A Duke by Scot by Amy Jarecki Book Review

 

Title: A Duke by Scot
Author: Amy Jarecki
Publish Date: October 19th, 2021
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

It is one thing to defy convention…but quite another to completely thwart it in the pursuit of insatiable desire.

His Grace, Martin MacGalloway, has well-earned the reputation as the most celebrated rake on the entire isle of Britain. But upon his father’s sudden death, he heads for Scotland where he finds his inheritance in a shambles, his sisters without prospects, and his brothers relying on his patronship—and he’s not about to conquer his problems alone.

Penniless, Lady Julia St. Vincent has no choice but to dress as a man and accept a position as steward to the Duke of Dunscaby. But when she meets His Grace, she’s not expecting him to be dashing, charming, or utterly enchanting. And the more time she spends with the duke, the more difficult it is to ignore the flickers of passion smoldering in her heart.

Martin instantly develops a fondness for the wee man. While they work together to rebuild the Dunscaby dynasty, they travel to London where Martin takes it upon himself to introduce his sheltered steward to the world of manly pursuits. Julia falls from one mortifyingly compromising situation to another as she pines for a duke she can never have…until an old friend invites her to a masque. And there, it takes but one kiss for Martin to stop at nothing in his pursuit of the mysterious woman who has captured his very soul.

Penelope's Review

This is my first book by this author, and I'm excited to say that I quite enjoyed it! The premise was unique, yet had all of the regency elements that I love. I found it well written, with a good pace that kept me engaged the whole time. 

I absolutely adored Julia/Jules - she was a resourceful, intelligent female lead full of grit and determination. Despite her financial situation not being her fault, she took on the responsibility of saving her and her father from ruin by donning men's clothing and taking a job as a steward for the Duke of Dunscaby, Martin. Martin himself took on the burden of responsibility in a different way when his father dies and he has to take on the reigns of dukedom, leaving his bachelor life behind. 

Given that Julia is acting as Jules, it's no wonder that this book has a fantastic comedic element to it. There were quite a few scenes that had me laughing out loud, and that can only ever be a good thing. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, with a unique take on regency romance with a dash of Scottish culture. I recommend giving it a try!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

Can't Wait Wednesday #27

                              

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released.

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I'm back from vacation and therefore right back to blogging! I came home to a NetGalley approval for this new Jessica Olson book! Have you read her debut, Sing Me Forgotten? I haven't picked up a copy yet, but I'm excited for this next book regardless! I hope it's as good as it sounds!

Title: A Forgery of Roses

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Publish Date: March 1st, 2022

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.

She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.

But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.

Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic. .

Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.

From Sing Me Forgotten author Jessica S. Olson comes a gothic fantasy murder mystery perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Erin A. Craig.

 

Daring the Duke by Charlie Lane Book Review

 

Title: Daring the Duke (The Debutante Dares #1)
Author: Charlie Lane
Publish Date: October 7th, 2021
Publisher: Wolf Publishing
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

In this Regency romance by Charlie Lane, a London season of scandalous dares forces a lady and her duke to see that perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.

>A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.

And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.

Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.

The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.

Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.

Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts?

Penelope's Review

This is my first book from this author, so I didn't know what to expect in terms of content and writing style. This ended up being a quick, enjoyable read but I did find it a bit slow at times. I definitely enjoyed the writing style, but the characters themselves were not my favourite. They both seemed a bit immature given their age (Tabitha 27, Arthur early 30's), and they erred on the side of boring at times. The book started out great, and the premise here is really interesting but it could have been done differently in my opinion. Perhaps a quicker pace, especially getting closer to the end. 

Between the two, I'd say Tabitha had much more substance to her character over Arthur. The photographic memory was a neat touch, and I liked her spirit. Arthur on the other hand was too stiff and unrelatable. 

I liked Tabitha's friends - I'm assuming the next book will be focused on one of them, so I think I will give it a try as I enjoyed their parts in this story. 

Rating: 3/5 Devils

Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi Book Review

 

Title: Once More Upon a Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publish Date: October 5th, 2021
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

Once upon a dream, there was a prince named Ambrose

and a princess named Imelda who loved each other...

But alas, no more.

"What a witch takes, a witch does not give back!"

their friends and family warn.

They resign themselves to this loveless fate...

A year and a day pass.

And then their story truly begins...

Embark on a perilous journey with Imelda and Ambrose as they brave magical landscapes and enchanted creatures on their quest to reclaim their heart's desire... But first they must remember what that is...

Penelope's Review

I went into this with high hopes, as I am always up for a fairytale but unfortunately this fell a bit flat for me. While I definitely knew what I was getting into, I thought maybe there would be just a tad more than what we're given. It was short and cute, no surprises really, so if that's what you go in expecting you'll be fine. But the characters lacked any sort of depth and there wasn't much in terms of world-building - a lot of telling rather than showing. 

Sweet for what it was, but I think a younger audience would appreciate it more. I'd put this in between middle grade and YA. Give it a try if you like fairytales, it'll be a quick read!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole Book Review

 

Title: The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles #6)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publish Date: February 13th, 2021
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Source: I purchased a copy for myself

New intrigues, adventures, and stunning revelations fill the penultimate installment of #1 New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole’s electrifying Arcana Chronicles.

In a world teetering on the edge . . .

When Evie receives life-changing—and possibly game-changing—news, she has trouble believing it. Why doesn’t she feel any different? Is it possible someone she trusts might be lying?

With enemies at every turn . . .

Tensions seethe inside the castle of lost time as Evie starts to doubt her own sanity. Answers can be found outside their stronghold, but will Death help her find them—or prevent her from learning the truth about her future and Jack’s possible survival?

Darkness beckons.

A mysterious, sinister power begins to affect the Arcana in its path. Forced out into the wasteland alone, Evie must depend on unexpected allies. But as a battle with Richter looms, can her new alliance defeat the Dark Calling before hell reigns on earth?

Penelope's Review

I'm Team Jackson, I'm Team Death, I'm Team Jackson, I'm Team Death, I'm Team Jackson. You get my drift. I THINK it is safe to say, after this book, that I am Team Jackson. From the reviews I have skimmed through I think I might be in the minority here lol... and I get it. I get the allure and the heartbreak and the passion that exudes from Aric. But.. Jackson's little Cajun heart has my soul. 

This book had some WILD twists and turns. It's so hard to review without spoilers so I will just say that this will shred you. In SO many ways. I was annoyed with Death - though admittedly, it wasn't his fault but I just can't shake my irritation. And then Jackson... omigod he was just on fire in this book. Sweet, attentive, wide open. My heart can't even. 

I don't know where this series is going but my fingers are crossed for an EPIC finale. I hope Kresley doesn't disappoint.

Rating: 4.5/5 Devils