Release Day Review- Swamp Story by Dave Barry

Title: Swamp Story

Genre: Novel, Dark Humor

Author: Dave Barry

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, May 2, 2023

Pages: 320

Rating: 4.5

Sexy Rating: 0

Violence Rating: 5

Description from Amazon:

Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times bestselling author and actual Florida Man Dave Barry returns with a Florida caper full of oddballs and more twists and turns than a snake slithering away from a gator.

Jesse Braddock is trapped in a tiny cabin deep in the Everglades with her infant daughter and her ex-boyfriend, a wannabe reality TV star who turned out to be a lot prettier on the outside than on the inside. Broke and desperate for a way out, Jesse stumbles across a long-lost treasure, which could solve all her problems—if she can figure out how to keep it. The problem is, some very bad men are also looking for the treasure, and they know Jesse has it.

Meanwhile, Ken Bortle of Bortle Brothers Bait and Beer has hatched a scheme to lure tourists to his failing store by making viral videos of the “Everglades Melon Monster.” The Monster is in fact an unemployed alcoholic newspaperman named Phil wearing a Dora the Explorer costume head. Incredibly, this plan actually works, inspiring a horde of TikTokers to swarm into the swamp in search of the monster at the same time villains are on the hunt for Jesse’s treasure. Amid this mayhem, a presidential hopeful arrives in the Everglades to start his campaign. Needless to say, it does not go as planned. In fact, nothing in this story goes as planned. This is, after all, Florida.

**

Are you laughing after reading that description? I laughed my way through this entire book. This is dark humor with really evil bad guys but we just feel that Jesse and baby Willa will be okay. Poor Jesse, she has no one to help her so baby Willa goes everywhere with Jesse in her baby carrier even running from the bad guys. Yes, this book is very over-the-top and the author asks us to suspend our disbelief over and over. However, I couldn’t help but have an achy smile face while I read the entire book. I especially like how the author wrapped up ALL the loose ends. Delightful!

Release Day- The Night She Met The Duke by Sarah Mallory

Title: The Night She Met The Duke

Genre: Historical Romance

Author: Sarah Mallory

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Harlequin Historical, April 25, 2023

Pages: 288

Rating: 5

Sexy Rating: 5

Violence Rating: 5

Description from Amazon:

Hearing herself described as “a lady as dull as her name” is the final straw in Prudence Clifford’s disastrous season, so she decides to stay with her aunt in Bath. But Pru’s new life is  anything  but dull when one night she finds an uninvited, devastatingly handsome duke at her kitchen table! Pru will never forget the emotional connection they shared. But it’s their unexpected reunion three months later that will prove truly unforgettable… 

**

Sarah Mallory is a new-to-me author who has written many romances. What took me so long? This book is well written and the character development is spot on. Pru is a spinster and has no betrothal prospects in her future. She is content to be a companion to her aunt in Bath. When she and her aunt are invited to London for the season she is happy to go along and see the sights. Then she sees the duke again and she can’t deny to herself that she has feelings for the man that the ton thinks is a rogue. He tries to discourage her but Pru is very stubborn and tries to save his tarnished reputation. This was a fun romantic read. I will definitely read more from this author.

Release Day Review- Return To Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

Title: Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories, Book #3)

Genre: Historical Romance

Author: Mimi Matthews

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Perfecr Proper Press, April 11, 2023

Pages: 286

Rating: 4

Sexy Rating: 4

Violence Rating: 4

Description from Amazon:

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

**

Once again Mimi Matthews gives us a scrumptious romantic plot along with a hint of mystery. Katherine is a bit of a wild-child, not always acting in a manner society would approve. She does know her own mind and when she encounters Charles she knows he’s the “ONE”. I can’t help but think Charles didn’t know what hit him when Kate turned up unannounced at his country home. Soon they were getting better acquainted and having an adventure that had nothing to do with The high seas of Charles’ past. I can always count on Ms. Matthews for a page-turning yarn and a lovely romance.

Recent Release- A Spinster’s Guide To Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

Title:A Spinster’s Guide To Danger and Dukes (Ladies Most Scandalous, book#3)

Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery

Author: Manda Collins

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Forever, March 28, 2023

Pages: 310

Rating: 3.5

Sexy Rating: 5

Violence Rating: 4

Description from Amazon:

England, 1867: Miss Poppy Delamare is living a lie. To escape an odious betrothal, she fled to London where she’s been hiding as the unassuming secretary Flora Deaver. However, when her beloved sister is accused of murder, Poppy cannot leave her to the wolves. Only a most unexpected—and unwelcome—collision interrupts her journey home . . . 

Despite a rather dismal first meeting, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, has no intention of abandoning a lady in need. But he’s not above asking a favor. A fake betrothal will give Poppy and her sister the power of the dukedom and protect Langham from the society misses intent on becoming his duchess.

Yet the longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impressions were—and the less pretend their engagement feels. But before Langham can propose in truth, their search reveals a tangled web of lies and betrayals. With time running out, can Poppy and Langham find the real culprit—before Poppy becomes the next victim?

**

This is a well written romance and mystery. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I kept thinking the characters should be doing “more”. Especially since Poppy was supposed to be so concerned about her sister. She had a powerful Duke at her side so couldn’t she demand to be taken to her sister? There is also some repetition which I always view as an author trying to fill-out the pages. Is the plot interesting? You betcha. It had exciting breathless moments and action. The romance was rather lukewarm but then it did heat up as the H/h got to know and like each other.

Recent Release- The Heiress At Sea by Christi Caldwell

Title: The Heiress At Sea

Genre: Historical Romance

Author: Christi Caldwell

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Montlake, March 14, 2023

Pages: 328

Rating: 5

Sexy Rating: 5

Violence Rating: 5

Description from Amazon:

Perpetually unattached Lady Cassia McQuoid has accepted her fate as a spinster. But how can she be expected to lead a life confined to drawing rooms and royal balls when there’s a vast, exciting world to explore? Cassia can find but one solution: she masquerades as a thrill-seeking lad and stows away on a ship bound for open waters. Adventure awaits. So does notorious privateer Nathaniel Ellsby.

Nathaniel doesn’t want to be the Duke of Roxburghe. Instead, the second-born son relishes his freedom to do as he pleases: pursuing enemy ships in service of the war effort. But when his older brother dies, Nathaniel embarks on one last mission before he fulfills his ducal duties with an arranged marriage. That’s the intention, at least—until he discovers that his woefully green deckhand is a fetching but vulnerable woman in disguise.

Nathaniel’s new mission is to protect Cassia from the perils of the sea, both above and below the water, by sharing the close confines of the captain’s quarters. As roiling emotions turn to love, Nathaniel and Cassia realize the greatest risks—to the Crown, to their futures, and to the heart—still lie ahead.

**

I loved this novel!! It has all the elements Iook for in an Historical Romance; well developed characters, action and adventure, sizzling romance, and a not too predictable plot. In fact this plot, although done before where the damsel stows away, is so much more original than any I’ve previously read.

Cassia is a naïve, motor-mouth, self-involved debutante when the book begins but she is thrust into life threatening situations that make her grow in maturity. Nathaiel is a boorish alpha type on the outside and a marshmallow inside when it comes to Cassia. I highly recommend this book to Historical Romance fans.

Release Day Review- How The Wallflower Was Won by Eva Leigh

Title: How The Wallflower Was Won ( Last Chance Scoundrels, book#2)

Genre: Historical Romance/ regency

Author: Eva Leigh

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Avon, Sept. 27, 2022

Pages: 384

Rating: 4

Sexy Rating: 5

Violence Rating:

Description from Amazon:

Finn Ransome is an expert on Lady Luck, which is why he refuses to take a chance on love. Experience has taught him that he’s happier at a gaming table than around people he will, inevitably, disappoint. However, the clock is ticking on his father’s matrimonial demands. But the only woman to catch his eye is a bluestocking who would never consider a rogue like him.

After a disastrous first Season, Tabitha Seaton decided to focus on books instead of ballrooms. She hopes to join the Sterling Society, a collective of the most brilliant, influential minds in London. Except, they will never admit an unmarried lady. Now Tabitha needs a husband, and a notorious, handsome gambler may be her best bet.

Finn and Tabitha are opposites who have no intention of wagering on a love match, and a calculated marriage of convenience solves all their problems—with no risk to their hearts. Once married, however, their potent attraction boils over into a deep passion that neither expected. When a painful mistake drives the new lovers apart, Finn will risk it all to prove a scoundrel and a wallflower are a winning pair…

**

I liked this book. It had some sizzling romance and a good plot that highlighted the problems of women in the Regency period. I did think that the solution to Tabitha’s problem was a bit convenient (no spoilers here). But I did enjoy seeing the villains’ comeuppance. This was a good page turning romance.

Review- Something In The Heir by Suzanne Enoch

Title: Something In The Heir

Genre: Historical romance

Author: Suzanne Enoch

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin, Sept. 20, 2022

Pages: 346

Rating: 4

Sexy Rating: 0

Violence Rating: 0

Description from Amazon:

Emmeline and William Pershing have enjoyed a perfectly convenient marriage for eight years. Their relationship is a seamless blend of their talents and goals. They’ve settled into separate, well-ordered lives beneath the same roof, and are content to stay that way—or so Emmeline thinks. And if William has secretly longed for a bit more from the woman he adores, he’s managed to be content with her supreme skills as a hostess and planner, which has helped him advance his career.

Then when Emmeline’s grandfather, the reclusive Duke of Welshire, summons them both for his birthday celebration and demands they bring their two little angelic children, William is stunned to discover that his very proper wife invented not one, but two heirs to fulfill the agreement for living at Winnover. But surely if Emmeline and William team up and borrow two cherubs to call their own, what could go wrong? Enter George, age 8, and Rose, 5—the two most unruly orphans in Britain.

As the insanity unfolds, their careful, professional arrangement takes some surprisingly intimate turns as well. Perhaps it takes a bit of madness to create the perfect happily ever after.

**

If you are looking for laugh out loud moments and some farcical fun then this is your book. Suzanne Enoch never disappoints and this book is a testament to her ability as an author. I loved the two impossible orphans. “Oh what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” That quote sums up Emmeline’s disastrous machinations. I highly recommend this fun book.

Release Day Review- The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Title: The Matchmaker’s Gift

Genre: Fiction/Women’s Fiction

Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Sept. 20, 2022

Pages: 320

Rating: 5

Sexy Rating: 0

Violence Rating: 4

Description from Amazon:

…a heartwarming story of two extraordinary women from two different eras who defy expectations to utilize their unique gift of seeing soulmates in the most unexpected places in The Matchmaker’s Gift.

Is finding true love a calling or a curse?

Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.

Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?

**

Sara, the grandmother, and Abby, the granddaughter, both have this almost supernatural ability to see soulmate connections. Sara identified her ability as a child, but Abby doubts her ability until she is tested. I loved this book. I’m always happy to learn from a book and this one was a lesson in the historical tradition of Jewish matchmaking. So interesting, and the book is so well written that we feel we are learning about real people not just book characters. I highly recommend this fascinating book.

Release day Review- Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean

Title: Heartbreaker (Hell’s Belles. Book #2)

Genre: Historical romance

Author: Sarah MacLean

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Avon, Aug. 22, 2022

Pages: 400

Rating: 5

Sexy Rating: 5

Violence Rating: 4

Description from Amazon:

A Princess of Thieves

Raised among London’s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower—so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she’s the Matchbreaker…using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.

A King of Reputation

Henry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.

A Royal Match

When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it’s impossible for Clayborn to resist this woman who both frustrates and fascinates him. But late-night carriage rides make for delicious danger…and soon Adelaide is uncovering Clayborn’s truths, throwing his well-laid plans into chaos…and threatening to steal his heavily guarded heart.

**

Oh Yum! Sarah MacLean does not ever disappoint when it comes to sizzling sex, breathless action and adventure. In this wonderful book she outdoes herself with all of those. Add to that her terrific plotting and superbly nuanced characters and you have an un-put-downable romance read. What a joy to read this author! I can’t wait for the next book.

Review- Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim

Title: Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Asian

Author: Roselle Lim

Source: Free for review from the publisher

Publisher: Berkley, August 16, 2022

Pages: 336

Rating: 4

Sexy Rating: 0

Violence Rating: 0

Description from Amazon:

Newly minted professional matchmaker Sophie Go has returned to Toronto, her hometown, after spending three years in Shanghai. Her job is made quite difficult, however, when she is revealed as a fraud—she never actually graduated from matchmaking school. In a competitive market like Toronto, no one wants to take a chance on an inexperienced and unaccredited matchmaker, and soon Sophie becomes an outcast.

In dire search of clients, Sophie stumbles upon a secret club within her condo complex: the Old Ducks, seven septuagenarian Chinese bachelors who never found love. Somehow, she convinces them to hire her, but her matchmaking skills are put to the test as she learns the depths of loneliness, heartbreak, and love by attempting to make the hardest matches of her life.

**

This is a sweet romance. Sophie does make lovely matches for the “Old Ducks” and she has some romantic feelings also. This is a heartwarming book. It has villains, Sophie’s parents who take outrageous advantage of her. She gives the Old Ducks names that seem to suit their personality like Mr. Regret, Mr. Dolphin and Mr. Particular. There is some fantasy involved since Sophie can tell if a couple will match by seeing red cords that appear to come from their chest and spark toward their mate.

This is a lovely book without too much angst and a heaping dose of warm fuzzies.