Cover Reveal for Some Dukes Have All The Luck by Christina Britton

ABOUT THE BOOK

I adored Chrisitna Britton's Isle of Synne series--great characters, witty banter and sizzling chemistry! Can wait to read this Book! click HERE for my review of A Duke Worth Fighting For--my favorite in the series!

Susan

Susan's Review of An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire-By Manda Collins-- A Lady's Guide -2

England, 1867 : As half of the writing duo behind England's most infamous crime column, Miss Caroline Hardcastle has quite the scandalous reputation. It may have cost her a fiancé, but she would much rather bring attention to crimes against those ignored by society than worry about what the ton thinks of her.

After Caro's dear friend is kidnapped, however, she has no choice but to work with Lord Valentine Thorn, the same man who broke her heart. Worse, when her actions put her father's business at risk, a marriage of convenience may be her only solution . . . but can she trust Val to stand by her? Or will their past repeat itself?

Val--the new Viscount Wrackham--is in an untenable position: His father is demanding he find a respectable bride to secure the succession. Yet the only woman he's ever loved, Miss Caroline Hardcastle, is notorious for behaving improperly. And she's never forgiven him for his youthful transgressions, missteps made in the name of familial duty, but ones he still regrets to this day.

As they grow closer to unmasking the culprit, Val sees an opportunity to show Caro he's a changed man. But can he convince her to give their love a second chance--before death does them part?

Caroline Hardcastle and Lady Katherine Eversham are summoned to their friend Effie Warrington’s home. Effie has been kidnapped and her fiancé Francis Thorn was left unconscious and bleeding at her doorstep. Caro discovers that her former fiancé Valentine Thorn has arrived at Effie’s home ahead of them. Loved the heated and entertaining conversations between Caro and Val as they form a truce to find Effie's kidnapper. The couple must put aside their feelings and work together when Francis Thorn suddenly disappears.

Manda Collins creates an emotional, entertaining second chance romance for Caro and Val. Both characters have grown since they ended their engagement. Caro is very independent and politically savvy. She a newspaper columnist with a huge following, a cookbook author and she hosts salons. Val is the new Viscount Wrackham and is feeling pressured by his father to marry. Caro is the only woman Val has ever loved and he deeply regrets not standing up to his father and brother when they insulted Caro’s family. He has never forgiven himself and this endeared him to me.

Manda Collins chooses to have Caro and Val’s story play out slowly during the first part of the novel. This choice worked for me as the couple had so much to work through—old hurts, new feelings and family concerns plus the kidnappings. I liked that neither character was perfect. Val owned his mistake and knew he needed to speak up to his father before telling Caro his true feelings. And Caro needed to forgive Val before they could move forward.

Manda Collins kept me intrigued with many characters, twists and turns in the storyline. The differences between the social classes is threaded throughout the novel during this time of moral and political reforms. The combination of the romance and kidnapping mystery worked for me.

An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Danger is well plotted whodunit, the romance between Caro and Val tugs at your heartstrings and I screamed when the identity of the kidnapper was revealed! Thank you Manda Collins for another fabulous read!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher

Manda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of Regency romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds advanced degrees in English Lit and Librarianship. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Bookpage, and USA Today.  Her novel Duke with Benefits, was named one of Kirkus Books Best Romance Novels of 2017. When she's not writing she can be found advocating for disability rights on Twitter, watching true crime documentaries, and knitting very inexpertly. A native of Alabama, she lives on the Gulf Coast with a very stubborn cat and more books than are strictly necessary. 

Contact Info

Manda Collins

manda@mandacollins.com

Social Media

Twitter: @mandacollins

Instagram: @mandacollinsauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/manda_collins

Susan's Review of The Christmas Village by Annie Rains--Somerset Lake -2

Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent's winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.

When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he'd give anything to get back in Lucy's good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming second chance story set during the season of love, hope and forgiveness. The unresolved feelings and the undeniable chemistry between midwife Lucy Hannigan and police officer Miles Bruno immediately drew me into The Christmas Village.

Lucy and Miles’ story is emotional and very complicated. Lucy never understood why Miles broke up with her ten years ago and Miles has never stopped loving Lucy. Neither of them were able to move forward. I enjoyed that the author added drama to this holiday romance--it kept me engaged in the story.

Miles realizes that Lucy is still grieving for her Mom and is struggling both emotionally and financially. He has two goals: to make sure Lucy isn’t alone during the holidays and to win the neighborhood’s Merriest Lawn contest which offers a cash prize. Loved that Miles’ competitive spirit and his enthusiasm enabled Lucy to face the holidays with a smile.

Loved how Lucy and Miles story developed during the novel. Both Lucy and Miles are complex, strong characters. Lucy is building her midwife practice, re connecting with friends and has set a goal to be out of debt by the New Year. Miles childhood experiences play a huge part in his desire to help his community and be financially stable. Miles is a charming romantic –he’s a swoon worthy hero! I loved that he owned his mistakes— this made me love him all the more! Loved that the couple shared a romantic past and Annie Rains is able to convey all the feels-heartbreak, love, forgiveness-as the couple's story unfolds.

Annie Rains has created the perfect small town and filled it with wonderful characters. I loved the small town feel and the sense of community in the Somerset Lake series. I imagined that I was watching the holiday flotilla with Lucy, Miles and their friends. I could see the bright lights and festive displays on Lucy’s street. Loved the honest conversations and the strong bonds between Lucy, Moira, Della, Trisha and Tess. Miles love for his family and his community shows each time he speaks with his mom, sister and the children who spent time at the Youth Center. The two secondary stories added a bit of mystery to this story and introduced new characters to the Somerset Lake community.

If you are looking for a heartfelt holiday romance – pick up a copy of the Christmas Village. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Publisher