-approved suitors to the house party to ensure she marries well, not to a man whose life is a nightmare.

Lady Jane is done being daring.

Her daring spirit ruined her reputation, her family’s social standing, and her brother’s marital prospects. But a Christmas house party attended by a coterie of willing suitors can put everything right. Plain of face and ordinary of intellect, Jane knows she’ll never find love. And she doesn’t want it anyway. Love is the most daring thing a woman can do, after all. Instead, she’ll develop a system to test her suitors and discover the best husband for a practical sort of marriage.

Jane needs George’s help choosing a husband, but George soon realizes he can’t give it without betraying his own heart. Together, they must find the courage to face the dangers of love or lose the love of a lifetime.


Review
Jane believes she is the definition of "Plain Jane," being nothing special to look at and having average intelligence. She has been overlooked on the marriage mart forcing her into the life of a spinster wallflower. But, after ruining her reputation, she must stop her hoyden ways, stop with the dares, and simply marry anyone who will have her. George, being a family friend, has offered to help her, but it turns out they have both long suppressed feelings for each other. Jane is surrounded by the damage love can bring; her father's devastation at her mother's loss and marrying a woman he doesn't love, George's uncle who heals his widowed heart with an opium addiction, George's sister who is watching her beloved husband slowly die, and her lonely mother-in-laws sister. Jane is determined to avoid love and simply marry for the security, children and a family, and to get out of her father's home. I loved Jane. She loves deeply and genuinely cares for others. George is quite the same; he loves his family and will do anything to take care of them, including taking care of his opium addicted uncle who wakes in the night with dangerous night terrors.  But when he has to watch Jane find a suitor among the men he has sent to the house party, he is forced to recognize his desire to take Jane for himself. Just when Jane is done with daring behavior, George dares her to fall in love with him. It is frustrating that they cannot get their timing right, but I didn't find is too angsty and still enjoyed the story. One other thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that they slept together before their marriage and it didn't really seem to bother Jane...in fact, she was not worried about what anyone would say or if any other suitor would have her anymore! 

I enjoyed George as well. He was starchy but without being a jerk about it. He has been taking care of his Uncle for as long as he can remember and he is clearly fearful of what happens during his Uncle's night terrors. But he can't keep the burden to himself and thankfully, he eventually finds the ability to ask for help so he can have his HEA as well. 

The Steam
There are a couple of steamy scenes, lots of passion, a steamy letter, and an enjoyable carriage ride.

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, House Party, Beta Hero, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Compromised Heroine, Hoyden Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Carriage Steam, Best Friends Sibling, Friends to Lovers



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Daring the Duke

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 20, 2022

Daring the Duke
The Debutante Dares #1
by Charlie Lane

A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.

A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.

And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.

Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.

The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.

Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.

Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts

The Plot
This was an enjoyable book...I felt like it was a bit ridiculous at times and I was frustrated by some of the holes left at the end of the book, but overall it was a nice, quick read. What started out as a dare, softened and changed both Tabitha and Arthur for the better. I really enjoyed seeing the changes take place, especially in Arthur, and eventually see them realize they will be a great Duke and Duchess because they care for others and for each other.

The Heroine
Tabitha Hampton is a very smart girl who has a photographic memory.  She basically runs her family household since her mother died and her father is sick. She takes care of her little sisters too. After an investment she made goes wrong and she loses a lot of their money, she is desperate to finally marry...someone rich who can help her family and ensure her sister can afford a Season and get married as well. But Tabitha is older and many men are scared off when they find out about her eccentric mind and her inability to hold her tongue at times. But she is determined to help her family so she convinces Arthur to give her a chance to prove she can be the perfect duchess for him.  

The Hero
Arthur is a bit of a stick in the mud. He father died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, uncle and grandmother, all of whom still hold great power over him. He is determined to marry the perfect woman to be his Duchess because, in order to get his beloved childhood home, his whole family needs to approve of his future wife. His Uncle is very controlling and disapproving of Arthur which has left him with needs to be the perfect Duke with ridiculous tasks. Thankfully, Tabitha came along, got through his façade and was able to help him see that "perfection" is not necessary and you'll be happier once you set that mantle aside. 

The Steam
The steam was okay; I loved that their first time together was in a romantic, meadow setting. 

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Politician Hero, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Dare or Bet


HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, Season/MarriageMart, TonSociety, Beta/CinnamonrollHero, PoliticianHero, StarchyHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, SpinsterHeroine, VirginHeroine, WallflowerHeroine, OutdoorSteam, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, DareorBet
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Forgetting the Earl

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 10, 2022

Forgetting the Earl
The Arrogant Earls #1
by Kathleen Ayers

Seducing the Earl of Southwell is the perfect revenge…unless Honora loses her heart.


Honora Drevenport is a young, awkward, barely acceptable young lady when she first meets the dashing Earl of Southwell and falls hopelessly in love. After suffering a terrible humiliation at the hands of Southwell’s friends, Honora’s family forces her to marry. Years later, Honora is no longer unhappily wed but a stunning widow and the toast of London. A woman who has never forgotten the Earl of Southwell or what happened that terrible night.


Honora’s plan is simple; make Southwell fall in love with her and exact her revenge.


The Plot
Honora's story was very different from most historical romances I've read; the humiliation she endured in the beginning was heartbreaking. And then the awful marriage she allowed herself to be coerced into was just a bad. I can't believe she hadn't completely lost her spirit! After the incident at the ball when the man she was infatuated with unknowingly assisted in her humiliation, Honora gave up and married the man her family wanted.  She lived for four years with her husband's and even his awful mother's cruelty until thankfully he died.  

I was frustrated that Honora let the treatment go on for so long, especially after her husband died and she had complete freedom. I kind of wanted her to have all the affairs the Ton accused her of! I wished Gideon would have done better by Honora in the initial embarrassment, even if he had still left, I would have believed the love between the two a little more, if he had at the very least sought her out to apologize before running off somewhere. 
“Is this the end of your groveling?” “No. It will continue for some time. Years, probably. Much of it will be done naked.” He gently rubbed his nose to hers. “At least now I know why I survived the black caiman, why even when the pain was so fierce I wished to die and just be left to rot in the jungle, I struggled to live.” “Why?” She smiled against his chest. “For you. For this. It is worth any price I had to pay.”
The Heroine
Honora was like most teenage girls; awkward in their bodies, blemishes on their face and lacking confidence. But Honora was also a bigger girl and the brunt of most of the Tons teasing. Not only were they cruel to her, but so was her family! After her marriage, she endured more torture from her husband and his mother; they said cruel things to her, kept her locked up in her house and humiliated her at every chance. I felt horrible for Honora; she was a smart, intelligent, sweet woman and just couldn't seem to get out of the grip of people who mistreated her!

The Hero
Gideon, the Earl of Southwell, was a explorer with the Geographic Society and traveled the world discovering new places and mapping them. He seemed to be a good guy, but he also was cruel to Honora. Even though he did it unknowing of the deeper meaning to the bet with his friend, he didn't try to speak with Honora, he just tucked his tail between his legs and left to explore some more. I really wanted to like him, but it wasn't that easy. I think he was sweet to Honora in the end, but he also believed all the lies about her. 
“I adore the dress, by the way. Very fetching. Though, I don’t care for the admiration your bosom is drawing. I’m very possessive where you are concerned. As an only child, I never had to share anything, and I don’t mean to start with you.”
The Steam
Of the few scenes towards the end of the book, they were steamy, but I would have wished for even more passion from Honora. I know her physical relationship with her husband was horrible, but I hoped she would have been more eager and therefore passionate with Gideon. 

Tropes
Victorian Era, Historical Romance, Ton Society, Disabled/Wounded Hero, Explorer, Beta Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Abused Heroine, Plus Size Heroine, Unrequited Love, Redemption, Ugly Duckling, Secret Crush, Outdoor Steam, Slow Burn, Secrets & Lies, Second Chance Romance



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Lady, Behave

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 09, 2022

Lady, Behave (Naughty Ladies #2)
by Cerise DeLand

She was a Diamond with a few very tiny flaws—and the desire to be good.
He was a rogue with the sense to reform—and to help her to be bad. 

Adelaide Devereaux flabbergasts most men she meets. She’s a Diamond, petite, mild-mannered—the perfect picture of a demure lady. She has one ambition—to kiss every man she likes until she finds one whose lips make her hear church bells chime. 
In Brighton, she meets confirmed bachelor Gyles, Marquess of Heath, who is felled by her charm. Though he vows to kiss her until she's felt the earth turn on its axis, he cannot claim her unless he fixes his parents’ refusal to accept her. They’re too high in the instep to accept a wayward Irish lass who’s the granddaughter of a notorious rascal.

Pride might stall their romance, and lust might motivate a scoundrel to try to carry Addy away, but when love is the only passion that matters, do not all objections fall before its power? 


The Plot
Addy and Gyles’ story was more enjoyable for me than Imogen and Lex. There were several opportunities for increased drama and I was disappointed to not get them…I won’t spoil the story with details, but a few side plots could have been built up more. Also, it took me a bit to get used to the idea that most of Addys story was occurring right along side Imogene’s. So there was definite overlap of scenes, but it was interesting to see how they were interwoven. 

The Heroine
Addy is a beautiful, petite Diamond of Society, but she desperately wants to be seen for more than her beauty. She smart and interested in alchemy, mixing medicine. She is instantly drawn to Gayle’s and is wooed by his pure attraction to her and his appreciation of her thoughts and talents. She can be very sweet, docile, and polite, but, as several gentleman found out, also very honest and straightforward! 

The Hero
Gyles was imprisoned in Paris for many years in his youth and vowed to live life to the fullest when he escaped! But once he sets on eyes on Addy, he is smitten! He has headaches from his time in captivity and Addy helps him. He also harbors some ill-will towards his dad for not paying the ransom to release him and for his horrible management of his estates. For all that Gyles has to deal with, remarkably, he takes it in stride. He knows he loves Addy and will stop at nothing, including defy his parents wishes, to have her! 

The Steam
Even if I didn’t fully fall for the installed, the steam was definitely there between the two. They had great dirty banter and the few scenes were steamy!,

Tropes
Georgian Era, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Rake Hero, Titled Hero, Virgin Heroine, Instant Attraction, Kidnapped/Abducted 



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The Chief

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 09, 2022

The Chief (Highland Guard #1) 
by Monica McCarty

An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...


Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.


The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.


Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.


The Plot
I adored this book! It was full of adventure and angsty romance. There were several scenes that caused Tor and Christina to be separated for some length but the story still held my interest. It was like to stories woven together perfectly; the training Tor was doing and the relationship between Tor and Christina. They meshed perfectly and I felt like I had enough of both with each shift. I can not wait to read the next in the series!

The Heroine
Christina had a rough childhood with an abusive father and a sickly sister. She is forced to obey her father and trick Tor into marriage. Christina is a hopeless romantic and is convinced she can make the best of the marriage. She is the sweetest woman and does everything to help Tor and his clan, but Tor is reluctant to let her in his world. 

The Hero
Tor is a hardened Scottish Warrior. He saw his mother and father brutally killed and has closed himself off from any emotion so he can be the best warrior for his clan that depends on him.  Being forced into a marriage is not at all what he wanted, even if there was something felt between him and Christina, he didn't have time for the distraction. But when his hand is forced and he marries her and agrees to train a special elite group of warriors, he has a hard time keeping his hold on his suppressed emotions and his neutrality between England and Scotland.  

The Steam
I could so feel the passion between Tor and Christina! They had such chemistry in the bedroom which made me feel even worse for her outside the marriage bed. But the steam was there and it was so very hot!

Tropes
Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Highland Warrior Hero, Alpha Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Virgin Heroine, Unexpected Virgin, Married in Scandal, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, Three Flame, Five Star

HistoricalRomance, MedievalEra, Scotland, HighlandWarriorHero, AlphaHero, Damaged/TorturedHero, soldier/WarHero, VirginHeroine, UnexpectedVirgin, MarriedinScandal, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, ThreeFlame, FiveStar


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Debating With The Duke

in , , by Duchess Bethany, April 05, 2022

Debating with the Duke
Second Sons of London #2
by Alexa Aston

A serious duke who has been shattered by war. An opinionated beauty with no interest in marriage. A kiss that should be wrong but is more than right...Major Everett Wayland is stunned when his brother is murdered, making Ev the Duke of Camden. The shy duke meets a matchmaking beauty of the ton who, while unsuited to be his duchess, promises to help Ev find an appropriate woman to become his wife. Lady Adalyn Porter is not easily intimidated and is a leader in Polite Society, occasionally matching couples together. Her cousin, Tessa, has made a love match and has a new baby, causing Adalyn to rethink her stance on marriage. When she agrees to find a stodgy duke a bride who is dignified and unapproachable, Adalyn has no idea what she’s in for—especially after the dull duke kisses her—and she finds he’s not quite what he seems.

Will Ev convince Addie that she is everything he wants—and didn’t know he needed? 

The Plot
I thought the plot was good; I was disappointed that there wasn’t more about Everett’s brothers murder or more conflict with Lord Rosewell or with the betting book with Adalyn's name in it. I was hoping any of those would lead to the climax of the book. The miscommunication or lack of communication trope has always bothered me, even in movies or tv shows, but I won’t judge a book on that score as it’s a personal issue. 
Ev smiled gently. “I just do. And I plan to find those places which will bring you the most pleasure, Addie. That is my job as a husband. Everything I do, I do for you.
The Heroine
Adalyn was in no rush to get married; she enjoyed being young, going to parties, the theater and dancing. But watching Tessa get married and have a baby changed something in her and she decided this season she would find a husband. She is known among her friends as a matchmaker and helps members of the ton find a good match.  Although she is drawn to Everett, she know they would never suit, especially after his list of qualities he wants in a duchess are opposite of her! 

The Hero
Everett Wayland, Duke of Camden, is a second son and was never supposed to be the Duke. But when his brother is murdered, he has to leave the battlefield and return home.  He is very shy, reserved, and of course, having been ignored because he wasn’t the heir, he has no idea how polite society works! He wants to find a wife that will give him children and then they can go their separate ways, just like his parents marriage. But once he meets Adalyn, he realizes he does want a faithful wife, many kids and family. Not just an heir and a spare. 
I found what I was looking for in you, Addie. You are everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed. I want to hold you forever. Stand by your side and be the joy to your heart. I know I am not the right man for you. That you deserve one much better than I am. But I hope my love for you will convince you that I will do my best to always meet your needs. “My life began that day we met. I would be nothing without you.” He paused, his eyes filling with tears. “Do you think you—”
The Steam
There was one or two steamy scenes, lots of passionate kisses though!

Stand Out Moment
I thought there wedding night was very sweet. Adalyn was truly ignorant about the wedding bed and he was so sweet to her. 

Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Warm, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Titled Hero, War Hero, Shy/Recluse Hero, Virgin Heroine, Soldiers, Matchmaker, Married in Scandal, Opposites Attract, Sudden Nobility, Miscommunication Issues



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A Tryst By the Sea

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 30, 2022

A Tryst By the Sea
A Siren's Retreat Quartet #1
by Grace Burrows

Vergilius, Viscount Summerton, has watched his wife grow more and more distant, and he’s determined that, this year, the marriage will start moving in a better direction. Penelope, Lady Summerton, is also determined that this year will be different. She slips off to a seaside cottage, intending that to be her first step toward a new life free of marital difficulties. Gill ends up at the same seaside inn, where he hopes to plot a wooing no wife can resist.

He’s determined to reconcile; she’s determined to pack his bags, but then, the magic of the Siren’s Retreat begins to steal over them both...

The Plot
Oh boy, this was a hard book to read; it was sad and, personally, very relatable. Penelope and Vergilius spent a better part of nine years not communicating at all. I really wished that one of them would have seen reason. Nine years seems like such a long time to suffer with what they went through and with his family.
No. I have other regrets—I wish the baby had lived. I wish we hadn’t been so young when we married. I wish… many things, but I have never regretted being your husband.” And that, to his surprise, was true. He and Penelope had grown apart, but he esteemed her, desired her, and in some stubborn way, he loved her. She had been through the fires of sorrow and loss with him as nobody else had been, and that… that mattered.
The Heroine
Penelope broke my heart. I can’t imagine being a new bride, dealing with overbearing in laws, a husband having new responsibilities thrust upon him, and suffering the death of a child. I was hoping she would have seen reason before he left the cottage, but it was even sweeter when she was finally able to read his letters. I wish she would have spoken up more for herself to him and his family.

The Hero
Vergilius broke my heart too! He lost his child and his dad shortly after, thus inheriting a TON of responsibilities. I only wish he had been more assertive with getting Penelope to come to him instead of just waiting for letters from her. It felt like he had Penelope on a pedestal and loved her from a distance, when she had no idea of his feelings or his admiration for her. 
For the next week, he would be the most charming, endearing, pleasant, soon-to-be-rejected husband in the history of husbands, and if luck was with him, Penelope would rethink this infernal annulment. He’d tried being patient. He’d tried allowing her to come to terms with her disappointment in private. He’d tried soldiering on. To blazes with all of that. The time had come to woo his wife, and the stakes could not be higher.
The Steam
This more of a heartbreaker than a love maker, but there was one scene which was just so so special.

Stand Out Moment
There were so many sweet moments between Penelope and Vergilius while they try to rekindle there marriage.

Tropes
Low Steam, Historical Romance, Titled Hero, Damaged Heroine, Politician, Miscarriage/Death of a Child, Angst Romance, Second Chance Romance



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