It was Anne Gracie's characters who first drew me to her books almost twenty years ago and it's her characters who bring me back with each new book shIt was Anne Gracie's characters who first drew me to her books almost twenty years ago and it's her characters who bring me back with each new book she writes. Each one - whether main or secondary - is brought to life on the page with Gracie's deft hand.
In this fourth and final book of The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, we finally get Zoë's story and it's a delight. This former orphan, born in the London slums but with a French aristocratic heritage, is one of my favorite Gracie heroines, right up there with George (Georgiana), heroine of Marry in Scarlet (book four - Marriage of Convenience). I love her layers, her loyalty, her forthright manner, and her determination to carve her own path. I also love her vulnerability. She's quite a complex character.
Reynard/Julian has layers of his own. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, both as Vita and Reynard then as Zoë and Julian. Their banter is electric with each holding their own. I also appreciate how he isn't threatened by Zoë's artistic skill but supports and encourages it. There's plenty of humor between these two but also deep, heart-tugging emotion. They are a good match and I rooted for them to find their way back to one another.
The Secret Daughter can stand on its own but it's the final book in a four-book series. As such, overarching secondary storylines are wrapped up and main characters from the first three books are instrumental in this story. Julian isn't introduced until book four but for a better understanding of Zoë and the rest of the characters I recommend reading the series in order.
I don't know what Gracie has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be happily buying it.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
If you've been reading this series, you already know the details of Clarissa's marriage and subsequent widowhood. If you haven't, Balogh weaves them iIf you've been reading this series, you already know the details of Clarissa's marriage and subsequent widowhood. If you haven't, Balogh weaves them into this book in a such a way that you won't be lost or confused if this is your first foray to Ravenswood.
I love second chance, reunion romances, especially those between childhood friends who reconnect later in life. But this one has an added layer of challenge. Matthew and Clarissa are from different stations in life, even more significant now that she is a dowager duchess and he is town's carpenter/wood carver. The difference was enough to not cross the line between friendship and love in their youth and is now sure to set tongues wagging when they're observed holding hands on long walks through the park. But they are no longer 17 and 18. They're a mature couple on the cusp of fifty and they know what they want although they are not unaware of the challenges that will need to be conquered to achieve it.
This is such a lovely, endearing novel. I really enjoyed watching Matthew and Clarissa rediscover their friendship and in doing so, rediscover themselves. Clarissa, especially, learns who she is and what she wants - and deserves - outside of being a mother. I love how she begins to take control of her life and how much she - and her relationships with her children - grow as a result. Matthew has no surfeit of growth himself. I enjoyed watching the positive evolution of his relationship with his family, due in no small part to Clarissa's encouragement and support. These two are so good for each other. I loved the caring, joy, fun, and eventually, deep, lasting love that developed between them. I laughed, I cried, and I turned the final page of their novel with a deep, happy, heartfelt sigh.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review....more
I've been reading Elizabeth Hoyt since her debut. One of the many facets of her writing that continues to bring me back to her books is her charactersI've been reading Elizabeth Hoyt since her debut. One of the many facets of her writing that continues to bring me back to her books is her characters. In No Ordinary Duchess, the newest installment in her Greycourt series, both hero Julian and heroine Elspeth are standouts in Hoyt's long list of unforgettable lead characters.
There are few authors who write complex, emotionally tortured heroes as well as Hoyt. Do I love him? Despise him? Maybe both? In Julian's case, there were points where I wanted to wash my hands of him, others where my heart broke for him. He holds himself apart from family and friends (for reasons) yet strives to protect those he loves with every fiber of his being. He believes his past actions are villainous and unforgiveable and that present actions mark him as unnatural, unable to forgive himself for either. As I said: complex.
Elspeth is one of my favorite Hoyt heroines, a straight-talking young woman with an unconventional upbringing that sets her apart from a typical London miss. Everything about her feels authentic: her determination to complete her quest, her insatiable curiosity, her unapologetic exploration of sensual desires with Julian (Hoyt always brings the spice), and her refusal to accept defeat, especially at the hands of the true villain of this story. She's a force and I adored her.
The wise women storyline that runs through this series is one I could take or leave. It really doesn't add that much to the books for me other than as a plot device to explain the unexpected skills and knowledge the female leads possess. I'm not that interested in what will happen to the group. What I am interested in is Elspeth brother, Ran, former best friend of Julian and current recluse. The history there is fraught, fascinating, and overflowing with angst. I really hope Hoyt has a story planned for him. I am aching for it.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review ...more
Emily Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for fresh, entertaining, hard-to-put-down, Victorian romance. Duchess Material is the newesEmily Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for fresh, entertaining, hard-to-put-down, Victorian romance. Duchess Material is the newest addition to her list of books that have kept me eagerly reading late into the night, unwilling to stop until the final page is turned with a swoon-worthy HEA secured.
Let me start by saying I adore Phoebe Atkinson. She checks so many of my Victorian heroine boxes: independent, engaged, kind, inquisitive, focused; a social and educational activist determined to provide opportunities for all women and girls, regardless of financial or social standing. I enjoyed her journey, her growth, and the lessons she learned, especially pertaining to her family, society, career, and, of course, her relationship with Will.
Did I mention growth? Boy howdy, does Will ever have one doozy of a growth arc. It's understandable that he feels duty bound to the dukedom he unexpectedly inherited at the age of eighteen. It's been the totality of his life for the past decade and he's determined to do right by it, including choosing a wife who is perfect duchess material. How fun it was to watch his entire plan be knocked sideways by one request for help from his best friend's little sister, the now grown woman who had fascinated him as a teen and, unfortunately for his duchess hunt, still does.
The relationship journey Will and Phoebe embark upon is filled with steam, snappy banter, a bit of a mystery, hijinks in disguise, family dynamics, self discovery, a vibrantly depicted secondary cast of characters, and a hard-earned happy ending. I enjoyed every bit of it.
I have my fingers crossed that Sullivan has more books planned for this family. I'm thoroughly invested in the lives of Phoebe's two sisters, Alex and Freddie, who both deserve books of their own.
4.5 Stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley...more
A Julie Anne Long book is like a beautiful symphony of words that transports me, the reader, through a myriad of feelings. She is an author who can moA Julie Anne Long book is like a beautiful symphony of words that transports me, the reader, through a myriad of feelings. She is an author who can move me to laughter, tears, and a number of other emotions with equal ease of skill. She's one of the few authors I force myself to read slowly, savoring the unique flavor of each perfectly placed word. Long's newest novel, THE BEAST TAKES A BRIDE, returns readers to the Grand Palace on the Thames boarding house for a deeply emotional, marriage-in-trouble story simmering with passion, impeccably-placed humor, and a hard-earned happy ending. I couldn't put it down. ...more
If I didn't already have Janna MacGregor's next full-length novel on pre-order this (free) prequel would have sealed the deal. A quick (50-page) read,If I didn't already have Janna MacGregor's next full-length novel on pre-order this (free) prequel would have sealed the deal. A quick (50-page) read, Where There's A Will introduces the main characters of A Duke in Time and sets the stage for their journey with witty dialogue, an intriguing mystery, a peek into events that will help readers understand what motivates Katherine and Christian, and the stirrings of a mutual attraction that could complicate everything...or open the door to a love they could not have imagined.
Where There's a Will releases June 1, 2021. A Duke in Time releases June 29, 2021
*Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
Merged review:
If I didn't already have Janna MacGregor's next full-length novel on pre-order this (free) prequel would have sealed the deal. A quick (50-page) read, Where There's A Will introduces the main characters of A Duke in Time and sets the stage for their journey with witty dialogue, an intriguing mystery, a peek into events that will help readers understand what motivates Katherine and Christian, and the stirrings of a mutual attraction that could complicate everything...or open the door to a love they could not have imagined.
Where There's a Will releases June 1, 2021. A Duke in Time releases June 29, 2021
*Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review...more
She had me at bluestocking booksellers. But then she upped the ante with a complex hero who reads, enjoys, and encourages his friends to purchase the She had me at bluestocking booksellers. But then she upped the ante with a complex hero who reads, enjoys, and encourages his friends to purchase the erotic novels secretly written by the bookseller heroine (before he knows she's the author). A smitten duke who openly reads erotic novels - don't call them dirty - written by the woman with whom he's smitten. I mean, come on, does it get any better than that?
Bethany Bennett is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her storytelling abilities fully immerse me within her books while her flawed, relatable, fully-explored characters engage both my mind and my affections. I love that both Caro and Dorian have life experience. It gives them depth; makes them more interesting. I especially appreciate the fact that Caro knows her own value and I love that Dorian falls for her exactly how she is without wanting to change her. I fell hard for both of them. They are such a genuinely likable couple I couldn't help but root for them to overcome the obstacles in their path and find their happily ever after.
The supporting cast surrounding them shines. Caro's cousins are an absolute delight. The wit. The humor. The heart. I couldn't get enough of them. The ride-or-die, tell-it-like-it-is love and support among these three women is everything. I'm eager to discover what happened in Hattie's past and I can't be the only one who noticed the chemistry between Constance and Dorian's best friend, Oliver, Earl of Southwyn. Keeping my fingers crossed for that possibility!
There's a mystery here too that helps bring Dorian and Caro together, giving them a common goal and allowing their relationship to deepen as they work together to search out clues and uncover duplicity. The cousins also get involved and without getting into spoiler territory, let me just agree with Dorian that yes, booksellers can indeed be dangerous creatures. ;-) There may have been both laughter and cheers while reading that particular scene. Also, huzzah for epilogues that deliver gleefully horrific karma to deserving villains. ...more
I said it with book one in this series and I'll say it again with this second entry. These are my favorite books that Janna MacGregor has written. TheI said it with book one in this series and I'll say it again with this second entry. These are my favorite books that Janna MacGregor has written. The storytelling, character development, swoony romance, and family dynamics are superb. The flow of the story never wavers while slowly building the central romance to its heartfelt, sigh-worthy conclusion. And the balance of humor, heart, and spice is exactly what I look for.
A SIMPLE MARRIAGE has my enthusiastic historical romance reading recommendation. ...more
I was thoroughly charmed by this first book in Virginia Heath's new historical romcom series. I love a slow-burn, adversaries-to-lovers, opposites-attI was thoroughly charmed by this first book in Virginia Heath's new historical romcom series. I love a slow-burn, adversaries-to-lovers, opposites-attract story. Throw in witty banter, high energy kids, a goofy lummox of a dog, and a couple perfectly matched - even if they are the last ones to figure that out - and I was more than eager to hitch a ride.
I love the balance of humor and emotion in Heath's books, facets that are on full display in this one. The characters are well developed, with complex layers, even the children. I enjoyed how the children are used to slowly unveil those layers, helping Harry and Georgie both begin to see that there is more to one another than first impressions may have indicated. I found myself laughing out loud many times during the story while also appreciating the depth of feelings that float to the surface, especially as the time nears for life-changing decisions to be made...and Harry makes a right mess of it.
As for the grand gesture? Well that elicited both laughter and tears (happy ones), a fitting conclusion for this couple, their extended family, and Georgie's best friend, who I hope we'll be seeing much more of in the next book of this series.
4.5 stars
ARC received from St. Martin's Griffin via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review....more
I love fake engagements. I love complex families. And I love well-researched historical romances with secrets, betrayals, and unexpected turns. Riley I love fake engagements. I love complex families. And I love well-researched historical romances with secrets, betrayals, and unexpected turns. Riley uses all of these in the first book of her new trilogy, laying the groundwork for what I expect will be a compelling and deeply emotional payoff at the end.
Riley breathes life into these characters and into the fabric of the city and times in which they live. She takes her time with the Wilcox sisters, with Mark, and especially with the Duke of Torrance, unfolding their stories slowly, with dips and turns, as we begin to understand what drives each of them. And, as we eventually come to learn, there are unexpected layers that will make their journeys all the more complex. I was fascinated by the fear, hope, desperation, and determination all roiling beneath the surface of these enigmatic characters.
There's a lot of set up in this first book with attention given to each of the sisters as well as Mark and the duke. I'm okay with that. While I enjoyed Georgina's and Mark's slowly progressing romance, the real meat of this story is in the dynamics among the sisters and, especially, each of their relationships with the duke. There are so many layers to be explored and I am here for all of them.
While the storyline for Mark and Georgina is brought full circle in this first book, there are many more threads to be explored further in the next two books. I am already looking forward to Scarlett's journey in book two. This brilliant young woman with a scientific mind has already shown a propensity for pushing boundaries, uncovering secrets, and challenging the patriarchy. I'm eager to discover what Riley has in store for her.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
There's so much to love about this book, beginning - and ending - with Gabriel and Ryan. He's a loner (for good reasons), rarely leaving the safety ofThere's so much to love about this book, beginning - and ending - with Gabriel and Ryan. He's a loner (for good reasons), rarely leaving the safety of the forest. She's determined to drag him into the open. He lives in a cave. There's only one bed. And a waterfall. She'll do whatever it takes to save her family. He only wants her gone. But he also wants her. It's a no-win situation. Or, is it?
I loved the chemistry between these two but more so the tenderness that grows as they begin to know one another as adults. Gabriel is such a complex, decent man, sweet and innocent in some ways while strong and determined in others. He has, after all, been living a reclusive life for many years. Ryan, a strong, competent woman who has always put others first, is fierce in her determination to save her family but will she do so at the expense of this man who has been through so much already? The deep conversations between them are heart-tugging. The care that develops - on both sides - seems inevitable and only makes their journey more compelling and endearing. The love and assistance that comes from unexpected sources fills their lives with laughter, hope, and the long-awaited joy of reunion. And the final scene encompasses all of my swoony, big girl, fairytale dreams.
I'm not sure I've ever read a story quite like this before. It's fresh, fun, heartwarming, romantic, deeply emotional, and checked all of my happy reader buttons. Fans of book one in the series, Say Yes to the Princess, should enjoy seeing Elise (Gabriel's sister), Killian, and their growing family while readers new to the series should have no trouble beginning with The Prince's Bride, if that's their preference. I, however, am glad I read the books in order and am already looking forward to discovering what happened to their youngest sister in book three.
*ARC received from Avon via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I waited six years for this third and final book in Wendy LaCapra's Mythic Dukes series. It stands to reason that my expectations were high. I'm happyI waited six years for this third and final book in Wendy LaCapra's Mythic Dukes series. It stands to reason that my expectations were high. I'm happy to report that those expectations were not only met but exceeded in another compelling, immersive, historical romance journey from this talented author. It's also a testament to the enduring impact of her characters that after six years I didn't have to reread the first two books in the series to refresh my memory. Ash, Chev, Pen, and Alicia, as well as their own emotional journeys to love, continue to live rent free in my mind. I have no plans to evict them anytime soon.
That's one of the things I most enjoy about LaCapra's writing: the depth she imbues in the characters she creates. There are no cardboard cutouts here, no surface characters lacking emotional layers. She gives them complex layers, repressed emotions, tangled back stories, and current challenges. She then skillfully - with humor, poignant emotion, sparkling banter, steamy chemistry, endearing qualities, personal reckoning, and the help of a few good friends - guides them to the best versions of themselves and to the love for which they've been waiting a lifetime. It's an immersive experience I never tire of and one I look forward to repeating with each new book from this author. As with the earlier couples, I fell in love with Hurtheven and Hera, fell into their story with all of my emotions on display, and read their entire book in one day.
The supporting cast in this book is vibrantly depicted, richly nuanced, and vitally important to the overall story. Scenes featuring Hurtheven and Hera with Ash and Alicia's children, in particular, are filled with laugh-out-loud humor, sigh-worthy emotion, and a looking glass view into the tender parts of our intrepid hero as well as the strength, courage, and vulnerabilities of our heroine.
Fans of the first two books will no doubt enjoy this look into the extended HEA of those couples while those new to the series should be able to enjoy Her Duke at Midnight on its own. However, for a complete understanding of the strength - and history - of the friendship among the three dukes, plus the nuances of the various romantic relationships, I recommend reading the three stories in order. The first two are Her Duke at Daybreak (novella) and His Duchess at Eventide (full length novel).
It won't surprise me if this series ends up being MacGregor's most popular yet. It's certainly off to a wonderful start.
Update 4/2/24: Marcus is my neIt won't surprise me if this series ends up being MacGregor's most popular yet. It's certainly off to a wonderful start.
Update 4/2/24: Marcus is my new book boyfriend. I'm a total goner for a redeemed rake and he is such a good one. Sure, he was wild in his youth but there were reasons. Good ones. He's all grown up now, focused on his future, and committed to his very worthy charity, one that he doesn't just throw money at but in which he fully participates. Plus, he's sexy and sensual and...and... Well, it wouldn't be fun if he was all good guy, right? ;-)
My heart ached for all that Honoria had endured at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her. I could feel her pain and anguish but also her determination to claim one night for herself. I wanted to cheer her on and wrap her in a warm hug at the same time.
MacGregor did a superb job of developing both Marcus and Honoria in this book to the point where they felt like real people in whose happiness I was fully invested. They are so good together. I loved the steam, the caring, the quiet joy, and the laughter between them. I loved that they genuinely liked one another and shared common values. They may not have been what each was looking for (her brother's best friend was not in her plans - or her protective brother's - and someone with a secret scandal that could deep-six Marcus's charity was not in his) but the heart wants what the heart wants. My heart cheered over the choices Marcus made that proved her love was not misplaced. Book boyfriend material, indeed.
The sibling dynamic in this book is also wonderful, as is the dynamic among Pelham, Marcus, and the third member of their close friend group, Ravenscroft. I'm excited to discover the direction MacGregor has in mind for all of them, including Honoria's younger sister, Pippa. If you've been reading MacGregor, you've most likely already met the Duke of Pelham (Honoria's older brother), a secondary character from her The Widow Rules series. This book gives us more insight into this arrogant duke (who is perhaps hiding a marshmallow center?), introduces a lady who has him off balance (they have a past!), and has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
It won't surprise me if The Millionaires of Mayfair series ends up being MacGregor's most popular yet (and my favorite). Her writing voice sparkles and her characters shine. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. ...more
I fell in love with Christina Britton's writing while reading her first Isle of Synne book, A Good Duke is Hard to Find, four years ago. Since then, eI fell in love with Christina Britton's writing while reading her first Isle of Synne book, A Good Duke is Hard to Find, four years ago. Since then, each successive book set on Synne has only reinforced that initial reaction. Her newest, The Duke's All That, just may be my favorite of the whole bunch.
Seraphina and Iain checked all my happy romance reader buttons with their enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, road romance. I love a story that pushes all my emotional buttons and this one certainly did that. There's yearning, angst, retribution, character growth, complicated family dynamics, steamy desire, and the love and support of a steadfast community of women...a couple dukes...and one salty parrot, with a Scottish brogue, who is the source of much humor but also a window to past emotional turmoil.
The Duke's All That is a tumultuous, deeply emotional, sometimes humorous, and thoroughly satisfying reawakening of love that's going straight to my keeper shelf where I have no doubt I'll be visiting it again. Though characters from earlier books appear in this one, readers new to Britton could absolutely enjoy this as a standalone.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased opinion. ...more
I loved the first two books in this series, setting the bar high for this third installment. It was fun returning to Bellehaven Bay, the seaside settiI loved the first two books in this series, setting the bar high for this third installment. It was fun returning to Bellehaven Bay, the seaside setting of all three books in the trilogy. I enjoyed catching up with meddling town locals as well as the main couples from books one and two. It feels good to catch a glimpse of the post-HEA lives of couples whose journeys I've enjoyed.
I really like the strength, independence, and ambition of the three heroines in this series. Kitty is a talented architect pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. I was cheering her on to success the entire way. It was in her personal relationships, specifically her inflexibility and her hot and cold treatment of Leo, primarily in the second half of the book, where I found myself having a hard time supporting her. It all works out in the end but, to be honest, there were more than a few times where I wanted to tell Leo to run and not look back.
Not that Leo is perfect. Who is, right? Still, I was in his corner from start to finish. And he is in Kitty's. He fell hard for her years ago and shows no signs of getting over it. Even four years away in London hasn't lessened the feelings he has for her. I could feel his yearning for her, the unrequited love he's hidden so well. I appreciate the respect he has for her and the unwavering support for her ambitions. I also cheered loudly when he finally stands up for himself and what he deserves...what they both deserve. It needed to be said.
In the end, I was happy and confident in this couple's ability to have a happy life together. I didn't love their book but I did like it and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
When an author takes two secondary characters from previous books for whom I struggled to find one ounce of affection and gives them a growth/redemptiWhen an author takes two secondary characters from previous books for whom I struggled to find one ounce of affection and gives them a growth/redemption arc that not only turns them into characters I happily cheered for but they end up being one of my favorite Cathy Maxwell couples? That's a five-star read. Maxwell's ONE DANGEROUS NIGHT publishes on March 26, 2024 but is available for pre-order now. I loved it.
This book stands well on its own but If you want to fully understand the backstories of Kit and Elise, I recommend reading His Secret Mistress (Book 1 - A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women) and A Kiss in the Moonlight (book 1 - A Gambler's Daughters).
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. ...more
She saved the best for last. I've thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy by Sabrina Jeffries. It's been one of my favorites from her in a number of years. DiShe saved the best for last. I've thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy by Sabrina Jeffries. It's been one of my favorites from her in a number of years. Diana's and Eliza's journeys to love in books one and two had me eagerly turning pages but it's this third book - youngest sister Verity's story - that kept me happily reading until well past my bedtime. Twice.
After reading the first two books in this series, I had my fingers crossed that Jeffries would pair Verity with the elusive Phantom who kept slipping in and out of Elegant Occasions events. I was beyond curious to discover what he was up to and how that would impact Verity. I was delighted to discover he would be her hero and he did not disappoint.
I loved Rafe and Verity together. The banter, the sparks, the matching of wits, the food, the reluctance to trust (for good reasons). Following along on their journey was pure pleasure. It was beyond fun to watch Rafe be continually baffled and surprised by Verity's ability to read him, a seasoned spy. She was one smart cookie, to be underestimated at one's own risk. Thankfully, it didn't take him too long to discover that.
In Accidentally His, Jeffries has crafted an intriguing mystery within a sparkling romance that kept both main characters on their toes. She also threaded it with more than a few twists that kept them - and me - guessing well into the story as well as a depth of emotion that touched my heart. I enjoyed the roles Verity's sisters and their husbands played in this book as well as the questions surrounding Rafe's late parents. As always, family is paramount in the books of this series, helping to push the story forward with humor, conflict, and, at times, poignant emotion.
You could read Accidentally His as a standalone but for maximum understanding and enjoyment, I would recommend reading the three books in order. They are: A Duke for Diana, What Happens in the Ballroom, and Accidentally His. All three are winners in my book.
*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
One of my favorite childhood memories is sitting around a campfire on a warm summer's night listening to the melodic cadence and mellow voice of a stoOne of my favorite childhood memories is sitting around a campfire on a warm summer's night listening to the melodic cadence and mellow voice of a storyteller weaving a captivating tale. That's the feeling Balogh brings to this newest book in her Ravenswood series. I snuggled under a warm blanket and lost myself in the feelings of a heartwarming journey of both romance and family featuring characters still living in my head more than three weeks after reading their story...the first time. ;-)
I love the emotional layers within both Ben and Jenny, how each of them evolves over the course of their journey. And, as family is a primary focus of this series, I also enjoyed their inter-connecting relationships within not only their own family but each other's. Ben is such a nurturer. I love what a good dad he is, how he's always looking for ways to help others. But he always puts himself last. It's heartwarming to watch him finally place importance on his own needs and happiness and how that impacts not only his gradually deepening friendship with Jenny but also his relationships with members of his family, especially his half-brother, Devlin (Remember Love). For her part, Jenny is finally breaking out of the protective cocoon in which she has lived since her childhood illness thanks to the encouragement of Ben and the love of his young daughter. It's satisfying to watch her spread her wings, embrace the freedom of enhanced independence, and take control of her own life while facing head on the changes - and challenges - that brings to the dynamics within her own family. And I haven't even touched on the challenges a cross-class, legitimate-illegitimate pairing causes among all the dukes, earls, lords, and ladies of the families.
One of the things I love about this book is the plethora of family and community members who are all highly visible and intrinsic to the story being told. They add a rich variety of texture, potential conflict, and heartwarming tenderness to Ben's and Jenny's journey. However, if you haven't read the first two books of the series, the sheer number of secondary characters and their inter-connecting relationships - and shared history - might be a bit overwhelming. For that reason, I would probably recommend reading the books in order. They are, in order: Remember Love, Remember Me, and Always Remember.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
If ever a character exemplified the saying "don't judge a book by its cover," it's middle Luna sister, Isabel. Used to being overlooked and underestimIf ever a character exemplified the saying "don't judge a book by its cover," it's middle Luna sister, Isabel. Used to being overlooked and underestimated, quiet, bookish Isabel is determined to put those qualities to good use while gathering information to help her beloved Mexico in its battle with the invading French. No one notices her slip away from balls, down darkened hallways to search empty offices...until someone does.
Captain Sirius Dawson is also much more than the rakish flirt he appears. This man has depths only known to a few. When he discovers what Isabel is up to, he takes it upon himself to protect her and also team up with her. What begins as partners in espionage turns into something deliciously spicy, but also tender, then gradually into deeper feelings. Only, one half of the couple isn't ready to acknowledge their feelings and the other half has plans of their own.
As with book one of this series, Ana Maria and the Fox, the sibling dynamic among the three Luna sisters is critical to the overall story. De la Rosa does not shy away from the fact that these three women stand out as being foreign and "different" in London, a fact that contributes to the ever-growing closeness among sisters who were pitted against one another while growing up. I love the ever-growing relationships among the three, enjoyed catching up with oldest sister, Ana Maria and am now even more excited for book three, youngest sister Gabby's story.
With Isabel, who has always felt the odd one out in her family, De la Rosa guides her through an evolution of self-discovery and self-confidence while never compromising her cultural heritage, personal ancestry, and love of country. I enjoyed watching Isabel step out of her comfort zone physically and loved how she asserts herself as a full member of her partnership - both working and personal - with Sirius. And, I absolutely adore the decisions Sirius makes at the end of their journey. I hope we're given a look into their future in book three.
You could read Isabel and the Rogue as a standalone but I enjoyed it much more for having read Ana Maria and the Fox first. It would be my recommendation to read them in order.
One of the things I most enjoy about Anne Gracie's books is the relationships, especially the families formed. Whether biological, by marriage, or choOne of the things I most enjoy about Anne Gracie's books is the relationships, especially the families formed. Whether biological, by marriage, or chosen, her family units are treasures that leave me sighing with delight and eager for return visits. In The Heiress's Daughter, we're treated to all three within the lush, private area of Bellaire Gardens.
Of course, comprising those family units are Gracie's characters and developing those characters is another of her many skills. I love the time and care she takes to bring them to life, giving them layers and intricacies that make them feel so very real. Clarissa and Race (who are first introduced in book two of this series, The Rake's Daughter) are excellent examples of that. How could I not love both of them, and especially love them together? If Clarissa's back story did not tug at my heart, I would have no heart. What that woman was put through by someone who should have loved, encouraged, and supported her. To become the kind, generous, loyal woman she is in spite of the treatment she received is testament to the special person she is, one worthy of the great love she feels is beyond her reach.
And then there's Race: handsome, flirtatious, liaisons scattered in his wake, and not a fortune hunter. In other words, a rake, just as Clarissa's father had been. But, is he really? There are so many hidden layers to this character and I'm here for all of them. He falls first. He falls hard. And he's willing to put in the work to convince Clarissa of his genuine feelings for her, which is not easy. It's safe to say I fell just as hard for him as Clarissa eventually does. I love his kindness, his humor, and his steadfast determination to bring Clarissa to the point where she sees - and believes - the beauty that makes her precious to him. Did I mention how much I adore this guy?
If you enjoy character-driven stories with plenty of humor, feel-good emotion, family dynamics, and happy endings, look no further than Anne Gracie's The Heiress's Daughter. It's an absolute delight.
This book stands well on its own but I enjoyed it much more for having read books one, The Scoundrel's Daughter and two, The Rake's Daughter first. Reading book two gave me a much better understanding of Clarissa, her back story, and her relationship with her sister (heroine of book two) while reading book one allowed me to better enjoy the characters from that book as well as the events in their lives that play out in The Heiress's Daughter.