A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice by Manda Collins book review

Wealthy Lucy Penhallow prefers to avoid the dance floor and the flattery of fortune hunters. Instead, she finds herself entwined in a mystery when she witnesses a crime alongside Viscount Gilford, her best friend’s brother. As they seek Vera Blackwoood, a missing American heiress,  their initial alliance transforms into a budding romance, complicated by societal expectations and the threat of a killer lurking in the shadows. Viscount Gilford faces financial ruin and needs an heiress to secure his future, making Lucy—who is off-limits—an unexpected target of his affections. The narrative balances humor, suspense, and romance, ultimately leading to a satisfying conclusion where love triumphs amidst chaos. 

Readers will be drawn to A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice for its engaging blend of historical romance, mystery, and witty dialogue. The chemistry between Lucy and Viscount Gilford is palpable, offering a delightful enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Collins excels at crafting strong, relatable female characters, making Lucy’s journey both empowering and entertaining. With unexpected twists and a lighthearted tone, the novel provides a perfect escape into a world where love conquers all, ensuring readers are left eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. The charming backdrop of the 1800s, combined with a thrilling plot, also celebrates female friendships and resilience. The book focuses more on romantic tension and emotional connection rather than explicit scenes.  It's a great weekend read if you are looking for a historical romance.  I also love supporting librarians turned authors!

The Scandal of the Season by Michelle Kenney book review

The Scandal of the Season by Michelle Kenney is a Regency romance that follows Sophie Fairfax, a determined young woman who aspires to marry for love rather than status. Sophie enters a wager with Lord Rotherby, a notorious rake who has no intentions of marriage. This bet sets off a series of unexpected events as Sophie navigates societal expectations and her growing feelings for Lord Rotherby. The story is filled with witty banter, emotional turmoil, and surprising twists, including the arrival of Aurelia, who complicates matters further. The narrative unfolds primarily from Sophie’s perspective, with glimpses into Lord Rotherby’s thoughts, revealing his secret affair with a married woman and his personal code regarding relationships. As Sophie attempts to salvage her reputation amid scandal and misunderstandings, the backdrop shifts to France, adding a French flair to the story. Readers will enjoy the humor, charm, and the ultimate question of whether Sophie can find love amidst the chaos. 

Readers will enjoy the characters and the delightful tension between Sophie and Lord Rotherby. The witty dialogue and humorous situations create a lighthearted atmosphere, making it a fun read. The evolving relationship between the main characters offers a classic enemies-to-lovers trope that many readers adore. The addition of quirky side characters, like the spirited Lu-Lu and the scheming Aurelia, adds depth and intrigue to the plot. Set against the lush backdrop of Regency society, readers will relish the vivid descriptions and period details. This is a slow burn, closed door romance.  While the focus is on Sophie and Rotherby, it's more about the chase and the unwinding of the complications that make this a fun read. There is an unexpected twist at the end that was fun.  A perfect choice for historical fiction fans that are not into the more explicit historical romance.  I enjoyed it!

This book releases May 23, 2025!  Thank you to HarperCollinsUK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for a Advance Reader Copy.

Goode's Guide to Misconduct #3: The Lady Makes Her Mark by Susanna Craig book review

In a vibrant world of satire and romance, Constantia Cooper, known as "Miss C.," is a talented cartoonist for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, using her wit to critique society. However, her anonymity is crucial as she's drawn the ire of many powerful figures, including Alistair Haythorne, the Earl of Ryland, who often finds himself the subject of her biting humor. When a scandal at the magazine puts her in danger, Constantia flees, only to be struck by a carriage right outside Alistair's home. Rescued by the very man she has lampooned, she pretends to have amnesia to evade her pursuers. Alistair, burdened by the financial strain of his crumbling estate and the pressure to marry a wealthy heiress, takes Constantia in under the guise of needing her to teach his sisters art. As they spend time together, their assumptions about one another begin to shift, revealing unexpected layers of personality and vulnerability. Amid their developing romance, threats against Constantia's life loom, complicating their budding relationship. With humor, tension, and the allure of secrets, this novel explores how love can thrive even in the face of danger and societal expectations. 

Romance readers will love the delightful chemistry between Constantia and Alistair, two characters with engaging secrets and sharp wit. The slow-burn romance is filled with tension and misunderstandings, making for a captivating read as their relationship evolves. The addition of Alistair's sisters adds a playful dynamic, enhancing the narrative with humorous moments and heartfelt connections. The book's setting in a historical era infuses a sense of adventure and intrigue, while Constantia's cleverness as a cartoonist provides a refreshing twist on traditional romantic tropes. Readers will be surprised by the fun plot twist, as well as the satisfying fairy-tale ending that leaves you craving more stories from this charming world. All in all, a fun read that is easy to get lost in.  I've read and reviewed some of this authors other books and this one is just as enjoyable. This particular series has been a lot of fun.  Here is the review for book #2.   Book #3 is out May 27, 2025.  Thanks for Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Mountain Men Matchmaker #1: Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws book review

 In "Nine Month Contract" by Amy Daws, Wyatt, a grumpy mountain man, finds himself in need of a surrogate and turns to an unconventional wanted ad, thanks to his meddling brothers. Enter Trista, a spirited woman with dreams of opening an animal rescue facility. Their initial arrangement is purely business, but as their chemistry ignites during an awkward home insemination attempt, Wyatt realizes he wants more than just a surrogate—he wants Trista to be his partner. The story explores their journey through family dynamics, self-discovery, and the challenges of becoming parents together. With a blend of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments, the book captures the essence of opposites attracting in a small-town setting. 

 This book has a charming blend of grumpy sunshine dynamics and quirky family interactions. Wyatt's rugged persona, coupled with Trista's vibrant spirit, creates a compelling push-and-pull that will keep readers invested in their relationship. The warm and humorous family dynamics add depth, making the story relatable and engaging.  Wyatt's niece, Everly, really added a lot to the story as a secondary character. There are themes of body positivity and the exploration of personal insecurities, offering a refreshing take in contemporary romance. With its unique premise of surrogacy intertwined with romance, this book offers a delightful escape for fans of small-town love stories.  This was my first book that I read by Amy Daws and I loved it!  It was quite spicy, exploring the edges of various kinks.  A lot of the reviews went pretty hard at legal and ethical issues of surrogacy, but I think if you suspend reality and just go along with the fictional ride --it did not seem too problematic for me.  It might have started out as a business transaction, but ended in love (a lot like a lot of historical romances).  I thought this book was super hot and spicy.   I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Secret Society of Governess Spies #2: Never Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay Lovise book review

"Never Gamble Your Heart" is the second installment in the "Secret Society of Governess Spies" series, set in 1838 England. The story follows Francis (Frankie) Turner, a math genius who becomes the governess for Jasper Jones' fifteen-year-old niece, Cecelia. When Frankie's impulsive younger sister goes missing, she infiltrates Jasper's gambling den to uncover a disturbing pattern: wealthy young women are being married off to impoverished men, often against their will, due to societal pressures. As Frankie navigates the challenges of her new role and Jasper's intriguing but complicated personality, she teaches Cecelia how to count cards and uncovers the truth behind the sinister dowry schemes. With an engaging mix of romance and mystery, Frankie and Jasper's relationship evolves amidst schemes and tension, leading them both to unexpected realizations about love and trust. 

I love the spy/mystery/secrets in this series! The chemistry between Frankie and Jasper is hot, marked by witty banter and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged. Frankie’s brilliance in mathematics adds a unique twist to the traditional governess trope, while Cecelia’s spirited nature provides comic relief and charm. The interplay of danger and intrigue surrounding the dowry scheme creates high stakes that enhance the romantic tension. With clever plotting and relatable themes of self-discovery and empowerment, this novel offers an entertaining escape into a world of love, mystery, and the fight against societal norms.  I really enjoyed this story and I really love the beautiful cover.  I found myself rooting for Frankie and Jasper to fall in love and be successful, despite what life had thrown at them.  There was some redemption going on in here that added a surprising twist.  All in all, I highly recommend this book.

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean book review

In "These Summer Storms," Sarah MacLean ventures into contemporary fiction, delivering a gripping tale of family, loss, and inheritance. Alice Storm, estranged from her wealthy family, returns to their Rhode Island island estate after the death of her father, Franklin Storm, a tech mogul with a narcissistic streak. The siblings, who haven't seen each other in years, are summoned for a bizarre inheritance challenge orchestrated by their late father. Each must navigate personal conflicts and family dynamics while completing tasks that reveal deep-seated issues and secrets. Among them is Jack Dean, Franklin's brooding right-hand man, whose chemistry with Alice adds a romantic twist to the story. As Alice grapples with her family's legacy and her own identity, she discovers what truly matters beyond wealth and status. The narrative is rich with character development, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, making it an engaging read that explores the complexities of family relationships. 

Romance readers will be drawn to "These Summer Storms" for its compelling romantic tension between Alice and Jack. Their chemistry is palpable, igniting sparks that keep readers invested in their evolving relationship. While the novel centers on family dynamics, MacLean skillfully weaves in moments of intimacy and longing, offering a satisfying balance of drama and romance. There is so much drama in this book!!!  Wow. I really enjoyed the New England beach/island setting.  The emotional stakes elevate the connection between the protagonists, making readers root for their love amidst the chaos of family secrets (so many secrets) and challenges. The witty banter and steamy encounters provide an enjoyable escape, ensuring that even those who are primarily fans of romance will find a lot to love in this captivating contemporary fiction debut.

Thank you to Random House - Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book

Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case by Violet Marsh book review

In Our Dear Miss H. is on the Case by Violet Marsh, we follow Georgina Harrington, an intelligent and determined archaeologist who struggles to gain recognition in a male-dominated field during this historical time period. Forced to present her findings under her cousin Percy's name, Georgina is thrust into turmoil when Percy mysteriously disappears with her latest discovery. Concerned for his safety, she enlists the help of Alexander Lovett, Percy's charming yet infuriating best friend. As they embark on a quest to find Percy, they navigate societal pressures, battle personal demons, and confront the expectations placed upon them by their families. Set against the backdrop of the 1750s, the story blends romance, humor, and intrigue, as Georgina and Alexander discover their undeniable chemistry while dealing with the complexities of their lives and the threat looming over the monarchy. 

I loved the funny parts of this book!  The roster/chicken fad of the ton is hilarious.  Georgina and Alexander's chemistry is palpable as they navigate their own insecurities and family pressures, making their relationship feel genuine and relatable. The witty banter and engaging dialogue add depth to their interactions, inviting readers to root for their romance. Furthermore, the historical setting offers a fresh perspective on gender roles and societal expectations, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. With a mix of endearing characters, unexpected twists, and a charming subplot involving a supportive found family, this book promises to satisfy any reader's craving for a captivating romantic adventure.  I really enjoyed the tight knit group of supportive friends. I think the author portrayed how a disability might have been perceived at the time (interesting to think about). The cover was a good reflection of parts of the story.  This book is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone.  It's got some spicy scenes, but I think the mystery is the major point.  There is some violence and fighting that will get your adrenaline pumping.  I really liked it and it's a perfect weekend read when you are in the mood for a good historical romance.