Welcome to round two of Romance Round-Up! AKA, I really am trying to keep doing this. This is a little longer than the first one, so these will likely vary in length in the future.
Title: The Devil Wears KiltsAuthor: Suzanne Enoch
Publisher: St. Martins Paperbacks
Release: November 26, 2013
Series: Scandalous Highlanders
Pages: 325
Review: 5 Stars
Let's start with some backlist I read recently! This book was great! Ranulf was a bit patronizing at times, especially in the beginning, but he got better. He made some generalizing statements about women that rubbed me the wrong way, and I think the story would have been fine without them, but they faded as the story went on. I liked how he straight up told Charlotte that he wanted to have an affair with her. It put some of the power back in her court as to whether to continue seeing him. I feel like he was letting her know that if/when she was ready, he wanted her. I feel like their affection for each other grew nicely. They went from bickering frequently to really liking each other at a good pace. I've read one or two of Suzanne Enoch's other books, and I'll definitely be reading more of them after this!
Synopsis:
On a mission to rescue his runaway sister from the lure of flowery compliments and a useless lot of satin-clad scalawags disguised by their snooty titles, Ranulf MacLawry, Marquis of Glengask, has roared into British society like a storm across the Highlands. But he's about to find out that satin has its appeal, especially when it covers the curves of Miss Lady Charlotte Hanover—whose tongue is as sharp as her skin is soft…
Lady Charlotte Hanover has had her fill of hot-headed men, having lost her fiancé in an utterly unnecessary duel. When did brawn ever triumph over brains? And yet there is something solid and appealing about the brash Highlander who's as dangerous in the ballroom as in battle. Sometimes bigger really is better…
You Can Find it At:
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Title: I Dared the DukeAuthor: Anna Bennett
Publisher: St. Martins Paperbacks
Release: April 4, 2017
Series: The Wayward Wallflowers
Pages: 345
Review: 5 Stars
Another backlist book I read recently. I've read a few of Anna Bennett's more recent books, and I happened to love them! When looking through my bookshelf for something good to read, this one grabbed me. I had a chunk of time to read, and downed this in one sitting. It annoyed me a little just how rude Alex was in the beginning, but otherwise it was really good. I feel like it's a theme to have the male character act poorly at the beginning only to have him act better later, but I wouldn't mind if the theme disappeared. I loved how they fell in lust with each other, and how their extenuating circumstances revealed just how much they loved each other. The book has a nice secondary plot as well. And I loved Alexander's grandmother! She was so sweet!
Synopsis:
DARE TO FALL IN LOVE
Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known throughout the ton for three things: the burn scars on his neck, his ornery disposition, and the trail of broken hearts behind him. None of which would concern Miss Elizabeth Lacey in the least—if she weren’t living under his roof. As his grandmother’s companion, Beth is all too concerned with the moody and compelling duke. Incensed by his plans to banish the sweet dowager duchess to the country, Beth refuses to do his bidding. If Alex wants her help, he’s going to have to take her dare…and grant her three wishes.
Alex adores his grandmother, which is precisely why she must leave. A string of unfortunate incidents has him worried for the safety of everyone around him—including the dowager’s loyal and lovely companion, Beth. But the notorious wallflower isn’t as meek as she appears, and as their battle of wills heats up, so does Alex’s desire. He’s dangerously close to falling in love with her…and revealing secrets he’d rather keep hidden. How can he convince her that his darkest days are behind him—and that, for the first time in forever, his heart is true?
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
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Title: Never Kiss a DukeAuthor: Megan Frampton
Publisher: Avon
Release: January 28, 2020
Series: Hazards of Dukes
Pages: 384
Review: 4 Stars
Now for a new release! While I enjoyed this book, there wasn't much particularly special about it. It took me a while to get into it, and it wasn't hard for me to take breaks while reading. It was pretty slow in the beginning/middle, but I sped through the last half or third. I think the biggest thing was that the plot bringing the characters together wasn't quite strong enough. I still greatly enjoy Megan Frampton's works, and will likely pick up the next one when it comes out.
Synopsis:
Everything he had ever known was a lie…
Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.
Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to take
Two years ago, Ivy gambled everything that was precious to her—and won. Now the owner of London's most intriguing gambling house, Ivy is competent, assured, and measured. Until she meets Mr. de Silva, who stirs feelings she didn't realize she had. Can she keep her composure around her newest employee?
They vow to keep their partnership strictly business, but just one kiss makes them realize that with each passing day—and night—it becomes clear to them both that there's nothing as tempting as what is forbidden…
You Can Find it At:
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Title: Highland SwordAuthor: May McGoldrick
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release: March 31, 2020
Series: Royal Highlanders
Pages: 320
Review: 4 Stars
CW: This book deals with themes and recollections of sexual assault on a child.
While I still enjoyed this book, it felt more rushed than the previous two books. I like Morrigan and Aidan's characters. Morrigan is incredibly fierce, partially due to trauma she faced as a child. It takes a while for that trauma to be revealed to the reader, and even longer before she reveals it to Aidan, but I was able to guess what it was pretty early, based on her reaction to a character.
There are a number of time jumps in the novel, which contributed to it feeling rushed. Morrigan and Aidan would be separated for periods of time, and while I understand the desire to skip when they aren't together, it meant large periods of time happened between chapters. Additionally, those times apart were often when aspects of the secondary plot were occurring, which leads to some jumping around there.
Despite the pacing issue, this was still an enjoyable read. It's easy to like the main characters, and I loved getting to check in with our previous main character's, especially Isabella and Cinead!
Synopsis:
A VOW FOR VENGEANCE
Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death—until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation.
A PLEA FOR PASSION
Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan—and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
Amazon
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Title: The Virgin and the RogueAuthor: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Release: April 28, 2020
Series: The Rogue Files
Pages: 368
Review: 5 Stars
I love Sophie Jordan, and will read every historical she writes! While I doubt anything will beat my favorite book in the series (The Scandal of it All), this was still enjoyable! The main character Charlotte has resigned herself to marrying her childhood sweetheart when semi-reformed rake Sebastian shows up. That, combined with the love potion her sister Nora secretly gives her, leads to an interesting encounter between Charlotte and Sebastian. I really liked these characters, and I liked the hidden depths in Sebastian. We meet him at a moment when he's having internal conflict. His mother is dying and he suddenly doesn't like his lifestyle. I recommend reading it when it comes out, and I will definitely be reading the next book!
Synopsis:
A love potion…
Charlotte Langley has always been the prudent middle sister, so her family is not surprised when she makes the safe choice and agrees to wed her childhood sweetheart. But when she finds herself under the weather and drinks a “healing” tonic, the potion provokes the most maddening desire... for someone other than her betrothed.
With the power…
Kingston’s rakehell ways are going to destroy him, and he’s vowed to change. His stepbrother’s remote estate is just the place for a reformed rogue to hide. The last thing he wants is to be surrounded by society, but when he gets stuck alone with a wallflower who is already betrothed... and she astonishes him with a fiery kiss, he forgets all about hiding.
To alter two destinies.
Although Charlotte appears meek, Kingston soon discovers there’s a vixen inside, yearning to break free. Unable to forget their illicit moment of passion, Kingston vows to relive the encounter, but Charlotte has sworn it will never happen again—no matter how earth-shattering it was. But will a devilish rogue tempt her to risk everything for a chance at true love?
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
Amazon
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Title: When You Wish Upon a RogueAuthor: Anna Bennett
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release: May 26, 2020
Series: Debutante Diaries
Pages: 320
Review: 5 Stars
To end where I began, here's an upcoming book by Anna Bennett! This book was really sweet! I loved the previous book, probably a little more than this one, but I still really enjoyed this one. The main character Sophie leads a group of ladies that discuss The Debutante's Revenge, which is written by her friends. Sophie goes into a vacant building to look for a new meeting spot, only to meet the reclusive owner, Henry. He suffers from extreme nightmares, and as a result, doesn't sleep much. Yet Sophie is able to sooth his mind, and he sleeps well for the first time in a while. This is the impetus for the plot, with Henry asking Sophie to spend nights with him to help him sleep. In exchange, he offers her the use of the building as a meeting space. And of course, what begins as an innocent agreement quickly becomes romantic. I loved these two characters, and there were some great side plots as well! Sophie's sister Anna annoyed me, but otherwise I enjoyed everything.
Synopsis:
She knows what she wants.
Miss Sophie Kendall is happiest arranging the secret meetings of the Debutante Underground, a group of women who come together to discuss the weekly advice column The Debutante’s Revenge. What makes Sophie most unhappy is her impending march down the aisle to a man she does not love. But her family’s finances are in increasingly dire straits.
He makes an offer she can’t refuse.
Henry Reese, Earl of Warshire, hasn’t slept in weeks. Desperate to escape his manor house and its haunting memories, he heads for one of his abandoned London properties. There he meets a beautiful, intriguing woman―trespassing. Reese is far less interested in Sophie’s search for a secret meeting spot than he is in her surprising ability to soothe his demons. So he strikes a bargain with her: his shop in exchange for spending one night a week with him.
Is this love for real―or just a dream?
Sophie never expected this to happen. But she cannot deny the fire Reese sparks in her―and soon their shared desire burns bright. Sophie is irrevocably promised to another. But maybe these two ill-fated lovers can find a way to risk it all―all the way to happily ever after…
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Have you read any good romance novels recently? Let me know in the comments!
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