Review: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a riveting tale! I've always been fond of Kerrigan Byrne's writing and this book didn't disappoint. She has a narrative style that is poetic and heartbreaking at the same time. Her stories dig deep into harsh topics and this book wasn't the exception. A content warning should be given for sexual abuse as that is an important part of the book and the development of Alexandra's character.
There are several things I enjoyed about this book, starting by the three wonderful friends that made a pact of sharing secrets from their torturous pasts and a vow to never marry. But we know that vow is never going to be easy to keep.
Alexandra, an archeologist recovering from a trauma that has left her wary of men, makes the trip to Redmayne Castle at the request of her friend Francesca, who's betrothed to the Duke since she was a child and is trying to uncover the assassins of her family. But it's Alexandra who ends up catching the eye of the duke and there is an attraction that they can't seem to ignore.
Piers never thought he'd love again after the accident that left part of his face disfigured, but he can't seem to ignore the attraction to Alexandra.
In a whirlwind of emotion, danger and secrets, these two wounded characters will learn to trust and love each other.
I enjoyed that while there are dangers and a few mystery plots surrounding them, the book centers mainly in Alexandra and Piers learning to trust and love one another and how it's Alexandra's journey to healing from the abuse she'd suffered when she was young. It's raw and angsty at points, but so wonderfully written.
Once again, I love this author and she doesn't disappoint me!
*I was given an ARC from the publisher under no obligation*

View all my reviews

Review: Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire by Kate Meader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Eli and Alex's story a lot. They had wondeful moments of really opening to each other while pretending they were not really falling in love. Amazing!

View all my reviews

Review: Sapphire Flames

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Where do I begin? I'll do the non spoilery version of this first and the rest under the cut.
I'm sure this could be read as a standalone because IA really put in the most important pieces of the background into the story for readers to situate themselves... but why would you? this book is really much more enjoyable when you've read the other 4 and you're greeting back old friends into the plot.
This book is a wondeful mix of an introvert heroine that is currently stepping into a very spotlight-y role, an intriguing hero we're not sure whose side he's on, an interesting plot and so many great moments that I cannot name them all. It has action, romance and god damn great ending with many pieces to solve in upcoming books. I waited for a while for this one and it didn't disappoint.
(view spoiler)[
Catalina is everything I envisioned her to be and more. Her inner struggles to contain her power constantly - to hide herself - are heartbreaking. How much does she wish to be loved and how scared she is to let herself go. Her story is beautiful and I love that she prepared for her role as Prime, that she is poised and secure and took time to learn and grow. I love that... it gives her an edge that Nevada didn't have in her books.
At the same time, I love that the Baylors are still the Baylors. Primes or not, those are still the best. Their family dynamics are fantastic and I adored that Bug was still a very important feature in that family. My heart ached for him but I really appreciate that he and Catalina are close, and it's not just Bern that he is friends with.
I loved seeing how our teenagers grew into young adults, how each of them play a role, how Runa was weaved into the story, all of it.
Alessandro is a great hero so far, his story the correct amount of intrigue and mystery and also you know he's one of the good ones in the end.
I liked how IA baked in a new story for them, and how the obstacles that prevent them for being together are shown. It broke my heart in all the best ways and I can't wait for the next one!!
*I was given an ARC from the publiser under no obligation.*





(hide spoiler)]

View all my reviews

Review: The Aussie Next Door

The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
I struggle a little bit with the first half of the book. I felt like the story was dragging and I couldn't quite connect with the characters and the story. But the second half really changed things for me. When they get together and their fears from their pasts start playing a role in their relationship... that was a great plot. It's not over the top conflict or drama but a real and thorough exploration of how fears about ones' condition or past or background failed relationships play a role in trying to make it better in the next one and ended up making it worst. It was a really great story from that point on and I enjoyed the happy resolution.

View all my reviews

Review: The Truth About Cowboys

The Truth About Cowboys by Lisa Renee Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I quite liked this one, but it didn't blow my socks off.
Jessica is a little fidgety and quick to jump into complete insta love for the place and the grandmother and Jason comes off like a total douche some times. They work it off and it's a good premise, but it was hard for me to buy their attraction at the beginning. As the book progresses, there are some really nice moments in which they talk and connect and really make the romance believable, but the rest seems to happen too soon.
It's not a bad book but I wasn't completely sold on it.

View all my reviews

Review: Handle with Care

Handle with Care by Marie Harte
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this one! It picks up a couple of weeks later after the events of the previous book in the series. It can be read as a standalone, as the author provides enough information to fill in the blanks, but it's a much more enjoyable experience when you know the full background on the characters.
Taking a break from his long-hour and stressing work as an accountant on a high.end firm, Evan is determined to play a bigger part on the Vet movers company.
One of his first gigs put him on the path of Kenzie and her little brother Daniel. Evan and Kenzie are instantly attracted to each other, but they both have to navigate scars from the past, family dynamics and a few other things.
I enjoyed the new additions on this book with Kenzie's over the top friends that really complemented the Vets on the Go! characters. I liked that the story was more focused on Kenzie, her brother, her friends and Evan, with only a few appearances of the others. I gave a nice twist and originality to the series. I also enjoyed Evan navigating the relationship with Smith and working hard to make that happen.
Kenzie and Evan are actually two nice people that are trying and failing and trying again and I enjoyed that while a little over the top, Kenzie's struggle felt real. I liked that the story focused on how taking care of her little brother has her positioning her relationships in a different way and it's a beautfiul things.
A great read!

View all my reviews

Review: Flirting with Fire

Flirting with Fire by Kate Meader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this one!

View all my reviews