The Rigid Duke by Darcy Burke ARC Review!

 

Title: The Rigid Duke (Matchmaking Chronicles #1)
Author: Darcy Burke
Publish Date: March 8th, 2022
Publisher: Zealous Quill Press
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review!

As a refinement tutor, Mrs. Juno Langton helps young ladies develop the skills and confidence to secure an advantageous marriage. Her cheerful disposition never wavers no matter how challenging her assignment. When a house party provides an opportunity to match her difficult charge with a duke, Juno will go to any lengths to satisfy her employer and ensure the young lady’s future. Too bad the duke is an unsmiling, rigid grouch, albeit an irritatingly handsome one.

The Duke of Warrington dislikes social gatherings and despises the Marriage Mart which makes it nigh impossible to find a wife. He plans to secure his future duchess at a house party, but she’s being managed by a thoroughly meddlesome—and provocative—Mrs. Langton, who is determined to find his better nature. He’ll do anything to avoid her sunny charm and room-brightening smiles, but she’s breaking through his shell and the only way he can think to keep her quiet is to kiss her. He must marry the young lady, not desire the companion.

But now he’s rethinking his wife choices.

Penelope's Review

This is a fun, quick read with great characters and a fun little plot! At only 156 pages, you can fly through this in one sitting. The book takes place over a week long house party where the Duke of Warrington is expected to suit with Lady Marina in order to avoid the London season. 

Dare is a handsome, yet grumpy man who rarely smiles and despises parties. He prefers to be outdoors on his feet or on his horse, alone. Juno is the complete opposite. She is upbeat and cheerful, always smiling, and loves people and parties! I guess it's true when they opposites attract haha! I absolutely loved how Juno was able to drag Dare out of his shell. She really did bring out the best in him, and I liked seeing the happier side of him. 

Lady Marina was shy and quiet, but I sensed a bit of mettle about her near the end - I'd actually be very curious to see what becomes of her. I loved that she'd rather have her nose in a book than talk to people - I can relate lol! 

Despite the fact that this book was short, I didn't feel like any aspect was rushed. I liked the pace at which things progressed and was a fan of the writing style. The book had just the right amount of spice, danger due to forbidden love, and connection. Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next in the series!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

2022 Support Book Bloggers Challenge - February

This challenge is hosted by Pages Unbound and consists of 12 prompts (one for each month of the year) geared towards supporting the book blogger community.

February 2022

FIND 10 NEW-TO-YOU BOOK BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW

Follow 10 new book blogs. They don’t need to be new blogs, just new-to-you.

1. Mary @ Dark Thoughts

2. The Book Dutchesses

3. Stephen Writes

4. Jessica @ Just Bring Books

5. Teacher of YA

6. The Clever Reader

7. Laura's Literary Loves

8. Breanna @ Paws and Paperbacks

9. Phannie the Ginger Bookworm

10. Devon @ Read By Dev

If you have the time, I would love it if you could stop by and support these fellow bloggers! Please note they are not listed in any particular order!

Say You'll Be My Lady by Kate Pembrooke Book Review!

 

Title: Say You'll Be My Lady (The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair #2)
Author: Kate Pembrooke
Publish Date: February 22nd, 2022
Publisher: Forever
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy for review!

Opposites attract in this irresistible Regency romance, where a proper gentleman who lives by the ton's rules and a lady who lives to break them try to resist one another—perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series.

Lady Serena Wynter doesn’t mind flirting with a bit of scandal—she’s determined to ignore society’s strictures and live life on her own fiercely independent terms. These days, she chooses to pour her passions into charitable causes with the vibrant group of ladies in her Wednesday Afternoon Social Club. But there is one man who stirs Serena’s deepest emotions, one who’s irresistibly handsome, infuriatingly circumspect, and too honorable for his own good...

Charles Townshend, former boxer and consummate gentleman, worries Serena’s reckless nature will earn her the ton’s scorn…or put her in serious danger. Though Charles isn’t immune to the attraction between them, a shocking family secret prevents him from ever acting on his desires. But it seems Lady Serena doesn’t intend to let his penchant for propriety stand in the way of a mutually satisfying dalliance.

Penelope's Review

This is a friends-to-lovers regency romance book that follows Lady Serena Wynter and her friend Charles Townshend. The book can be read as a standalone, I haven't read the first in this series and I was able to understand everything that was going on. I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not having read the first one which is always great!

Lady Serena is an absolute firebolt. She's bold and daring, willing to do whatever is necessary to help those less fortunate than her, and she goes after what she wants with abandon. I appreciate a strong female lead and this book gives just that! Charles is a very protective man, with a high sense of propriety. He always wants to do right by Serena, protecting her from anything that could hurt her including herself. As separate characters, I did like them both, but together, I felt like there was something missing. I almost liked them better as friends than as a romantic couple. 

I felt like much of this book was "telling" rather than "showing" which is great sometimes, but not for a whole book. The plot had some really interesting parts but I feel like they weren't put together in the greatest way - I ended up enjoying the read overall though! Oh and I loved Jem - such a sweet character! I could see the outcome for him from a mile away and I loved it! Any scene with him in it was entertaining!

I do plan to continue reading this series - I have a feeling the next book focuses on a "reformed rake" trope which I LOVE so I'll definitely check it out!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Review

 

Title: Imagine Me (Shatter Me #6)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publish Date: March 31st, 2020
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Purchased my own copy!

The explosive finale to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shatter Me series.

Juliette Ferrars.

Ella Sommers.

Which is the truth and which is the lie?

Now that Ella knows who Juliette is and what she was created for, things have only become more complicated. As she struggles to understand the past that haunts her and looks to a future more uncertain than ever, the lines between right and wrong—between Ella and Juliette—blur. And with old enemies looming, her destiny may not be her own to control.

The day of reckoning for the Reestablishment is coming. But she may not get to choose what side she fights on.

Penelope's Review

Whew. Explosive finale indeed. I know there is a TON of mixed reviews on this book, but honestly I thought it was pretty great! Couple things I would have liked to see that I didn't but overall... I'm not mad! Please don't read further in this review if you haven't read up to the fifth book!! No spoilers for THIS book but there is for the other books!

So in Defy Me, we had Juliette and Warner kidnapped by Juliette's parents, but they are both remembering the past (despite them trying to wipe Juliette's mind) thanks to Emmaline. The book ends with them escaping, Juliette and Warner are back on amazing terms (THANK GOD), he wants to marry her, and they have a surprise birthday party for him! Woohoo! All is good in the world. 

Lol. NOPE! Imagine Me dives RIGHT into the action basically from page one. We get more information about Emmaline and what she wants and what's going on with her, we get alot more Kenji which is awesome! (though I would have liked a bit more on him and Nazeera). Unfortunately we don't have Warner's point of view for this book, which was super sad but he's still a main character - just seen through Kenji's eyes which was actually an interesting point of view. I just think it would have been a fantastic read to see what was going through his head during this one. Phew, it would've been a rollercoaster lol. Anyway! 

I feel like the book moved along at a fast pace which was great - there's so much going on that there's no time to be bored! I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, as every other review has said lol. It's true - I had maybe 40-50 pages left and I was like how is this going to end?? There's still so much I don't know!!! Ahh!! Very stressful indeed. I would've liked a slightly different ending, but overall I was alright with it.

I will forever love Juliette and Warner, they are absolutely one of my all-time favorite book couples. I also read this entire series TOGETHER rather than the first three like 10 years ago and the next three now so I think that may have alot to do with m higher opinion of the finale. I recommend reading all 6 books one after the other :) Overall, fantastic series! So sad that it's over!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

Forbidden Sin by Alexis Calder Book Review

 

Title: Forbidden Sin (Rejected Fate #2)
Author: Alexis Calder
Publish Date: February 24th, 2022
Publisher: Alexis Calder
Source: Huge thank you to The Next Step PR and the author for providing me with a copy for review!

War is coming and I’m about to risk everything.

Since returning from the Umbra Estate, I’ve traded one prison cell for another. Dax keeps me under guard, tracking my every movement. He says he wants to be with me, but I know he wants to use me for whatever dark power he thinks I possess.

The mating bond gets stronger by the day, pulling me to Madoc. I can’t be with my mate, but I can’t be with Dax, either. Both options will bring me nothing but heartache and ruin.

My only chance is to get away from the pack I worked so hard to join. But before I go, I must find out about my past. Which means another round of breaking into a building to steal documents.

Just as everything is starting to come together, it all falls apart.

It’s not just my life on the line anymore. It might just cost me everyone and everything I love.

Penelope's Review

This is the second book in the Rejected Fate trilogy, and I loved it just as much, if not more, than the first one! This book brings more twists and turns, more character development, more connection, more everything. 

I love that we get to explore the mate bond further in this book, and what it all means for Ivy and Madoc. And we see a different side to Dax which was really interesting. He's more possessive and angry, craving power and dominance. While we do get to see Madoc a bit more here, and learn a bit more about his pack and family, I am hoping to see MUCH more of him in the final book! I can't wait to watch his and Ivy's relationship develop. This book is full of secrets and revelations, and we get to learn so much more about Ivy and where she comes from.

I have a feeling that this trilogy is going to end in an explosive finale and I can't wait! If you love the paranormal with a heavy dose of romance then this is the series for you! 

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

The Lady Tempts an Heir by Harper St. George Book Review

 

Title: The Lady Tempts an Heir (The Gilded Edge Heiresses #3)
Author: Harper St. George
Publish Date: February 22nd, 2022
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

A fake engagement brings together a lady with bold and daring dreams, and the heir whose heart she captured—perfect for fans of Bridgerton!

Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London, is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father, along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy, has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires...

Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American.

As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget...

Penelope's Review

Another great historical romance by Harper St. George! This time we are focusing on Maxwell Crenshaw (the first two books were based on his sisters August and Violet) and I'm so excited that we got to dive into the brother's perspective! 

When Maxwell is given an ultimatum, he concocts a fake engagement scheme with Lady Helena March that will benefit the both of them. Helena was a very forward thinking, confident young woman. I loved how much she cared about the less fortunate and the work she put in to making their lives better despite the difficulties she faced in her own life because of it. Maxwell was respectful, willing to listen and learn, and of course tall, dark, and handsome lol! I had so much fun watching the two of them get closer and fall in love. 

In terms of the story itself, I thought it was an interesting read with lots of little aspects to keep me entertained. I loved the very unique issue that Helena has to deal with - I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say it was very refreshing to see a different sort of women's issue brought to light. 

I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series! It seems like we will be getting Camille's story which should be a good one!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

In Blood and Ice by Susan Person Blog Tour + Giveaway!

 Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the IN BLOOD & ICE by Susan Person Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 About the Book:

Title: IN BLOOD & ICE (A Vampire Ice Age Novel - Book 1)

Author: Susan Person

Pub. Date: December 27, 2021

Publisher: Person Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 408

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Alliances. Betrayals. Poison.For a hundred years, vampires and humans alike have been struggling to survive a brutal ice age.

When blood stores dwindle, Josie is sent on a mission to secure human donors to supplement the failing supply.

But her ex-lover Vin is part of the crew, and after the mission is sabotaged, she finds herself fighting for more than just survival.

When asked to join the expedition to the old compound, Vin didn’t hesitate. Maybe if he can succeed, he’ll win back the love he once lost.

But betrayal at the highest levels will threaten his efforts and shake the very foundations of the vampire race. If they can find a way to reverse the ice age, then they might all survive. But will the long buried secrets they uncover pull Josie and Vin apart?

In Blood & Ice is the first book in the A Vampire Ice Age paranormal romance series by Susan Person. If you like vampire romance, secrets, and a bad-ass heroine leading the way, this book is for you.

Pick up In Blood & Ice to start this dark and powerful series by Susan Person today.

 

Pre order book 2, Reclamation in Ice now!

GUEST POST! 

Who is your dream book cast?

Nick - Richard Madden

Josie - Katie Mcgrath

Killian - Liam Hemsworth

Natasha - Lily James

About Susan Person:

Susan Person is a multi-contest finalist in the paranormal and dark paranormal romance categories. A former member of Romance Writers of America, she served on the PRO Steering Committee for several years. Recently, she returned to college to pursue a degree in anthropology and graduated in May 2021. Susan enjoys meeting writers and readers alike at conferences. Her grandmother's love of Harlequin novels was passed on to her, and she was fascinated by paranormal worlds and mythology. The combination of the two led her to the paranormal romance genre. She knew at an early age she wanted to write powerful heroines and fulfills that dream today by writing empowered heroines who take charge in their paranormal worlds.

Susan grew up on a thoroughbred horse farm before moving to the big city of Dallas. She considers herself a Texan but is loyal to her home state of Arkansas. A lover of travel, she has visited several countries with many more to go on her list. She particularly loved dowsing at Stonehenge and seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night. The outdoors are a place Susan finds inspiration and can often be found in a park, at the lake, or on a road trip. She especially loves the mountains. Furry animals hold a special place in her heart. Dogs tend to seek her out as a friend, and she gladly returns their friendship.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

5 winners will win a finished copy of IN BLOOD & ICE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/21/2022	The Reading Devil	Guest Post/IG Post
2/22/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Guest Post/IG Post
2/23/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
2/24/2022	100 Pages A Day	Review
2/25/2022	boozybook blog	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

2/28/2022	thepaperworlds	Review
3/1/2022	@reading.late.into.the.night	Review/IG Post
3/2/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
3/3/2022	Take A Look At My Bookshelf	Review
3/4/2022	Vamplit	Review

Dating in Everton by Scarlett Philips Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the DATING IN EVERTON by Scarlett Philips Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:

Title: DATING IN EVERTON (Everton Ever After #3)

Author: Scarlett Philips

Pub. Date: February 26, 2022

Publisher: Scarlett Philips

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 234

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon

Dating has never been easy or fun for me.

When you grow up in a small town you know everyone. The guys I grew up with are either losers or engaged to my best friend.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled for Rowe. She deserves all the happiness in the world. But seeing her with her guys has made me realize that I want what she has.

So I've decided to put myself out there, see if I can find someone or someones to call mine.

One disastrous date after another has me second-guessing whether dating in Everton is worth the hassle, but when an old acquaintance, a friend, and a stranger all set their sights on me, I start to think my luck just might be turning around.

This is the first book in Quinn's first duet and ends on a cliffhanger. This is a series of duets. It is not necessary to read the first duet before you read this one, but there is crossover, so you may want to. Start the series with Returning to Everton. Rowen's first duet is complete.

 

Grab the first 2 books in this companion series to find out about Rowan!

 

EXCERPT:

I pull into Rowe’s driveway barely putting the car in park before the front door flies open. She runs from her house to my car, wrenching my passenger door open, jumping in as she laughs hysterically.

“Go! Go!” she shrieks as she slams my door.

As I put the car in reverse, I look up to see Nate storming out of the house.

“Oh, no. What’d you do?” I ask with a laugh.

“Shh, no time! Go! Hurry! He’s coming!” she commands as she buckles up.

I figure I can always ask questions later, so I step on it. Spinning out of her drive, flying down the road away from the angry-looking man currently giving my tail lights the death glare. Once I turn off her road onto the main street, I chance a look at her.

“Okay, spill. What the hell was that about?”

She’s still laughing but manages to calm down enough to talk. “I guess the guys had plans for when the kids were gone tonight.” She shrugs with a sly smile.

I laugh with her. Of course, they did.

“Nate caught me getting dressed up. He thought I did it for him.” She snickers before she continues. “I may have kind of played along with it until you pulled up, then maybe I fled the house without telling them anything.” She covers her mouth as she sputters, dissolving into another fit of laughter.

“Oh my god. No, you didn’t! Girrrl, Nate is gonna tan your hide when you get home tonight,” I warn with wide eyes.

“I know. It’s gonna be great!” She claps her hands, smiling this giddy smile, the freak.

Stopping at a red light, I turn to get a good look at my best friend. Oh, man. No wonder Nate looked so mad! No way would he be okay with her leaving the house like this. The girl is smoking!

“Rowe, sweetie, I know you like pushing their buttons, especially Nate’s, but Jesus, girl. Do you have a death wish? Going out dancing looking like that.” I look her up and down, making a point to stare at her low-cut top.

About Scarlett Philips:

Scarlett Philips writes Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance novels. She read her first RH book 4 years ago and hasn't been able to put them down since. It was while reading one such a novel that she got the idea to write her own, and thus Returning to Everton was born. She loves the paranormal and all things magic. She enjoys writing stories that are relatable but also let you escape into a fantasy world. When she's not writing she's spending time with her family, driving kids to and from school, and therapies. It's a busy life, but she wouldn't change it for the world. Scarlett loves getting messages from her readers. Check out her website www.scarlettphilipsauthor.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Feel free to send her a message any time.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | TikTok | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $10 Amazon GC, International.

1 winner will win an eBook of DATING IN EVERTON, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/21/2022	The Reading Devil	Excerpt/IG Post
2/22/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
2/23/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
2/24/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
2/25/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Week Two:

2/28/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
3/1/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
3/2/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
3/3/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
3/4/2022	BookBriefs	Review