ARC Review Portrait of a Scotsman

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Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: A League of Extraordinary Women #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: September 7, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Going toe-to-toe with a brooding Scotsman is rather bold for a respectable suffragist, but when he happens to be one’s unexpected husband, what else is an unwilling bride to do?

London banking heiress Hattie Greenfield wanted “just” three things in life:

1. Acclaim as an artist.
2. A noble cause.
3. Marriage to a young lord who puts the gentle in gentleman.

Why then does this Oxford scholar find herself at the altar with the darkly attractive financier Lucian Blackstone, whose murky past and ruthless business practices strike fear in the hearts of Britain’s peerage? Trust Hattie to take an invigorating little adventure too far. Now she’s stuck with a churlish Scot who just might be the end of her ambitions….

When the daughter of his business rival all but falls into his lap, Lucian sees opportunity. As a self-made man, he has vast wealth but holds little power, and Hattie might be the key to finally setting long-harbored political plans in motion. Driven by an old revenge, he has no room for his new wife’s apprehensions or romantic notions, bewitching as he finds her.

But a sudden journey to Scotland paints everything in a different light. Hattie slowly sees the real Lucian and realizes she could win everything—as long as she is prepared to lose her heart.

REVIEW

Hattie Greenfield is looking for the perfect husband. He has to be sweet, kind – love reading books and going on romantic trips. She wants a love match and to a man who she chooses. Except that Hattie finds herself tangled with Lucian Blackstone. Blackstone is a bit dark and dangerous and rumor has it he is capable of ruining men financially if he so chooses. Hattie doesn’t want anything to do with him, but her father has other plans and so she finds herself married to the broody Scot. Will their marriage be just a farce, a means to an end or will they end up falling in love and making it a true love marriage?

I have to start of by saying that I love the marriage of convenience trope. Hattie and Lucian have so much chemistry together and I loved every scene that they had together. And although their marriage started off rocky and not on the right foot, I was rooting for them to fall in love the entire time.

Portrait of a Scotsman was such a romantic book, I was often swooning at these two beautiful characters who had so much love to give but often stopped themselves for fear of being hurt. Lucian and Hattie had a lot of obstacles to overcome, including their socioeconomic upbringings. Where Lucian was poor growing up, Hattie was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Evie Dunmore did a wonderful job showcasing the differences between both characters. And I often found myself agreeing with both sides of the story.

I also really enjoyed the various secondary characters in the story. Not only Hattie’s friends who we have seen in pervious books, but also the coal miners and their families while Hattie and Lucian were in Scotland. I could totally see and feel the various experiences/scenes while reading the book.

I will say that the book did start off a little slow for me, but picked up the pace after the first quarter or so. The slow burn between Lucian and Hattie definitely paid off.

If you’re looking for a romantic, but equally feminist book – grab a copy of Portrait of a Scotsman.

Overall I would give Portrait of a Scotsman 4.5 stars, but rounding up because I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely romantic book.

ARC Review The Lady Gets Lucky

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The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Fifth Avenue Rebels #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Publisher: Avon

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

USA Today Bestselling Author

Following the book called “an alluring blend of love and playfulness” (PW) The Heiress Hunt, beloved author Joanna Shupe continues her new Fifth Avenue Rebels series with a scandalous romance about a good girl desperate to rebel and the rebel desperate to corrupt her.

A first-rate scoundrel.

A desperate wallflower.

Lessons in seduction.

The woman no one notices . . .

Shy heiress Alice Lusk is tired of being overlooked by every bachelor. Something has to change, else she’ll be forced to marry a man whose only desire is her fortune. She needs to become a siren, a woman who causes a man’s blood to run hot . . .and she’s just met the perfect rogue to help teach her.

He’s the life of every party . . .

Christopher “Kit” Ward plans to open a not-so-reputable supper club in New York City, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to hire the best chef in the city to guarantee its success. Even if it requires giving carnal lessons to a serious-minded spinster who has an in with the chef.

Their bedroom instruction grows passionate, and Alice is a much better pupil than Kit had ever anticipated. When the Society gentlemen start to take notice, Kit has to try to win Alice in other ways . . . but is he too late to win her heart? 

REVIEW

Heiress Alice Lusk needs a teacher. Specifically someone to teach her the art of seduction. Her mother thinks that Alice will have no problem finding a suitor – especially with her large dowry. But Alice wants to marry for love. So she finds the one person who she thinks would be perfect in helping her become a vixen – Kit Ward.

Christopher “Kit” Ward is a known scoundrel. He likes to keep his relationships on the surface and is definitely not the settling down sort. So when Alice comes knocking at his door with a proposal to teach her how to seduce a man… he’s at a loss for words. But Alice and Kit just happen to be at the same place at the same time – a house party thrown by Kit’s friend Maddie. And Maddie has forbidden Kit to seduce any of the young women at the soiree.

But when Alice has a proposal for Kit – he has a hard time turning her down. She will help Kit with written recipes for the opening of his supper club and he will help her with her lessons. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh how I loved The Lady Gets Lucky. Kit and Alice had so much chemistry together and I loved every single scene where they were together. Their interactions always left a grin on my face. But with the sweet and funny was also the perfect amount of angst. I wanted these two to end up together right from the beginning of the book.

I will admit, I wasn’t a fan of The Heiress Hunt, but absolutely loved the second book in the The Fifth Avenue Rebels series. I can’t wait to find out who is getting their story next!

CW: parental verbal abuse, alcoholism, death of a friend by alcoholism

ARC Review A Lot Like Adios

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A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Publisher: Avon

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Hi Mich. It’s Gabe.

After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent? She’s perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago.

It’s been a long time.

Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents’ demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he’s the successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. It’s the last place Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new marketing campaign, everything Gabe’s been running from catches up with him.

I’ve missed you.

Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm’s length or picking up right where they left off—in her bed. As they work on the campaign, old feelings resurface, and their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families—who think they’re dating—and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adiós again?

REVIEW

Gabe and Mich (Michelle) grew up literally right next door to one another. They were the best of friends – always hanging out, even going so far as writing fanfic for their favorite show. But when it came time to go to college, Gabe left to go to California for a new start. He didn’t say goodbye to anyone, not even Mich.

It’s twelve years late and fate throws Gabe and Michelle back together. Gabe is now part owner of a sports club. Michelle is a freelance graphic designer. When Gabe’s partner reaches out to Michelle (without knowing her relationship to Gabe) she agrees to take on the job. Gabe finally gets in touch with Michelle and they agree to work together. They’ve missed each other and this will be a great opportunity to get back in each others lives.

But the more time Gabe and Mich end up spending together, the complicated their relationship becomes. Not to mention the strained relationship that Gabe has with his family. Will these two be able to forgive each other and themselves and move on?

I really enjoyed A Lot Like Adios. I am a sucker for a second chance romance and these two had so many emotional memories tied to the past. I loved the back and forth being tied in with their fanfic. It was perfect in so many ways, especially when the fanfic mirrored what was happening with Gabe and Mich in the present.

A Lot Like Adios brought the heat 🔥🔥. This book was spice. What I liked most about the sexual relationship between Gabe and Michelle was how open and honest they were with one another. There was bi rep as well as trans and the use of pronouns which is so wonderful to see in a romance.

The parts of this book that were pulling on my heartsrings hard were the parts with Gabe and his parents. Nostalgia can be beautiful, but it can also be heartbreaking. I know the feeling of being in a place you feel like you know so intimately and yet you feel like you’re a stranger. Those feelings were explored so well in A Lot Like Adios.

Overall I really did enjoy this book, I think even more than You Had Me At Hola! If you love a second chance romance, a meddling but loving family – definitely grab yourself a copy of A Lot Like Adios

Series Spotlight – Make it Sweet & Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

~ Tej ~ 2 Comments

Have you discovered any new to you authors this year? I have discovered a few of them including – Karina Halle, Lucy Parker and Kristen Callihan. In February so many friends were posting about Make it Sweet by Kristen Callihan and I had to buy the book and check it out for myself.

To say that I loved Make it Sweet would be an understatement. I loved the broody, pastry making, ex hockey player Lucian as well as sweet and sunshine-y movie star Emma. Their fun banter, slow burn and vulnerabilities got to me and I LOVED this book so much. I realized soon after reading Make it Sweet that there was a second book in the same universe – Dear Enemy. I immediately started reading it and maybe loved it even more than Make it Sweet.

I love an angsty, second chance romance, enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance and Macon and Delilah were a couple I was rooting for from the first page! Dear Enemy had me crying not soon after starting it and I loved everything about this book.

If you haven’t read either of these books yet, I highly recommend them! I have the audiobook, e-book and physical books of both of these books – that only happens if I really LOVE a book 😍

You can read my full review of Make it Sweet here and Dear Enemy here!

August Reads

~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

August was a really good reading month! Somehow I managed to read 11 books – which is the most I have read in a month this year. I think it was a combination of reading really good books, audiobooks and my kids being back in school that allowed me to read so much. Standouts from this month included Hook, Line, and Sinker from Tessa Bailey (which doesn’t release until next spring), Electric Idol by Katee Robert, Lease on Love by Falon Ballard (another spring release) and The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe which releases next month!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey (ARC)

The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe (ARC)

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (reread via audiobook)

Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas (reread via audiobook)

Electric Idol by Katee Robert (ARC)

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross (ARC)

Lease on Love by Falon Ballard (ARC)

A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria (ARC)

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling (ARC)

Rating: 3 out of 5.

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory (ARC)

Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas (ARC)

Spotlight & Excerpt of Along Came a Lady

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Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: All the Duke’s Sins #1

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

Lady Edwina is hired to teach Rafe – the illegitimate son of a Duke – how to interact in polite society. In this opposites attract romance, Rafe is not interested in joining the Gentry and Edwina will do whatever it get Rafe there! The longer Edwina and Rafe are in each others company, the more their attraction grows. Will Edwina be able to get the job done as their mutual attraction grows? Find out in this new series from Christi Caldwell.

SYNOPSIS

The brooding, illegitimate son of a duke meets his match in the determined woman hired to transform him into a gentleman from USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell—perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Rafe Audley lives to thwart his father, the Duke of Bentley. The ne’er do well who abandoned his children claims he wants to make up for his failures, but Rafe only cares about protecting the people of his mining community and providing for his three siblings, who’ve been his sole responsibility since childhood. So far, Rafe has turned away the duke’s man of affairs, solicitor, and other interlopers, until the clever duke sends the unlikeliest of people to convince Rafe to join English High Society—a bold and intriguing woman.

Edwina Dalrymple has never failed a charge. She’s quite adept at successfully transforming young women of the gentry and daughters of newly minted lords to take their place in society. Taming a bastard son of a duke will be child’s play, plus this job promises to enhance her reputation within the ton. All she has to do is fetch the wayward Rafe and groom him to be presentable to Polite Society.

As the tenacious teacher and her domineering, stubborn, refuses-to-be-taught pupil engage in a fiery battle of wills, their chemistry ignites and the true lesson becomes clear: opposites attract and hearts must be heard.

EXCERPT

“Are you going to drink it or cradle it?” he asked, changing the subject. Rafe lifted his tankard, clarifying his question.

Edwina raised the steel cup to her lips and inhaled. Her pert nose wrinkled, and her face pulled in a grimace, and with that, Rafe managed another smile since he’d caught sight of his brother in all his happiness. “It smells horrid.”

Holding his tankard out, he clanged the ring against hers in a mock toast; challenging her. 

He thought for a moment she intended to reject that challenge, he should have known better. 

Taking in a deep breath, Edwina raised a glass, tipped it back, and chugged. 

Deeply. 

The long, graceful column of her neck moved rhythmically and quickly as she downed the contents of her drink. 

“Whoa, you are not supposed to consume it quite so quickly,” he instructed, hastily reaching across the table, and resting a hand on the fingers cradling her mug.

Edwina set it down with a little splat, and then ever so gingerly, dabbed at the corners of her mouth. “That is…rather horrid stuff,” her shoulders and chest lifted as she hiccoughed, and he grinned. 

Mr. Ward immediately reappeared and eyed Edwina’s empty tankard approvingly. “I knew I was right about this girl,” he said proudly. “Knows her spirits, she does.”

From over the top of the innkeeper’s hand, as he poured, Edwina caught Rafe’s eye. 

“Do not say anything,” she silently mouthed, perfectly annunciating each syllable.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Rafe followed that assurance with a wink.

“What is that, Mr. Audley?”

“I was just saying to the lady I couldn’t dream of a more splendid ale,” he expertly substituted, and the already tall innkeeper grew several inches under that praise. Bustling off, Mr. Ward went to refill the tankards of the table of nearby patrons.

“You’re not horrified.”

Her tankard still in her hands, Edwina dropped her elbows on the table and leaned across the small, cylindrical surface. “That was your intention and plan.”

Rafe’s cheeks went warm. 

Edwina’s eyes rounded. “Why…why…you are blushing, Mr. Audley.”

“That is p-preposterous,” he sputtered. “I would never do anything like… Like…”

“Blush?” she winged up an eyebrow and edged forward another fraction so that their elbows touched. “You needn’t worry,” she whispered. “Your secret is safe with me. The men and women who work for you will never learn about your blushing.”

And that brief good humor, ended with that reminder; the reminder of his brother’s new role. And their father’s determination to control Rafe’s life.

From ALONG CAME A LADY published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Christi Caldwell.

ARC Review The Heart Principle

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The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction

Series: The Kiss Quotient #3

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: August 31, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

A woman struggling with burnout learns to embrace the unexpected—and the man she enlists to help her—in this heartfelt new romance by USA Today bestselling author Helen Hoang.

When violinist Anna Sun accidentally achieves career success with a viral YouTube video, she finds herself incapacitated and burned out from her attempts to replicate that moment. And when her longtime boyfriend announces he wants an open relationship before making a final commitment, a hurt and angry Anna decides that if he wants an open relationship, then she does, too. Translation: She’s going to embark on a string of one-night stands. The more unacceptable the men, the better.

That’s where tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan Diep comes in. Their first attempt at a one-night stand fails, as does their second, and their third, because being with Quan is more than sex—he accepts Anna on an unconditional level that she has just started to understand herself. However, when tragedy strikes Anna’s family she takes on a role that she is ill-suited for, until the burden of expectations threatens to destroy her. Anna and Quan have to fight for their chance at love, but to do that, they also have to fight for themselves.

REVIEW

Violinist Anna Sun is a YouTube sensation. Not only does she have a viral video of herself playing the violin, but she also has a great boyfriend. On the surface it looks as though her life is idyllic. But Anna is struggling. Struggling with her violin practice, struggling to always appease her older sister and her parents and now she’s also struggling with her relationship. When her boyfriend suggests they have an open relationship, Anna is hurt. But if he can see other people then she can too. Anna turns to the most recent dating app to help her with her predicament.

Quan hasn’t dated or been with anyone in some time. After a recent health scare, Quan doesn’t feel completely like himself. When his cousin Michael suggests Quan date or even casually see someone, Quan decides to try his luck with dating apps. Soon Anna and Quan are chatting via the dating app. And what starts as a one night stand suddenly turns into more. Will these two be able to see themselves in a long term relationship? 

I enjoyed the relationship between Anna and Quan. There’s was an unconventional love story. From their chats to their first meeting, I loved how patient they were with one another. Both Anna and Quan are at a point in their lives, where they are trying to figure out who they are. Their respective worlds have recently been turned upside down and they feel as though they have a common link and person who grounds them. I liked that they both go through this process together even though they started as strangers

After reading both The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, I couldn’t wait to get to Quan’s story! He is definitely one of my favorite characters in the series. Be forewarned though that The Heart Principle isn’t a light read. Although there were definitely moments that had me laughing (Quan + Michael + Khai are the best!), there were definitely a lot of heavier topics discussed. There is definitely something to be said about an author that can make me feel so much. There were moments where I was so angry on behalf of the characters and also moments that had my heart hurting. 

While I did enjoy The Heart Principle, I do feel like I wanted more of Anna and Quan together. I completely understand that Anna is fighting her own battles and so is Quan, but I really loved their scenes together and wanted more of them. 

I appreciate Helen’s representation of autism. As with The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, I feel as though I am more knowledgeable about the spectrum. Helen’s note at the end of the book was touching and definitely gives us more of an insight to Anna’s character and Helen’s feelings while she was writing this deeply emotional book.

ARC Review & Excerpt of The Viscount Made Me Do It

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The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Clandestine Affairs #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

Release Date: July 27, 2021

Publisher: Avon

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Diana Quincy returns with the second novel in the Clandestine Affairs series with a steamy romance about a London bonesetter of Arab descent who is dangerously attracted to her viscount client.

A seduction that could ruin everything…

Hanna Zaydan has fought to become London’s finest bonesetter, but her darkly appealing new patient threatens to destroy everything she’s worked so hard for. With each appointment, the daughter of foreign merchants is slowly seduced by the mysterious former soldier. She’s smart enough to know Griff is after more than he’ll reveal, but whatever it is, the bonesetter’s growing desire for the man just might tempt her to give it to him.

An attraction that cannot be denied…

Rumors that he killed his own parents have followed Thomas Ellis, Viscount Griffin, practically since he was a boy. More than a decade after the tragedy, Griff receives a tip about his parents’ killer… one that takes him straight to a beautiful bonesetter. Griff is convinced Hanna is a fraud, but she stirs genuine feelings in him that he thought had perished along with his family.

Hanna has a gift for fixing fractured people, but can she also mend a broken heart? More importantly, will Griff let her?

REVIEW

Hanna Zaydan has a profession that most do not value – bonesetter. She learned from the best – her father – and would like the profession to get the recognition that it deserves. But physicians and those that do not believe in bonesetters are making it harder for Hanna.

Viscount Griffin absolutely does not believe in Hanna’s art the first time they meet. But when she heals the wounds he has been suffering through for years, he can deny it no longer. Not only is Hanna an amazing bonesetter, but Griff has started to fall for her. Only nothing can ever be so easy – Griff believes that Hanna may know information about the death of his parents. Can Hanna trust Griff and will Griff allow her to help him find out more about his past?

The Viscount Made Me Do It started off really strong for me. I love how fierce and independent Hanna is. Not only is she a woman, but she is also an Arab woman doing a job that threatens so my physicians. People are so rude to her and she takes it all in stride. I loved her relationship with her community and how it really showcased not only how strong she was, but also how sweet and caring she was.

The subplot about the mystery/death of Griffin’s parents didn’t really hold that much interest for me. And I could spot the “villain” immediately. I also wanted to feel more of an attraction between Griff and Hanna. While I did enjoy the scenes that they shared, their chemistry felt a bit lacking for me.

While this was my first book by Diana Quincy, I am interested in reading her backlist and the first book in the Clandestine Affairs series!

EXCERPT

“You are the only woman I can see.”

Her face softened. “You shouldn’t say such things.”

“And I am not dallying with you. For you to even suggest it is an insult to us both.” He barely contained the anger in his voice. How dare she believe that of him? Of herself. “You are not a woman a man trifles with. You are the kind of woman a man never wants to leave.” 

She stared at him. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Why?” He stepped closer, his pulse bounding strong and hard at the base of his neck.

“Because there can be nothing real between us.”

“This feels very real to me.”

“I am a laboring girl. A bonesetter. The daughter of foreign merchants. You are a viscount born into privilege. We could not be further apart. Oh!” 

He swept her into his arms before she could finish her sentence. “What are you doing?” she asked breathlessly.

“Unless you tell me to stop, I am going to kiss you.”

ARC Review The Dating Playbook

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The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction

Series: The Boyfriend Project #2

Heat Level: 🔥

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Publisher: Forever

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

When a personal trainer agrees to fake date her client, all rules are out the window in this delightful romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Boyfriend Project!

When it comes to personal training, Taylor Powell kicks serious butt. Unfortunately, her bills are piling up, rent is due, and the money situation is dire. Taylor needs more than the support of her new best friends, Samiah and London. She needs a miracle.

And Jamar Dixon might just be it. The oh-so-fine former footballer wants back into the NFL, and he wants Taylor to train him. There’s just one catch — no one can know what they’re doing. But when they’re accidentally outed as a couple, Taylor’s game plan is turned completely upside down. Is Jamar just playing to win . . . or is he playing for keeps?

REVIEW

Taylor Powell is a force to be reckoned with. She’s fierce, independent and strong – she does run her own personal training program Talyor’d Conditioning. Problem is, bills are piling up and Taylor isn’t getting as many clients as she needs. When a famous pro football player – Jamar Dixon- ends up taking her class he loves her enthusiasm and drive and wants to hire her.

Taylor is weary of men. Especially after the disaster where she ended up meeting her best friends (they were all dating a serial dater at the same time). She doesn’t trust Jamar, but he sounds too good to be true. So at the urging of her friends, Taylor takes on the job of getting Jamar back into shape enough so he can try out to play pro football again. Only problem – Jamar doesn’t want it known that Taylor is training him and Taylor has no problem keeping it that way. Except they’re accidentally outed as a couple and both go along with the ruse.

What starts off as a fake relationship for the reporters slowly starts turning real, will Jamar and Taylor be able to keep their relationship strictly platonic and a few stolen glances and kisses just for the camera?

Okay first of all, I LOVED the banter between Jamar and Taylor in The Dating Playbook. I was constantly cackling out loud at how funny these two were with one another. Their banter and relationship always felt easy – right from the beginning. Taylor had so many rules for their fake relationship and I loved watching the lines blur between what was real and what was fake.

The relationship between Taylor, Samiah and London that I loved so much in The Boyfriend Project was back again with The Dating Playbook! The girl bonds between these three was so lovely. I love that their relationship was still strong in the second book of this series.

The Dating Playbook was a sweet fake dating romance interwoven with the lovely bonds of friendship. I am looking forward to London’s story next!

ARC Review The Devil and the Heiress

~ Tej ~ 4 Comments

The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses #2

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Publisher: Berkley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS

Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience.

No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author–if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn’t insist on coming with her.

Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her–by his side, near his heart, in his bed.

Though Christian’s burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It’s going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter’s love is true….

REVIEW

Violet Crenshaw has aspirations of becoming an author. She feels like she has so much life yet to live, but an heiress who is in her 20’s is prime for the marriage market and Violet’s parents are looking for potential suitors. Violet is crushed and decides to take her chances and run away.

Christian Halston, Lord of Leigh has his own ambitions. He wishes to marry into a wealthy family and has his eye on Violet. Whenever the two of them are together sparks fly. Christian decides to help Violet escape and convince her to marry him on their road trip together.

I really enjoyed The Devil and the Heiress. Violet and Christian had amazing chemistry together and I enjoyed their banter. Harper St. George knows how to write steamy scenes and the sparks between Violet and Christian were smoking! The forced proximity component really added to their romance. While I’m not always a fan of insta-love, it really worked for me in this case.

I’m hoping that there’s a third book with the last Crenshaw sibling – Max!