Review of “First Comes Scandal (Rokesbys #4) by Julia Quinn

April 29, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Quinn, Julia. First Comes Scandal. New York: Avon Books, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-0062956163 (paperback)/978-0062956170 (eBook) | $7.99 USD (mass market)/$6.99 USD (ebook) | 375 pages | Regency Romance

Blurb

She was given two choices…

Georgiana Bridgerton isn’t against the idea of marriage. She’d just thought she’d have some say in the matter. But with her reputation hanging by a thread after she’s abducted for her dowry, Georgie is given two options: live out her life as a spinster or marry the rogue who has ruined her life.

Enter Option #3

As the fourth son of an earl, Nicholas Rokesby is prepared to chart his own course. He has a life in Edinburgh, where he’s close to completing his medical studies, and he has no time—or interest—to find a wife. But when he discovers that Georgie Bridgerton—his literal girl-next-door—is facing ruin, he knows what he must do.

A Marriage of Convenience

It might not have been the most romantic of proposals, but Nicholas never thought she’d say no. Georgie doesn’t want to be anyone’s sacrifice, and besides, they could never think of each other as anything more than childhood friends… or could they?

But as they embark upon their unorthodox courtship they discover a new twist to the age-old rhyme. First comes scandal, then comes marriage. But after that comes love…

In the series

#1 Because of Miss Bridgerton

#2 The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband

#3 The Other Miss Bridgerton

Review

4.5 stars

A new Julia Quinn book is always a reason to celebrate in my book, and First Comes Scandal is no different, the delivery of which (while late) was one of the bright spots of self-isolation, followed soon after by cracking it open. And while I understand some of the concerns about it being low-conflict and lacking in plot, JQ somehow makes it work in a way other authors don’t for me, with her signature wonderful characters and trademark humor.

The two leads are charming and wonderful. I admired Georgie, especially in terms of how she handled the scandal she found herself in; she ably and comically disarms her abductor, both when he tried to kidnap her initially, and later when he’s still pressing his suit.

And Nicholas! I love that she wrote a virgin hero without him having a super deep moral reason for doing it, and also acknowledging the risk of disease, something that most historicals include in the “things we pretend don’t exist” pile. And the way he grows more enlightened about medicine and the inequities between men and women through his discussions with Georgie is great, and doesn’t feel out of place.

But of course, given this is a prequel to her original bestselling Bridgerton series, the best part is the tie-ins, as this is where things begin to come together, in a way previous books have only had a reference here or there (if that). Edmund and Violet appear, along with young Anthony and Benedict, and Baby Colin, the latter of whom has undoubtedly stolen the show. He mostly shows early signs of his massive appetite, and the other two display their thirst for mischief. But it’s nice to see that the Bridgertons were always a close knit clan across the generations.

I really loved this book, but I am aware I am a bit biased where Julia Quinn is concerned, especially as the Bridgertons are involved. I think if you love either of the two as much as I do, then you’ll enjoy this book.

Author Bio

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.

In 2020, Netflix will premiere Bridgerton, based on her popular series of novels about the Bridgerton family.

To stay up-to-date on all Bridgerton-on-Netflix news, subscribe to JuliaQuinn.com Site News & Updates.

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Review of “Island Affair” (Keys to Love #1) by Priscilla Oliveras

April 28, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ 1 Comment

Oliveras, Priscilla. Island Affair. New York: Zebra, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1420150179 (paperback)/978-1420150186 (eBook) | $15.95 USD (paperback)/$10.49 (eBook) | 352 pages | Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .

Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength feeds off the island’s laidback style. Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their island romance last or fade with the stunning sunset?

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Island Affair is an enjoyable new release from Priscilla Oliveras, and while it doesn’t quite measure up to the sheer perfection of the Matched to Perfection series, particularly the latter two books in the series, I enjoyed this one nonetheless.

Oliveras creates another to-die-for hero in the form of Luis. He’s just a solid, good guy, and I like that he wants to save everyone, which is built into his chosen career as a firefighter, but also has some issues from his past he has to work through over the course of the book.

Sara is also interesting. While I don’t know if the rep for eating disorders is accurate, I do trust that Oliveras did her research. I could definitely relate to her feeling of never being enough to please her family, although not to the same degree.

I did feel a little bogged down at times with two large complex families with big issues to follow, especially in comparison to the smaller scale of MtP. However, given this is also the first in a series, it is introducing the cast, some of whom will play roles as heroes or heroines in their own books going forward, so I suppose it’s par for the course.

This is a sweet romance with a healthy dash of spice (although, it should be noted that, like her previous work, the sex is fade-to-black following a bit of foreplay). I recommend this book if you like sweet stories with a Latinx flavor and a strong focus on family dynamics as well as romance.

Author Bio

PRISCILLA OLIVERAS is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. She and her work have earned praise from the Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Redbook, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, among others. Priscilla earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and currently serves as adjunct faculty in the program and teaches the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go. While she’s a romance genre junkie, Priscilla also considers herself a sports fan, beach lover, and Zumba aficionado, who often practices the art of napping in her backyard hammock.

To follow along on her fun-filled and hectic life, visit her on the web at https://prisoliveras.com/books/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/prisoliveras, or on Twitter and Instagram via @prisoliveras.

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Review of “Racetrack Royalty” (Merindah Park #4) by Renee Dahlia

April 27, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Dahlia, Renee. Racetrack Royalty. Sydney: Escape Publishing, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1489298713 | $2.99 USD | 250 pages | Contemporary Romance

Blurb

One fast horse, and a whirlwind romance set among the glamour of Royal Ascot.

Shannon Bassett

It’s a long way from Merindah Park, Australia, to Royal Ascot–but that’s where I’ve found myself. The international stud farm that bought my horse, Biographical, want him to race and as his trainer, they need me here. I’m not the top hat and penguin suit type, and the media here don’t get my horse at all–unlike the beautiful woman reading the newspaper over my shoulder on the train today. I’m going home soon so I shouldn’t fall for Ananya, but she understands me as well as horses … and she’s sexy as hell …

Ananya Rahman

According to my middle class, hard-working parents, I have the world’s weirdest hobby. I love doing pedigree analysis on racehorses, and I spend much of my hard-earned cash every year on clothes for Royal Ascot. Still, I didn’t mean to lecture this cute Aussie about his own horse on the train today–or to be pulled into his fancy world of horse breeders. I’m a London girl and he’s from the other side of the world … but we both forget that when we kiss. What happens when the races are over?

In the series

#1 Merindah Park

#2 Making Her Mark

#3 Two Hearts Healing

Review

3 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

While publishing is very America-centric, I’m always interested to find authors located outside the US, especially when they work with non-American publishers. And in the case of Racetrack Royalty, I got a sense of the local culture, with Dahlia paying tribute to the indigenous Eora Nation, as she noted in the acknowledgments.

And this book focusing on the Royal Ascot in Australia, with both the leads being involved with horses is super fun, and one of several aspects where the book used real world information to create an entertaining story.

I did like both Shannon and Ananya for the most part, and enjoyed seeing them bond over their shared interest. And the exploration of both of their family dynamics, especially hers, given her family is from Bangladesh, is well done, and is one of the better parts of the book for me.

However, this is a case where I wish I had done a bit more research prior to requesting based on the blurb and what I knew about the author from social media, since, had I been told it was high heat earlier (or done more research), I may have reconsidered. And while I’m not opposed to high heat when done well, the inclusion of the sex here felt awkward and just didn’t feel right for me, especially since, apart from bonding over horses, they barely know each other and I didn’t finish the book feeling like this was a couple who had a firm foundation for a lasting relationship.

There is a lot I like here, but perhaps this wasn’t the best place to start with Dahlia’s work due to my qualms with it. I do recommend it if you are more interested in high-heat contemporary romances, especially since there are several things it does do well.

Author Bio

Renée Dahlia is an unabashed romance reader who loves feisty women and strong, clever men. Her books reflect this, with a sidenote of dark humour. Renée has a science degree in physics. When not distracted by the characters fighting for attention in her brain, she works in the horse-racing industry doing data analysis and writing magazine articles. When she isn’t reading or writing, Renée spends her time with her partner and four children, volunteers on the local cricket club committee, and is the Secretary of Romance Writers Australia.

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Review of “Storing Up Trouble” (American Heiresses #3) by Jen Turano

April 26, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Turano, Jen. Storing Up Trouble. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-0764231698 (paperback)/978-1493425082 (eBook) | $15.99 USD (paperback)/$10.99 USD (ebook) | 352 pages | Historical Romance/Christian Fiction

Blurb

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix’s safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

In the series

#1 Flights of Fancy

#2 Diamond in the Rough

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

While this is not my first Jen Turano book, this is the first in the American Heiresses series I’ve read. However, it stands perfectly well as a stand alone, and feel like you could start here, although I am intrigued to read the previous two books in the series now.

Turano has a few different elements at play: a whimsical, often humorous, writing style, great attention to detail, and a dash of mystery, and all of it comes together, without anything really feeling out of place.

The characters are definitely the best part. Beatrix is a daring heroine, not afraid to take risks due to her suffragist views, and I admired how she was so unconcerned with what society thought.

Norman is also interesting due to his scientific pursuits, and I liked the banter between them as their relationship evolved.

There are some other memorable characters, and my absolute favorite is the silly Aunt Gladys. Her antics with her friends are the best part of the book.

This is a fun, light read, and while it’s not a particularly memorable read, it’s pure fun with a helping of history, which I think can be great once in a while. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good solid historical rom-com.

Author Bio

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.comor https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/or on Twitter at JenTurano @JenTurano.

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Review of “The First Emma” by Camille Di Maio

April 25, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Di Maio, Camille. The First Emma. Deadwood, OR: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1948018760 (paperback)/ ASIN: B082J3JMHF | $15.95 (paperback)/$4.99 (Kindle eBook) | 326 pages | Historical Fiction

Blurb

Inspired by true events

1914 – Young bride Emma Koehler dreams of a happy marriage and a simple life with her husband, but her hopes are quickly dashed by Otto’s obsession with his business. Though they become one of the wealthiest couples in the country – a fortune made on beer, mining, and hospitality – Emma is lonely in their stone mansion, unable to have children and unable to keep his attentions at home. When a tragic accident changes everything, Otto presents a new betrayal – and Emma must choose between loyalty and independence in a world that demands convention.

1943 – Mabel Hartley flees Baltimore after the war leaves her broken and alone. She answers the advertisement of a dying woman in San Antonio, with an urgent plea to come write her memoirs. In Emma Koehler, Mabel discovers astounding resilience – a pioneer who weathered personal devastation and navigated her large brewery through the storm of Prohibition. Soon Mabel realizes that Texas holds more for her than this new friendship. Romance blooms even as she’s given up on love, and an unexpected phone call gives her hope that not all goodbyes are final.

The First Emma is a moving story of love, hope, and murder that captures one woman’s journey to make her mark on history and another’s desire to preserve it.

Review

4.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up The First Emma; I only knew that I had read a previous book by Camille Di Maio and wanted to read more from her. So imagine my surprise when, after reading this compelling story full of adultery and murder, as well as one of hope, to find out it was based in truth, and there really is a Hotel Emma and Emma Koehler, her husband, and the other Emmas are all real historical people, although the details about them from the historical records are few, and they’re not exactly nationally or world famous today.

While I definitely would have appreciated more fleshing out of the actual events surrounding the murder itself, I appreciate that Di Maio used real news clippings to illustrate this, as it provided dramatic effect and conveyed that aspect in an interesting way without the need to speculate too much about the specifics. And the times when the older Emma reflects on her past and her troubled marriage to Otto are moving, and I can respect Di Maio’s decision to not fully fictionalize her and make her the protagonist.

The choice to have her interact with the younger visitor, Mabel, in the book was a good compromise, especially as Mabel comes from a bad family situation and is less confident in taking chances, thus giving her room to grow and learn from Emma, who managed to thrive as a businesswoman in spite of personal setbacks and her husband’s murder.

I enjoyed this book, and I’m so glad to have met another amazing historical woman in Emma Koehler. If you love historical fiction, especially those celebrating the lesser known figures in historical records, I recommend this one highly.

Author Bio

Camille recently left an award-winning real estate career in San Antonio to become a full-time writer. Along with her husband of twenty-three years, she enjoys raising their four children. She has a bucket list that is never-ending, and uses her adventures to inspire her writing. She’s lived in Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California, and spends enough time in Hawai’i to feel like a local. She’s traveled to four continents (so far), and met Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. She just about fainted when she had a chance to meet her musical idol, Paul McCartney, too.

Camille studied political science in college, but found working on actual campaigns much more fun. She overdoses on goodies at farmers markets (justifying them by her support for local bakeries) and belts out Broadway tunes whenever the moment strikes. There’s almost nothing she wouldn’t try, so long as it doesn’t involve heights, roller skates, or anything illegal.

She is an Amazon Bestselling author as well as a Romance Writers of America Honor Roll Inductee. Her books have won: The Beverly Hills Book Award, the Golden Quill, and been a Holt Medallion finalist several times over. They have been translated into French, Hungarian, German, and Estonian.

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Review of Her Seafaring Scoundrel (The Crawfords #3) by Sophie Barnes

April 24, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Barnes, Sophie. Her Seafaring Scoundrel. [United States]: Sophie Barnes, 2020.

ISBN-13: 979-8615103919 (paperback)/2940163568239 (ebook) | $11.99 (paperback)/$3.99 USD (ebook) | Regency Romance

Blurb

The last thing she wants is a husband…
Least of all one determined to win her heart…

Lady Cassandra has no desire to marry. But when Captain Devlin Crawford brings scandal to her doorstep and offers salvation, she cannot say no. Not with her daughter’s future at stake. So she decides to accept Devlin’s offer, provided he agrees to never being intimate with her. For although Cassandra is drawn to Devlin, she refuses to dishonor the memory of her one true love.

Devlin knows he’s made a mess, but now that it’s done, marrying Cassandra doesn’t seem like the worst idea in the world. Far from it, though it will take serious effort on his part to convince her of this. Especially since she’s never stopped mourning the man she was meant to marry over a decade ago. So once they set off on a grand ocean voyage, Devlin embarks on his greatest adventure yet—the wooing of his wife.

Review

3 stars

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

In the cruelest of ironies, Her Seafaring Scoundrel, the first Sophie Barnes book I’ve been able to get an ARC copy of, is something of a disappointment. I don’t know how to feel, given I was also underwhelmed by the previous book, and I’m wondering if it’s me and my dissatisfaction with a lot of historical romance in the “traditional” vein, or just my growing lack of patience with books that are too light to the point of feeling directionless.

There are the elements of a good story here. Cassandra has dealt with scandal due to giving birth to an illegitimate child after the father died before they could get married. Devlin proposes a marriage with the possibility of security for herself and her daughter, although she is still torn apart by grief. And there’s even a past connection between him and her deceased lover, which inspires guilt in him and some conflict in their fledgling marriage.

But other than that, I just didn’t feel the spark, and while I used to love Barnes for writing on the sweeter side, I still expected some sort of heat in their romantic interactions, and there is none.

This one was very much an “it’s not you, it’s me” sort of thing, and I hope it’s not a case of having grown out of her style. But if you love a nice sweet, low-angst historical romance, then I recommend this one.

Author Bio

Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian.

She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.

While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing.

When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

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Review of “Love’s Recipe” by Mila Nicks

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Nicks, Mila. Love’s Recipe. [United States]| Mila Nicks, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1676709541 | $2.99 USD | 241 pages | Contemporary Romance

Blurb

Can two strangers down on their luck discover the flavor of love?

Rosalie Underwood is a broke, recently divorced single mother. After she’s forced to return to her hometown St. Aster, Louisiana, she lands a waitressing job at Ady’s Creole Café. Life’s not done giving her lemons just yet, though. Ady’s Creole Café is on the brink of going out of business. If Rosalie hopes to recover from her disastrous marriage and keep her job, she must figure out a way to save the restaurant. But the only question is how?

When Nicholas Fontaine hires Rosalie Underwood, he doesn’t expect his newest waitress to stir the pot. He was hoping to keep up the charade he’s created since his mother’s passing. Soon he realizes that Rosalie refuses to let Ady’s fail. She cooks up a plan to salvage the business—including the part where she enters the restaurant in a food competition to generate town-wide buzz.

There’s no time for butting heads. The clock is ticking and the business is tanking. Nick’s stuck teaching Rosalie how to cook the one-of-a-kind menu. Rosalie’s trying her best to learn the delicious recipes. In order to succeed, they must come together and work as a team, but brewing feelings between them only complicates matters. Is this a recipe for disaster or a recipe for love?

Review

4 stars

I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I’m always looking for new diverse authors to follow, and this debut romance from Mila Nicks sounded promising. It has a nice cozy small-town vibe, and a sweet second-chance romance at the center of it.

I liked the fact that both Rosalie and Nick trying their best as single parents is a central part of the story, and something that brings them together. And seeing them bond by working together in Nick’s family’s restaurant, which faces going out of business, is cute too, especially as she inspires Nick to try to save it and come out of the slump created by grief in the wake of his mother’s passing.

This book is rather light, and given some of the topics it does touch on, I did sometimes wish it delved a little more into them instead of being more surface level, but I can’t fault it too much, as perhaps the author was going for a lighter feel, and I think it strikes a pretty decent balance, especially in these troubling times, of having some substance, while still allowing the reader a comforting escape.

I enjoyed this book, and will definitely keep an eye out for this author’s upcoming releases. I recommend this if you’re looking for a nice low-angst diverse contemporary romance.

Author Bio

Mila Nicks is an emerging romance author on a mission to pen heartfelt love stories featuring women of color. This spring, she will release her debut novel titled “Love’s Recipe.”

From the time she was a small girl with crayons and an overactive imagination, she’s had a passion for storytelling. In addition to receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, she is presently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing. She has also served her country in the United States Air Force.

When she isn’t penning uplifting love stories, you can find this imaginative writer traveling across the globe, sampling new cuisines, or spending quality time with her spunky pet Chihuahua, Zayden.

Buy links

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Review of “Starbreaker (Endeavor #2) by Amanda Bouchet

April 22, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Bouchet, Amanda. Starbreaker. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1492667162 (mass market)/978-1492667179 (ebook) | $7.99 USD (mass market/$7.49 (eBook) | 448 pages | Sci-Fi Romance

Blurb

THEY NEVER WANTED TO BE HEROES

Captain Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are still the galaxy’s Most Wanted, and with revolution in the wind and the universe on the brink of catastrophic war, the situation couldn’t be more desperate. Despite the Dark Watch scouring the known sectors for them, rebel leaders have handed the crew of the Endeavor a delicate and dangerous mission: break into Starbase 12 and free renowned scientist Reena Ahern. She’s the only one who stands a chance of tipping the odds in their favor for the first time in decades.

BUT PULLING OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE IS WHAT THEY DO BEST

The clock is ticking. But as their attraction builds and secrets are revealed, Tess and Shade must decide if they trust each other enough to execute this impossible prison break. They could change the course of history, but they’ll be risking everything… They’ll just have to tackle one crisis at a time.

In the series

#1 Nightchaser

Review

5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

After a successful start with Nightchaser, the series remains strong (and perhaps gets even better) with its second installment, Starbreaker. It delivers on the premise of the first book, being an awesome space opera thrill ride from start to finish. The one shortcoming is that I did read book one so long ago that I remember so little of it; however it didn’t take me long to end up back in the swing of things with Tess and Shade and the rest of the crew.

One of the things I enjoyed was that Tess and Shade are very much a couple in this one, and while there are some issues of trust between them, it’s refreshing to not have to deal with multi-book angst of “will-they-won’t-they.”

I liked seeing more of the secondary characters and the world as well, especially with the fact that Tess and Shade remain Most Wanted, and they’re pulling off another dangerous mission.

This book is an absolute delight, both in its own right and as a continuation of the adventures of the crew of the Endeavor. If you loved the first book, I definitely recommend picking up this one.

Author Bio

Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Her first novel, A Promise of Fire, won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.

Amanda is a French master’s graduate and former English teacher. She lives in Paris, France with her two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.

For updates and exclusives, sign up for Amanda’s newsletter (you can easily unsubscribe at any time).

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Review of “Heart’s Blood” by Alice von Kannon

April 21, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Von Kannon, Alice. Heart’s Blood. Maitland, FL: MCP Books, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1545674581 | $8.99 USD | 480 pages | Historical Romance

Blurb

Von Kannon, Alice. Heart’s Blood. Maitland, FL: MCP Books, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1545674581 | $8.99 USD | 480 pages | Historical Romance

Blurb

Captain Isaac McCallister, five years a slave in North Africa, has returned from the grave, and Salem has put out a wary welcome. It is 1803, and the village of Salem, once known only for the dark horrors of its witch trials, is now a cosmopolitan seaport, the richest city in America. Everyone in Salem knows that Captain McCallister lost his mind in the desert of Barbary. Isaac is a damaged man, looking for a reason to go on living. He finds it when he meets Eleanor Hampton, his step-brother’s daughter, an eccentric young painter living in genteel poverty on his estate along with her mother and sister. Despite the long-standing bitterness between the two families, Isaac is bewitched by this determined, gifted woman, while Eleanor is unexpectedly drawn to him. He’s not the man she expected, a coarse merchant prince who could reduce the beauty of art to the banality of dry goods. There is a gallantry in Isaac that couldn’t be snuffed out by the hell of Algerian slavery. But his unexpected proposal of marriage sets dark forces out of the past into motion, resulting in a stunning betrayal and a brutal murder. And as her passion for her enigmatic husband consumes her, Eleanor finds there’s no danger she’s unwilling to face to save her husband from the hangman.

Review

3.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Heart’s Blood drew my attention due to the intriguing premise and its setting in Salem, although not during the witch trials. And while it is a bit of a slow start, there is a payoff with great characters and a story rich with historical detail.

I enjoyed the way Isaac’s arc was handled, with his PTSD from being a captive of Barbary pirates. I was a bit nervous, given I had read another book with a similar premise that did it horribly, but I think von Kannon handled it well by focusing on Isaac’s experience, and not falling into negative stereotypes about the oppressors.

I also kind of liked Eleanor, and I was particularly intrigued by the relationships between everyone due to the connection by marriage between the two than anything about Eleanor herself.

The romance as a result did feel a bit lacking, especially since it does feel a bit like instalove on Isaac’s part, and I didn’t really get what was so special about her.

I did like this one for the most part, due to its original concept and unique setting for a historical romance, as well as von Kannon’s eye for historical detail. If you’re looking for a different type of historical romance, I recommend giving this one a try.

Author Bio

Alice Von Kannon is an author and historian who’s written for both History and the Discovery Channel. She attended L.A. Valley College and Cal State University, and worked many years in advertising as a writer and broadcast producer. She has traveled widely in Europe and the Middle East, and has written extensively on the subject of the Barbary Wars and the birth of the United States Navy. Alice is co-author, with her husband Christopher Hodapp, of several books in the popular Dummies series for Wiley publishing, including ‘Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies for Dummies’ and ‘The Templar Code for Dummies.’ Heart’s Blood is her second historical romance, and grew out of her love for the town of Salem, Massachusetts and its glory in the age of tall ships. She presently lives with her husband Chris, landlocked in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Review of “Gone with the Rogue” (First Comes Love #2) by Amelia Grey

April 20, 2020 ~ courtneytonokawa ~ Leave a comment

Grey, Amelia. Gone with the Rogue. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1250218780 (paperback)/978-1250218797 (eBook) | $7.99 USD | 352 pages | Regency Romance

Blurb

A powerful handsome rogue finally meets his match in Gone With the Rogue, the second book in the First Comes Love series from bestseller Amelia Grey.

She had an acceptable marriage of convenience. Now widowed, can this determined and beautiful mother find true and forever love?

The sinking of the Salty Dove took her husband’s life—but it didn’t drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She creates a proper life for herself and her young son. But now, the ton’s most notorious rogue is back, and how he makes Julia feel is anything but proper. She can’t deny the desires he awakens in her, even though she knows that the handsome devil will surely break her heart.

Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company and is rumored to have a woman on every continent and half-a-dozen in England. The truth, however, is that Garrett has but one mistress: the wide open sea. That is, until he meets Julia, whose spirit of independence matches his own. What begins as a flirtatious battle of wits turns far more passionate than either of them could have imagined. Suddenly, Garrett’s only desire is to sail into the sunset with Julia as his wife and young Chatwyn his son. But she won’t take his hand—how can he convince her that his love is real and his heart is hers?

In the series

#1 The Earl Next Door

Review

3 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amelia Grey is one of those authors I like, but haven’t really had time to read a ton of. And thankfully, though I missed the first book in this series, Gone with the Rogue functions perfectly well as a stand-alone.

This book is cute, but does suffer from an issue with pacing, where I felt like there were long stretches with not a lot going on.

I did enjoy the element with Julia concerned for her son, and the hold her tyrannical father in law has over both of them. The trajectory of her arc is predictable, but in a good way, and the way Grey believably resolves the situation is good.

Garrett impressed me a lot less, given that he seemed to magically forget his scoundrel ways upon becoming entangled with Julia’s situation, and he didn’t have much substance. It was definitely more her story, with him being an afterthought, whereas I’d have liked to see him have more depth.

But this is a cute story with a triumphant ending, and definitely one I’d add to any comfort reading list during these trying times. I especially recommend it if you love a good fluffy historical romance.

Author Bio

Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.

Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur’s best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.

Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.

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