I had planned to start posting these a while back, but I got behind on this, along with everything else. I'm gonna start with some new releases, and then get to some of the backlist I've been catching up on.
Author: Maddison Michaels
Publisher: Entangled Publishing (Amara Imprint)
Release: January 27, 2020
Series: Saints and Scoundrels
Pages: 400
Review: 5 Stars
Before I get into the review, I want to give a content warning for the book. The book depicts a survivor of domestic violence, and may be tough for some readers.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved how Alex quickly got over any anger he might have had with Connie over childhood squabbles when he realized she needed help. Alex comes in preparing to dislike Connie, but his compassion quickly overtakes his annoyance. The book both has a good mystery and a great romance! Connie's abusive husband died mysteriously at the beginning of the book, and Connie is blamed. She knows she didn't do it, but is worried that the worst will happen if she and Alex can't find the real culprit. Connie had clearly suffered during her marriage, and I enjoyed watching her heal and come into her own. Connie went from scared of the world, to ready to conquer it. The secondary mystery plot is really strong in this book, which I really appreciate. Solid plots alongside the romance are always fun.
Synopsis:
Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask...even from her childhood friend, Alec.
Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder.
Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about before, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?
You Can Find it At:
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Title: Scot Under the CoversAuthor: Suzanne Enoch
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Release: January 28, 2020
Series: Wild Wicked Highlanders
Pages: 320
Review: 5 Stars
This book was great! I loved the romance, and I loved how quickly Aden realized he liked Miranda. Heroes quickly falling in love with reluctant heroines is my catnip. There was a solid plot aside from the romance, and I really liked it. Side note, I was not a fan of Miranda's brother, whose misdeeds kicked off the plot, for pretty much the whole book. He has potential to redeem himself, right now he sucks in my eyes. While Miranda sought Aden's help in saving herself, Aden was supporting her, not doing the saving solo. Also, once Miranda and Aden admitted they liked each other, solid swoon! There was a subplot with Aden's mother that will likely tie into the next book, and I want to see what happens next. It's clear the mother had to leave their father for a good reason, and I want to see how they reform their relationship. This was a great second book in a series, and I can't wait to read book three!
Synopsis:
Miranda Harris is known for her charm, wit, and ability to solve any problem she encounters. But when her brother lands neck-deep in gambling debt to a crafty villain and Miranda is subsequently blackmailed into marrying him, she must enlist the help of the devil himself to save the family honor―and herself.
Devilishly handsome Highlander Aden MacTaggert knows next to nothing about the ways of the ton, but he most certainly knows his way around gaming halls and womens’ hearts. Still, Aden is not sure how he’ll manage to find a Sassenach bride in time to save his family’s inheritance. When his almost sister-in-law Miranda comes to him for assistance, he proposes a partnership: She will help him navigate London society and he’ll teach her everything about wagering…and winning back her freedom. The beautiful, clever lass intrigues Aden―but is she playing her own game, or are the sparks between them real? He is accustomed to risking his pocket. But betting on Miranda’s love is a game he can’t afford to lose. . .
You Can Find it At:
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Title: The Rogue of Fifth AvenueAuthor: Joanna Shupe
Publisher: Avon
Release: May 28, 2019
Series: Uptown Girls
Pages: 382
Review: 5 Stars
I ADORED this book! Frank and Mamie were so great together. Frank we know from previous books by Shupe as a side character, but Mamie is new. I cannot get over how great these characters and this story was. There's a scene where Mamie sorta-fiancee acted acted inappropriately, and I enjoyed seeing how Frank reacted. I especially loved how dedicated Frank was to Mamie once he decided he was all in on her. It was fun watching him try to convince her to be with him. It was clear she really liked him too, but she was nervous about defying her father, etc. I really want to see these characters in the future, so I hope they appear in the later books! I want to see them have a happy future together.
Synopsis:
Silver-tongued lawyer.
Keeper of secrets.
Breaker of hearts.
He can solve any problem…
In serving the wealthy power brokers of New York society, Frank Tripp has finally gained the respectability and security his own upbringing lacked. There’s no issue he cannot fix…except for one: the beautiful and reckless daughter of an important client who doesn’t seem to understand the word danger.
She’s not looking for a hero…
Excitement lay just below Forty-Second Street and Mamie Greene is determined to explore all of it—while playing a modern-day Robin Hood along the way. What she doesn’t need is her father’s lawyer dogging her every step and threatening her efforts to help struggling families in the tenements.
However, she doesn’t count on Frank’s persistence…or the sparks that fly between them. When fate upends all her plans, Mamie must decide if she’s willing to risk it all on a rogue…
You Can Find it At:
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Title: The Prince of BroadwayAuthor: Joanna Shupe
Publisher: Avon
Release: December 30, 2019
Series: Uptown Girls
Pages: 384
Review: 4 Stars
After thoroughly enjoying The Rogue of Fifth Avenue, I was really looking forward to The Prince of Broadway. Florence and Clay had a great romance from the get-go. They both acknowledge that they like each other, and it doesn't take too long for them to act on it. I will say, I think Clay took his actions too far, and if I was Florence there is a good chance I wouldn't have forgiven him. I wish he'd stopped his revenge scheme right before it was through instead of right after. I'm not a fan of books where one of the characters is keeping secrets from the other, especially ones of this magnitude. That said, Florence was such a great character that it makes up for some of Clay's deficiencies. Of the two books in the series so far, I think I prefer book one, as well as Frank and Mamie, but I have a feeling book three might give it a run for its money. I'm looking forward to getting to know Justine Greene, as she sounds like someone I would love to meet!
Synopsis:
Powerful casino owner.
Ruthless mastermind.
Destroyer of men.
He lives in the shadows...
As the owner of the city's most exclusive casino, Clayton Madden holds the fortunes of prominent families in the palms of his hands every night. There is one particular family he burns to ruin, however, one that has escaped his grasp... until now.
She is society's darling...
Florence Greene is no one's fool. She knows Clayton Madden is using her to ruin her prestigious family... and she's using him right back. She plans to learn all she can from the mysterious casino owner—then open a casino of her own just for women.
With revenge on his mind, Clay agrees to mentor Florence. However, she soon proves more adept—and more alluring—than Clay bargained for. When his plans are threatened, Clay must decide if he is willing to gamble his empire on love.
You Can Find it At:
Goodreads
Amazon
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