‘With an authentic period feel of London.’ @SandraFirth3 reviews #HistoricalRomance Miss Wetherham’s Wedding by Linore Rose Burkard

Today’s team review is from Sandra. She blogs here https://www.firthproof.co.uk/index.php/book-reviews

Sandra has been reading Miss Wetherham’s Wedding by Linore Rose Burkard

Miss Wetherham’s Wedding is the third book in the Brides of Mayfair series by Linore Rose Burkard set in London in the early nineteenth century. Having been left a widow at a fairly young age, Lettie Wetherham’s future is anything but secure, especially as she expresses no desire to marry again.

Nicholas Dellacort’s nose is out of joint because Sophia Alden’s father has accepted an offer for her hand from the much wealthier Lord Elston, Earl Brest instead of him. Learning of Lettie’s reputation as a matchmaker, he hires her to disrupt the engagement but things do not go according to plan. Lettie is well out of her comfort zone as Nick promises that each awkward encounter will be the last but, due to her dire financial situation, she really has no choice but to carry on.

The characters are well developed and the chemistry between them makes for some amusing conversations. The authentic period feel of London during the season is convincing, obviously the result of a lot of research, and the helpful glossary is useful for filling in any gaps in the reader’s knowledge. I have read a lot of Regency novels, but still learned some new expressions. I really enjoyed Miss Wetherham’s Wedding and now plan to go back and read the second one in the series.

4 stars

Every step she takes to ensure his happiness is a nail in the coffin of her own.

Miss Wetherham, a matchmaker, must agree to the devious plan of a society rogue before she finds herself destitute. Helping him gain back his lost love will protect her independence and survival. But can any amount of money protect her guileless heart from falling for his charms?

Nick Dellacort is determined to restore his pride and gain back the bride he lost. Miss Wetherham is the woman able to help him do it and he’ll make it worth her while. But once he sets the devilish wheels in motion, can he persuade her to abandon the scheme and choose instead a scoundrel like him for a wedding of her own?

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Rosie’s #Bookreview Of #HistoricalRomance A MATCH FOR THE REBELLIOUS EARL by Lara Temple

A Match for the Rebellious Earl by Lara Temple

4 stars

A Match For The Rebellious Earl is book two of the Return Of The Rogues series of historical romances. It can easily be read as a stand-alone story.

Kit Carrington reluctantly returns from his time at sea to complete his duties as the new Lord Westford. Although he returned to England specifically to attend the wedding of his step-sister, he knows that he must face the challenges of his inheritance.

Genevieve (Genny) Maitland is on a mission to help her widowed sister find a new husband so that she can get away from harridan Lady Westford, Kit’s grandmother. Lady Westford’s one purpose is to make sure that one of her grandsons produces an heir; so far she has been disappointed.

An ambitious plan to fix all of their problems is agreed between Genny and Kit, but its execution means plenty of twists and bumps in the road—will they be successful?

This story opens with the introduction of quite a few characters and it took me a couple of chapters to get them all straight in my head. After a while they became more three dimensional, and I began to enjoy the story. I was intrigued by Kit’s life as a sailor and the many treasures that he had collected. I was also interested in Genny’s younger years when she lived with her Grandfather in Spain. Genny is a strong leader and her organisational skills and negotiation aptitudes were superb.

Overall, a good story and I enjoyed it once the story and characters became fixed in my mind.

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Dashing and disreputable…

Now, he’s back in Society’s ballrooms!

Whispers of Captain Kit Carrington—now Lord Westford—have long scandalised the ton…so his arrival at the season’s most-anticipated ball sends society’s gossips into a frenzy!

Miss Genevieve Maitland needs his help to find an eligible match for her sister but assumes he’ll be reluctant to help the family that rejected him. Yet after one spine tingling waltz with Kit, sensible Genny finds he’s not her opponent—but a very tempting ally…! 

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Rosie’s #Bookreview Of #HistoricalRomance UNEXPECTEDLY WED TO THE OFFICER by @JenniAuthor

Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer by Jenni Fletcher

4.5 stars

Unexpectedly Wed To The Officer is book two of The Regency Belles Of Bath, a series of historical romances. 

Henrietta is the manager of Belles Biscuit Shop; late one evening she confronts a man she believes is a burglar. However, he turns out to be Sebastian Fortini, the shop owner’s son who has returned from years serving in the navy. 

After long months without communication between Sebastian and his family, he had no idea that his sister and mother no longer lived above the shop. With a broken nose and his masculinity threatened by a pair of coal tongs, Sebastian grasps that Henrietta is quite capable of defending the shop and his fears turn to admiration. 

Henrietta has sworn off men after discovering that few can see past her pretty face and shop girl status, believing wrongly that she is easy to manipulate. But when she finds herself responsible for her three young nephews, she is grateful for Sebastian’s help to keep them entertained. With the shop being no place to raise energetic boys, Sebastian invites Henrietta and her nephews to accompany him to Yorkshire on a holiday where he reunites with his family. It’s a trip that he has concerns about as old family secrets and feuds test his loyalties. 

My own family always benefit when I read about Belles Biscuit Shop as it gets me into the kitchen baking goodies. The same happened when I read the first book in the series. The opening burglary scene was amusing and introduced us to the characters straightaway which had me turning the pages eager to read more. Nancy, the shop assistant, is great fun, and her plain speaking no-nonsense characteristics made me enjoy her even more. I shall look forward to seeing more of her, hopefully in the next book. The romance is sweet and runs smoothly to a point, while Henrietta’s nephews were excellent secondary characters who helped to keep the pace of the story brisk.  I would happily recommend this to others who enjoy Regency style romances.  

Warning! Reading this book may cause serious bouts of baking!  

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From shopkeeper…

To officer’s wife

With a scandal in her past, shopkeeper Henrietta Gardiner has become wary of men, including her friend’s brother, dashing officer Sebastian Fortini. When Henrietta is called upon to take in her three young nephews, Sebastian is on hand to help her, even offering a convenient marriage as a solution! Henrietta starts to realize her new husband’s carefree exterior hides a more intriguing interior…but where will that leave their hasty marriage?

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

Regency Belles of Bath

From shopkeepers…to Cinderella brides!Book 1: An Unconventional Countess

Book 2: Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer

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#NewRelease Rosie’s #BookReview Of #Historical #Romance REDEEMING THE RECLUSIVE EARL by @VirginiaHeath_ @MillsandBoon

Redeeming the Reclusive Earl by Virginia Heath

4.5 stars

Redeeming The Reclusive Earl is an historical romance.

The Earl of Rivenhall just wants to hide away from the world with his battle scars, so when he discovers someone is trespassing on his land and digging holes, he’s angry.

Effie is a self-taught archaeologist and has been discovering artefacts in the abbey ruins on Rivenhall’s estate for years. She believes she is on the cusp of discovering some very important new findings, and she’s not about to let an angry earl stop her excavations.

I really enjoyed how bold Effie was when dealing with the Earl; she understood his blustering ways and challenged him when others feared his wrath. The archaeology theme was a bonus for me too as I’ve always had an interest in discovering old artefacts.

With just a handful of characters and an unusual setting this was a refreshing change from similar books in this genre which are so often set in London. I’m a fan of Heath’s stories and this is another winner for me.

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His heart is a fortress. And she’s trespassing!

After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world — until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she’s prepared to dig — so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars?

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Rosie’s #BookReview Of #HistoricalRomance The Inconvenient Elmswood Marriage by @MargueriteKaye #TuesdayBookBlog

The Inconvenient Elmswood Marriage (Mills & Boon Historical) by Marguerite Kaye

4 stars

The Inconvenient Elmswood Marriage is an historical romance and book four of the Penniless Brides of Convenience series.

This is the story of Kate, an estate manager’s daughter who married a man, only to live separately from him for the next eleven years.

Daniel Fairfax wanted nothing to do with his inheritance and was only too happy to hand the running of his estate over to Kate. For eleven years their only communication were brief letters. But when two men from the Admiralty turned up at his home seeking Kate’s help. She believed it was her wifely duty to pack a bag and go to his rescue.

Having read the previous three books in this series, I was pleased to get the chance to read Kate’s story. I enjoyed the snippets about the agricultural revolution that were slipped into the narrative and appreciated the role Kate played in restoring the estate grounds and gardens.

The romance was expected, but still worked well between the couple, even surprising me a little at times.

Overall, a fine ending to a series.

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Their marriage was a solution…
Until passion turns it into a problem!

Lord and Lady Elmswood’s convenient marriage has allowed them to live separate lives for years. Until larger-than-life Daniel almost dies and Kate must nurse the husband she barely knows back to health…and discover how maddeningly attractive he is! With the clock ticking on his departure, they disagree on everything – except the impossibility of resisting each other!

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Rosie’s #Bookreview Of #HistoricalRomance A Wife Worth Investing In by @MargueriteKaye

A Wife Worth Investing in: Penniless Brides of Convenience by Marguerite Kaye

4 stars

A Wife Worth Investing In is an historical romance.

It opens with a Paris setting from 1828. Phoebe Brannagh has been studying under top chef Pascal Solignac. The only woman in his kitchens, she has dreams of opening her own restaurant. One evening she meets Owen Harrington, a young Englishman who is searching for his life purpose.

The pair agree to meet again in two years, when they will report back about their successes. Much happens in that time, and Owen does not make the rendezvous, while Phoebe’s own circumstances have changed dramatically. However, she is still determined to open her own restaurant, but, with few friends who could help, she seeks out Owen at his London home.

They agree to enter into a business venture, but is London society ready for such a bold move from a woman such as Phoebe?

I enjoyed the food theme of this book as well as Owen’s use of gymnastics, which added an unusual story thread; it worked well. I think this book would be much enjoyed by fans of this author and genre.

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A convenient proposal…

Makes a scandalous match!

Part of Penniless Brides of Convenience: Knocking on Owen Harrington’s door, impoverished and desperate, Miss Phoebe Brannagh wonders if London’s most eligible catch will recognise her. But injured and reclusive, Owen is no longer a carefree man. And he’s in urgent need of a convenient wife! Owen’s shock proposal allows Phoebe to fulfil her life’s ambition to open a restaurant…but his heated kisses tempt her to hope for a new dream – marriage, for real!

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Rosie’s #Bookreview of #Historical #Romance Secrets Of A Highland Warrior by @NicoleLockeNews @JaniceGPreston #TuesdayBookBlog

Secrets of a Highland Warrior by Nicole Locke

4 stars

Secrets Of A Highland Warrior is the final book in the Lockmore series of historical romances.

A set of four books, each steps back into history as clues to a mystery are revealed. Book one began in the Victorian era, book two is set during the Regency years, book three in Tudor times, and the final book is set in the medieval period.

So far we have been introduced to a mystical brooch, an empty crypt and a long standing family feud between two clans.

The final tale, but it could also be called the first, is set in 1293. Rory Lockmore is the only child of the current chief of the clan. He has taken men with him to Castle McCrieff, the home of their long-term enemy, to demand the surrender of land granted to them by the new English king.

Instead of the expected battle, Rory is offered a peace treaty and a marriage proposal. Is it a trap or can Rory put an end to the feud between the families?

This book is an enjoyable historical romance, but, more than that, it also provides the answer to the on-going mystery. Each story in the series has added clues and the mystery is concluded in the epilogue by Janet Preston, author of book one (His Convenient Highland Wedding). I’ve enjoyed each of the romances as I’m a fan of this genre; the mystery theme less so. However, I can see this working well as a box set.

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The key to his past…

…lies with the enemy sharing his bed!

Part of The Lochmore Legacy: a Scottish castle through the ages! Rory Lochmore had expected to wage battle, to claim land and finally secure his standing within his clan… Instead he won a wife. A McCrieff wife. Their convenient marriage could unite the two long-feuding clans forever. But can a political alliance give way to a passion strong enough to stand the secrets of the past?

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Rosie’s #Bookreview of #HistoricalRomance The Earl’s Countess Of Convenience by @MargueriteKaye

The Earl’s Countess of Convenience by Marguerite Kaye

4 stars

The Earl’s Countess Of Convenience is an historical romance set in 1827.

Eloise Brannagh and her sisters were taken under the wing of her Uncle Daniel’s household when their parents died in an accident at sea.

Alexander Sinclair is a friend of her uncle and he has a marriage proposal for Eloise. In just two months he needs a wife, so that he can inherit his family estates and prevent his greedy cousin’s claim. However, Alexander is wedded to his job at The Admiralty and any marriage must be in name only.

The volatile relationship of her parents has put Eloise off any thoughts of a romantic union with a husband, but Alexander’s proposal offers her financial independence that she could never hope to achieve as a spinster. She readily agrees and the pair create a story that makes their sudden marriage seem plausible. Nevertheless, this novel wouldn’t make for such an intriguing read if there was no a hitch in their plans.

I liked Eloise’s strong character and her open nature enriched the plot. I also enjoyed how she peeled away Alexander’s secrets and wore him down. A sprinkling of heated romance keeps the story interesting and Alexander’s garden surprise for Eloise was an absolute delight. What is it? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out, my lips are sealed!

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A countess in name only…

…tempted by a night with her husband!

Part of Penniless Brides of Convenience: Eloise Brannagh has witnessed firsthand the damage unruly passion can cause. Yet she craves freedom, so a convenient marriage to the Earl of Fearnoch seems the perfect solution! Except Alexander Sinclair is more handsome, more intriguing, more everything than Eloise anticipated. She’s set her own rules for their marriage, but her irresistible husband might just tempt her to break them!

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Rosie’s #Bookreview of Regency #Romance Her Midnight Sin by @sofie_darling @SoulMatePublish

Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling

4 stars

Her Midnight Sin is a Regency romance. Callie is a widow, who currently runs Wyldcombe Grange in Devon. It’s part of Viscount St. Alban’s estate, and one he wishes to sell off. But it’s Callie’s home and she’s poured her heart into making it turn a profit; she can’t stand the thought of losing it all. In her haste to raise the funds to buy the property herself, Callie strikes a deal with a notorious pirate.

John Nylander is a law-abiding captain of The Fortuyn. An orphan, he was raised by Viscount St. Alban’s sea-faring family. Chance circumstances and a bout of malaria have him sent to Wyldcombe Grange to convalesce. Once recovered, he admires the way Callie runs the estate; it would be just the place he would like to have for himself.

To Callie, Nylander is the very attractive enemy; a man who has the means to take away her precious home. She’ll do anything to stop that happening.

Set on the rugged coast of North Devon, this is a romance full of passion and heart-ache. I like stories with a connection to the sea and the pirate theme was an added bonus. The romance worked well and I admired Callie’s determination to keep her home. Ideal for those who enjoy this genre.

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Like a vengeful Norse god, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he’s after.

Can a Viking…

Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home on the farm than in the ballroom. And she has secrets…

And a Viscountess…

Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband’s rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers. Now she may lose even that to the sinfully handsome Captain. But Nylander is making her dream again…

Turn passion into love?

Nylander inspires a recklessness in Callie that she can’t control. Soon she finds herself conspiring with pirates and contemplating midnight trysts with the very Viking who has turned her life upside down. For Nylander, being with Callie embodies everything he’s always wanted—home. As midnight strikes, will all their secret, sinful dreams come true?

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#Historical #Romance My Review of A Warriner To Seduce Her by @VirginiaHeath_ #TuesdayBookBlog

A Warriner to Seduce Her by Virginia Heath

Four Point Five Stars

A Warriner To Seduce her is book #4 of the Wild Warriners historical romance series. It is set in London in the early 1800s.

Jake Warriner is a member of the king’s elite covert operatives, created to infiltrate organised smuggling rings. His latest assignment is to seduce the niece of Crispin Rowley, and gain information of Rowley’s business activities. With his reputation as a rake, this should be the perfect job. However, Jake is unprepared for Felicity, a school mistress who can see right through his public persona and who refuses to fall for his usual charms.

Felicity’s own investigations find evidence that the king’s men couldn’t, but will this come at too high a cost for the friendship which has been blossoming?

I’ve read all the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them, they can be read as stand alone books, but I would recommend reading them in order. Ideal for anyone who likes Harlequin’s (Mills And Boon) historical romance range.

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A sensible schoolmistress…

Awakened by the notorious rake!

In this The Wild Warriners story, schoolmistress Felicity Blunt feels old beyond her years—and desperately dull. Meeting confirmed rake Jacob Warriner brings her gloriously to life, yet no matter his allure, she must remain immune to his obvious charms and unashamed flirtation. But is Jacob merely a mischievous scoundrel, or is there much more to this Warriner than meets the eye?

I live on the outskirts of London with my understanding husband and two, less understanding, teenagers.

After spending years teaching history, I decided to follow my dream of writing for Harlequin.

Now I spend my days happily writing regency romances, creating heroes that I fall in love with and heroines who inspire me.

When I’m not doing that, I like to travel to far off places, shop for things that I do not need or read romances written by other people.

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