Nadine Millard

Got an Arc of A Forgotten Fall from Netgalley . I must confess I almost request this one since l didn't care for the cover, but after reading the summary l decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! I really enjoyed it, and it might turn out as my favourite read this month.
Since I hadn't read any of the previous ones I felt a bit lost in the first chapter, but quickly sorted things out after that.
I liked how the relationship between Francesca and Adam developed, if anything I wouldn't have minded a bit more of a slow burn, mainly so the book could be a little longer. I've read quite a few books in this genre recently where I feel like things went too quickly, but was grateful to see at least a few time jumps in this one.
As always I a sucker for banter and strong willed heroines, and Francesca is definitely that. Adam's emotional baggage after the war added layers to his story that I appreciated. He wasn't presented as grumpy just for the sake of it.
While I doubt this story can be considered historically accurate I actually think my main gripe with this books was that I didn't care for Francesca's name being shortened to Cheska. I don't know why, maybe because it kind of sounds like biscuit in my language.

All in all I really enjoyed this book, and will see if I can find the other books in the series as well.… (más)

I loved all the stories in this anthology! There was a great range of steam from sweet kisses to steamy encounters! I was able to read books from authors I have not had the chance to read yet and have added them to my Goodreads list.

Devil at the Gates was one of my favorites! The anguish, the mystery and the passion was just on point! They were both tortured people who desperately wanted to love and be loved! And I couldn’t be happier for them that they found each other!

I also really liked Scandal in the Snow! I think it is hard to make the romantic feelings real in a novella, so it is genius to start with the relationship with some history, so you don’t have to start from scratch! I loved the banter and the enemies to lovers trope! Very well written and cute story!

Miss Pageants Christmas Proposal was a unique story and I loved it! The ‘Big Lie Trope’ isn’t one I’ve see a lot in historical romances and this was really well done! Emary didn’t come off as a brat but someone who truly wanted his affections and thankfully, Donovan didn’t competent blame her for their weird start to their relationship. There was just enough angst to keep you on the edge of your seat but not enough to be frustrating!

I always love Tracy Sumner and Tempting the Scoundrel was a great read! Christian's obsession with Raine was so so sweet (not creepy at all) and because she was weary of him at first, it made it all the more sweet and real feeling!… (más)

REVIEW

From a Scoundrel with Love

Great way to read favorite authors and find new writers that you will want to read again. This anthology of stories containing 1000 pages has only one author that I know well so reading all of the others will add to my author list, I am sure.

THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by Katherine Bone, first in the book, has a villain to be thwarted and a husband and wife reunited, a happy ending and a hint of a romance that might take place in an upcoming book by Ms. Bone.

THE BRUNETTE WHO STOLE HIS HEART by Tabetha Waite, was the second book I read. A lady’s maid and valet are talked into standing in for their employers. A lovely story and a new author that I will read again.

CHASING THE DUKE by Tracy Sumner, is the story I had to read first as she is one of my favorite writers. This story is about a woman who has promised herself that she will NOT chase her brother’s best friend, the person she had a childhood crush on for so many years, but what happens if he chases her? I knew I would enjoy this story and was so glad that I did.

I look forward to reading and getting to know the other six authors soon.

Thank you to BookSirens and the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (más)

Wicked Christmas Nights

Don’t miss the chance to read historical holiday romances by eight different authors. I wanted to read the one by Tracy Sumner, as she is a favorite, and in so doing read new-to-me authors I would gladly read again.

AN IMPERFECT INTRODUCTION by Alyssa Drake
With rumors of ghosts, a dowry and possible future lost, Wilhelmina should not be kissing a young man under the Christmas tree without even knowing his name but that is just the beginning of this unusual romance.

EARL OF EDGEMERE by Amanda Mariel
Carstine’s visit to England for a coming out sponsored by her mother’s friend sees her missing Scotland but also making a friend and meeting more than one potential suitor…which one will she end up with?

THE DUKE’S SCANDALOUS CHRISTMAS WISH by Ari Thatcher
Filled with holiday traditions and family fun, will Milly come out of mourning her fiancé to find love with a Duke and if so, just how will stirring Christmas pudding play into the matter?

SMITTEN WITH MY CHRISTMAS MINX by Dawn Brower
Mistaking the duke’s daughter for a maid and the repercussions of his behavior could lead to happiness together or a quick parting for Adeline and Zachariah.

DEVIL AT THE GATES by Lauren Smith
This came in as my second most favorite with its Gothic dark foreboding feel, wonderful characters in Redmond and Harriet, Devil the dog, the ghosts most helpful, and the ogre of a stepfather Harriet ran from. Would definitely read this author’s work again.

SCANDAL IN THE SNOW by Nadine Millard
Neighbors that grew up more enemies than friends begin to see one another in a new light this holiday season. Will Olivia and Alex find their happily ever after after all?

MISS PAGEANT’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Tabetha Waite
It took me a bit of time to warm up to spoiled diamond of the first water Emary as she tried to snare the Duke of Winwood but as the story progressed, I began to warm to her. And Donovan, for a man at first unimpressed, fell smitten rather quickly.

TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL by Tracy Sumner
Loved this the second time around just as much as the firs time I read it. A watchmaker and a maid who find true love together after a young man saw and fell in love one night never knowing he would see his dream woman again years later.

Did I enjoy this anthology? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars… (más)