Audio: London's Late Night Scandal by Anabelle Bryant

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Midnight Secrets Series, Book 3

Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 10-29-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

For review

So I do not remember what Matthew did in book 1. I did read my review and it seems he was an asshat, but I still wrote that he needed a HEA. But that is the good thing, when I finally got to his book I had forgotten any bad feelings I might have had for him.

Matthew goes to visit an Earl since that Earl had written a paper and they could not, oh long story. Smart dude wants to talk with another smart dude. Instead he meets Thedosia, the real author.

Theo lives with her grandfather and speaks with animals more than humans. She is really smart in a time when women had no place for that.

Matthew is in constant pain (I have read a lot of books lately with men in constant pain from bullet holes, hmm, strange.)

They flirt. He has has his job in the city, she hates it (for a silly reason in the end) Oh and her granfather has dementia so there is that too.

And that is the drama folks.

And they work it out and live happily ever after. Nice story. I think the "baddie" was in book 1 too but I had forgotten him.

Also, xmas setting!

Narrator

I like her voice for historical romance so she did really well

Chief Officer of the Society for the Intellectually Advanced, Lord Matthew Strathmore, Earl of Whittingham, takes his position very seriously. Not only does it distract him from the painful aftermath of a gunshot wound to the leg, earned most honorably, it is important work. So he feels duty-bound to question esteemed scientist Lord Talbot about a suspect article. Matthew dashes from London to Oxfordshire, despite wretched weather that only exacerbates his injury, reminding him he is far from the dashing gentleman he once was...

Theodosia, Lord Talbot's granddaughter, has inherited his gift for inquiry, enjoying her pursuits safely away from the artifice of London society. But her identity as the true author of Talbot's article is about to be exposed. And if Matthew expects a dour bluestocking, surprises abound. Not only do Theodosia's botanical concoctions soothe his leg, he's clearly attracted by her delicate beauty. But dare she hope for more? It will take an urgent trip to London for both to discover how passion and lasting love can ignite under the cover of darkness...

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

This predates the Bridgerton books and deal with their neighbors, back in the olden days.

Cecilia goes alone to the Colonies to find her brother in the middle of a certain war. Instead she ends up caring for his friend Edward.

I liked Cecilia, she had lost her friend, her cousin was an ass and she set out alone. And sure telling people that she had married Edward was not the best thing to do. But it was the only way they would let her near him. And to continue, well it was the only way to learn of her brother.

And since they fall in love all is forgiven.

Eward was a cutie!

Good good. I am makin it short today

With her brother Thomas injured on the battlefront in the Colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead, she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health. But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie...

I told everyone I was your wife

When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out six months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is—even if he does not recall her face—and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.

If only it were true...

Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself—completely—to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby. 

Mass Market Paperback, 374 pages

Published May 30th 2017 by Avon

Series: Rokesbys #2

Historical romance

Own

Darcy's decision and Courtship at Rosings

This was a short one, I should read more like this.

They get their act together at Rosings and actually talk and fall in love.

There is a tiny bit of drama that all ends well.

Ha, oh the end and what Lady Chaterine does. Good one!.

Ok so this was a really short review. But yes good book.

Blurb

Despite Fitzwilliam Darcy’s better judgment, he asks Elizabeth Bennet to marry him. Instead of retreating upon learning her heart, he decides to use everything in his power to woo her.

In Elizabeth’s mind, Darcy has always been haughty and arrogant. When he approaches her with humility and an apology on his lips, she can barely contain her astonishment. When he expresses his love, she is nearly incredulous. Realizing she has misunderstood the man, it only seems right to give their acquaintance another chance—even if that means accepting a courtship.

Of course, it would take a miracle to change Darcy from the last man in the world she would be willing to marry to the conqueror of her heart. Luckily, the Master of Pemberley can be quite the romantic. However, when Darcy goes missing, it will take more than Darcy’s charm to see these two finally united.

Kindle Edition, 113 pages
Published August 13th 2019
Pride and prejudice variation
Own

Good and all, but I do prefer my PP stories to be about love. Cos else, nah, I want love!

Now we have how Wickham came around wanting what was his, and caused trouble.

Nice story, but I am def one that wants my PP with romance.

Blurb

Six months after his father's passing, Fitzwilliam Darcy still finds solace in his morning reflections at his parents' graves. Only in the quiet solitude of the churchyard does he indulge his grief. None but his unlikely mentor recognize the heartache and insecurity plaguing him as he shoulders the enormous burden of being Master of Pemberley.

Not all are pleased with his choice of adviser. Lady Catherine complains Darcy allows him too much influence. Lord Matlock argues, "Who is he to question the God-appointed social order?" But the compassionate wisdom Darcy finds in his counselor keeps him returning for guidance even though it causes him to doubt everything he has been taught.

In the midst of his struggles to reinvent himself, his school chum, Charles Bingley, arrives. Darcy hopes the visit will offer some respite from the uproar in his life. Instead of relief, Darcy discovers his father's darkest secret staring him in the face. Pushed to his limits, Darcy must overcome the issues that ruined his father and, with his friends and mentor at his side, restore his tarnished birthright. 

Kindle Edition, 154 pages
Published February 2019 by Good Principles Publishing (first published January 9th 2012)
Series: Given Good Principles #1
PP variation
Own

Audio: The Scotsman who swept me away by Hannah Howell

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen, Book 3

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 08-27-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

Narration

Well I really like her voice and style so all good. She is one to listen to. Justine Eyre really is perfect when it comes to historical romance.

She brings the story to life and is pleasant listening to

Story

This is the third McEnroe book. Another brother finds love, and yes it does work like a stand alone book too in that sense.

Geordie wants to see the sea so he sets out on a trip east, together with his brother Robbie. Geordie was a good guy, honorable and well yeah I can't say anything bad about him.

Belle owns a house, and rents out rooms to those that need it. She was smart, knew about medicine from her dad and did not give in.

These two fall into friendship and love. There is some drama too, her neighbor (even if that story got an ending too quickly.) There is a story with Robbie too as he has trouble with his leg after a previous accident.

The story evolved quickly and it was a short book. I do like the fast ones.

Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land. She will not be intimidated, but their attacks are growing fiercer, and just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.

Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town - and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother's wounds. Geordie envisions a beautiful life with her as his bride, but a woman who has fought so fearlessly for her home may not willingly surrender all for his love....

Any Duchess Will do by Tessa Dare

It was a rather hilarious start. A mother kidnaps her son and takes him to Spindle Cove to choose a wife there. He thinks he is funny by choosing the barmaid, but she is no fool. Oh it was funny.

All Pauline wants is to open a lending library. And here comes a Duke and they hatch a plan. Pauline was great, she did not hold anything back.

Griffin does not want to marry, but his mum does not give up. I liked Griffin, I am not sure I would have liked Griffin how he seems to have been a year ago, but I liked this new Griffin. He had a sadness over him.

She tries to be a bad Duchess to be so she can get money, he starts to fall in love. And so they do and live happily ever after.

Nice.

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Mass Market Paperback, 375 pages

Published May 28th 2013 by Avon

Series: Spindle Cove #4

Historical romance

Own

The Sum of All Kisses - Julia Quinn

Mass Market Paperback, 373 pages
Published October 29th 2013 by Avon (first published May 28th 2013)
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #3
Historical romance
Own

Awww, a Julia Quinn book is always fun! I have read the whole Quartet now.

I liked Sarah. She was very in your face Hugh!

Hugh, aww poor guy, he made a huge mistake, and it ended up costing him so much. Now maybe he could get help, but then, I mean he is always in pain!

He is the reason her cousin went into exile. She is mad. Her cousin and Hugh have made amends. But Sarah is a bulldog.

SO a lot of interaction between these two. And I liked how it progressed and felt real. I could see them fall in love.

Fun!

Hugh Prentice has never had patience for dramatic females, and if Lady Sarah Pleinsworth has ever been acquainted with the words shy or retiring, she's long since tossed them out the window. Besides, a reckless duel has left this brilliant mathematician with a ruined leg, and now he could never court a woman like Sarah, much less dream of marrying her.

She thinks he's just plain mad...

Sarah has never forgiven Hugh for the duel he fought that nearly destroyed her family. But even if she could find a way to forgive him, it wouldn't matter. She doesn't care that his leg is less than perfect, it's his personality she can't abide. But forced to spend a week in close company they discover that first impressions are not always reliable. And when one kiss leads to two, three, and four, the mathematician may lose count, and the lady may, for the first time, find herself speechless ...

Audio: The Duchess in his bed by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Sins for All Seasons, Book 4
Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-20-19
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Historical romance
In exchange for an honest review

For once I was not sure how this would end, I mean it is romance so I knew they would end up together but how?

Aiden is the bastard son of a nobleman who sold him to a babyfarm. Lucky for him a wonderful woman raised him and his other siblings. He now owns a gambling den, and one that caters to women. Women need to relax too and have some fun. And you know what, I liked all about Aiden, he was rather wonderful.

Selena is a widow and in dire straits. Her family is poor and she wants to give her siblings the freedom she did not have. But for that she would need to be raising a ducal heir, and she is not. Selena was played with this cool, calm voice and it fit her so well. She was the quintessential Duchess. I also liked that she had actually not had a bad marriage, no her husband had been kind, but they had been friends only. That is why her choices had me wondering, and  I did not know what route I wanted her to take.

Sparks fly, they really want each other.

We meet the other Trelowe bastards, an interesting bunch to be sure!

But she is a Duchess, he is a commoner. She needs money to back her siblings in society. So that is the drama.

I enjoyed it.

Narrator

I did have to up the speed to 2x, but that is only a good thing in my book. I liked her calm Selena voice like I mentioned before, she was marvelous. She also had nice voices for the rest too. A good reading

As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the forbidden - with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is determined to fully awaken her desires.

A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.

As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could secure her future - or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.

Audio Review: Brazen and the Beast by Sarah McLean

Audiobook, Unabridged 11 h 25 min

Published July 30th 2019 by HarperAudio

Series: The Bareknuckle Bastards #2

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

My Thoughts

Oh the horror, she is 29! Not even a spinster anymore, just forgotten. But Hattie did not care, she wanted to live her own life and make her own rules. You go Hattie!

Hattie wants to rid herself of her virginity and the road she aims to take, well her rules. She also wants to take over her dad's business as her brother does not know a ship from a rowing boat.

Beast is a crime lord in Covent Garden, he and his brother and sister rule that place, but they are "nice" criminals, so they have some rules. He is also the bastard son of this evil Duke that pitted his kids against each other. And now I have to talk about his evil brother the Duke, that guy is getting his own book, but that guy is so evil? Not sure there, but then we do not get all the details.

Hattie and the Beast meets. He thinks she is plotting with his evil brother and wants to take her down. She is upset cos he is ruining her plans. At times I felt all omg Hattie, take care of yourself! But then I quickly realised that she could. She is his equal.

I enjoyed this book and these two main characters. They had such great chemistry. I also liked the side characters like her bestie Nora.

Fun times

Narrator

Justine Eyre! I just can't grown tired of her historical romance narrations, I truly enjoy her voices 

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts. 

Audio: The rogue to ruin by Vivienne Lorret

The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all

I wanted to read about Ainsley and Reed after seeing them go at each other in a previous book. They did not like each other ;)

Ainsley is running her matrimonial agency. Across the street Reed is running his gambling hell. These two things to not go together.

Awww banter. Ainsley is the one being mad, Reed just goes along for the ride. And then she declares war. All good things, and they So belong together.

There is a darker side to the story too, but that might come in as a spoiler, so yes there is some drama danger too. But fear not, she has Reed near.

I enjoyed it. Drama, romance and banter. WHat is there not to like!

Narrator

It is Justine Eyre! She is great when it comes to historical romance!

Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Series: Misadventures in Matchmaking, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-30-19
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Historical romance
In exchange for an honest review

Audio: Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Series: Marriage of Convenience Series, Book 3

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 07-30-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

I received this in exchange for an honest review

Honestly I felt this one got worse and worse and I do not know why I did not dnf.

Rose is about to marry a Duke, but then he long lost hubbie shows up. The one she never told anyone about, the one she married at 16. 

First the drama is about her family not wanting him around.

Then when there is happiness, the drama changes to this other thing. That just felt weird.

I honestly lost interest and it felt like a chore. I know I know, DNF! But I need to dnf audio in the first hour, when I am half way through I push on which I know realise is a mistake.

Very disappointed

Lady Rose Rutherford - rebel, heiress, and exasperated target of the town's hungry bachelors - has a plan to gain the freedom she so desperately desires: She will enter into a marriage of convenience with the biggest prize on the London marriage mart.  

There's just one problem: the fierce-looking man who crashes her wedding to the Duke of Everingham - Thomas Beresford, the young naval officer she fell in love with and secretly married when she was still a schoolgirl. Thought to have died four years ago he's returned, a cold, hard stranger with one driving purpose - revenge.   

Embittered by betrayal and hungry for vengeance, Thomas will stop at nothing to reclaim his rightful place, even if that means using Rose - and her fortune - to do it. But Rose never did follow the rules, and as she takes matters into her own unpredictable hands, Thomas finds himself in an unexpected and infuriating predicament: He's falling in love with his wife....  

Audio: Say no to the Duke - Eloisa James

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Series: Wildes of Lindow Castle, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-25-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

I got this book in exchange for an honest review

I tried not to picture them too much, I did like that it was 1780s, but the wigs, ugh, the wigs, lol.

Betsy has done her best to put on the persona of the good girl persona, the perfect society girl, the perfect bride to be. All to wash away the stigma of her mother running away with a Prussian (also her sister's book looks to be really interesting as she is blonde and obviously not a Wilde.)

But yes, Betsy is not really the quiet demure one, she is a Wilde, she rides horse standing up shooting arrows. She plays billiard and she wants to wear breeches. But she also wants to show everyone that she can catch a Duke. She is also really scared that showing passion means that she will run away and leave her kids. She carry her mother's shame in her heart.

Jeremy has ptsd from the revolutionary war. He drinks (and not) and tries to continue a normal life.

They banter, a lot! The things they say, wow, this is not regency. They do say the naughtiest things.

One problem I had was that they talk, a lot! Honestly a bit too much, the whole book was these two talking.

I also wanted more of aunt know? I have no idea how to spell that. But she fun! And the brother's books do sound fun, as those her sisters that will come.

I also felt that she should totally have gone for the Duke. Sure he was stuffy, but I think he would have been great. But then she was wild and he was too. So Betsy and Jeremy will surely continue to banter the rest of their lives.

I did want more of the supportive cast cos they sounded fun!

Narrator

She was great with all voices, she really got Betsy's voice right, the perfect blend of demure and wild.

Lady Betsy Wilde’s first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed - but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure.

No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan - but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.

If he wins...she is his, for one wild night.

But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? 

In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke.

Audio: Wicked Highland Ways by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Series: Highland Weddings, Book 6

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-28-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

Brenda has suffered for 5 books now. For 5 books! This woman is cursed. I want to go there and kick everyone for letting her suffer. I have wanted a happiness for her so very long. I wanted everyone to ride to her rescue, everyone!

First she was married to an idiot at 16. Then when she was free the Earl of Morton, oh I can not even speak of that. Poor Poor Brenda. And now she has sacrificed herself to be sent to England to marry so that her cousin can keep his new bride. Her new husband to be we met in book 5 and he needs a kick in the nuts.

But Brenda has one person in her corner, Bothan Gunn. I love you Bothan, you never gave up. He rides to England after her, and he keeps fighting to win her. A lot more are thrown in their way. Until I just wanted to scream let her be happy!

She does fight him too, though she also fancies the pants of him. But she does not want to marry again (at the same time, go for it woman! Go for it. He is not like the rest.)

Drama, fighting and a true quest for a heart. I have enjoyed this series! I wonder what she will do next...

narration

I really like Antony's narration. He is Highlanders to me. He does them so well. And he does do female voices well too.

Brenda Grant has no desire to marry. Ever since her first, horrible marriage, she's made herself into a hellion of a woman to keep men from wanting her. But the Campbells, her previous husband's family, are determined to find her a new husband. Highland Chief Bothan Gunn is smitten by the woman who won't be tamed. It takes all Brenda's willpower to resist the brawny Highlander who takes her to safety. But as they spend time together-and grow ever closer-Brenda finally finds the freedom she's been longing for all along.

Carole's Sunday: Viking's Prize - Tanya Anne Crosby

Author: Tanya Anne Crosby 

Narrator: Braden Wright

Title: Viking's Prize

(Medieval Heroes #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: Audiobook

Published:  August 29th 2006

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Betrothed to a count after spending most of her young life in a French priory, the beautiful Elienor is kidnapped by a golden-haired Viking warrior whose touch awakens her innermost passions.

"YOU'RE MINE"

In a fury of bloodlust and retribution, the Norse warriors storm Brouillard castle and take their vengeance as their leader claims his prize -- the breathtakingly beautiful Elienor. Carried onto the high seas by Alarik, her golden-haired captor, Elienor is shocked and humiliated as she trembles not from fear, but from the desire his brazen touch awakens in her.

"ALL MINE"

Yet even in the land where he rules with an iron hand, Alarik is held mesmerized by ethereal violet eyes that see into his very soul -- and beyond. Beguiled and bewildered by her strange dreams and her fiery spirit he can barely control the passions she arouses in him. But tempted as he is to claim her and savor the pleasures of his fair prize, it is her heart he has sworn to possess and cherish forever....

I was craving a Viking story. It's been eons since I read one I think. Goodness...I can't even think of the last one I read. 

Elienor is betrothed to a French count, but after a Viking attack she is kidnapped by Alarik and his warriors. There is insta lust between the two, but they hate each other. It takes a while but the lust becomes love. And when I say it takes a while....it takes FOREVER. While they get to know each other, there is a betrayal beyond the horizon. 

I did not like either the hero or heroine of the story right away. It took me a while to warm-up to them. He was too harsh and I was mad when he killed a certain character. Grr! Elienor annoyed me. Soon I did warm up to them. 

The love took eons but it worked because they both hate each other for multiple reasons and yes...he did kidnap her...so it would be super Stockholm-y if it was insta love. There was a lot of trust and getting to know each other first. 

There was something that did really, really bug me. It was assumed that Elienor told him her big secret, but we didn't get to see it. I think that level of trust would've been really nice to see and experience. I really think that scene was needed to really cement their love. 

The ending battle was excited! So good, so good. Not 100% pleased with the decision with one character. He didn't deserve to be forgiven. SMH. Will not say, but I was annoyed.

The narrator was fantastic. Loved his voice!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooo good. And it was smexy for sure ;)

Overall, I did like this story. It was refreshing. This was slow-building but it worked. There was something missing and a scene I would've really liked to help cement their love. BUT oh well. Still good without it. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Changing up my star stamp since the other one is acting up. This may not be my forever new one, but it'll do ;) 

Medieval set

Audio: Anything but a Duke - Christy Carlyle

Narrated by: Karen Cass

Series: The Duke's Den, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-14-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Iverson is a selfmade man, known for taking chances and making money. But he is a commoner and some doors are closed. So he needs a noble lady to wed.

I did like him, ok so yes he is marrying for status, but the woman he would marry would probably only marry him for money. A match made in the ton. And all he does it for new inventions and the greater good.

There is also a tiny subplot where he tries to find out what happened to his mother and who she was.

Then there is Diana, an inventor, who visits Shark Tank, I mean The Duke's den. What is there not to like, she wanted to invent things, she loved science.

She will help him find a wife, he will help her invention.

And they fall in love, scratch that, he starts to feel things, she takes longer. I also liked that the plot really was about them getting closer and starting to fall. No unnecessary drama.

Enjoyable, and I hope the last friend finds love one day then too.

Karen Cass

I liked her voice. She fit really well for historical romance. She did different voices well, and I really got the feel of the time from her

Self-made man Aidan Iverson has seen more closed doors in his thirty years than he’s ever cared to count. As a member of the elite Duke’s Den, he has all the money he could possibly need, but the one thing he can’t purchase is true power. If roguish Aidan can’t buy his way into society’s hallowed halls, he’ll resort to a more extreme measure: marriage.
Brought up to be a proper lady, the only thing Diana Ashby desires is to be left alone to the creation of her own devices. But when her dreams are crushed, she must find another way to secure the future of her invention. Knowing his desire to enter her world, Diana strikes a deal to arrange Aidan’s marriage to the perfect lady—as long as that lady isn’t her. She doesn’t need any distractions from her work, particularly of the sinfully handsome variety.
As Diana and Aidan set out to find him an aristocratic match, neither are prepared for the passion that ignites between them or the love they can’t ignore.
In the Duke’s Den, can happiness ever be a winning prospect?

The Duchess Deal - Tessa Dare

Mass Market Paperback, 370 pages

Published August 22nd 2017 by Avon

Series: Girl Meets Duke #1

Historical romance

Own

I liked this. There is nothing like a sweet Tessa Dare, and fun to boot!

Emma meets her Duke when she wears the most hideous wedding dress in history. And he asks her to marry him. Ha, I love it. Ok so sure he only wants a wife so that he can have children. But hey that is a minor detail to work through.

And yes half his face and body is scarred and he hides from society. His last fiance left him cos she did not want a beast. Poor man.

Emma is so Emma. She gives him nicknames, she tell him they must interact. She falls for him and he falls for her.

Oh and she meets fun new friends! I would totally read their stories too.

fun times!

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.
His terms are simple:- They will be husband and wife by night only.- No lights, no kissing. - No questions about his battle scars.- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.
But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:- They will have dinner together every evening.- With conversation.- And unlimited teasing.- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love… 

Mr Darcy's Refuge - Abigail Reynolds

Kindle Edition, 238 pages

Published August 22nd 2012 by White Soup Press (first published August 1st 2012)

Pride and Prejudice variation

Own

I finally Dled the kindle app on my phone, cos hell, nope I do not ever read them when I dl on my computer and then I can not find them. Though this did take me 2 months, ooops. Note to self, if you start one then do finish too.

To read it this long was not a good idea. I totally forgot how they fell in love *hangs head in shame* But hey, still fun!

They have to interact during a flood. Darcy is quite the hero, and Lizzy has to agree.

They will fall in love, have to struggle for their love. Mr Bennet is quite the d*ck. Wickham is up to his old tricks, and omg Jane has quite the love story of her own and I applauded that at the end. Well done, well done!

variations that mix things up are always fun

Trapped for three days by a flood, and trapped forever by society because of it….
The river isn't the only thing overflowing in Hunsford when a natural disaster forces Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to work together. The residents of flood-stricken Hunsford, seeking refuge in the parsonage atop the hill, are unaware they are interrupting Darcy's disastrous proposal. Even worse, the flood has washed out the only bride to Rosings Park, stranding Darcy with the woman who has just refused his offer of marriage. But it may already be too late to redeem Elizabeth’s reputation…. 

Carole's Sunday: Pride and Sensuality - PO Dixon

Author: P.O. Dixon

Narrator: Pearl Hewitt

Title: Pride and Sensuality (Darcy and Elizabeth Short Stories)

Genre: Historical Romance, PP variation, & Short story

Pages: Audiobook

Published:  March 27th 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

With his mind agreeably engaged on the pleasures that await him once he and his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth are man and wife, Darcy's patience wanes, and he begins to wonder if he will ever find time alone with his betrothed.

Elizabeth is not oblivious of the discomfort Darcy must surely suffer. Not only does she have the key to his heart; she knows how to use it.

A random find on Audible. I was feeling a short story and I think I needed a little Darcy/Elizabeth in my life. 

The story follows Elizabeth and Darcy after Elizabeth said 'yes' to the propose. It is a few days before the wedding and they are in a lot of love and lust. 

This was sweet and short and gave me the Elizabeth/Darcy fix I needed. They are adorable and I loved the interactions not only between them but between all the siblings. It was cute. 

Now - I was a little thrown off with the title. There really was no smexy time. It was nice to just see them kissing and talking and Darcy introducing Elizabeth to new things like cocoa. There was a lot of lust, but they are creatures of their time so I can see them waiting for their marriage but doing other things instead. 

Read one by the author a while back and I remember it being meh, but I like the writing style. Glad I gave this one a try! It made me more curious about the author.

I do wish it was longer. It ended at an awkward moment story-wise.

The narrator was perfect for an Austen-y story. I want to listen more by her. 

In the end, I liked this. Short and sweet. I wanted more at the end there. I'll give this 3 stars. For sure worth it if you need some Austen-y type stories in your life. 

Audio: Unmask me if you can - Shana Galen

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Survivors (Shana Galen), Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-14-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To Review

I have listened to and enjoyed the previous books, and now it was time for the one they called the bounty hunter. I liked what I had heard of Jasper, the the poor guy was always hiding behind a mask since he had been in a fire during the war.

Here he has to find a missing woman, and so he does. But she does not want to be find. She was running away from an intended marriage and she had a 5 year old son so it was easy figuring out why she had run from her cruel fiance.

She is weary. He is wounded after someone stabbed him. They get to know each other. He gets to know her son, and being the kind of man he is he wants to protect them. I really liked Jasper. And Olivia too. She had worked hard making a life for themselves.

They will go to London too and there we get some suspense. Her fiance is quite the ahole. 

It was also a lead up to the next book in one scene and that sounds interesting too hint hint.

Romance, a bit of drama and a happily ever after. All good things

Narration

I do like Victoria Ashton and she is such a good fit for historical romance. She does everyone so well and you just fall into the story so easily.

Cover

Nice, but so not fitting. Much takes place in a cottage on a cliff

Lord Jasper, younger son of a duke, suffered horrible burns fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He wears a mask to hide his face from the stares and screams and finds comfort in the shadows. Jasper is an exceptional bounty hunter, so when a woman summons him to her deathbed and asks him to find her runaway daughter before she passes away, he doesn't refuse. Jasper is close to his quarry when he's knifed by an assailant. Imagine his surprise when he regains consciousness in the arms of the woman he seeks. Except she's not at all what he expected. 

Is not the only one with scars. 

On a remote cliff on the sea, Olivia Carlisle calls her five-year-old son in from an approaching storm. But the little boy is more interested in the man he's found on the trail to their hidden cottage. Olivia fears men and wants nothing more than to leave the injured man where she found him. But his knife wound is severe, and with the approaching storm, she knows leaving him will condemn him to death. As Jasper begins to heal, Olivia acknowledges her attraction to him, even though such emotions terrify her almost as much as returning to London. Jasper must convince her that her only chance at safety is to challenge the man who pursues her. They must travel into the lion's den—he to face his vulnerability and she to face her worst fears.

Audio: To wed an Heiress by Karen Ranney

Narrated by: Liam Gerrard

Series: All for Love, Book 2

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-26-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

For review

My Thoughts

Mercy is an heiress who runs away from home and goes to see her gran in Scotland. I liked how smart she was about it, she takes her maid with her, she books passage on one of her dad's ships. I can stand by this runaway.

Then she meets Lennox. Reluctant Earl with a Castle that is falling down, and who loves building flying machines. I liked Lennox, he was always just there you know.

Mercy's Scottish family were idiots the bunch of them, ugh! Her former fiance was an asshat! I am glad she ran away. Her family back home did have the best of intentions, so I forgive them.

Oh and there is a feud. So she is not allowed to meet Lennox. But does she care, no.

They meet, fall in love (cos who wouldn't) and then there is some family drama and they live happily ever after.

I enjoyed it :)

Narration

I did like the narrator. But his Mercy voice did at first sound like she had a cold or something, but then you got used to it. It was just his female voice. He did have nice distinct voices to all the big players and I liked his soft Scottish accent 

Blurb

Rebellion drove Mercy Rutherford to Scotland to escape the possessive grip of her fiance. But it's fate that lands her in the crumbling highlands castle of Ross Caithart. A dreamer with visions of inventing airships, he's most certainly mad. Handsome beyond words, he's also causing an irresistible flutter in her stomach beyond reason. When Gregory arrives to see their arranged marriage to its bitter end, Mercy desperately turns to Ross with an offer of her fortune-and her hand in marriage.

The Earl of Morton has a reputation for being a daredevil eccentric, but even he is hesitant to engage in such a rash proposition-no matter how utterly beguiled he is by the wildly independent American heiress. And yet, with so much at stake, how can he possibly say no? But when their unconventional union grows into a passionate and inseparable love, more than Gregory's obsession threatens them. Now, Ross and Mercy will have to risk more than their hearts to save it

Audio: London's best kept Secret by Anabelle Bryant

Narrated by: Victoria Aston

Series: Midnight Secrets Series, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

Thank you Tantor for this copy

My Thoughts

Was Jeremy the smartest of men? Well, yes and no. He was a genius when it came to money. But when it came to love *groans* Not so much. He had a master plan to woe his wife, but, sigh, poor guy was not that good with women. It was both amusing and sad.

Jeremy and Charlotte has been married for almost a year. They are strangers that never interact. He has a secret to why they married and he is afraid it will ruin it all so he avoids her. But as you can guess that already ruined things. Charlotte is sweet and wonders why he never come to her. She wants love and a family. He wants a wife. Someone needs to hit them over the head, lock them in a room together and make them talk and fall in love.

The secret was actually kind of bad, I would have been upset, but at the same time it was all with good intentions.

There is a second plot too that felt really strange. It had the implications of being a huge scandal, but it was brushed aside. I also felt that it built so much that I wondered why the story was not told, I hope that it might be because a future book will delve into it cos then the couple will have a lot to forgive. Scandal!

These two have a lot to work through, but they find each other, they find love, there are secrets and scandal brewing.

I enjoyed it.

Narration

I have listened to her many times before and I always enjoy her narrating historical romance. She does the men and women well. All have distinct voices and it feels right for the era.

She is always good listening at and brings the drama and romance

In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success. Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her fiance's behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next? Her family's dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. If only she could entice him into the marriage bed! When at last Charlotte's efforts are rewarded, she revels in Jeremy's unexpectedly bold possessiveness. But outside of their bedchambers, her groom's guardedness quickly returns. Passion is no longer enough for sweet Charlotte, who vows to unlock the mystery of this complicated man. The truth, however, might be more than her principled heart is prepared to handle . . .