Swoony Worthy Spotlights!

Welcome to Swoon Worthy Spotlights hosted by KJ's Book Nook! 

Once a month I'll feature 1-3 of my favorite books that I have read during the month. I'll share the cover(s) and my review(s).

It's been over a year since I've done a Swoon Worthy Spotlight and decided earlier this month that I was going to bring it back! I'm excited! It's the little things in life! Hehe.

For this month I'm going to choose... 

All's Fair in Love and Blood by Jennifer Peel

Coffee Shop Girl by Katie Cross

Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

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What are some of your favorite reads from January? 

Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

 

Synopsis:

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review: 5 Stars!

Confession. Seeking Persephone has always been my favorite book of this series. I never thought I would love another book more than that one. And then I read Romancing Daphne.

From the very first page, I was transported to London where I lived my life right along side Daphne and James. I loved their relationship. There was a connection between them that only grew stronger the more they got to know each other. Watching their relationship grow from friendship into something more was beautiful. Even when unforeseen forces tore them apart, they couldn't ignore their connection. They leaned on each other, strengthened each other, helped each other, lifted each other up in their times of need, loved each other when they thought no one else loved them. These two were absolutely perfect together. 

I had the hardest time putting this book down. The time I spent away from it was absolute torture. I found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I may or may not have gotten irrationally angry when real life kept me from finishing the book as fast as I wanted.

This book is definitely a roller coaster ride when it comes to your emotions. Holy. Hannah! You will laugh, you will cry, you will get so angry that you wish someone would skin a certain somebody alive and throw them to the Falstone wolves, you will smile all the goofy smiles, and you will find yourself letting out all kinds of dreamy sighs. 

I'm sure most of you would agree when I say, Ms. Eden is an amazing storyteller! I have loved every single book of hers I have read so far. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series. 

And of course I can't forget my casting. I am in love with these two! What do you think?

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

 

Synopsis:

Harry Windower adores blonde, green-eyes Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding a gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.

Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be be less admirable - nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?

Escape into a charming regency world in this delightfully romantic comedy of manners that will entertain you to the very last word.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

While chatting with some bookish friends recently, I realized that I have not read all of the books in the Lancaster/Jonquil series. So I thought, what better way to start off 2021 than to read the series in order. Needless to say, I'm a bit excited to read them all! 

Harry! *dreamy sigh* I have loved Harry since I first met him in Seeking Persephone. He has got to be one of the best side characters ever. I couldn't wait to dive into his story. If anyone deserves a HEA, it is him!

Sadly, I had a hard time connecting with Athena at first. From Seeking Persephone, I envisioned her as a bit self centered from Artemis's letters. She was far too worried about her coming out than her family. If I'm being honest, it's always bugged me. It wasn't until she finally realized her feelings for Harry that I actually started connecting with her. I'm thinking it,s probably my mood because all my bookish friends absolutely adore this book.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a big fan of friends to lovers stories. Especially when the heroes in said stories are trying to hook the heroine up with someone else. Granted he was commanded to do it and he tried his best to sabotage Athena's chances with any and all suitors, but it left me feeling sad for Harry. I wished Adam would've woken up a bit and realized what his best friend was going through. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I really did enjoy this book. I just wished that the ending would've happened sooner and that we could have seen more of the courting going on. But don't worry. These little things are not going to stop me from reading the book again. 

I'm sure I'm just like everyone else when I say, Ms. Eden became an instant favorite of mine. Her books always capture me and give me that much needed break from reality. I'm looking forward to reading all her books that I haven't read yet. 

And of course I can't forget my casting! I'm loving these two! What do you think? 

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

Synopsis:

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses—and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul.

But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

My Review: 5 Stars

Adam was born with his right ear missing. Several surgeons believed that his ear was just under the surface and with surgery they could dig it out of hiding. Several unsuccessful surgeries later, his parents finally gave up hope that the ear would ever make an appearance. But all this left Adam even more disfigured and scarred both physically and emotionally. Feeling rejected by his mother, dealing with his father's untimely death and then being shipped off to school was just too much for little 7 year old Adam. He became cross and grumpy. Everyone feared and coward away from him. He never felt accepted or loved and did everything he could to hide his feelings from the world. When he discovers who the heir presumptive to his fortune is he will do anything to make sure the idiot never inherits his title. Even if it's paying for a desperate bride whose family is in need of financial security.

At the age of 12, Persephone's mother passed away giving birth to her youngest sister. From that moment on she could not longer be a child, she had to grow up and take care of several responsibilities. She was the mother, the cook, the maid, the bookkeeper, you name it and she did it. She was the glue that kept her family together. So when a letter arrived with a marriage proposal that would give her family the financial security they had always longed for, she was torn on what to do. She did not like the fact that she was being purchased and really wanted to turn it down. But, as always, she put her family first and accepted the proposal.

Adam and Persephone's marriage got off to a pretty rocky start. But with help from Adam's life long friend, Harry, Persephone will get some of the insight she needs to understand and connect with her husband. She knows there is something in his past that has caused him to shut himself off from the world. The more she tries to figure out what it is, the more she grows to care for her husband. But will he ever return her feelings? Or will he just keep rejecting her? 

When tragedy strikes Falstone Castle, Adam is forced to open his eyes and see what's right in front of him. Will he choose to continue to keep the world at bay? Or will he open up and learn to not only live but love as well.

I absolutely adored Seeking Persephone! Even though I had read it once before, years ago, I was still sucked in from the very beginning and did not want to stop until I had finished it. I was very upset that real life got in the way of my reading time! I enjoyed getting to know Adam, Persephone and Harry all over again. I found myself laughing at the witty banter, getting teary eyed during the sad parts, growling in frustration and letting out little sighs throughout the book. My only complaint was the ending felt a bit rushed. I would have loved a little less of the misunderstanding/lack of communication and more of them together as a real couple. Other than that I LOVED it! :) Definitely a must read if you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast or Regency. ;)

I do have to admit that the casting for this one was a bit hard for me. But I love it! :)

A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden

Synopsis:

London barrister Jason Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience. However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or so he believes.Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear. When the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true desire of their hearts.

My Review: 4 Stars

Mariposa is in desperate need of help. She can only think of one person to turn to. Jason Jonquil. He has come highly recommended by his brother and she knows that if anyone can uncover the truth it will be him. But she must take heed to not give too much away. Her life and her family's lives depend on his utmost discretion. She does not like deceiving him, but she must keep her family safe!

Jason cannot believe the nerve of Mariposa! How dare she insult his intelligence and character! He has never met someone so condescending in his life! He will do his best to help her with her dilemma as quickly as possible so he can get the infuriating woman out of his life! 

But the more time he spends with her, the more intrigued he becomes. There is definitely more to the story than she is telling and slowly, he sees her firmly placed mask slipping. This spitfire of a woman is going to be the death of him. But heaven help him, he just can't walk away. Somewhere along the way, he has fallen in love with her and can no longer picture his life without her in it. He will help her solve her mystery and then he will do whatever it takes to keep this fiery Spanish beauty in his life for good. 

While I really enjoyed this book, I didn't love it like I have the others in the Jonquil Brothers series. I had a hard time connecting with Mariposa. I get why she did what she did, but at times I think she went way overboard. There were times during the story that I was willing Jason to just run far away! But, being a Jonquil, he saw past her faults and fell in love with the person she truly is. I did end up liking her more in the end but the beginning was definitely rough for me.

I absolutely love the Jonquil brothers! I have enjoyed all of their stories so far. Years ago, I read one too many regency/historical romances in a short period of time and got burned out on them. I have avoided them ever since. BUT I am happy to announce that rereading this series has made me fall in love with this genre all over again! I can't wait to reread more of Ms. Eden's books!

And speaking of Ms. Eden, from the moment I read my first book by her, I knew she would always be a favorite of mine. I have adored all her books. I know I will be reading and rereading her books years from now! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! If you haven't read anything by her then you are definitely missing out!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*