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Hello, all!
Hot Earl Summer- Erica Ridley: There's nothing Elizabeth Wynchester loves more than meting out justice via a bit of bloodshed. The Wynchester's have garnered a reputation for helping those in need, and Elizabeth is ready to use her swords on the dastardly Earl of Densmore to return his castle to its rightful owner. But when she arrives at the castle, she's met with impressive booby traps and an even more impressive caretaker. Stephen Lenox thought he only needed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, but it's been weeks with no word save for the mounting death threats from his ridiculous neighbor. Stephen used his skills as an inventor to secure the castle, but he wasn't counting on Elizabeth, or her battle-axes, breaking through his defenses.
I had so much fun reading this. I've only read a few other books within this series, but this is easily my favorite. Ridley's writing was a lot more playful and humorous than I remember. It reminded me of India Holton in a way. I loved both our main characters. Elizabeth was so spunky and violent, but endearingly, and Stephen was charmingly awkward. Their banter and chemistry had me swooning. I loved how they accepted each other's quirks with no hesitation, and they were each clear in communicating what they needed for the relationship to work. The plot turned out to be a bit wacky, but it was so entertaining. If you want a delightfully silly but sweet historical rom-com, I recommend checking it out.
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| Pub Date: 8-6-24 Adult - Historical Romance |
Hot Earl Summer- Erica Ridley: There's nothing Elizabeth Wynchester loves more than meting out justice via a bit of bloodshed. The Wynchester's have garnered a reputation for helping those in need, and Elizabeth is ready to use her swords on the dastardly Earl of Densmore to return his castle to its rightful owner. But when she arrives at the castle, she's met with impressive booby traps and an even more impressive caretaker. Stephen Lenox thought he only needed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, but it's been weeks with no word save for the mounting death threats from his ridiculous neighbor. Stephen used his skills as an inventor to secure the castle, but he wasn't counting on Elizabeth, or her battle-axes, breaking through his defenses.
I had so much fun reading this. I've only read a few other books within this series, but this is easily my favorite. Ridley's writing was a lot more playful and humorous than I remember. It reminded me of India Holton in a way. I loved both our main characters. Elizabeth was so spunky and violent, but endearingly, and Stephen was charmingly awkward. Their banter and chemistry had me swooning. I loved how they accepted each other's quirks with no hesitation, and they were each clear in communicating what they needed for the relationship to work. The plot turned out to be a bit wacky, but it was so entertaining. If you want a delightfully silly but sweet historical rom-com, I recommend checking it out.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 8-13-21 Adult - Contemporary |
A Photo Finish- Elsie Silver: Violet Eaton left her small town hoping to strike out on her own. Growing up with an overprotective father and older brothers meant that Violet was treated with kid gloves, but she was determined to shake the naive facade placed on her. So, Violet does the one thing that scares her the most: she posts an anonymous naughty picture online. Violet expected her picture would bring some creepy messages, but one stuck out because it seemed genuine. One message led to another, and Violet and her mystery man struck up a friendship, only for her to ghost him months later. Imagine Violet's surprise when her pen pal turns out to be her new boss's brother. Cole Harding has a reputation for being an asshole, but it's the armor he dons to protect all the trauma he's been through. When he crosses paths with Violet, the one woman who managed to break his defenses, he vows not to screw up his chances again. The chemistry between the pair is undeniable, but Violet's gotten burned by Cole once; can she trust him not to hurt her again?
I loved the Eaton boys in the Chestnut Springs series, so I looked forward to reading their sister's story. I found Violet to be inquisitive and charming, with just the right amount of stubbornness. She had this can-do attitude and a positive outlook that I admired. The relationship between her and Cole started a bit fraught since they have this slightly awkward internet history, so I was interested to see how everything would work out. Cole had so much emotional baggage to work through, and I loved how Violet never gave up on him. They were both vulnerable in their ways, and it was sweet watching them navigate their respective journeys. The chemistry between them was also off the charts. I thought the plot dragged a bit, but it was still a quick read, and I enjoyed it.
I loved the Eaton boys in the Chestnut Springs series, so I looked forward to reading their sister's story. I found Violet to be inquisitive and charming, with just the right amount of stubbornness. She had this can-do attitude and a positive outlook that I admired. The relationship between her and Cole started a bit fraught since they have this slightly awkward internet history, so I was interested to see how everything would work out. Cole had so much emotional baggage to work through, and I loved how Violet never gave up on him. They were both vulnerable in their ways, and it was sweet watching them navigate their respective journeys. The chemistry between them was also off the charts. I thought the plot dragged a bit, but it was still a quick read, and I enjoyed it.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 5-23-24 YA - Fantasy |
The Temptation of Magic- Megan Scott: When Nicole Palmer's mother was murdered, she left behind a cryptic message to stay away from the Wake-- the agency that governs all supernatural beings. Nicole and her remaining family have been in hiding ever since. As an Empyreal, Nicole can hunt and kill dangerous beings but has been tamping her powers down because she'd get taken from her family and recruited by the Wake if discovered. Nicole is allowed to study artwork that she believes holds clues to the information her mother gathered against the Wake, but when a dangerous creature stalks her small town, Nicole finds herself working with the enemy to take it down. Kyan McCarter is the best hunter in the Wake's ranks and is sent to recover a painting and eliminate the threat. As Kyan and Nicole begin working together, Nicole must try to hide her powers from Kyan, who is oathbound to bring any undocumented Empyreal in, while fighting their growing attraction. The more they investigate, the more the pair discover secrets regarding the Wake that have them questioning everything they know.
I saw this compared to Serpent and Dove and A Discovery of Witches, so I was immediately intrigued. There were certain aspects about this that I enjoyed. The first is the setting. I loved the small village and the academic element. I liked how much the focus was on art history. It helped the story stand out from other books with the same premise/tropes. It was interesting watching Nicole research these pieces and see how they all tie into the mystery of her mother. The relationship between her and Kyan felt very stereotypical to this genre, but it's a dynamic that always hits, so I wasn't that mad about it. The world-building was okay, and I liked getting tidbits about all the different supernatural beings. The plot was a bit dense, and I liked the first half better than the second. I'm unsure if I'll continue the series, but it was still a decent read.
I saw this compared to Serpent and Dove and A Discovery of Witches, so I was immediately intrigued. There were certain aspects about this that I enjoyed. The first is the setting. I loved the small village and the academic element. I liked how much the focus was on art history. It helped the story stand out from other books with the same premise/tropes. It was interesting watching Nicole research these pieces and see how they all tie into the mystery of her mother. The relationship between her and Kyan felt very stereotypical to this genre, but it's a dynamic that always hits, so I wasn't that mad about it. The world-building was okay, and I liked getting tidbits about all the different supernatural beings. The plot was a bit dense, and I liked the first half better than the second. I'm unsure if I'll continue the series, but it was still a decent read.
Rating: 3/5
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