Lady Juliet, an earl's dtr, was part of a rumor others thought true about ladies-in-waiting of the princess. She was ruined. The men in J's oRegency.
Lady Juliet, an earl's dtr, was part of a rumor others thought true about ladies-in-waiting of the princess. She was ruined. The men in J's orbit included: 1) the man who jilted her & wanted a 2nd chance 2) the man who sought revenge 3) the unconventional man, Daniel, she met on the mail coach w/ his large dog. He was a true gent, more so than the others.
Juliet had a managing father and a cantankerous, manipulative granddad (a baron). At x's their mechanisms overpowered the romance. But the good guy, Dan, won.
My favorite scene: when man #1 and Dan met- clever. I wanted more of the MCs and less of the puppet masters....more
I enjoyed many of this author's earlier works, including the Bridgerton series. I read Quinn's 2012 book about the untalentedDNF @ 56%. England 1791.
I enjoyed many of this author's earlier works, including the Bridgerton series. I read Quinn's 2012 book about the untalented sister musicians. Then another. Then I laid low for awhile.
I tried Quinn again and DNF this one. Nick & "Georgie" were stilted around each other & had no attraction. Either 1 or the other or both displayed his/her/ their ill-temper. I love cats, but the one cat, Cat-Head, took up too much story in the caravan heading north to Scotland.
Where was- Quinn's trademark humor? her fallible but loveable MCs & others? her verbal bantering MCs? her real-deal love? Perhaps Bow Street should have a go at discovering the locale of these special elements?...more
Charlotte, dtr of a gent, and her darling brother Toby lived in a small a cabin, w/ insufficient heat and food. They wore threadbare clothes.Regency.
Charlotte, dtr of a gent, and her darling brother Toby lived in a small a cabin, w/ insufficient heat and food. They wore threadbare clothes. Out of desperation she posed as a footpad & hero Blake accidently shot her. He could not abandon her & helped restore her to health. Toby showed his clever ways and cared for his pet duck who could no longer fly.
The MCs rescued each other. She helped the H reconnect w/ folks he valued. It felt heart-warming, even though the author was obviously guiding readers in that direction.
The Chance sisters played a part in this love story also....more
The hero, Chance, had an Aussie accent and dimples. He was a former pro soccer athlete (long story). His sexual innA CR. This story needed more love.
The hero, Chance, had an Aussie accent and dimples. He was a former pro soccer athlete (long story). His sexual innuendos had a sameness quality. He & the heroine, Aubrey, who he called "Princess," were too indecisive. Did they want to keep whatever it was they had? I didn't 'get' the h's attraction for Richard. He seemed a generic man. The H's sister's side story, threw things off-kilter.
The best character was the pet goat "Pixy." Goats run, jump, play, eat anything/ everything. This goat only ate food humans hand-fed him. How realistic was this? Aubrey kept the goat inside her home while at work. Yet the goat seldom made a mess, didn't jump, didn't snack on clothing. Didn't knock over decorations. The perfect pet?...more
Sir Harry & Patience together: I did not feel the magic. Julian & Meredith from bk #1 had a spark. They found each other again, butRegency 2.5 stars.
Sir Harry & Patience together: I did not feel the magic. Julian & Meredith from bk #1 had a spark. They found each other again, but... I won't read all 6 books in this series to see the outcome for J+M. (Book reviews re- vealed this). This felt manipulative on the author's part.
I liked that Meredith's male cat could meet and judge the character of the person new to this cat. It felt silly that Villiers and his sister invited themselves to stay at the hero's home and did not take the hint to leave....more
This took place mostly in 1871, and neither the western nor the romance was neglected.
Bret, a former Captain for the Union side, had been a bounty hunThis took place mostly in 1871, and neither the western nor the romance was neglected.
Bret, a former Captain for the Union side, had been a bounty hunter x 6 years. He encountered Hassie, a nearly starving recent widow. She feared Bret at 1st. Hassie had an accident as a child, resulting in her muteness. People assumed she was deaf+ dumb and not very bright. She adapted to her muteness by writing notes or using a small chalk board. Some underestimated her at their own peril (she studied wanted posters which hero collected).
This story had adventure, some violence, and a 'slow burn.' Her dog became aggressive yet protective & several folks in the story threatened to kill him. He survived. The hero's father & brother expected him to do more than his share to support the birth family. Why? But the main couple grew to cherish each other....more
Two lost souls, Neville and Clara, bonded over (mutual) animal rescues & love of nature. They went beyond their comfort zones to dare tDecember 1860.
Two lost souls, Neville and Clara, bonded over (mutual) animal rescues & love of nature. They went beyond their comfort zones to dare to dream. And both gained in confidence. I was so proud of Clara when she stood up to her entitled, college-educated, insensitive brother. Neville showed himself to be a tough yet 'gentle giant.' This couple deserved every happiness....more
Victorian England, with some back and forth on dates & events in the lives of the characters. Over the course of 36 years. Most time spent in 1886. IMVictorian England, with some back and forth on dates & events in the lives of the characters. Over the course of 36 years. Most time spent in 1886. IMO the author needed minimum date jumping
Readers were informed before the start of the story: "All characters engaged in sexual situations are over the age of 18." This had kisses and a closed-door sex scene.
This featured Dash Deverell unclaimed as a baby by his parents. And raised by his somewhat eccentric maternal Aunt Emma, Lady Audley. She owned a pet miniature donkey who freely circulated from outside to the ground floor of her dower house. Dash occupied the manor house when not in London.
Dash was ruthless as an attorney in court. And de- fended the cousins against Daisy and her professor father, RE a disputed will of the late Sir Mingo. The professor claimed to be Mingo's "favorite nephew." The prof. later died.
Dash and Daisy disliked each other. Daisy became Lady A's pd. companion & brought along her pet cockatoo, who loved innuendo & startling comments. Dash made so many thoughtful gestures IE the anonymous paints + brushes gift set, he taught life lessons to Daisy's nephew. ETC.
I liked this couple and their wit, word-play and love. And it was a real treat to see Dash transform from a starchy, unapproachable man to a smitten man. Some women might fantasize about a man like Dash? Dash had a nice surprise toward the end. Good Show!...more
The Sin & Sensibility Series included: A Good Day to Marry a Duke bk #1. I DNF. The Girl w/ the Sweetest Secret bk #2, gave 4 stars Anyone But a Duke The Sin & Sensibility Series included: A Good Day to Marry a Duke bk #1. I DNF. The Girl w/ the Sweetest Secret bk #2, gave 4 stars Anyone But a Duke bk #3, gave 2.5 stars.
This featured Arthur, a Duke thought dead & Sarah a healer of animals and humans. She acted as steward for her BIL Ash.
This story did not strike me as believable. 1) Art was captured/ imprisoned or forced to do hard labor in one foreign country after another. 2) Art's loving family made little effort to find Art: missing & presumed dead, over 6 yrs. 3) Constables made a perfunctory effort in in- vestigating sabotage of humans & farm animals & property in this small rural area. 4) The h ruminated that H still loved her older sis. 5) The baddie's faux demeanor gave him away. 6) The h seemed too perfect and loved animals. I expected Sarah to dance/ sing in a circle with her dogs, goats, horses and neighbor kids' owned rabbits. Like an animated story.
IMO this author demonstrated in the past her writing acumen, just not in this series....more
The hero's sister was accurately described as "mulish" & too much time was devoted to the female spy. Who cared? I lost interest in the main cRegency.
The hero's sister was accurately described as "mulish" & too much time was devoted to the female spy. Who cared? I lost interest in the main couple & the pace was zzzzz-inducing in places. The spy analyst hero acted too busy for romance.
What was the point of this romance? The pet dog named 'cat' seemed the most interesting character.
Superficial Capt Christopher Phelan was taken in by flirty Prudence, friend of animal rescuer Beatrix. PPaperback edition. Mostly England 1855 onward.
Superficial Capt Christopher Phelan was taken in by flirty Prudence, friend of animal rescuer Beatrix. Pru declined to answer the letter Chris sent from the battlefield. Bea received permission from Pru, to pose as Pru to respond to his letters. The H + h fell in love via letters, until she crypically signed off "I'm not who you think I am."
Pru came across as 'not the sharpest knife in the drawer.' The H had so many clues that dim Prudence was not the letter writer but he mosly ignored them. Not clever of him. The author explored the H's PTSD, but why make him on the edge of violence several times?
The animals rescued showed best Bea's generous heart & unique spirit. But I liked Cam (as hero in his story) better (than Chris as hero in #5) in Hathaways bk #1....more
Kathleen, an American from Baltimore, was engaged to banker Wm in the US. But agreed to a London season to placate her married brother wEngland 1803.
Kathleen, an American from Baltimore, was engaged to banker Wm in the US. But agreed to a London season to placate her married brother who split his time between Baltimore & London. She thought aristos lazy & useless. She considered Andrew ( H +a baron) a false charmer and rake. Gradually Andrew reflected on his life as a rake and found it lacking.
3 instances of seeming sabotage occurred but the mystery was never solved.
Some minor things which bugged me: the duchess who sponsored the h would not serve biscuits and gravy for breakfast, the h would have insufficient time to wash and dry her long hair on her wedding day.
Major things: Kathleen overreacted + wept too frequently. The story felt too long and most sex scenes too mechanical. The MCs did not convince me they were in love until nearly the end. ...more
A re-read of this Regency era romance. I liked this better on previous read. This time 3.5 stars.
Gabriella ("Brie") was dtr of a viscount's 2nd son eA re-read of this Regency era romance. I liked this better on previous read. This time 3.5 stars.
Gabriella ("Brie") was dtr of a viscount's 2nd son employ- ed as a veterinary surgeon. She assisted her late dad in his work. Her mom & beautiful sis (wed to a baronet) scorned this as an unladylike avocation. Brie's younger bro sought to take his dad's place one day.
Naïve Brie jumped to conclusions IE she assumed Dexter (later revealed as a duke) had starved & beaten his horse! Brie's sister Angela came across as tactless and immature. Flirty Ang + insincere baddie suited one anther and should have made for the Continent or elsewhere together?
Brie & Dex were a couple from different worlds. This social and experience gap seemed insurmountable at times. Dex made some sly comments about her lack of dowry, etc. They both needed to listen more closely to the subtext of their convos.
Brie & Ang: both too plain-spoken, but at least Brie softened her approaches & reactions over time.
John served in the Army, & became earl after his brother died in an accident. John did not visit his country manor x 10 yrs, & didn'tRegency England.
John served in the Army, & became earl after his brother died in an accident. John did not visit his country manor x 10 yrs, & didn't closely scrutinize the ledgers. Amelia's father served as this manor's steward until his death 3yrs prior, at which time Amelia assumed the steward role.
IMO the best aspect of this book was Amelia rescuing mis- treated animals IE dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, zebras etc.
Questions or comments- 1) Why did the h confront the H in front of guests & alone? She would have been terminated ASAP. 2) Why were the h & young Oliver the only 2 workers in the barn? Why didn't she delegate jobs to other farm hands (referenced but never seen)? 3) Why did H act superior to the h ? 4) Why did the h claim good treatment of the tenants but the tavern worker said otherwise? His gibe aimed toward the owner not the steward. 5) The H slept w/ his mistress in his country manor. He should have found a more discrete venue for this....more
England 1881. DNF at 44% mark. I jumped ahead and went backward. 1 star.
Christopher, a spy for the Crown & reluctant Duke, arranged a MOC to an AmeriEngland 1881. DNF at 44% mark. I jumped ahead and went backward. 1 star.
Christopher, a spy for the Crown & reluctant Duke, arranged a MOC to an American heiress with a $3ooK dowry, and abandoned her after the wedding but before the wedding feast. Georgiana, said heiress, displayed embarrassment when he abandoned her. Then he returned home, wounded, after being away 6 months.
"Kit" fit all his descriptions- pretentious, stilted, condescending, aloof, surly, a heartless boor. And let's throw in immature.
Why the repetition? Ms Scott please note: endless repetition may push away rather than attract readers. It may also adversely affect the story's pacing....more
Featured were Sloan, an Army officer who became a Duke & heiress Lisanne who was treated poorly by herRegency England. Sorry to say this felt average.
Featured were Sloan, an Army officer who became a Duke & heiress Lisanne who was treated poorly by her uncle once her parents died. Lisanne as a girl had no one nearby, her age, so she made friends with critters and plants in the forest. The locals and her uncle/ his family thought her daft and called her "Addled Annie." She rescued animals and acted as a healer of animals & humans, using herbs & so on.
At age 18, Lisanne approached Sloan and offered marriage to him to pay his debts and restore his country home. He'd receive a large portion of her fortune and she a smaller portion. In exchange she'd escape her uncle (who told his son to rape her, which did not happen) who embezzled from her. She wore cast-offs while uncle's dtr wore silk. She'd also spend time in the woods, at will.
Sloan considered the h beautiful & intelligent, but spent too much of the story doubting her sanity. His kisses lacked passion. We saw this couple, once wed, be separated too long. The H did not seem in love with the h. This couple would have been better off living in separate households?...more
A Regency romance. I give the author credit for trying. Story covered Nov then into Christmas.
Geoff, a viscount & shy Eleanor were pressured to wed bA Regency romance. I give the author credit for trying. Story covered Nov then into Christmas.
Geoff, a viscount & shy Eleanor were pressured to wed because of his dying father. All her sisters were beauties except her- where have we heard this before? Geoff's v. handsome looks became a broken record. All the handsomeness in the world did not make up for his glares, scowls, critical comments & overreactions. We heard too much/ too often about Geoff's lost love, Cynthia, a beautiful yet 'cold fish.' The story ended with a HEA, but it still felt one-sided on Ellie's part.
Best aspects of story: 1) When h stood up to H. 2) When bros called H on his rudeness toward h. 3) When Ellie rescued animals....more
Lady Linnet's grandfather, the Earl of Arden, gave veteran Crusade warrior, William de Ros, 1 week to woo and weRe-read this witty novella on Kindle.
Lady Linnet's grandfather, the Earl of Arden, gave veteran Crusade warrior, William de Ros, 1 week to woo and wed (willing?) Linnet. Or she'd take vows @ the abbey her aunt ran. William knew nothing of courting a woman. Linnet traveled to the abbey, w/ William as escort, and brought with her rescued animals IE cats, rabbits, ducks.
William coveted Linnet & he acted impatient and struggled with how to accommodate her. This was a sweet and witty love story (w/ 1 sex scene). With a priceless poem....more
This story featured Romulus, ex-army man & current river warden, who protected waterfowl, especially swans & baroneRead this Regency on Kindle format.
This story featured Romulus, ex-army man & current river warden, who protected waterfowl, especially swans & baronet's dtr Diana. She hid from her disingenuous fiance in a row-boat and by mistake drifted on the river. Rom rescued her.
Rom struggled with what we now call PTSD. Some villagers considered Rom "mad." He and "Allegra" ( really Diana) bonded over the care/feeding of baby swan cygnets. This was a tender love story. Rom fought the idea of love, until he surrendered to it. We learned secrets as the story pro- gressed. And one of the baddies got his 'just desert.'...more
Chase was an earl who inherited a marquess title when a very distant cousin died. Claire survived the samThis story took place in 1809, going forward.
Chase was an earl who inherited a marquess title when a very distant cousin died. Claire survived the same marquess and ran a horse farm. Chase & Claire, each dealt with his/ her widowed status from an unhappy union.
Chase rescued a street urchin and along came his identical twin. One had an interest in horses & the other in botany/ art. Within a year Chase considered the twins his sons. The twins stole several scenes in the book & added wit & heart.
Chase came across as a confident man, who struggled because his late wife never loved him. Claire attracted him but he feared to risk his love again. Chase & sons employed simple, thoughtful gestures to show they appreciated Claire.
Claire, sheltered by her late father and spouse, grew leaps and bounds during the course of this story. Some insecurities remained. The book had unnecessary repetition IE her lips and his title, but this reader felt the deep love between the MCs....more