Undercover Princess (The Rosewood Chronicles #1) by Connie Glynn

Undercover Princess (The Rosewood Chronicles #1) - 2.5 Stars

Synopsis

When fairy tale obsessed Lottie Pumpkin starts at the infamous Rosewood Hall, she is not expecting to share a room with the Crown Princess of Maradova, Ellie Wolf. Due to a series of lies and coincidences, 14-year-old Lottie finds herself pretending to be the princess so that Ellie can live a more normal teenage life.

Lottie is thrust into the real world of royalty - a world filled with secrets, intrigue and betrayal. She must do everything she can to help Ellie keep her secret, but with school, the looming Maradovian ball and the mysterious new boy Jamie, she'll soon discover that reality doesn't always have the happily ever after you'd expect...

A thrilling world of parties, politics and bad ass princesses, this is the first book in the brand new series THE ROSEWOOD CHRONICLES.

Review

2.5 stars. ***ARC Review from Netgalley and the publisher***

Sorry not one for me. This was a book that had an interesting premise and the friendship part was done well. But had way to many YA tropes for me. I think if I were younger I might have enjoyed this but I found myself skipping parts just to get to the end.

Playing by Heart by Carmela A Martino

Playing by Heart  - 4 Stars

Synopsis

Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as much as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, her position as “second sister” means she’ll likely be sent off to a convent instead. Ironically, Emilia’s pious older sister, Maria, would gladly become a nun. But Father won’t allow it—her brilliant language skills are too important to his quest for noble status.

Emilia’s only hope to avoid the convent is to prove that her musical talents are as indispensable as Maria’s skills. First, Emilia must earn the respect of the music tutor who has always disdained her, simply for being a girl. But before Emilia can carry out her plan, Mamma, her greatest supporter, dies in childbirth. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside handsome violinist Antonio Bellini, the great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. The two begin as rivals, but making music together gradually melds their hearts.

When Antonio abruptly quits their lessons, Emilia assumes it’s because her family isn’t nobility. More determined than ever to help Father acquire a title, she dedicates a set of compositions to Archduchess Maria Teresa. The archduchess is so impressed that she helps Father become a count. Having finally won Father’s favor, Emilia expects she’ll now be betrothed to Antonio. But the repercussions of her family’s new status threaten not only her dreams, but her sister’s very life.

Review

***ARC provided by Netgalley and Publisher.

Even though this in an arc all opinions are my own. This was a sweet historical romance that had me crying from the start. Our main character Emilia wants to do nothing more than to fall in love and carry on with her music. But as the 2nd child this is not possible and she seems to be headed to become a nun. She then loses someone close and writes a piece of music that turns everyone’s head and they sit and finally notice her talent. She falls in love and discovers herself. Would recommend for all those who love a good historical book with a side of romance.

Bloodmark (Bloodmark Saga #1) by Aurora Whittet

Bloodmark (Bloodmark Saga #1) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves—she was able to shift to wolf form at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and as a result, she is forced to live in seclusion in Ireland’s countryside. Ashling’s reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed and defies the ancient laws. When her pack’s oldest rivals begin hunting her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine—far from everything she’s ever known.

In Maine, she crosses paths with the dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, and something ignites within her soul. There’s just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she begins to uncover long-buried pack secrets—secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear—Ashling’s courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey, or will she follow Old Mother’s path to her destiny?

Review

Re read Oct 2017. For some reason I loved this book more the second time around. I love the story of Princess Ashling. She is a princess who is the subject of a prophecy. To keep her safe they have told their world of werewolves that she is dead. In truth she is in hiding. Until one day when she is found by nasty bloodsucking human devouring werewolves. One who wishes for Ashling to be his mate. So she is moved again, this time to America and away from her family in Ireland. In the US she makes friends and catches the eye of the local rebel and charming human Grey. Protected by Baran she hopes and dreams of making a new safe life but danger is never far behind. Wound recommended this to anyone who love paranormal romance and sexy werewolves. This is book 1 in a trilogy.

Feb 2016 Really enjoyed this book caught me from the start. The romance was amazing and loved the world building. Ashling is an amazing character and her relationships with her family and Grey are a big part. Loved following her as she became a new woman and wolf. Loving the series 

To the Duke, with Love (Rakes of St James #2) by Amelia Grey

To the Duke, with Love (Rakes of St James #2) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

There may be times when a gentleman is desperate to gain a lady’s attention, but a gentleman would never resort to desperate measures to obtain it.
―A Proper Gentleman’s Guide to Wooing the Perfect Lady

Sloane Knox, the Duke of Hawksthorn is guardian for his sweet, younger sister. Due to his misguided past as one of the infamous Rakes of St James, Hawk is hoping to avoid the Season by securing a match for her before it begins. He has the perfect gentleman in mind, but for one infuriating―and unexpectedly intoxicating―obstacle: the intended groom’s own sister, Miss Loretta Quick.

Having narrowly avoided her own arranged marriage to an unacceptable nobleman, Loretta is determined that her dear brother―a gentle, good-natured soul―should marry for love. Matching wits with Hawk may be her greatest challenge yet. . .until she realizes it may also be her greatest pleasure. For the young duke’s irresistible charm has not only begun to crumble her stubborn resolve, it has claimed her heart in true love as well. . .

Review
  
***ARC review from St Martin’s Press*** Thank you to both

Yes this an Arc but all opinions are my own.

What do you get if you cross a notorious rake and a scandalous lady?

You get an interesting historical romance filled with twists and turns. The story follows Hawk a Duke who in his youth with two other Dukes wrote 12 scandalous ladies in their first season requesting a secret meeting and signing it from a secret admirer. Each had four ladies too woo. All 12 ladies showed and where disgraced for a short period. Now the dukes are older and their sisters are due have their 1st season. So his sister Adele does not fall into the hands of a lord or other gentleman trying to get revenge for his mistake, he decides to arrange his sister marriage before the start of the season. He decides on a young man who is a relative of an Earl as a suitable choice. But he does not expect to encounter the scandalous sister Loretta instead. Loretta is not allowed into society due to not going though with an arrangement marriage by her uncle on the day of the wedding. So she is banished to the countryside which suits her fine until she meets Hawk. The story unfolds from here.

I am glad that this story not only shows the rich of the recency period but also the poor in London’s underbelly.

If you love historical romances give this a go. I will definitely picking up more novels by the author

Stolen by the Desert King by Clare Connelly

Stolen by the Desert King - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Married to the wrong Sheikh…

Kylie Mathison is an innocent virgin, betrothed to a powerful man she’s never met. But the man who seduces her into his bed isn’t the man she’s meant to marry… a truth Kylie doesn’t discover until it’s too late.

Powerful Sultan Khalfia Al Asouri will stop at nothing to gain revenge on his sworn enemies, and marriage to Kylie is the perfect weapon. She’s his stolen virgin bride of convenience, but there’s nothing convenient about the way he finds himself wanting her again, and again, and again.

In the ancient kingdom of Argenon, a royal romance full of seduction, betrayal and hidden motives that will set your soul on fire. 

Review

I have always been a sucker for a good desert romance with a brooding ruler and an innocent virgin. This took was read in one sitting and I loved the story. I was a little worried about the synopsis of the book. I am not keen in lying men out for revenge by using others, even with good intentions. But this book was none of that for me, when you learnt of of heroes true character you can forgive his initial reasons. This book held darker undertones due this, but I enjoyed it. Like I said before give me a good desert romance and I am happy. Looking forward to the next one.

His Nine Month Seduction by Clare Connelly

His Nine Month Seduction by Clare Connelly - 4 Stars

Synopsis

One night, with consequences...
After the breakup of his disastrous marriage, Lord Theo Trevalyen sure as hell doesn’t want another relationship. For the first time in his adult life he’s footloose and fancy free and he plans to make the most of it.

But a steamy one-night stand with the innocent Imogen Harper changes everything when she turns up in his life three months later… just as sexy as ever, and most-definitely pregnant!

Imogen wants to raise the baby on her own but the billionaire bachelor has other ideas! Before she knows it, she’s living with him, laughing with him, and spending all her energy trying not to fall back in bed with him. But does Theo have an ulterior motive in seducing Imogen? Is their romance too good to be true? Can she trust him – not just with her heart, but with her baby?

A sexy tale of seduction and lust, lies and betrayal… fall in love with Theo and Imogen in HIS NINE MONTH SEDUCTION, the latest romance from International Bestseller Clare Connelly. 

Review

This book was great like all of Clare’s books they get you hooked and you don’t want to put the down. I loved Theo and Imogen. Thought the story was great. As with all Clare’s books I love the HEA element. If you love a good romance give this on a go.

Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2) by Elly Blake

Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2) - 4 Stars 

Synopsis 
 

All hail the Fire Queen.

Against all odds, Ruby has defeated the villainous Frost King and melted his throne of ice. But the bloodthirsty Minax that was trapped inside is now haunting her kingdom and everyone she loves. The answers to its demise may lie to the south in Sudesia, the land of the Firebloods, and a country that holds the secrets to Ruby’s powers and past…

Despite warnings from her beloved Arcus, Ruby accompanies a roguish Fireblood named Kai to Sudesia, where she must master her control of fire in a series of trials to gain the trust of the suspicious Fire Queen. Only then can she hope to access the knowledge that could defeat the rampaging Minax—which grows closer every moment. But as sparks fly in her moments alone with Kai, Ruby no longer knows whom to trust. The fates of two kingdoms are now in her hands.

Review

Wow Elly Blake has done it again. Loved this sequel and enjoyed seeing all the loved characters from the 1st book. Still has plenty of twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. I would really recommend the series to anyone. 

Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake

Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) - 4.5 Stars

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers of heat and flame from the cruel frostblood ruling class that wants to destroy all that are left of her kind. So when her mother is killed for protecting her and rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby's powers are unpredictable, and she's not sure she's willing to let the rebels and an infuriating (yet irresistible) young man called Arcus use her as their weapon.

All she wants is revenge, but before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to take part in the king's tournaments that pit fireblood prisoners against frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Fast-paced and compelling, Frostblood is the first in a page-turning new young adult three-book series about a world where flame and ice are mortal enemies—but together create a power that could change everything.

Review

4.5 stars for me. Really enjoyed this book where Frost meets Fire. Loved the twists and turns. Ruby is feisty and sassy, a true Fireblood. Her love and her trust is tested by the cool exterior and interior of Arcus, a true Frostblood. I love their chemistry and the quick wit dialogue between them. Can’t wait to read book 2. 

Owned by the Hitman by Alexis Abott

Owned by the Hitman (#Hitman 1) - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

I'm in deep to the Mafia. My father was the one who made the deal, and when I inherited his club, I also inherited his troubles.

Ivan wants to save me, or so he says. More like he wants me to be his slave for a year. After the one-night stand I had with him, though, would that be so bad? With his impossibly hard body, and the way he always makes me scream...

But he's still a monster. He's a criminal, and something so much worse.

And yet I can't stop the tingling in my body every time I think of how he touched me, and those dark but delicious words rolling off his tongue, tinged with his Russian accent.

He knows what I'll say, even before I do. "I'll take your offer."

Review
 
3.5 This was a quick fun sexy time read. Will give the others a go at some point

After the Game (The Field Party #3) by Abbi Glines

After the Game (The Field Party #3) - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Two years ago, Riley Young fled from Lawton, Alabama. After accusing the oldest Lawton son, Rhett, of rape, everyone called her a liar and she had no option but to leave. Now she’s back, but she’s not at Lawton High finishing up her senior year. She’s at home raising the little girl that no one believed was Rhett’s.

Rhett is off at college living the life he was afraid he’d lose with Riley’s accusation, so Riley agrees to move back to Lawton so she and her parents could take care of her grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. But the town still hasn’t forgotten their hate for her, and she hasn’t forgotten the way they turned on her when she needed them most.

When town golden boy Brady Higgens finds Riley and her daughter, Bryony, stranded on the side of the road in a storm, he pulls over and gives them a ride. Not because he cares about Riley, of course, but because of the kid.

But after the simple car ride, he begins to question everything he thought he knew. Could Brady believe Riley and risk losing everything?

Review

I am sorry the series has now ended. I loved Brady and Riley in this one. It was not to see the other characters from the last two books with them. Would recommend to all.