Tag Archives: Regency romance

The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Autumn Bride by Anne Gracie - Penguin Books Australia

Title: The Autumn Bride
Author: Anne Gracie
Series: Chance Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoyed Abby and her willingness to save her “sisters” from absolutely anyone and anything. Not only did it make a great start to a series, and one that completely drew me in. But, it also made her this incredibly admirable and adorable lead female. A great way to start off the Chance Sisters series. One that is fairly unforgettable and a whole lot of fun. Mostly, I just loved how this was not only a great regency romance, but also a fantastic start of a band of amazing sisterly love.

Although this is a romance, it is the love between Abby and her chosen sisters that I really loved. The way that Abby chooses to not only take care of her biological sister, but also to adopt the two others is absolutely adorable. I also love the level of compassion and care that it shows. And then, there is their plan, each of the four have different dreams and goals. But, it is Abby who attempts to unite them all into one coherent plan in which they can support one another. They might become bonded initially in a moment of stress, but Abby manages to make it that they are able to stand up for one another and support each other for life.

Aunt Bea is an amazingly funny and great character. Her willingness to take on the four girls, because of who they are, not who they were born to was absolutely admirable. Honestly, this whole story didn’t quite take the path that I typically expect from a regency romance, and I adored that fact. I particularly adored how Abby was able to rescue Aunt Bea, simply because it was the right thing. But, this led to a happily ever after that just wasn’t anticipated. Plus, Aunt Bea is just a powerhouse of a woman, one that I kind of want to grow into when I get old and somewhat frail myself.

I didn’t mind Lord Davenport, he was an alright male lead. And I didn’t mind the way that he even eventually realises that Abby might be the one. He starts out all noble and outraged because he finds four strange women staying with his auntie. To me, he was a bit of a secondary character, with the four sisters, and Aunt Bea being the main characters. They were just so damn amazing, and I love a story with good, strong female relationships. It’s much rarer than it should be, so I definitely grasp onto stories with strong female bonds and hug them close with both hands.

<- More Anne GracieThe Winter Bride ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase

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Overview
A Duke in Shining Armor

Title: A Duke in Shining Armor
Author: Loretta Chase
Series: Difficult Dukes #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

This was one of those few stories that I almost put in the DNF pile, but then decided to plod along. Normally, even if I do this, I find that I regret just not stopping. That was not the case with A Duke in Shining Armor. Once I got past that hurdle, about a third of the way through, I actually started to fall in love with this story. Not only did I find that the storyline picked up pace, but I also started to really and truly connect with the characters. It was at this point that I realised I wanted to know what was going to happen. And I really, really wanted a happily ever after for the main characters.

A Duke in Shining Armor was a fun historical romance with all of the typical social morales and expectations. It didn’t necessarily detour too far from the genre’s conventions, but I loved how well Chase slotted into this. There’s a reason I like regency / historical romances, and I love that Chase ticked all of my boxes for this genre. She was also able to use this lens to really highlight the difference in societal expectations for men and women. Although women may have more choice and freedom in the world today (at least where I’m from), but there is still a stark difference between the different pathways. Chase was able to not only reflect on today’s difference in expectations and societal norms, but also those of the past. And she did this so seamlessly that I kind of didn’t realise it was happening until I turned the final page. Potent, beautiful and gifted.

Although it took me a little while to engage with the storyline of A Duke in Shining Armor, I did love Olympia from pretty much the beginning. It takes a lot of courage to run out on a wedding in this day and age, so the fact that she does this in a regency romance? It was already going to show a very different character. Then, there’s the fact that she is fiery and independent, initially it seems to be due to alcohol, but it quickly becomes apparent that this is how she is. Plus, she is completely loyal and loving to her family. I love how much of a backbone she has and how willing she is to stand on her own two feet to do the right thing. I also love how truly exasperated she gets with the males of her species – because, honestly, who hasn’t been there before?

Where I immediately took to Olympia, Ripley was more “alright”. And possibly why it took me a little longer to warm to the romance. Probably because he wasn’t any of the things that I really enjoy in a literary man. Plus, he took a little too much joy in messing with his friends, without really thinking through the consequences. Honestly, most of the conflict throughout this story was simply because Ripley and his two best friends just refuse to actually think through the consequences of their decision making. But, ultimately, he decides on Olympia (eventually), and this made all of the mehness of his character kind of okay. It was, at least, enough for me to want to know what happens to his two best friends next.

<- More Loretta ChaseTen Things I Hate About the Duke ->

Image source: Booktopia

A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: A Madness in Spring
Author: Kate Noble
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

A Madness in Spring was a very quick, fun and light read to fill one of the reading challenge prompts for this year. It’s been sitting in my Kobo for a little while, but I’ve not really been diving into the historical romances all that much as of late. And, after reading this, I’m kind of wondering why – I enjoyed the somewhat innocent joy of this. Honestly, it reminded me why authors like Jane Austen and Julia Quinn are favourites of mine – there is a different kind of passion and loyalty inspired by this genre. One that reminds me of the core of what romance truly is for me – showing your person that you love them, in whatever way that may be.

Belinda and Adam’s journey to one another was kind of predictable, but I also had a lot of fun with it. They start out as the whole enemies to lovers trope, but then quickly realise that they’ve always had feelings for one another. The fact that it took a little bit of meddling to get them there made it a lot more entertaining. Plus, their knowledge of one another make them quickly fall into a fantastic relationship all that much more quickly – they already have the foundations, even if it was built by niggling each other and pushing each others’ buttons.

I love that ultimately, it’s the meddling of the well intentioned friends and new acquaintances which leads to Belinda and Adam realising that they have feelings for each other, and acting on them. And then, when they face their first hurdle and you question whether or not they’ll get a happily ever after, more meddling comes aboard to help out. I know life doesn’t work like the books, but sometimes I wish that there was meddling in some of my life to help me fix that which I’m not sure how to fix.

Although this was a historical romance, it didn’t quite have the closed door feel that I’m used to. There was a little bit more on page steam than I would anticipate from the genre. Which kind of made me enjoy it all that much more, it was so brilliantly done that I honestly didn’t want to put this down! What a wonderful story that was filled with such hope and joy, and of course, that love of a romantic happily ever after to tie it all off.

<- The Dress of the SeasonMiss Goodhue Lives for a Night ->

Image source: Amazon

A Most Inconvenient Earl by Claire Delacroix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Most Inconvenient Earl
Author: Claire Delacroix
Series: The Brides of North Barrows #4
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I spent a lot of this novella just thinking that Eurydice is such a weird name. Definitely not one that I’ve ever read before. And yet, as I read more and more of this and steadily fell for the strong willed young woman, I decided that I actually really liked the name. Mostly because I thoroughly enjoyed her quiet gumption and practicality. Then there’s the fact that even as she falls in love, she maintains her dignity and sense of self. She doesn’t just bow to whatever her marriage of convenience husband desires because it’s simple for him. She still manages to navigate a world which looks down on her with her head held high.

Another part of why I just adored Eurydice so much is the way in which she finally reveals her feelings to Sebastian. Instead of being a sweet, romantic moment where they whisper the truth to one another. It is a moment in which her ire is up and she completely dresses down her unfortunately ignorant husband. It’s the perfect culmination of the two characters’ romance and a great reminder that the women of historical romances, whilst maybe not entirely realistic are so damn wonderfully articulate.

This is actually the fourth story in the Brides of North Barrows series, and I kind of like that I was able to read about the final couple and then I get to spin back around to the first. After all, the first couple of this series is actually the ones who are trying to stop Eurydice and Sebastian from eloping. It gives their marriage a fast-paced, illicit feeling that I absolutely gobbled up. Then, there’s a potential duel because, why not? There was actually quite a bit of action that leads Sebastian and Eurydice to figure out how they feel about each other. And I was there for every step of the way. And now I get to go back and find out all of the cogs that eventually led to this moment!

Even though this is a Christmas historical romance, it wasn’t a huge driver of the story. It does create an important backdrop and drives one of the plot points. But it is more of a pleasant accompaniment than the actual reason that Eurydice and Sebastian end up together. It does give the feel of many happy Christmases though. And I like to imagine that Eurydice is finally able to heal the difficulties of Sebastian’s past Christmases.

<- A Baron for All SeasonsMore Claire Delacroix ->

Image source: Goodreads

Joy to the World by Nicole Zoltack

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Joy to the World
Author: Nicole Zoltack
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I enjoyed this novella, it was a light and easy story that I got through pretty quickly. However, I wasn’t completely obsessed, and I don’t know if I want to read more Zoltack or not. It was a fun story, but one that was also somewhat forgettable. Just a simple and pleasant way to pass time, entering a world of regency romance at Christmas time.

Joy to the World features a false marriage proposal and blackmail which leads to real love and a happily ever after. I like that Eliza spends a lot of this story thinking through her choices and refusing to be tricked for a second time. When one Duke replaces another, she doesn’t just dive into her new situation, but rather, wonders what she needs to do to actually have a happy and healthy life. She doesn’t just dive into this new world without thought.

This wasn’t necessarily much of a Christmas story, but it was still one that I enjoyed. I like that everything takes place at Christmas-time, but it isn’t the focus of the story. This is a hard novella to write a review about, because whilst it was enjoyable, it wasn’t necessarily unforgettable. It was just… simple, pleasant and quite cute.

<- A Most Inconvenient EarlThe Lady’s Guide to Mistletoe and Mayhem ->

Image source: Amazon

The Mistletoe Trap by Eve Pendle

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Mistletoe Trap
Author: Eve Pendle
Series: Faking Stitch #1
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Not only is this a second chance romance, but also a regency romance set at Christmas time. It is really cute and filled with the typical misunderstandings of a second chance romance. Amelia and Robert are also immensely likeable and unforgettable. The perfect couple to lead this story. One that left me smiling and feeling nostalgic for Christmases that I haven’t even experienced!

The Mistletoe Trap is a holiday novella with lots and lots of kisses under the mistletoe (which is of little surprise considering the title). Plus, it is a key part of the actual storyline. Kisses denied and given under the mistletoe being the driver for their story. I also love that, although this is a regency romance novella, it’s one that doesn’t take a simpering woman as a lead. Rather, Amelia is able to take charge of her own life after being snubbed by Robert. She might not have had the original romance that she wanted, but she managed to find happiness in her own life anyway.

This is a great historical romance that takes place at Christmas. It is all about new beginnings and saying goodbye to the mistakes of the past. Although Amelia and Robert might end up trapped into their new happily ever after. It’s ultimately what they both want, and they are well equipped to set off into a beautiful happily ever after with one another. A simple and joyous read that left me smiling and relaxed.

<- A Cup of CheerA Most Inconvenient Earl ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

A Cup of Cheer by Deb Marlowe

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Cup of Cheer
Author: Deb Marlowe
Series: A Series of Unconventional Courtships #4
In: Twelve Lords for Christmas (Miscellaenous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Julia and Chester work beautifully as a couple at Christmas time, plus they have that whole instant family feels with Charlie at their side. The fact that this is also a regency romance, filled with the different traditions of the time. Priceless. I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to read more Deb Marlowe stories, particularly the tales of Chester’s friends. Romances are always enjoyable, but they’re particularly fun when Christmas and all things joyful are involved.

A Cup of Cheer is the first historical and regency romance that I’ve read in quite a while. I actually forgot how much I enjoyed reading regency romances, there’s just something that little bit more innocent about them than some of the more intense contemporary romances that I read. And that very innocence is kind of a delicious little slow burn. Plus, there’s all of Chester’s friends to meet now. Again, something that I enjoy about this genre – a bunch of man children falling in love and finding their happily ever afters, often with them kicking and screaming.

I love that Marlowe uses this story to really focus on the importance of gift giving. Not the pomp and drama that surrounds it, but rather, the meaning and thought behind the exchanging of gifts. I love that this story is all about celebrating Christmas with loved ones and giving each other gifts that have a lot of thought and meaning behind them. There are also all of the little traditions that remind Julia and Chester of the importance of spending time together and giving each other the benefit of the doubt.

A Cup of Cheer is an instant attraction, friends to lovers story. They both work together to move on from the tragedies of their past. And to figure out a way to find their own happily ever afters. It might take Chester a little bit longer to find that feeling of contentment, but, he does eventually get there. This is such a low angst, but fun story that I will probably reread in the future. It had all the joys of Christmas, the innocence of a regency romance, and just the fun of a good story.

<- Twelve Lords for ChristmasThe Mistletoe Trap ->

Image source: Larissa Lyons

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Series: Dangerous Damsels #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Pirates, Regency romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novel. I mean, the premise intrigued me (which is why I bought it). But I quite frankly, didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I actually did. I mean, it was such a funny and enjoyable story to start with. But the balance between Proper English behaviour and the insanity of law-breaking pirates? That was just hilarious.

The idea of a fleet of flying houses instead of pirate ships was a major surprise, but one that worked brilliantly. I kind of want a beautiful British home that I can just… cast a spell and make it fly to a whole new destination. Although, the idea of lady scoundrels who are getting on in years piloting such a vessel is somewhat concerning…

Honestly, Ned is everything I want in my life. Or at least, in a roguish pirate. Who is also an assassin. Who is also a crown spy. I mean, he’s kind of adorable, totally competent, but also somewhat naive about the skills etc of Cecelia. At least to begin with. In an entertaining and light-hearted story, he’s also the perfect entertaining and light-hearted romantic lead.

At first, I found some of Cecelia’s passivity with her aunt and the Society a little bit annoying. But as the story progressed it grated a little less. Probably because, even though in some ways she’s a little too passive, in others she is kind of contrary. Just in a far more subtle and ladylike way than I would be used to.

Honestly, as much as I loved Cecelia and Ned, I also found the secondary characters adorable. Miss Darlington was downright precious and just what I would imagine of an elderly lady scoundrel. A proper, tea drinking one that is. And Movrath, the villain, both a little bit scary, but also somewhat comedic. Yes, he almost seems to be terrifying and winning a multitude of times. But then, he’s also just so damn… cringeworthy.

A perfectly splendid book to drink a cup of tea to.

<- More India HoltonThe League of Gentlewomen Witches ->

Image source: Bookety Book Books

The Lady and the Rabbit by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Lady and the Rabbit
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Shifter Season #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Denise got her own story after Victoria. I was really hoping on reading about the twins in The Fox and the Viscount that I would get to read her happily ever after. And, I was not disappointed in the slightest. It was a wonderful and fun story. And fit in perfectly against The Fox and the Viscount.

The idea of a rabbit and a fox together was a really interesting predator / prey mix. And I kind of dug it. I love stories that feature a more passive man with a strong willed woman. Although Denise is very subtle with her strength, it is there in her stubbornness to act exactly the way she wants to when attending balls and conducting herself in public.

I love that The Lady and the Rabbit had many of the exact same scenes as The Fox and the Viscount, but written from Denise’s point of view. Whilst they were a bit repetitive, they were a great way to learn more about Densie and her points of view of the same moments. I also though that Greenwood did a great job of having both sides of a conversation in an engaging way.

Denise’s relationship is entirely built upon intellect and connection. I absolutely adored that they first start to make a connection through books, and then find a way to get to know each other from there. A very cute and sweet story. One that I look forward to reading again in the future.

<- The Fox and the ViscountThe Peacock and the Wallflower ->

Image source: Kobo

The Fox and the Viscount by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Fox and the Viscount
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Shifter Season #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Like most of Greenwood’s stories, I found The Fox and The Viscount to be a beautiful and sweet story. A nice indulgence to depart from reality and the nonsense of responsibilities. Victoria and Edmund are a really sweet childhood friends to lovers story at their core. The fact that this is a regency romance with shifters mixed in made it all that much more of a beautiful indulgence. One that makes me incredibly excited to read about the rest of the couples finding their happily ever after in The Shifter Season series.

I’ve not actually read many stories which are a paranormal regency romance. I have a few regency / Victorian era steampunk stories, and one or two with a paranormal spin. However, I don’t have any that are actually paranormal romances with a regency setting. And I absolutely loved the mismatch of genres. It was great having the restrictions of class and social expectations, alongside the differences of being a shifter in a non-shifter world. Honestly, I can’t get enough of this idea and hope that Greenwood continues to write such stories!

Densie and Victoria are really wonderful as twins – I absolutely adored the fact that, even though they are close, they still have their moments of contention. A sibling relationship just isn’t realistic if they get along all of the time! It was nice to read about moments when they niggled at sniped at each other. But, in the next moment had each others’ backs and kept each other safe. I can’t wait to read Denise’s story – her partner is hinted at within The Fox and the Viscount, but now I want to find out how that all comes about. Plus, more sister relationships!

The Fox and the Viscount was a great adventure and romance with two fox shifters finding their happily ever afters. I also love that Victoria is able to dodge an engagement with a seriously ick male lion. One who tries everything he can to blackmail her into a loveless marriage. Everything about this story made it absolutely adorable and incredibly difficult to put down. Now I can’t wait to sink my teeth into The Lady and the Rabbit!

<- More Laura GreenwoodThe Lady and the Rabbit ->

Image source: Kobo