Sweet Whispers by Jeanette Lewis

Synopsis:

A thousand dreams sparked through her, memories of late nights and sweet whispers when they’d dreamed of their future together. A family where he was Dad, and she would be Mom. But it hadn’t happened.

As the executor of her grandfather’s estate, Melanie Bowers is returning to Indigo Bay for the first time in years. Her goal is to be in and out before anyone in town knows she’s there – especially Penn, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart by joining the military and leaving her alone, with no promise for their future together.

Penn Westover was anxious to complete his tour of duty, then spend the rest of his life with Melanie. But his dream shattered when she married someone else. He reluctantly moved on with his life, but he never forgot.

When Melanie and Penn reconnect in Indigo Bay and realize they’re both single again, their chemistry comes roaring back. The sparks are still there, but can they move beyond their painful memories and forgive, or are they better off leaving the past alone?

My Review: 5 Stars

I have always been a fan of second chance love stories and this one did not disappoint! Once I started Sweet Whispers, I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I stayed curled up in bed all morning reading. I refused to leave Indigo Bay until Melanie and Penn finally got their HEA. 

Oh my heart! Their journey had all the feels I have come to love about second chance love stories. My heart broke for our sweet Melanie. With a troubled upbringing, it's no wonder she was scared to take another leap with Penn. But Penn... *dreamy sigh* He was the perfect hero for Melanie. He knew from the beginning that they were meant to be together. He didn't know what happened all those years ago but he knew this was fate's way of giving them another chance. He refused to give Melanie up again without a fight. 

I absolutely loved the twist in the story at the end! And that epilogue! *dreamy sigh* You guys! It was absolutely perfect! I couldn't have asked for a better ending! 

Ms. Lewis has definitely become a favorite of mine. I can always count on her books capturing me and transporting me to various locations that I never want to leave. Her books are always a great break from reality. I can't wait to see where she takes us next! 

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

27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend by Shari L. Tapscott

Synopsis:

If at first you don't succeed, keep going down the list...

Addison:
I need you to know I’m not pathetic. A little desperate, sure. But not pathetic. And mostly I agreed to Jessa’s insane boyfriend-finding list idea because Carter was looking at me like it was the stupidest idea known to man, and I wanted to irk him.

Carter:
Jessa’s guy-finding list is the stupidest idea known to man. The only reason Addison doesn’t have a boyfriend is because she’s the boss’s daughter, and none of the guys in our shop want to be fired.

Addison:
Maybe if he hadn’t kissed me last weekend, I wouldn’t be thinking about him constantly. See there? This is his fault. If I need to use a list to find someone who will get him out of my head, then so be it.

Carter:
Maybe if I hadn’t kissed her last weekend, the list wouldn’t bother me so much, but now I can’t get her out of my head. So I’m going to do the only thing a sane guy would do in my position. I’m going to sabotage the experiment…

My Review: 5 Stars

Holy wowzers! Can I just tell you how much I adored this book?! Once I started it, I had an extremely hard time putting it down. I may or may not have been irrationally angry when I had to go to work instead of staying home and reading all day. I love when a book captivates me like this one did. 

I absolutely loved Addison and Carter! The chemistry between these two was sizzling and I couldn't help shipping them from the very beginning. They had a lot of obstacles that most couples wouldn't have, but once they realized what they wanted, they weren't going to let anyone stop them from being happy.

The feels were definitely real my friends. I found myself laughing out loud, holding my breathe in anticipation, growling in frustration and letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. I honestly did not want the book to end!

I really enjoyed all the side characters as well. Jessa was hilarious and an amazing best friend. Some of the scenes with Gio and Heath were pretty funny albeit a little awkward for our sweet Addison. Have a mentioned that I laughed out loud several times? But can I just tell you how much Addison's dad got on my nerves?! Ugh! Men! Haha. 

This was a great start to a new fun series! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series being released. I have already preordered it without even reading the synopsis. I'm choosing to be adventurous! (Do you see what I did there?! 😉 Hehe.)

This is my very first book by Ms. Tapscott and I'll be checking out more of her books. Any author who can grab and keep my attention from the very first page is a for sure winner in my book.

And can we take just a minute to admire these two?! I think they make the perfect Addison and Carter! What do you think?

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe

Synopsis:

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn’t quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she’s expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she’s being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma’s suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire’s scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke’s handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

My Review: 3 Stars

Beranger Northcutt and his American wife Emma have returned to England so he can take his rightful place as the Duke of Brightshire. To say that Emma is nervous would be an understatement. She doesn't know how to be a Duchess and the last thing she wants to do is bring shame and embarrassment to her husband. But she's determined to do her best. 

What she didn't expect was to be undermined by her new in-laws at every turn. Sure, they seem nice and helpful when Beranger is around. But the moment he's not? All bets are off. She finds herself seeking solace and strength from not only her husband, but her new friends as well.

But when Beranger suddenly falls ill, Emma not only finds her voice, but her determination as well. She will get to the bottom of what's going on and no one will get in her way. She plans to live a long and happy life with Beranger in their new home in England. 

I really enjoyed watching Emma and Beranger get acclimated to their new surroundings. It definitely wasn't easy for them, but they pushed through and refused to let anyone bring them down. I enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the story. I found myself trying to figure out what in the world was going on and who was behind it. Sadly, I felt like there were some things that were left undone in the end. The resolution to the mystery fell a little flat for me. I wanted a just a little bit more. 

I have to admit, when I read a book with multiple POV's, I'm used to it only being the hero and heroine. But this book follows two heroes, two heroines, and a couple other POV's thrown into the mix. This is not something I would typically read and had to keep switching from person to person in my head. I've discovered that I'm not a fan of this many POV's. 

All in all, I enjoyed An American Duchess and thought it was cute. I'm looking forward to checking out more of Ms. Fyffe's books. 

*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

Synopsis:

One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle.

After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side.

What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn’t know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.

This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.

Danger and romance await a woodcutter’s daughter in a royal palace.

My Review: 4 Stars

For those of you who know me, you know I am not a fan of YA romance. I used to read it all the time but over the last few years, I just can’t.

So, imagine my surprise when I’m a good way into the book and realize that the heroine is 17 almost 18 years old. Confession. I did not read the synopsis at all. I downloaded the book on a recommendation from a book buddy. By this point I was already invested in the book, so I just kept reading.

The Princess Companion was a fun break from reality and I enjoyed it. For me, it didn’t have the typical YA feel to the book, which was a definite plus. I thought Alyssa, our heroine, was a bit older than 18. She was mature and seemed to know a lot about various situations.

While I enjoyed the book, I did have a hard time believing the relationships between Alyssa and the Royal family. It seemed too casual to me. A lot of the things that Alyssa was involved in, in all honesty, just wouldn’t happen.

The other thing that disappointed me was the ending. I hate that it just ended. I know there are 3 other books in the series and I probably haven’t seen the last of Alyssa and Max, but I wanted just a little bit more in their book.

The other Princesses that made an appearance in this book have me intrigued and I’ll definitely continue on with this series… even though it’s YA… 😉

Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton

Synopsis:

All he wants is someone he can trust. All she wants is to belong. But when compromising circumstances force them together, do they have a chance at finding love?

Silas Riley, Earl of Inglewood, is known among his peers in Parliament as the man made of stone. As a wealthy peer, there are few he trusts with his friendship. He guards his heart and his honor with vigilance, and when an accident nearly takes his life, he’s faced with a situation which threatens his standing in society.

Growing up in the shadow of her older brother, Esther Fox’s acceptance in his circle has been indifferent at best. So when she ends up in a compromising situation as she saves the life of her brother’s dearest friend, the Earl of Inglewood, she is forced to marry him to save her own reputation. Once again, she finds herself accepted only because of the situation, and not because she is truly wanted.

Neither are prepared for a loss which further complicates their new relationship. With such a difficult beginning, can they ever hope to understand one another, let alone find love?

My Review: 5 Stars

Growing up an only child, Silas has been alone most of his life. Being a wealthy peer, he has had to guard his honor at all cost. Most look at him and see a man made of ice and stone. But underneath the mask lies a lonely man who wants what all his closest friends have, someone he can trust and come home to at the end of the day. 

All her life, Esther has lacked the feeling that she belongs. She sees herself has a burden, as baggage to be passed from one relative to the next. No one ever asks her for her opinion or what she wants to do. They make all the decisions for her as if she were a child. She has come to accept that this is her life, but it doesn't make it any easier for her. 

When Esther heroically saves Silas from a falling statue, they never dreamed the ton would look upon the event as Esther putting herself in a "compromising situation". Esther is whisked off to the countryside in the hopes of saving her reputation. But when she and Silas find themselves in another "scandal", the only thing that can save Esther from ruin is marriage. 

While trying to adjust to their new life together, tragedy strikes and sends both of them reeling. Silas quickly realizes what is most important in his life... Esther. He will do everything in his power to help her see that they can weather any storm as long as they are together. He will help her to see past her insecurities and help her realize that everything she's ever wanted is standing right in front of her. He will help her believe in love and happily ever afters. 

Oh. My. Gosh. You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book? Once I started it, I did not want to put it down. Nor did I want it to end! I absolutely adored Esther and Silas. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Was it an easy road for them? Absolutely not. Their journey was filled with ups and downs and seeing how they faced it together, endeared me to them even more. The feels were most definitely real. By the time I finished the book, it felt like I had gone on an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, got teary eyed, felt hurt and anger, my heart broke and was mended back together, I let out little dreamy sighs and fell in love. If you are a lover of regency romance, I highly recommend this one! It was seriously amazing! 

This is only the first book in the series, but I can already tell you that I am going to love all of them! I cannot wait for the next book to be released! I'm kinda bummed that we have to wait until August. This is one of those times I have to remind myself that writing takes time. I'm not very patient when it comes to book releases.. ;o) Hehe. 

Ms. Britton has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I have loved all of her books I've read so far. There a few that I haven't read yet and I'm thinking those need to get bumped up my TBR list. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting, I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?

Behind the Light of Golowduyn by Deborah M. Hathaway

Synopsis:

She’s the keeper of Golowduyn Lighthouse. He’s the captain who shipwrecked on her watch. A marriage of convenience can save her home—if secrets don’t destroy it first.

Abigail Moore will do anything to keep Golowduyn Lighthouse shining brightly, even if she must do so alone. When a shipwreck occurs near her home one stormy evening—bringing with it a dashing captain keen to offer his aid at every turn—her days of isolation vanish.

Captain Gavin Kendricks didn’t expect to end his naval career by crashing his ship against the rugged cliffs of Cornwall. When he’s pulled from the sea by the fearless and quick-tempered Miss Moore, a tentative friendship forms between them, and he begins to realize what has been missing from his life.

Before either of them can explore these newfound stirrings, death and deception hit Golowduyn, and Abigail is left with a choice. Either she loses everything she has ever loved, or she marries the captain and accepts his help. Unable to give up the lighthouse, she agrees to the union, and they work together to see that the light does not diminish. But when her childhood secrets are unearthed, and their property falls victim to troubling defacement, their marriage threatens to crumble. Gavin fights to gain her confidence, but only Abigail can forget the crippling memories of her past to trust Gavin with Golowduyn—and her heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

Abigail Moore wants nothing more than to spend her days at Golowduyn Lighthouse, watching over and protecting the sailors at sea. Life before moving to Golowduyn was filled with heartache and loneliness. She never knew love or felt like she truly belonged anywhere. But from the moment she stepped foot on those beautiful shores, she felt like she had come home and for once had known peace. 

But after her Uncle Ellis's accident, life changed drastically. She's left to take care of everything on her own and the closeness she once felt with her uncle had disappeared. Lonely and exhausted, she finds herself going through the motions. 

While keeping watch during a storm, Abigail sees a ship crashing into the rocks. She can't help but feel it is her fault for not guiding the ship away from the cliffs. She knows she must do whatever she can to make sure the sailors arrive safely on shore... even if it means going out on the stormy sea to save the last man on the ship. Little did she know, her split decision to go out would change her life forever. 

Captain Gavin Kendricks has enjoyed his time in the navy. But lately, he can't deny that something is missing in his life. When his ship crashes into the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, he decides it's time to retire and search for what's missing. Little did he know, the crash would change his life forever. 

When Gavin discovers that the keeper of the lighthouse is his father's old friend, Ellis Moore, he enjoys the time they share reminiscing about his father. Abigail can't hide the hurt and jealousy she feels when her uncle comes to life whenever he's around Gavin. She doesn't make it easy for Gavin to help her. She'll prove to both of them that she doesn't need the help. 

It doesn't take long for Gavin to see just how hard Abigail works to keep the lighthouse running by herself. When tragedy strikes, he knows he must do anything and everything he can to make life easier for her. He soon realizes that she's what's been missing in his life. He's never met anyone like her before and he can't see his life without her in it. He wants to be there for her, to protect her, to take care of her, to love her, to live the life of lighthouse keeper right along side her. But Abigail knows she needs to let go of her past hurts, her secrets and learn to love herself before she can find her HEA with Gavin, on the shores of Golowduyn. 

*dreamy sigh* 

Oh how I adored Behind the Light of Golowduyn! Once I started it, I did not want to put it down! I quickly became engrossed in the lives of Abigail and Gavin. My heart broke for every thing that Abigail had endured throughout her life. But Gavin came along and put all the pieces back together by doing whatever he could to ease the burdens that had been on Abigail's shoulders for so long. Their relationship was truly built on friendship. I enjoyed watching it evolve into something more. There were some who looked at the two of them and thought they did not belong together. But this match couldn't have been more perfect. 

I am loving this series! The setting and characters are absolutely perfect! I can't wait for the next book to be released! I'm secretly hoping it's Poppy and Harris... ;) 

Ok guys! It's official! Ms. Hathaway is one of my favorite Regency authors! Her books always suck me in from the beginning and refuse to let me go until the very end. I have adored all her books I have read so far and I'm looking forward to many, many more by her! 

And can we just take a minute to admire these two?! I think they are perfect! What do you think?! 

On the Shores of Tregalwen by Deborah M. Hathaway

Synopsis:

When her estranged mother beckons her to London, Hannah Summerfield has no choice but to answer her call. Forced to leave behind her peaceful life in Cornwall, she bids farewell to the seaside, her grandparents—and her childhood sweetheart, Thomas. She becomes subdued at once by Society’s rigid rules and her mother’s censure, and when Thomas’s letters unexplainedly stop, she is left to wonder if she ought to embrace her new life in Town after all. But when her mother pressures her to accept an unwanted proposal, Hannah cannot help but flee to the one place she has ever called home—to the only boy she has ever loved.

After three years apart, Thomas Causey has all but given up hope of Hannah ever returning to Cornwall, fearing she has fallen in love with another. But when she appears on his doorstep, soaked through with rain and covered in mud, he allows himself to long once more for a future with the woman he still loves.

However, Thomas quickly realizes that Hannah is not who she was before. She has left London for a reason—a reason he cannot uncover. He longs for the truth they once so easily shared, but Hannah must first find the courage to rediscover herself—and what her heart truly desires.

My Review: 4 Stars

Growing up, Hannah and Thomas were the best of friends. They were inseparable and couldn't imagine life without the other one in it. But when Hannah's estranged mother calls her to London, they both fear they'll never see each other again.

With promises of writing each other, Hannah leaves her beloved Cornwall and her childhood sweetheart behind and heads to London. It doesn't take long before she becomes a shadow of her former self. She's miserable and dislikes the busyness of London. But nothing she does or says can convince her mother to let her go home to Cornwall.

When her mother tries to force her to accept an unwanted proposal, Hannah decides it's time to take back her life and do what she has been dreaming of doing for three years... go home.

Thomas has almost given up on ever seeing Hannah again when she shows up on his doorstep, lost and soaking wet from the storm. Even though it's been three years, nothing has changed between them. They still have that easy friendship, but there's something different about Hannah, she's holding herself back. Thomas is determined to not only help her discover who she's meant to be but to find the HEA they have both been longing for all these years.

*dreamy sigh*

This was a super cute book! If you're a fan of best friends to lovers troupe, then this book is for you! Hannah and Thomas were fun characters and the setting was absolutely perfect! It was easy for me to picture every detail in my mind. I love when an author can do that! I am definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!

Ms. Hathaway's books are always a fun break from reality. It isn't a secret that I have a hard time getting into regency and historical romances. Very few authors can get me excited to read these genres and I'm happy to say that she is definitely one of them! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

And what review of mine would be complete without my casting?! I adore these two! What do you think?

Suffering the Scot by Nichole Van

Synopsis:

Lady Jane Everard cannot abide the new Earl of Hadley. The unmannered Scot is a menace to genteel ladies everywhere, what with his booming laugh and swishing kilt and endless supply of ‘ochs’ and ‘ayes.’ Jane wishes Lord Hadley would behave as an earl should and adhere to English rules of polite conduct.

Andrew Langston, the new Earl of Hadley, knows that the English aristocracy think poorly of his lowly Scottish upbringing. This is hardly new. History is littered with the English assuming the worst about Scotland. By living up to their lowest expectations, he is simply fulfilling his civic duty as a Scotsman.

Jane sees Andrew as an unmannered eejit. Andrew considers Jane to be a haughty English lady. But, as the saying goes, . . . opposites attract.

And what if beneath his boisterous behavior and her chilly reserve, Andrew and Jane are not nearly as different as they suppose? Can Scotland and England reach a harmonious union at last?

My Review: 5 Stars

All his life, Andrew has been groomed to be the Earl of Hadley. Whether or not his English family ever saw him as such, he never knew. But when his grandfather passed away and left everything to him, he knew he needed to step up and take his place as Earl. He knew the task would not be easy, but he was not one to shirk his responsibilities.

All her life, Jane has been viewed as a pawn. It’s like her sole purpose on the earth was for the betterment of her family’s station in life. She must bow down to their wishes. She must always be in control of her emotions. She cannot let wild Jane out for the world to see.

Jane and Andrew couldn’t be more different, yet they were completely perfect for each other. From the moment they set eyes on each other, sparks started flying and they both knew that their lives would forever be changed.

Andrew knew that he wanted this fiery, feisty woman in his life but that it would have to be on her terms. He did not want to force her to do his bidding. He wanted to be the one to set her free and let her live the life of her own choosing. Her happiness was all that mattered to him. And for the first time ever, someone saw the real Jane. The Jane that she kept hidden away. To receive encouragement to let the real Jane shine was just what she needed to blossom into the person she was meant to be.

But as life goes, things are thrown into their path that will test them, have them doubting what they should do, who they should be. They just need to find the strength to keep pushing forward and know that, in the end, things will be as they should be.

Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely adored this book! Once I started reading, I had an extremely hard time putting it down! I found myself getting irrationally angry when I had to stop reading and be an adult. I love a book that can give me all the feels and Suffering the Scot did just that! From laughing out loud (chamomile tea anyone?), to feeling angry on several occasions, getting teary eyed a time or two and letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. I loved every minute of reading! I struggled between wanting to hurry up and finish so I would know what happened and wanting to read slowly so I could savor every minute of Jane and Andrew. 

I can already tell that this series is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait for the next book to be released! 

Ms. Van has quickly climbed my favorite authors list. I have loved every book of hers I've ever read. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

And as for my casting, I am loving these two! What do you think?!