Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday book review

In Jenny Holiday's, "Manic Pixie Dream Earl," we follow three Regency-era Earls—Effie, Simon, and Archie—on their annual men-only holiday filled with laughter, friendship, adventure and unexpected twists. Effie, the flamboyant Viscount Featherfinch, is a poet who writes under a pseudonym. He has a correspondence with Julianna, the editor of the magazine that publishes his work.  Julianna assumed that Effie (Edward) is a woman. They have been writing letters and have become quite close. When Julianna decides to crash Effie's trip to Brighton, she discovers his true identity, leading to a surprising connection that transcends their initial friendship. As they navigate their feelings, both characters confront their pasts—Effie's struggles with a traumatic childhood and Julianna's issues with societal expectations. Their journey explores the complexities of love, friendship, and identity, culminating in a heartwarming tale of acceptance and growth. 

This book combines humor, emotional depth, and queer representation, appealing to romance readers seeking something unexpected and relatable. With a dual POV that allows insight into both Effie's and Julianna's thoughts, readers experience their evolving relationship in a nuanced way. The portrayal of diverse identities—Effie as demisexual and Julianna as bisexual—adds to the the narrative. Additionally, the strong themes of friendship and support among the Earls resonate deeply, highlighting the importance of chosen family. Readers will appreciate Holiday's clever twists on classic tropes, including mistaken identity and reverse age gaps, all set against a vibrant historical backdrop. I like how they break all sorts of conventions in class, swimming, staying in the same house and working.  There is definitely an HEA for the couple and their found family.  I was hoping for a bit more from the children side of things, but I guess that is what makes this book unique to the historical romance genre.  A fun read, a fun cover and definitely some entertaining characters.

Her Majesty's Rebels #3: Road Trip with a Rogue by Kate Bateman book review

"Road Trip With a Rogue" is the third book in Kate Bateman's "Her Majesty's Rebels" series. While it features returning characters and references past events, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Fans of the series will appreciate the familiar dynamics and development of beloved characters in this fun historical  romance. Daisy Hamilton, a duke's daughter and investigator for King & Co., is tasked with stopping heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. Her plans go awry when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, the Duke of Cranford and the man who broke her heart five years ago. Vaughan decides to go with Daisy on her journey through Scotland to track down the runaway couple. Daisy, determined to keep her past feelings for Lucien at bay, faces challenges that threaten her reputation, leading Lucien to make a scandalous claim to protect her. Their shared experiences reveal deep-seated emotions, and as danger lurks, they confront their feelings amidst witty banter and undeniable chemistry. This road trip leads them to unexpected revelations and a journey toward love, making it a compelling tale of second chances. 

This book is a delightful blend of humor, tension, spice and heartfelt moments. Daisy and Lucien’s dynamic is electric, filled with sharp banter and simmering chemistry that keeps readers on their toes. The setting of a road trip adds an adventurous flair, allowing for intimate encounters and character development against a backdrop of charming inns and unexpected situations. I love Daisy's personality.  She can handle her weapons and protect herself.  Bateman’s knack for crafting relatable, multi-dimensional characters makes Daisy and Lucien easy to root for, while the engaging plot ensures a fast-paced, enjoyable reading experience that leaves readers eager for more.  This was such a fun read!  This book should be added to your pre-release orders.  As a side note, the cover is beautiful and sexy.  It's a good representation of Daisy and Lucien.

This book will be out July 29, 2025.  Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC.

Bluestocking Booksellers #2: My Best Friend's Earl by Bethany Bennett book review

 Constance Martin, a bold bookseller, is determined to avoid a mundane life. When her aristocratic friend Althea seeks help to break her engagement to Oliver Vincent, the Earl of Southwyn, Constance sees an opportunity for excitement. Althea, bound by an agreement made by their fathers, wants nothing to do with marrying Oliver, who views the marriage as a business arrangement and a duty. As Constance and Althea devise humorous schemes to thwart the engagement, Constance finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Oliver, a man who embodies duty and logic. Despite her scatterbrained nature and tendency to make lists just to remember daily tasks, Constance's vivacity disrupts Oliver's orderly life, forcing him to confront his growing feelings for her. As their relationship deepens, both must navigate their differing views of love and commitment, leading to a delightful blend of humor, chaos, and heartwarming moments. 

This book is a delightful escape filled with humor, charm, and relatable characters. Readers will appreciate the dynamic between Constance and Oliver, whose contrasting personalities create a captivating tension. Constance’s vibrant spirit and Oliver’s honorable intentions make for a compelling romance, showcasing the beauty of opposites attracting. The list of ways to annoy Oliver is hilarious. The author weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery, appealing to readers who enjoy depth in romantic relationships. Fans of historical romance will find this book an enjoyable addition to their collection, promising both laughter and heartfelt moments.  I do think it helps to read the first book in the series as there is a larger cast of characters.  There are cousins and friends all associated with the book shop.  I would love to see a picture of the inspiration for the waist coats that Constance and Althea had made for Oliver to disrupt his ordered rotation of outfits for the week!!!  Those scenes were pretty amusing.  The spice level of "My Best Friend’s Earl" is mild to moderate. While the story contains romantic tension and chemistry between the characters, it primarily focuses on their emotional connection and comedic elements rather than explicit scenes.  Add this to your TBR pile!

Thanks to Forever publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.  Pub date is set for August 12, 2025.

Miss Prentice's Protegees #2: Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath book review

In Look Before You Leap, the second book in Miss Prentice's Protegees series, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, is reluctantly thrust into the spotlight as his thirtieth birthday approaches. After a humiliating romantic experience nearly a decade ago, he has retreated into a life of solitude and work. Despite his efforts to avoid society, his meddlesome mother orchestrates a house party filled with debutantes eager to win his affections. Enter Lottie Travers, a spirited lady’s companion with a penchant for adventure and independence. Struggling to fit into the constraints of polite society, Lottie’s wild nature contrasts sharply with Guy's brooding demeanor. As the two spar and navigate the chaos of the house party, an undeniable chemistry develops. However, Lottie's secrets and Guy's past fears of love create obstacles that they must confront together. This charming tale expertly balances humor and heart, leading to a satisfying slow-burn romance that challenges both characters to grow. 

Romance readers will love the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Lottie and Guy. Their witty banter keeps the narrative lively. Lottie's vibrant spirit and determination to support her family make her a relatable heroine, while Guy's vulnerability adds complexity to his character. The chaos of the house party serves as a perfect backdrop for romantic entanglements, providing ample opportunities for comedic moments and heartfelt revelations. I love that Lottie's family was included.  Her brothers seem great (and perhaps need their own story).  I like that the author made Lottie a very accomplished horsewoman.  Readers will start to see from the beginning of the book that Lottie's place is in horse training and  not being a companion.  Lottie is made for the outdoors.  A rare thing for women to aspire to in this time period.  Guy's love of horses is the perfect complement to round out this fun couple.  The twist at the ending was unexpected, so it was a bit of extra fun!  A great addition to your TBR pile.  Definitely recommended.

Publication date is June 25, 2025.  Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Blackwood Legacy#2: Secrets to Surrender by Grace Callaway book review

This story is a captivating enemies-to-lovers historical romance set in the quirky village of Chudleigh Bottoms. Lady Gigi Harrington, determined to save her village and prove her worth beyond being a pretty debutante, finds her efforts challenged by the arrogant industrialist Conrad Godwin. With a hidden agenda and a complicated past, Conrad is initially deterred by Gigi’s spirited nature. Their animosity soon evolves into a passionate romance filled with tension and chemistry, but dark vendettas threaten their budding love. As they navigate family challenges and village secrets, their relationship becomes both tumultuous and intensely sensual. Readers can expect steamy encounters and a storyline rich with intrigue, culminating in the exploration of an ancient prophecy that could change everything. 

 

Yes! Yes! Yes! to the amazing spicy scenes in this book!  I love that it is inspired by an erotic book that Conrad got a hold of as a young man.  It fuels his fantasies and makes him a creative lover (whew!). This book is such a fun blend of humor, chemistry, and character dynamics. Gigi and Conrad's witty banter and undeniable attraction create an engaging push-pull dynamic that keeps readers invested. The quirky village setting, intertwined with elements of mystery and a supernatural curse, adds depth and excitement.  It's the mystery that keeps the story going and you will not be able to put it down!  The novel promises scandalous heat, emotional moments, and an enchanting journey toward love, making it a must-read for fans of the historical romance genre. With its well-crafted plot twists and engaging side characters, this installment in the Blackwood Legacy series will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series.  The third book is teased at the end and I am here for it!  This book just came out today!  Get a copy.  You will not be able to put it down and be prepared to swoon.