Scotsman in the Stacks by Alana Oxford book review

As a librarian in Michigan, I loved this book! I thought it was so much fun to recognize some cities, parks and locations in Michigan. I more than understand trying to find a full time job as a librarian. As a reader, I totally felt for Paige. She had just gotten out of a long term relationship with someone who did not want to commit, as she is watching her friend enjoying her marriage and her upcoming baby. I was really rooting for her. James is from Glasgow, Scotland for a 8 week artist in residence opportunity. They both have some things to work out in their lives and I loved the time they spent getting to know each other. Turns out that James is a reader…how can you NOT love him??? This is a sweet, contemporary, slow burn romance. The conflict is not over the top and it makes for a perfect weekend getaway read. Especially if you are road tripping through Michigan. I’m also really loving the cover. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it when you are in the mood for a charming, funny and romantic read.

Heartbreaker: Hell's Belles Book #2 by Sarah MacLean book review

Sexy fun times with the second Hell’s Belles book called Heartbreaker. The book starts off with a lot of action when a forced wedding turns into a turf war between the seedier elements of London. Adelaide escapes from her wedding and her life of being a professional pickpocket for her dad. She joins a group of female vigilantes, Hells Belles and is known to be a matchbreaker in London society. As she is protecting her next victim, she finds herself entangled with the Duke of Clayborn as they are both trying to prevent an elopement for different reasons. 

The sexual tension is immediate, but they have a job to focus on in forced proximity to each other. (ohhhhhhh) Of course, there is only one room at the Inn and they are still competing with each other in some way. Their banter is hilarious. Lots of competition between Adelaide and Clayborn. That competition eventually leads to some steamy scenes that you might have to reread a few times ;) They both have a lot of secrets to reveal, which keeps the story exciting and interesting. Readers will fall in love with all of the other female characters and the men who love them. I think this series will leave a lot of book boyfriends to choose from. I also love MacLean’s stories because they all have such strong female characters who are unconventional. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down.

I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley.

A Duke for Diana by Sabrina Jeffries book review

A Duke for Diana is the first book in the Designing Debutantes series by Sabrina Jeffries. I’m definitely a fan of all her work, so this new series did not disappoint. Our main characters include Geoffrey Brookhouse, who is a civil engineer that inherited a dukedom he did not expect in any way. The other main character is Lady Diana Harper, who with her two sisters, started a business named Elegant Occasions in order to support themselves after they were shunned by society for their parents' scandalous behavior. I love that this series explores lives that were not perfect. The were not part of society anymore, yet, everyone knew who they were and used their services because they were really good at planning events. Geoffrey knew he needed help planning a debut for his sister because they were outsiders suddenly thrust into the middle of society. Things had to go perfectly for his sister Rosalie. Geoffrey was determined to get a good match for her. 

The fun starts when Diana insists that Geoffrey learn the rules and behaviors of his new position in society. As a civil engineer with a logical mind, he does not have any experience with the ton of London. They have to spend a lot of time with each other and feelings start to interfere with the job. There are some unexpected twists and turns that lead to adventure, some mystery and definitely a lot of heat. I loved the details of chalking the floors for a ball, that was new historical information for me. I love the relationship the sisters had between them and the friendships that were going on with some of the other characters. The title implies the happily ever after for Geoffrey and Diana. Two unconventional characters who found each other in a fast-paced, fun, sexy story. I highly recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction. It’s a great start to a new series.

Bayou Sweetheart by Lexi Blake book review

I’m a big fan of Lexi Blake books and I am a really big fan of this series. I’ve grown to love the small town of Papillon, Louisiana and all the people who live there. I enjoy seeing previous main characters show up in all the books. It’s nice to see how they are doing. I read this book a couple of times before I wrote the review because I just loved it so much. This is the fifth book in this series and it focuses on Deputy Major Blanchard, who is preoccupied with medical issues with his dad; and Brynn Pearson. Brynn was a child actress and now wants to be taken more seriously as a lead actress in a major film. She arrives in Papillon to begin her research and get to know the town they will be filming in. 

When Major and Brynn run into each other, the chemistry sparks right away. They do take it sort of slow because of all the complications going on in their lives, but they can’t deny their attraction to each other. I love that both the characters need to figure out things in their lives. Their characters grow and develop throughout the story. I think that they both find peace with each other and that is the most swoony part for me. *sigh* The town is fun, the characters are funny and lovable and there are quite a few laugh out loud spots throughout the story. This book is such a great choice for when you are in the mood for a sexy contemporary romance. You have got to put this series on your list if you have not started it already. So good!

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert book review

Long story to get to this book review… It all started with a trip to Greece this Spring Break with some young people. While my knowledge of Greek mythology sort of existed…I can’t say I was an expert. We visited all these super cool ancient sites: Temple of Posiden, Delphi, Temple of Athena Nike, Acropolis, Parthenon, Corinth, Knossos, Mycenae, Olympia and Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus (these were my favorites) - I realized that the kids knew a lot more than I did about Greek Mythology. They had all read the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson series for all of their in depth knowledge about the ancient Greeks. So, when I got back from Greece, I binged all the Percy Jackson books. They were soooooooo good. I literally could not stop. They are definitely middle grade YA fiction books, and a little outside of my normal pleasure reading. When I finished those, I wanted to keep going with the Greek Mythology but I wanted more “spice.” 

Whoooooboy! Does this series deliver. I had seen Neon Gods on the display at Target and I just knew from all of my blogs and lists that it was a popular romance. I downloaded Wicked Beauty from NetGalley and THEN realized it was the 3rd book in the series. Obviously, I had to read the first 2 books before I read Wicked Beauty. (I really have to read series books in order. I feel like I miss a lot if I don’t.) It took me 3 days to read the 3 Dark Olympus books and I LOVED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM!!! SO GOOD! I’m guessing if you are thinking about reading Wicked Beauty, you have read the first two. If not, go read Neon Gods and Electric Idol. Trust me. This third book has the previous couples appearing and this one focuses on Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus. Some F/M/M action. 

This is a modern retelling that takes place on the East Coast as that is where the cradle of modern civilization is now. Zeus decided that Helen is his to give away in marriage. They are definitely trying to make political alliances. The gossip is toxic and everything is for show. The powerful 13 are based on Greek Gods and there are lots of shifting alliances and dirty moves. It’s like NYC, LA and DC all rolled into one ball of toxic pseudo-reality. Helen has her own ideas for her future and enters the competition to fight for her own hand in marriage. That way, she can control some aspect of her life. If you are looking for that twist of Greek mythology in your romance stories, this is the book for you. It is definitely explicit and written for adults. Super hot! Enjoy.

Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey book review

Ok…I was totally drawn in by the beautiful cover, but I was a little hesitant that a Vicar was the main character. But I started and got into it and realized that it was a twin swap and Daniel really tried to balance his faith, loyalty to his brother and his attraction to Olivia. While there is some sexual activity, there is nothing explicit in this book. It gives off the gentle, light romance vibe. There are definitely a lot of obstacles standing in the way of a marriage that Olivia and Daniel have to overcome. Vicar’s did get married during this time period, so clearly they must have had some romantic interludes ;) This is the first book that I read by Liana LeFey and I really enjoyed the story and the writing style. When you are in the mood for a slow burn romance, put this book in your pile.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman book review

This book was published in Sept of 2021! Yikes to me for not getting out a review sooner. I am a big fan of historical fiction by Kate Bateman. This 1st book in a new series did not disappoint. The main characters are Madeline Montgomery and Gryffud Davis. 

Their families have not gotten along and they have both kind of moved on with their lives at the point that the book starts. Maddie stayed at her family’s home, while Gryff went off to war and then enjoyed the pleasure of London. Scandal forces him to come back home to Wales and he runs into Maddie. The family feud has made them childhood enemies, but now that they have reunited…. I think readers will love the sexy dialogue. 

They are fun, bold and adventurous. The historical details are always intriguing and well written. I can’t wait to move on to the next books.

The Rake Gets Ravished by Sophie Jordan book review

I was really excited to read this book. I love all of Sophie Jordan’s historical romances. The Rake Gets Ravished is a pretty catchy title, given that it is usually the other way around. Particularly exciting is that you do not have to wait long for a sizzling sex scene. It totally happens in the beginning as Mercy Kittinger visits Silas’s gaming hell to retrieve the voucher that lost the family farm her brother gambled away. Without the farm, Mercy would not have a place to live and it was just a long line of trouble that her brother brought upon her, when all she was doing was trying to survive. Mercy was looking for the voucher in Silas’ private room and she was about to get caught. She pretended that she was waiting for Silas and offered herself to him. She did steal the voucher back and burned it when she got home. Silas realized her deception and went looking for her. It just keeps getting better and better. 

I laughed out loud quite a few times at some of the dialogue between Mercy and Silas. The development of their relationship was just so fun to read. Some parts are frustrating, some parts are sad, but they all lead to a happy ending. The chemistry is hot, Silas is swoony and Mercy has quite a modern look on sexual relationships. That was an unexpected surprise for the time period of this book. It’s a fast paced story. Perfect for a beach or weekend read. Oh, and the cover is HOT. I loved it and am looking forward to the next one.

Immortal Rising by Lynsay Sands book review

Full disclosure here - I have read and loved all 34 books in The Argeneau Series by Lynsay Sands. I have loved them all!!! This book was a bit different because Thorne, one of the main characters, was created as a science experiment. He is not quite immortal, yet not mortal either. Stephanie McGill was in a previous book as a kidnapping victim and turned against her will. Her abilities are different from the rest of the immortals that she knows. She’s been leading a lonely life. This kind of makes them the perfect couple because they both seek solitude and want to be away from mortals. True to the series, Stephanie and Thorne have sexual attraction that is off the charts, they have all the immortal benefits. There is an element of suspense because they are both in danger of who they are. Stephanie is being hunted by Dressler, the scientist that created Thorne. The Argeneau family comes out in full force to help and protect them. 

This story fits in perfectly with the world that they author has created. It’s exciting, suspenseful, fun and super romantic. It’s one of the paranormal romances that I am really into. I love how their story is told and the fact that some secondary characters that I had forgotten about, got their own story. If you are already a reader of this series, get this book! If you are new to this series, start reading. You will be hooked and this can be your next binge.

The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh book review

The title and the cover totally sucked me into reading this book. I mean, “The Good Girls Guide to Rakes” is just such a fun title. This is Eva Leigh’s new series called Last Chance Scoundrels. Our first couple is Kieran and Celeste. Kieran and his brother Finn convinced Dom to leave their sister at the altar. Of course, scandal ensues and now Kieran needs to find a respectable bride or be financially cut off. Kieran asks his best friend’s sister, Celeste Kilburn, to help him on this bride quest. Celeste agrees, but with some stipulations. She wants to explore the seedier side of London and experience gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. She can’t get caught, but she really wants to explore what is out there. Celeste always goes in disguise and as her and Kieran spend all that time together, some feelings develop. They both had some preconceived notions of each other, but as they got to know each other, the chemistry really started to heat up. I think what made me fall in love with Kieran was how devoted he was to helping Celeste find her independence. And how protective he became of her. I also think it’s super sexy that Kieran is a poet. I mean, hello…*fans self*. Celeste is also a very likable character. She sacrificed a lot for her family and is willing to settle for a business-like marriage arrangement. But she wants to do something for herself first. 

This book has great dialogue, fun characters, descriptive setting and of course, a happily ever after. I think if you are looking for a fun historical romance, this might be for you. It’s got a good balance of sexy steaminess, fun and intrigue. As a reader, you will definitely be rooting for the couple to hurry up and get together.