I received a complimentary copy of this eARC from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I’m not really a fan of taboo romance—I received a complimentary copy of this eARC from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I’m not really a fan of taboo romance—it’s just not my thing. I get why some people enjoy it, but it’s usually a hard pass for me. That said, I’ve read Ms. Sparks’ books before and was curious to see how she’d tackle this kind of subject (it can definitely feel icky depending on how it’s handled).
This is the third book in the series, and honestly, I’d recommend reading at least the first or second book before diving into this one. Characters from the earlier books show up quite a bit, and knowing their backstories really helps to keep things clear and adds more depth to the story.
So, the big question: did Ms. Sparks pull this off without it feeling uncomfortable? I’m happy to say she absolutely did. A couple of things really helped:(view spoiler)[ a) David only found out about his son recently and had no role in raising him. b) The marriage wasn’t consummated. (hide spoiler)]
Now, onto Caroline. I liked her a lot. She starts off timid and full of self-doubt, especially about her curvier figure, thanks to years of being belittled by her mom. But as the story progresses, you see her grow more confident—mostly thanks to David’s encouragement—and it felt so rewarding to see her come into her own.
David is a great match for her. He’s a genuinely good guy—very beta and super supportive of Caroline, which I loved. The way their relationship developed felt so natural and unforced, and I was rooting for them from start to finish.
The 1920s Welsh setting was incredible. It gave the story a unique flavor, and the atmosphere was so well done.
If you’re looking for a historical romance that’s a bit different from the usual, I’d highly recommend this one. It’s sweet, thoughtful, and has just the right amount of emotional depth....more
I'm on the fence about this one; between 3 and 4 stars. It is not badly written; Ms Ross is actually a very good writer. I do have some issues with thI'm on the fence about this one; between 3 and 4 stars. It is not badly written; Ms Ross is actually a very good writer. I do have some issues with the story, though.
Hannah, a widower, is a companion to Leo's mother. One day, she caught Leo in the act with a housemaid in the library. Leo noticed her and offered to teach her about the carnal acts since her husband never did give her pleasure in the marriage bed (poor dear). The biggest problem I have is that Leo tups the servant (they're willing, but it is still a gross abuse of power), and he mentions that he's a favourite among the servants because he couldn't get them pregnant —he had the mumps. In the epilogue, Hannah is pregnant by Leo. I wonder how many little Leos are running around.
We also only get to see Hannah's point of view. Their relationship is so unequal that Hannah is the only one assuming the risk. That's another part which I disliked. These are personal preferences, so I'd recommend this novella if you don't have any triggers. The smut is fine, though. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Merged review:
I'm on the fence about this one; between 3 and 4 stars. It is not badly written; Ms Ross is actually a very good writer. I do have some issues with the story, though.
Hannah, a widower, is a companion to Leo's mother. One day, she caught Leo in the act with a housemaid in the library. Leo noticed her and offered to teach her about the carnal acts since her husband never did give her pleasure in the marriage bed (poor dear). The biggest problem I have is that Leo tups the servant (they're willing, but it is still a gross abuse of power), and he mentions that he's a favourite among the servants because he couldn't get them pregnant —he had the mumps. In the epilogue, Hannah is pregnant by Leo. I wonder how many little Leos are running around.
We also only get to see Hannah's point of view. Their relationship is so unequal that Hannah is the only one assuming the risk. That's another part which I disliked. These are personal preferences, so I'd recommend this novella if you don't have any triggers. The smut is fine, though. Overall, 3.5 stars....more
Thank you, Kensington Books/Zebra Books and Netgalley, for a free copy of the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms Craig is another new-to-meThank you, Kensington Books/Zebra Books and Netgalley, for a free copy of the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms Craig is another new-to-me author. This is a sweet, second-chance romance novella. I like her writing style; it's easy to read, and it has concise wording. The characters could be more fleshed out, but it's still good, considering the min word count. The whole premise tends to be modernized, though ( a peer of the realm as an interior designer?). It's the norm, I suppose, when it comes to new offerings in historical romance.
This prequel novella is an excellent set-up for the next book in this series.
Would I consider reading another book by Ms Craig? Definitely. This was a pleasant read.
Merged review:
Thank you, Kensington Books/Zebra Books and Netgalley, for a free copy of the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms Craig is another new-to-me author. This is a sweet, second-chance romance novella. I like her writing style; it's easy to read, and it has concise wording. The characters could be more fleshed out, but it's still good, considering the min word count. The whole premise tends to be modernized, though ( a peer of the realm as an interior designer?). It's the norm, I suppose, when it comes to new offerings in historical romance.
This prequel novella is an excellent set-up for the next book in this series.
Would I consider reading another book by Ms Craig? Definitely. This was a pleasant read....more
I feel like I need a shower after reading this book—it left me feeling a bit...filthy. The story revolves around a romance between a sociopath and a sI feel like I need a shower after reading this book—it left me feeling a bit...filthy. The story revolves around a romance between a sociopath and a sex worker, which says a lot. Despite the edgy premise, the romance itself is surprisingly tender. Ms. Spencer/LaViolette was once an auto-buy for me, but her last few books have been rather disappointing. That said, this is one of her stronger efforts. Fair warning: there's a significant amount of backdoor scenes (which honestly sound painful), BDSM elements, and some extremely kinky moments. Proceed with caution if that's not your cup of tea...more
I'm a bit conflicted about this book. I adore Ms. Goodman's books, especially her westerns—they're fantastic. However, this book didn't quite showcaseI'm a bit conflicted about this book. I adore Ms. Goodman's books, especially her westerns—they're fantastic. However, this book didn't quite showcase her true talents. One thing I truly love about her writing is her ability to create unconventional plots with unexpected twists and turns. While this book includes those elements, the plot holes are quite obvious, which detracts from the overall story.
The narrative is quite dark ( most of her books are - most of the main characters have a history of abuse), but this particular story disturbed me greatly. Lily and Sherry's first almost sexual encounter was especially upsetting.
If you're new to Ms. Goodman's work, I recommend skipping her Regency novels and starting with her westerns. She's a great author, and it would be a shame to miss out on her books based solely on this one. I bought this book at a bargain on Amazon US—three books for $0.99—so I can't complain too much. My first book of hers was If His Kiss Is Wicked, and I adored it. I'm not sure if I'll read One Forbidden Evening yet; I might save it for when I'm in a particular mood. So, this book only gets 3 stars from me.
I'm not sure who chose the title, as it has nothing to do with the story. I feel that her titles and covers have always been underwhelming, making the books seem less interesting than they actually are. ...more
This isn't her worst book by far, but it isn't exactly her best either. There are so many clichés when it comes to small-town figures and elements (coThis isn't her worst book by far, but it isn't exactly her best either. There are so many clichés when it comes to small-town figures and elements (cousins marrying cousins, etc.). Webb is one of her overbearing alpha heroes, and when I saw his character, oh boy, I knew what I was getting myself into. Her heroes in later books are much better. The story has a whole lot of crazysauce and quite a few plot holes. Despite all that, Ms. Howard is a fine writer. The pacing is great, and it kept me turning the pages. I wished Roanna had more of a backbone, especially when it comes to Webb. Her pining for Webb for more than 10 years was quite pathetic. Her situation reminds me of the heroine in Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. Overall, it was an entertaining read. 3.5 stars for the readability alone.
Steam factor: Mid-steam. I thought the love scenes were a tad explicit considering the time the book was written. Well, classic Linda Howard....more
DNF at 42%. I don't think this book is going to get any better. Jared is not a compelling hero. You can be a son of a bitch, but please make him interDNF at 42%. I don't think this book is going to get any better. Jared is not a compelling hero. You can be a son of a bitch, but please make him interesting enough for me to keep reading. Lauren is too bland for a heroine. Basically, there were too many wtf****ery going on. Ms Brown is a good writer ( I enjoy Sunset Embrace very much). This one has good writing, but the main characters are simply too terrible. ...more
I'm not sure who's the intended audience for this book. I'm guessing this book is for Young Adults. I feel that the story is too grim for this age groI'm not sure who's the intended audience for this book. I'm guessing this book is for Young Adults. I feel that the story is too grim for this age group, and the values are way too obscure for them to discern. I'm in my mid-30s and I couldn't discern the moral values in this book. Wonderful writing though, so 3 stars solely for this point alone....more