Review: Highland Jewel

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars!
A great combination of history, romance, danger and a few other things in between!
Both Maisie and Niall are two wonderful main characters, both filled with passion and a fierce loyalty towards the ones they love
I appreciated how the author weaves in the story of advocacy for women's righ and how that is a big part of Maisie's identity.
This was a wonderful book, hard and painful sometimes, but executed beautifully.
*I received an ARC from the publisher*

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Review: When the Marquess Was Mine

When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is your case of "fake engagement" by amnesia or "how a rake reforms himself". While the idea might not seem very original, there were a few things I really enjoy of this book. First, the ruse doesn't last all of the book and it's not the main point of conflict between the characters' love. It's a catalyzer to move the story forward, but it's not the story itself. The story is about two people that meet under different circumstances and realize they really like the true versions of themselves. While West's reforms might seem a little too rushed, it does work in the context of the story, as the amnesia is the perfect enabler of that change.
I liked this book and I look forward to read more from this author.
*I was given an ARC by the publisher*

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Review: Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish

Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There were a few things I quite enjoyed from this book, especially both main characters true kindness and sense of loyalty and duty. This is a lovely tale of a chance meeting between two people that don't think they can be together and yet they definitely can. But I did struggle with some of the unconventional items of this story, as an heir to a noble title, Vim shouldn't have known that much about babies. But with a little of suspension of belief, this is a wonderful Christmas story. Sophie's brothers are absolutely delightful and they enhanced the second part of the book.
*I was given an ARC by the publisher*

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Review: Kulti

Kulti by Mariana Zapata
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

3.5 stars! I thought the age difference was going to be a hindrance for me, but it wasn't so bad... I loved Sal SO much and I hope we can get to see Mark and Eric in other books!

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Review: A Lady Never Tells

A Lady Never Tells by Lynn Winchester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. I really liked the idea of a family dedicated to be historical spies and serving the crown and I really liked the fact that most of them were women, but I do feel that the book tried to be two things at the same time: intrigue and romance and didn't quite achieve it. It's not a bad book at all and both main characters and lovable and wonderful, but at the same time, I feel it could have been better executed. But it was a good book overall and I am intrigued to know what happens next!
*I was given an ARC by the publisher. My views are my own.*

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Review: The Boyfriend Contract

The Boyfriend Contract by Victoria James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars! There are several things that I liked about this book. The narrative flows easily and that makes it an "easy" read (easy as in I don't have to struggle to deconstruct paragraphs and I can follow the plot easily and the descriptions add to it),
We're treated to the story of Emily, who has resisted the abuse from her brother for years, leaving to claim her grandmother's inherited house and turn it into an inn.
Her path crossed with Cooper, one of the contractors in charge of the restorations. Cooper is a widower that is not interested in falling in love again after losing the love of his life.
Sparks fly between them, but in order to protect both of their hearts, they made a contract before dating.

I struggled with the idyllic view of small towns that this book portrays, as it feels as if too unrealistic at times. But that being said, I really enjoyed Cooper and Emily, Cooper's struggles to date to love again and Emily's character growth as she finds herself and what she wants to do with her life
*I was given an ARC from the publisher under no obligation*

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Review: Beard with Me

Beard with Me by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew this book was going to wreck me, I just didn't know how. I was prepared for one tragic backstory and we got another that is less sad in some places but so heartbreaking at the same time.
This is not a romance novel not really, but it's the origin to one of the most expected and wonderful romances I've read.

Being able to get a glimpse of Billy and Scarlet in their origins, to understand their teenage struggles, the fears, wants and mistakes is such a privilege.
Billy is everything I thought he'd be and even more. His absolute loyalty and fierceness and the sacrifices he makes, they humble me to the point of tears.
Scarlet's fierceness and optimism even at the worst of her times, and even with the worst of her upbringing, it's a lesson in a different type of strength than Billy's, but as important all the same.

This is a beautifully written book, filled with brotherly love, heartbreaking moments and two kids with the best intentions that got caught up in circumstances that were way beyond their years.
I'll be sitting here waiting for the last book to come and hoping that their hard earn happy ending finally comes.

(all my spoilery comments will be in the notes and highlights)


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