Romance Friday: Dukes to the left of me, princes to the right and Carolina Home

Most women would not be pleased to be labeled a spinster. But Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes isn’t most women. In fact, Poppy has invented an imaginary fiancé, the Duke of Drummond, to deter unwanted suitors. A very useful fellow, this duke, until the real Drummond turns up and uses Poppy’s ploy to trap her in a betrothal.

A good spy flies below the radar. Which is why being named one of the Prince Regent’s “Impossible Bachelors” is so inconvenient for Nicholas Staunton. Every society female will be out to ensnare him. Nicholas needs a fiancée—and Poppy’s ruse is the answer. How could he have known she’d be a brazen, sensual siren with an irresistible taste for adventure? Now nothing less will do than to convince his fiery Poppy to revoke her spinster status…for good. 

My thoughts:

The first 100 pages were the best, those had me giggling. Later on it was also good, just not as funny. It started to take itself too seriously then. I have never really been overly fond of historical spy novels, sure I can enjoy them but they always feel too fake.

Poppy is a spinster and is so old as 21, omg, horrid (and here I just got used to older heroines where that seems more normal.) Anyway, Poppy wants to marry only for true love and she is in love with a Russian prince.

Nicholas is a spy for the crown and gets told to marry Poppy so he sets his course. And falls for her because she is impossible and wants nothing to do with him. I guess he likes a challenge.

They fight the attraction. But that will not work when they want each other. Of course she wants her prince, and Nicholas tries to avoid a certain princess. Btw, I wanted to wring that bitch's neck at the end. NOT COOL! Ugh, I hate women like that.

Oh the spying, yes it's about a painting and Poppy wants to spy too. Honestly I could have done without the spying. But it was not bad.

Conclusion:

Cute and fun.

Cover

Good

Paperback, 416 pages
Published November 30th 2010 by St. Martin's Paperbacks
Impossible Bachelors #2
Historical romance
Own

Home to the Fletcher family for generations, Dare Island is a fishing village rocked by changing times--its traditions slipping away like sands of the North Carolina coast. Single dad and fishing boat captain Matt Fletcher deferred his own dreams to support his innkeeper parents and build a future for his sixteen-year-old son. Matt has learned to weather life's storms by steering a steady emotional course...and keeping a commitment-free approach to love.

Newcomer Allison Carter came to Dare Island to escape the emotional demands of her wealthy family. The young teacher aims to build a life here, to make a lasting place for herself. She doesn't want to be another Woman Who Once Dated Matt Fletcher. It's both tempting and dangerous to believe she can be something more.

Then Matt's brother Luke makes a sudden return home, with a child of his own--and a request that will change all their lives. With a child's welfare at stake, Matt must turn to Allison to teach him to let go of the past, open his eyes...and follow his heart. 

My thoughts:

A bit of drama, two people falling in love, and a small town. Concepts I enjoy.

Matt is a fisherman, Allison is the new teacher. She was actually closer to his son's age than him btw ;) Ok that did not matter bit still. Moving on...

She is rich, but trying to find her way. He is a single dad. She teacher's his son's class. He never dates anyone for long.

But we all know they will fall for each other. She is hot, he is hot, it's a small island. She wants meaning in life, he does not know this is what he needs.

The drama is the niece that suddenly shows up, and the tiny tiny tiny should we should we not...and they quickly decided they should so they did.

Conclusion:

A nice romance. 

Cover

meh

Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages
Published July 3rd 2012 by Berkley
Dare Island #1
Contemporary romance
Own