Tag Archives: Historical romance

Crimean Fairy Tale by Victoria Janssen

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Crimean Fairy Tale
Author: Victoria Janssen
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I actually really, really enjoyed this short story. It took a little bit to get into. And I wasn’t really sure what I was expecting, but I actually found this incredibly enjoyable. Which of course is exactly what you want when you read a short story.

From the moment that Jonas found solace in Betsy, I was expecting them to get a happily ever after. It didn’t quite go the way that I anticipated, but it was still an interesting adventure. Plus, there was a whole lot of mystical stuff in there that gives them an unexpected happily ever after. I’m still not quite sure how it all worked out – but I felt happy at the completion of the story.

This short story was a really cute and easy read. I love that the woman rescues the man, not the other way around. And that they get to have a happily ever after that was both unexpected and well appreciated.

<- (Like a) Virgin of the SpringDesperate Choices ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ballgowns & Butterflies
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Stitch in Time #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I read this novella as part of my Christmas reading. And now I just want to read the rest of the series. Particularly the first novel, A Stitch in Time to see how Bronwyn and William fell in love. And met, and how the time travel portal works. There is so much going on that I just need all of the amazing backstory to this world. And adventures. And just, general Armstrong awesomeness.

One of the many, many things I loved about this story was that it featured Christmas on either side of a time warp. I’m assuming that Armstrong has done a bit of research into the time period, because this was mostly about the differences between the two times. Both timelines still focusing on love, companionship and giving.

I also love both of the traditions have that Christmas spirit that makes me love this time of year so much. It’s so beautiful seeing how taking care of others is a big focus on the town’s traditions. And that in the case of this story, the aristocracy actually give a damn about their people.

Although I wasn’t pregnant for the Christmas that I read this, I did only have a two month old. And the Christmas 2 years prior I had been pregnant. So I loved reading about the frustrations and challenges of being heavily pregnant at this time of year. It’s also highlighting some of the challenges I’m sure Bronwyn is about to face in A Twist of Fate.

<- A Stitch in TimeA Twist of Fate ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kiss of a Duke by Erica Ridley

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Kiss of a Duke
Author: Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I read the first book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series last year for Christmas and absolutely loved the premise and story. But, as always, I ended up somewhat distracted and didn’t get much further into the series. Reading Kiss of a Duke reminded me what it was I enjoyed so much about the first book. And why it is such a nice and calm diversion.

I love that there are a number of allusions to turtle doves (2 turtle doves from the carol) throughout this story. It ties in great with the partridge in a pear tree from the first book. And it is just one of many hints to Christmas stories and carols.

Nicholas is also a wonderful character. He’s a rake who doesn’t believe in love and gets reformed. I mean, it’s a pretty classic bit of character development. But it’s classic for a reason, and something I thoroughly enjoy. As is the fact that Penelope is ‘logical’ and doesn’t believe in love. Watching these two bumble into each other in my mind’s eye was a fantastically funny adventure.

Lastly, the fact that Nicholas has a lot in common with Saint Nick or Father Christmas was really cute. I loved picking up on all of these hints and allusions. Now I can’t wait to see what else Ridley weaves into her romances with Wish Upon a Duke.

<- Once Upon a DukeWish Upon a Duke ->

Image source: Amazon

The Accidental Duchess by Sandy Blair

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: The Accidental Duchess
Author: Sandy Blair
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

The Accidental Duchess is a pleasant historical romance and a great novella to transport you away for an hour or so. I love that in just a few chapters, Blair is able to not only create a lovely romance, but also a whole cast of characters with a lot of development.

Every story has a catalyst of change. And I love that this all starts because Rachael breaks into a house to stop herself from, you know, freezing to death. And then she meets Connor who is kind of a knob to be honest. But he grew on me enough that I liked the happy ending.

Not only is this a fun romance, but there is a lot of backstory of Connor’s mother is so brilliantly done. It’s hard to turn someone from a villain to a relatable secondary character in less than 20 chapters. But Blair manages it beautifully. It’s also a bit heartbreaking, because this is actually a backstory for women that is still happening today.

I seriously enjoyed this novella. But I also got quote distracted by all of the talk throughout of baking. That made me kind of hungry if I’m being honest… it made me want to bake decadent goodies in the middle of the night when I was reading this.

<- More Sandy BlairA Highlander for Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon

Courting His Countess by C.J. Archer

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Courting His Countess
Author: C.J. Archer
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

It’s been a little while since I picked up any historical romances. Which made this a wonderful novella to use to dive straight back into this genre. Plus, although I’ve read other C.J. Archer novels, this is also my first foray into the more traditional feeling historical romances that she likes. Both things that I thoroughly enjoyed. And made me want to jump right back into another historical / regency romance. And more C.J. Archer stories. A quick, easy and light read. One that I will most definitely enjoy reading again.

I love that this is a historical romance that talks about many of the social graces and nuances that that entails. Yet, it touches on some of the battles that women still face today. In this, it is that there is a bit of controversy surrounding the marriage of the lead couple. Yet, instead of dealing with it, the husband just up and leaves. Leaving her with the fall out. Thomas may do this to try and mitigate the consequences of his actions, but, he in fact actually makes everything a whole lot worse. It’s this lack of understanding to the social morays and utter bullshit that women often face that I found really interesting. After all, it’s still bullshit and nonsense that happens today.

I love that this story starts with Thomas trying to undo the dumbassery of his past actions. And, although you can already guess that those decisions weren’t optimum, it takes a while for all of the foolish decisions to come to light. I love how you spend the whole time hoping for their happily ever after, and also thinking that Thomas is an absolute fool. All in all, this was fun and enjoyable, and I’m so glad that it was such a good happy ending.

<- More C.J. ArcherThe Mercenary’s Price ->

Image source: Goodreads

Duke in Search of a Duchess by Jennifer Ashley

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Duke in Search of a Duchess
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Series: Regency Bon Bons #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This was a very quick and simple read. A wonderful fun and light novella that I really enjoyed reading. It was a nice historical romance with enough drama to keep me entertained, but not so much that it was too dramatic for such a short read. I enjoy the simplicity of a good story and the enjoyment of a nice romance without having to deal with too much angst sometimes. And this fit that bill perfectly.

I love that Courtland is driven and happy in her independence. She embraces being considered quirky and just genuinely enjoys her existence. However, when she talks about her deceased husband, my heart does break a little for her. I can’t imagine being married to such a useless human being. And the fact that even she admits that whilst she loved him, he didn’t love her, all the more painful. Courtland is such an adorable, happy and loveable character that you can’t help but hurt for her.

Contrastingly, Ashford is almost painfully rigid. I can’t imagine being so rigid that your own children use your actions to track the time of day. I understand how someone would need that rigidity to get over the death of his wife, but he definitely takes it to extremes. Courtland perfectly balances him out, and since I love the opposites attract trope, I lapped all of this up. Courtland is also able to bring out a sense of joy and happiness not only in Ashford, but also in his children. There were many cute and sweet moments that had me grinning from ear to ear.

This is my first historical romance novella by Jennifer Ashley, and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Ashley is able to create wonderful characters you can’t help but love, and do so in a humorous and subtle way that had me laughing out loud. Duke in Search of a Duchess was a fantastic read full of machinations and plots, one that I seriously enjoyed and look forward to reading again.

<- More Jennifer AshleyA Kiss for Luck ->

Image source: Jennifer Ashley

Neanderthal Seeks Duchess by Laney Hatcher

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Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Duchess
Author: Laney Hatcher, SmartyPants Romance
Series: London Ladies Embroidery #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Since this is a historical romance remaining of Neanderthal Seeks Human, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect out of this story. But, wow, this was brilliant. And very cleverly done. I loved how the key aspects of Regency Romances (that I love) were captured and used to retell an amazing tale that I already loved.

Even though this is a retelling, Neanderthal Seeks Duchess is a great story that stands all on its own. Although many key moments from Neanderthal Seeks Human were used, the way that Hatcher was able to spin things in a myriad of unexpected ways. The Meet Cute was adorable, the hints of the future stories, and Quinton’s ability to woo Jane were all fantastic.

I’m a total sucker for a good regency romance (second fastest growing shelf in my collection at the moment). That Hatcher is able to combine this love with my other pretty encompassing love for Penny Reid worked really well for me. I’m glad that Well Acquainted is already out (I just have to save the money). I’m so excited to see how Elizabeth and Nicholas’ relationship is modified for the world of regency romance.

Like everything in the Smartypants Romance world, I loved this story, the writing was brilliant, the characters sassy and delightful, and the plot line had enough going on that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. Now I just have to exercise all kinds of self-control to not run straight out and buy the next book in the series.

<- More SmartyPants RomanceWell Acquainted ->

Image source: Booktopia

My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway

Book Review,
Overview

Title: My Dearest Enemy
Author: Connie Brockway
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I really, really, really wanted to like this. In fact, I wanted to like it so much that I gave it MUCH more of a chance than I normally would. But, alas, I just couldn’t connect to the characters!

To me, this book read a little clunky. As I said, I loved the premise and the story line wasn’t too bad. But I just wasn’t able to connect to the characters, in particular, the women in this story. For me, personally it is that connection to the characters that is really important when I love a tale.

Since I didn’t love this book and found it hard to connect to… well, anyone, I think I’ll leave this review here. Maybe a story to try again another day, I don’t know.

<- More historical romanceMore historical romance ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Once Upon a Duke by Erica Ridley

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Once Upon a Duke
Author: Erica Ridley
Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I was a bit tentative to read this at first – I mean, a story set around Christmas. And dukes and… yeah, it just sounded kind of kitschy. But, whilst it was fairly predictable and stereotypical, it was epically fun and special. The whole idea of the spirit of Christmas was woven throughout the storyline beautifully. And, it was incredibly fun to find some of those little easter eggs of Christmas tales that Ridley managed to weave through the storyline.

One of my favourite easter eggs was most definitely the partridge in a pear tree… I can only assume that the other 12 days of Christmas presents will find their way into the rest of the books about the 12 dukes. It may not be Christmas time at the moment – but that carol has definitely been echoing in my head since I read the name of the series…

I like that Noelle (and I JUST got that Christmas name), is focused on community and love. She is such a sweet lead, and if I find that a bit of an unrealistic characterization, it is still just beautiful. After all, she is the one who falls in love with a humbug and decides to spend the rest of her life with him… not a choice for the faint of heart.

This is a great second chance love story. The fact that it is set in a village lovingly called Christmas and features a humbug and woman named Noelle… well, it just makes it all that much cuter. I might have found it a little bit too sickly cute at times. But, overall, I think that this was incredibly enjoyable and a nice, fun and light read.

<- Making MerryKiss of a Duke ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

As a final book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet, I was intrigued to how everything would tie together. Plus, although Iris only makes her first memorable appearance in The Sum of All Kisses, it was intriguing to know what was going to happen in her happily ever after. Not going to lie though, I wouldn’t mind finding out about the happily ever after of Daisy. Regardless, I did thoroughly enjoy how The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy rounded out this quartet and left me feeling very happy and content.

I love that Iris is completely suspect of her new husband, but also happy to try and find a good ending. She isn’t taken in by his actions and doesn’t fall for his underhandedness. But, she’s also willing to try and find the good in him and love him. Honestly, with his big secret and trickery, I don’t know if I could ever forgive him myself. But, Iris is smart and good, even when she has every right not to be. She’s also pretty determined and underhanded herself when she wants to be.

Richard’s secret is somewhat predictable considering the era in which this story is set. It’s still pretty harsh and horrible for Iris, and I did wonder how the reveal and subsequent battle would evolve. But, it was still seriously predictable. Luckily for me, I read these regency romance novels for their simplicity and predictability. There is enough of a surprise throughout the evolution of their relationship that I couldn’t put this down though. Not that it’s hard for me to sink deeply into a book.

I absolutely adored The Secrets of Richard Kenworthy. I didn’t necessarily feel quite as connected to the characters as in other Julia Quinn books, but I also couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen to them next. Ultimately I think what I loved the most about this book was the way in which Iris was able to deal with an untenable situation in the best of ways.

<- The Sum of All KissesMore Julia Quinn ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia