Too Wilde to Wed – The Wildes of Lindow Castle #2 by Eloisa James

REVIEW

When Miss Diana Belgrave broke off her betrothal to Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde, she never meant for it to ruin his reputation. Two years later he returns from war to find Miss Belgrave working as a governess in his own house with a young child in tow.

Despite the scandal surrounding the child, those close to Diana know the truth and with this knowledge they strive to bring North and Diana together.  North has never stopped loving Diana and vows to make her his again despite her objections and continued denial of making a suitable Duchess.

Diana finds that the post-war North is not the dandy he portrayed himself as during their betrothal but a much more dangerous and intriguing man.  Her heart is once again captured and her desires for North increase, but she cannot give in to life of a duchess and all the restraints upon the title.

Can North and Diana find their way through the rocky course of societal restrictions and expectations to find their own true future?

A beautiful tale of love, loss, and learning to live again. Diana is a very head-strong and stubborn woman who knows that she does not want to be a duchess but in doing so she could lose Lord Roland. Roland knows he wants Diana but what can a future Duke do when the woman he loves does not want to be his Duchess?  Out of the mouths of babes comes the answer, it just takes the two to realise that love can overcome the boundaries.

I have read several Eloisa James novels and really enjoyed them. This was up to her high standards and I look forward to reading more in this series.

Rating 5/5

Synopsis

The handsome, rakish heir to a dukedom, Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde—known to his friends as North—left England two years ago, after being jilted by Miss Diana Belgrave. He returns from war to find that he’s notorious: polite society has ruled him “too wild to wed.”

Diana never meant to tarnish North’s reputation, or his heart, but in her rush to save a helpless child, there was no time to consider the consequences of working as a governess in Lindow Castle. Now everyone has drawn the worst conclusions about the child’s father, and Diana is left with bittersweet regret.

When North makes it clear that he still wants her for his own, scandal or no, Diana has to fight to keep from losing her heart to the man whom she still has no intention of marrying.

Yet North is returning a hardened warrior—and this is one battle he’s determined to win.

He wants Diana, and he’ll risk everything to call her his own.

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37928989-too-wilde-to-wed)

Seductive Secrets – Secret Lives #1 by Carrie James Haynes, Colleen Connally

REVIEW

Alyce Hythe has always believed in her father’s innocence but being hidden away has prevented her from finding the truth.  When mysterious occurrences begin that threaten Alyce’s life she finds herself removed from hiding and once again back in the society that has shunned her.  A chance encounter with Lord Julian Casvelyn leads the pair on a journey of discovery and love but when the threats to Alyce’s life increase they must race against time to find who is behind it.

There are many twists and turns with this story that keep it exciting but also can become a little confusing. The plot is interesting and intriguing with secrets, lies and deception at every turn.  I liked the connection that Alyce had with Julian but also with Charles. The loyalty she has to her friend and his happiness very nearly prevents her own happiness but, as with every good romance, it all worked out in the end.

An enjoyable historical romance with elements of paranormal and mystery.

Rating 4/5

Synopsis

Someone wants Alyce Hythe dead… 

Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England’s most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father’s name. For years, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered. Long has Lord Julian Casvelyn lived with guilt brought on when his brother was murdered by England’s most infamous traitor. But one eventful night has changed everything Lord Julian believed about his brother’s death. Never did he suspect the woman he has just saved from certain harm is the daughter of that man. Now Julian is caught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for that woman. Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and along the way discover a love that can free them both.

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15780001-seductive-secrets)

Sleepless in Manhattan – From Manhattan with Love #1 by Sarah Morgan

REVIEW

All through her life, Paige Walker has had people making decisions for her.  Now that she is older and healthier, Paige is determined to make it on her own, despite her over-protective brother living in the flat above.  When the promotion that she has been waiting for falls through and actually ends with her dismissal, Paige must risk everything to venture out and start her own business.

Jake Romano, Paige’s brother’s best friend and renowned singleton, has caused her heartbreak and humiliation in the past and is the last person she wants to accept help from, but with no contacts he may be her only hope.

Can Jake break through Paige’s stubborn walls and convince her to accept his help and can Paige break down Jake’s doubts on love and convince him to open his heart?

Paige portrays a strong, confident persona but deep down she is scared and vulnerable.  She has had her control taken from her and now she feels weak if someone offers help.  I liked Paige’s independence and her mistrust of the relationship that was forming between herself and Jake.

Jake has a reputation that, although he doesn’t dispute, is actually not justified.  He may have had a lot of dates but that does not mean that he slept with each one.  His feelings for Paige have been buried deep for a very long time and when he finally lets them rise to the surface he doesn’t know how to deal with his emotions.

The connection between Paige and Jake is undeniable and I really enjoyed their love/hate relationship. Paige’s friends and brother form a significant part of the story and the friendship between all of the characters is lovely to read.

A great ‘curl up with a cup of tea’ story that will pull on the heartstrings and keep you reading long into the night. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and see how Frankie and Eva find their happily ever afters.

Rating 5/5

Synopsis

Cool, calm and competent, events planner Paige Walker loves a challenge. After a childhood spent in and out of hospitals, she’s now determined to prove herself—and where better to take the world by storm than in the exhilarating bustle of Manhattan? But when Paige is let go from the job she loves, she must face her biggest challenge of all—going it alone. 

Except launching her own events company is nothing compared to hiding her outrageous crush on Jake Romano—her brother’s best friend, New York’s most in-demand date, and the only man to break her heart. When Jake offers Paige’s fledgling company a big chance, their still-sizzling chemistry starts giving her sleepless nights. But can she convince the man who trusts no one to take a chance on forever?

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27190170-sleepless-in-manhattan)

Last Lullaby – Detective Natalie Ward #2 by Carol Wyer

REVIEW

A gripping and chilling thriller that will leave you wondering if anyone is who they claim to be. DI Natalie Ward and her team are back, this time on the hunt for a killer who beat a woman to death in her own home.

When the body of wife and mother, Charlotte Brannon, is found beaten to death by a baseball bat, Natalie seeks to find the truth about what really happened that evening.  With alibis that turn into lies flying around it is hard to get any story straight, but as the pieces of the puzzle begin to align is the real picture forming or is someone playing games?

With the discovery of a second body, DI Ward is on a race against time to track down the culprit and ensure that they can’t strike again.

A captivating mystery suspense that had me picking suspects all the way through and then discarding them as new information was revealed. Natalie is not shy in showing her frustration when the case is not going her way and her team are right behind her.  There is a great dynamic within this team and a connection that goes beyond simple work colleagues.  Natalie’s home life is still up and down, David is keeping secrets and blaming Natalie for just about everything. With home and work demanding more and more from her, Natalie seems on the edge of breaking point, lets hope someone will help her pick up the pieces if/when it happens.

Great series. Next in the series – The Dare

Listened to via Audible. Narrated by Diana Croft

Rating 5/5

Synopsis

Charlotte’s baby is safe. But is she? 

When the body of young mother Charlotte Brannon is discovered by her husband in their immaculate, silver bedroom, Detective Natalie Ward is first on the scene. The killer has left a chilling calling card: the word ‘Why?’ written on the wall in blood. 

Determined to find justice, Natalie quickly discovers the husband is hiding a troubled past, and she’s sure the teenage babysitter’s alibi doesn’t quite add up. 

But before Natalie can dig deeper, another mother is murdered, her young son left distraught, staring at a fresh ‘who’ scrawled beside her. 

Natalie knows it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again, but all the key suspects have alibis. It’s her toughest case yet, and with her marriage hanging by a thread, the cracks are beginning to show. 

Just when Natalie finds an unsettling clue she thinks could solve the case, another young woman and her baby disappear, and a member of Natalie’s team is put in terrible danger. 

Can Natalie stop this twisted killer and save one of her own before more families are torn apart forever? 

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42105401-last-lullaby)

Saving the Billionaire – Justin Trainer #2 by Jane Harvey-Berrick

REVIEW

The exciting second and concluding part of the Justin Trainer series.

Trainer is an ex-marine turned close protection operative…essentially a bodyguard.  His current assignment is the multi-billionaire Devon Anderson.  Anderson has a few skeletons in his cupboard but with a new love interest he is trying to turn, his once sorry self, into a regular human being.

Trainer has is own love-life to contend with in the form of Anderson’s housekeeper, Rachel Smith, who continually turns down his offer of marriage.  Trainer is not a man to give up without a fight in any aspect of his life.

When an unknown person threatens to reveal Anderson’s dirty secrets, Trainer and his team are put to the test to prevent the reveal and track down the culprit but will they be too late and what happens when the threat becomes personal? Trainer has more than his job to keep safe.

Justin Trainer is the quiet, unsung hero of many a ‘Billionaire’ romance.  The man in the background protecting the lead role, but this time the focus is on him.

I absolutely adore Justin Trainer.  He is the rough-around-the-edges type with a heart of gold.  His love for Rachel is only paralleled by his love for his daughter and he would do anything to protect them both.  His interaction with his ex-wife is both funny and depressing (I really don’t like Carla no matter how often Justin thinks she is a good mum, she was a horrible wife!) but his inner-voice monologues are hilarious, which also includes when he’s thinking about his boss.  There are good and bad times ahead for Trainer.  Threats, tears and tantrums along with love, laughter and longing will encompass everyone at Wolf Point but like any good romance there will be a ‘Happily Ever After’ too.

Fantastic ending to a brilliant series.

ARC courtesy of Jane Harvey-Berrick

Rating 5/5

Synopsis

He’s a fast-talking, hard-hitting guy who goes to work with a weapon in his holster. He’s also sexy, loyal and damn good at his job, even when he’s guarding a billionaire boss with too many secrets.
T
He’s Justin Trainer.

You won’t notice me and you won’t hear me, but I’m always there, watching, listening and waiting. I’m armed, dangerous and funny as hell. 

I’m the bodyguard, and I’m the guy who’ll take a bullet for you. Although I’d rather not. I’m the man in black, saving my billionaire boss from blackmailers and computer hackers—but mostly from himself. 

THE NAME IS TRAINER. JUSTIN TRAINER. AND I’M THE BODYGUARD…

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44590399-saving-the-billionaire)

 

Guarding the Billionaire by Jane Harvey-Berrick

REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.  Justin Trainer is a brilliant character, extremely loyal with an awesome sense of humour.  Mr Anderson is a weird-billionaire-genius with major issues.

If you are a romance reader then you will have come across the tormented billionaire story and probably fallen in ‘book-boyfriend’ love with him, however have you ever paid any attention to his bodyguard? The silent man in the background, the keeper of his secrets, and the one who see’s the man inside.  If, like me, you had more of a crush on Taylor then Mr. Grey then you will love Justin Trainer, the man ‘Guarding The Billionaire’.

Ex-Marine, Justin Trainer, now works in Close Protection, essentially he is a bodyguard.  Getting jobs from his former C/O turned security specialist he finds himself on some weird and wonderful assignments.  His latest job is Head of Security for billionaire Devon Anderson.  Devon is a closed-off businessman who prefers to stay out of the limelight, however he does harbour a very large secret and that is his need for self-flagellation and kinky (BDSM style) sex. Devon does not make Trainer’s life easy, often disregarding his advice and not telling Trainer pertinent information.

During his time with the elusive Mr Anderson, Trainer forms an attachment to Mrs Smith, the housekeeper.  He also has a sever disliking of Mr Anderson’s ‘family friend’ Mr Landon. And don’t even getting me started on his thoughts about Mr Anderson’s ‘meditation’ room!  So you maybe thinking this all sounds very familiar, you would right.  If you have read Fifty then you will notice a resemblance in the story and the characters. Don’t worry though, this is a different story, different perspective and… just different.

This book encompasses a number of genres – comedy, romance, BDSM and mystery/suspense. The comedy side is absolutely hilarious.  Trainer has a very dry wit and most of the comedic aspect comes from his private thoughts and opinions.

The BDSM side is based around Mr Anderson’s predilections and although these are touched on it is often from Trainer’s POV, there are some graphic descriptions but nothing too disturbing (in my opinion).

Really looking forward to reading the next in the series – Saving the Billionaire

ARC courtesy of Jane Harvey-Berrick

Rating 5/5

Synopsis

It’s a black comedy, no wait, a romcom … um … a thriller, maybe suspense, and erotic with a bit of BDSM and a super hot bodyguard looking after his billionaire boss. 

It’s definitely not all black and white…

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44590388-guarding-the-billionaire)