Lovely holiday romance We've all read our share of holiday snowed-in romances. Why read this one? Because Melissa Addey is a historical romance writer Lovely holiday romance We've all read our share of holiday snowed-in romances. Why read this one? Because Melissa Addey is a historical romance writer with an unparalleled gift for characterization. Here she brings to life two seemingly mismatched and incompatible people, betrothed since birth but unknown to one another for 20 years. It's a stellar match according to the ton. But from their first encounter - a wrong- footed disappointment - through every subsequent and increasingly awkward interaction, both despair of making the match work. He's dour and duty-driven; she's a fashion-mad flibbertigibbet, and these opposites do not attract. When a holiday snow storm forces them together it's an anticipated emotional storm. But Addey's nuanced character development slowly turns the tide, and I for one was enchanted by their mutual discovery that love between them was not only possible, but the very best of desirable outcomes. My independent ARC reviewer's opinion? Put this five-star historical romance on your holiday TBR list immediately!...more
Risking it all... Ember Donnelly, an upstart widow, a wild Irish warrior queen, owns a gambling hell. She's fierce, independent, unconventional, and nRisking it all... Ember Donnelly, an upstart widow, a wild Irish warrior queen, owns a gambling hell. She's fierce, independent, unconventional, and never takes risks. Someone wants to take over her business and drive her out. Joseph Cresson is a barrister. He's cool, rational, capable, a man who gets things done. The connection between them is Frederick Hightower, Lord Bentley, a sober alcoholic and a reformed gambler whose penchant for causing chaos and scandal has been legendary. When Ember enlists Freddy to assist in her fight to retain her business, Joe goes along to keep Freddy under control as they navigate the underworld of wealth, privilege, and private gambling on a grand scale. What ensues is a financial battle for survival filled with intrigue and unexpected personal epiphanies, and a most remarkable romance. Writer Ava Devlin peoples her pages with the most emotionally real and complex characters I've ever met - people I came to know, appreciate and care about. No stereotypes here - everyone has a touch of darkness, everyone has moments when they rise above their limits, meet their challenges, and prove themselves worthy. This may be the finest slow-burn romance I've ever read. It smolders like freshly congealed lava, and by the end I was convinced that like the underground magma beneath it, this one burns eternal. Ms. Devlin's evocative imagery and superbly nuanced characterization glued me to every page, and, historical setting notwithstanding, I think this is a romance for the ages. (This is voluntary ARC review.)...more