Title: Rivals at the Royal Altar
Author: Julieanne Howells
Published: May 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mills & Boon Modern, Harlequin Presents, Enemies-to-Lovers, Marriage-of-Convenience

Blurb:

The queen’s fairy-tale wedding...is with her enemy! Surrender to this emotional royal romance from Julieanne Howells.

Not just a night with her enemy...

A lifetime!

Queen Agnesse was not supposed to become playboy Prince Sebastien’s bride. But, forced to cohost a charity gala, the incendiary, off-limits chemistry they’ve long ignored explodes...and the consequences will be legally binding!

Seb vowed he’d never marry. Not after his own unhappy past. Still, he’ll do anything to protect Agnesse and her hard-won reputation. They have faced heartbreak apart. Now the love developing between them could help them face their biggest trial together...if they can finally believe that love exists.

My Review:

What a compelling enemies-to-lovers trope! I might have rambled a lot about heroes from my prior reviews but I now so adore Agnesse as a strong stubborn heroine!

Agnesse is more likely a mirror image of me I realized it when she has to co-host with her adversary, Seb, a playboy prince (I have a tendency to avoid people I don’t like). Her disgust at him is so obvious and I wondered how she is going to fall for him. Her temper and characters at the beginning are so compelling that I began to like her. Meanwhile despite his reluctance, Seb agrees to replace his cousin to be with Agnesse in the gala for charity.

I couldn’t hide my hilarious interest when both are confronted in the gala and their hate and sexual attraction are mingled. Oh I was super excited to read it and see how they would undergo their undeniable appeal. I knew, beneath their strong and scathing banter, they are actually vulnerable. Seb is an epitome of rake that is what people and press presume, yet he might not what his image reveals, I think he is the most compassionate, tender-hearted and lovable character in this book. On the other hand Agnesse is a beauty but most regards her as an ice queen. No one knows how vulnerable she is. The duty they have to deal with and the consequence of their off-limits sexual desire eventually bring them together.

Ah it is a truly beautiful and compelling book. Their electric sexual tension is so steamy and powerful especially the epilogue. At one time I just wanted to shout to both Seb and Agnesse that they have been in love since their first encounter yet both are too stubborn, nonetheless I loved this story! I even had to re-read some of my bookmarks just to feel how romantic and intimate the moments were. It also features lots of daisies, one of my favourite flowers! I will definitely read Julieanne’s other books. Thank you, Julieanne Howells, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the Author

Julieanne Howells loves the romance of a stormy day, which is just as well because she lives in rainy North East England. On inclement days, if she’s not writing and reading, she has a fondness for cooking. Sometimes her efforts are even edible. She compensates for her lack of domestic skills by being an expert daydreamer, always imagining ways for plucky heroines to upend the world of handsome, provoking heroes. For Julianne, writing for Harlequin is just about the perfect job. Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/julieannehowel

 

 

Title: The Marriage That Made Her Queen
(Behind the Palace Doors... Book 1)
Author: Kali Anthony
Published: September 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Marriage of Convenience

Blurb:

Desire revived...at the royal altar! Get swept into the drama of this marriage-of-convenience romance by Kali Anthony.

“I’m asking you to be my husband.”

Her kingdom depends on it!

After tragedy strikes, queen-to-be Lise is all alone. To claim her crown, she must wed. And the man she must turn to is the self-made billionaire who made Lise believe in love before he shattered her heart – Rafe De Villiers.

For Rafe, Lise’s on-paper proposal should feel like a victory. He’ll finally silence those who only see his humble roots. Yet suddenly, winning back Lise’s trust seems more important. And he’ll have to secure it if passion is going to be part of their future...

My Review:

I was totally tempted to be reading the first book of Behind the Palace Doors after having read the second one, I knew I didn’t read it in order but it’s a standalone and I still found the joy.

After the untimely death of her family, Lise has to step up to be the queen in Lauritanian monarch yet she has to marry beforehand to claim it. The only man her father had approved is Rafe, the billionaire albeit commoner. On their wedding day, Rafe has clearly displayed his strong desire at her but Lise doesn’t see it that way because first she is unprepared to be queen as she has never trained to be one even though Rafe has attempted to assist her, second because she mistrusts him.

I loved how Rafe doesn’t conceal his sexual desire towards Lise from the beginning, his attempt is quite conventional and patient, particularly when his hands message Lise in the most tempting way, I would do anything just to be messaged by him. Further how Lise pictures him every time his muscle bulges against his shirt is quite vivid and enticed me however beneath that strong and confident mask I found another man, the one whom has been prejudiced. Throughout the story both Lise and Rafe have many things to be resolved mostly their internal conscience.

I really enjoyed reading Lise and Rafe’s. Their attempt in striving for their happiness is full of emotional drama but I always remember how romantic it was when Rafe makes wreath from wildflowers and grass, that scene etches within my mind.  The ending and epilogue are truly fascinating. Thank you, Kali Anthony, for providing me the digital copy.

Rate: 4.5 of 5

About the Author

When Kali Anthony read her first romance novel at fourteen, she realized a few truths: there can never be too many happy endings, and one day she would write them herself. After marrying her own tall, dark and handsome hero in a perfect friends-to-lovers romance, Kali took the plunge and penned her first story. Writing has been a love affair ever since. If she isn’t battling her cat for access to the keyboard, you can find Kali playing dress-up in vintage clothes, gardening, or bushwhacking with her husband and three children in the rain forest of South East Queensland. You might contact her on https://www.kalianthony.com/ or her twitter https://twitter.com/KaliAAnthony

Title: Cinderella’s Deal with the Colonel
Author: Jenni Fletcher
Published: May 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Mills & Boon Historical, Harlequin Historical, Regency Romance

Blurb:

Enjoy meeting this feisty Cinderella in this Regency fairy tale

A penniless Cinderella

And a tempting offer from the colonel...

When a marquess’s scheme leads to the debt and demise of Abigail’s father, she wants retribution! Only, her plans at confronting the scoundrel go awry when his handsome younger brother Colonel Theodore Marshall offers her a job as his secretary. Theo’s deal helps Abigail restore her family from financial ruin, but working so closely with him isn’t as easy as she expected. Especially when each encounter sparks with tension!

My Review:

Well, from the beginning, I had an inkling that Colonel Theodore was going to charm me against my will and indeed he had been! He is a complete swoon-worthy hero!

Returning to visit his family from the military, Theo never expected that he has to clean up the mess his brother left as the marquess. The beginning of the story did capture my attention entirely. Besides having to deal with his two nieces and temperamental sister-in-law, the failing business his brother owns also brings his encounter with Abigail Lemon, a destitute daughter of one of the investors. I loved how the story began with intense family drama and how these two characters, Theo and Abigail met. Despite the predicament, both make a deal which benefits them.

This Cinderella Regency period might not have a real prince but Theo has turned into more than a prince charming. At the start he might not like the responsibilities he has to cope with nevertheless he attempts to resolve everything including his former soldier’s issue. He is so caring, considerate and remarkably forbearing. With his muscular build, piercing blue eyes and his characters, he will catch your heart immediately. I also loved how Jenni Fletcher cleverly devised Abigail Lemon, the name perfectly suits her. After all infliction bestows upon her, she remains strong, independent and forgiving.

I thoroughly and absolutely enjoyed Jenni Fletcher’s writing. Not only is it so entertaining, but also it is undoubtedly evocative. The supporting characters especially Kitchen compelled and amused me a lot. The enticing plot and setting is powerfully and smartly written. I loved it! Thank you, Jenni Fletcher, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

Jenni Fletcher was born in the north of Scotland and now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two children. She wanted to be a writer as a child but became distracted by reading instead, finally getting past her first paragraph thirty years later. She’s had more jobs than she can remember but has finally found one she loves. She can be contacted on Twitter https://twitter.com/JenniAuthor or her page https://jennifletcher.com/

 

 

Title: Her Unforgettable Knight
(Protectors of the Crown miniseries Book 3)
Author: Melissa Oliver
Published: May 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Sagas, Medieval Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical, Second Chance at Love

Blurb:

Danger abounds in this dramatic medieval romance

She never forgot him...

Can she ever forgive him?

Marguerite never expected to see Savaric again – let alone to have to help him when she finds him outnumbered in a fight. He’s the brooding knight she fell for two years ago... until he left her unexpectedly. Now Marguerite is a hardened spy and wary of trusting him again. But how long can she resist their connection when they must work together to protect the Crown?

My Review:

Oh my gosh, I couldn’t believe I had finished this last instalment of the Protectors of the Crown, Savaric and Marguerite’s story, in one sitting when I still wanted to devour it. It had me spellbound!

The intrigue and suspenseful opening was masterly and spectacularly captivating as Marguerite meets Savaric during their mission in order to gain information of the Duo Dracones. As far as I reckoned, Marguerite was gentle, too innocent and compassionate but after what she has been through, she now is strong, independent and talented agent who works for the same lord as Savaric’s. Well, Savaric isn’t the only person whom gets astounded by the change of Marguerite, so did I.

Despite the issue, Savaric and Marguerite have to work together and it doesn’t stop the desire Savaric suffering from even after two years towards her. His origin has prevented him from getting closer to her and it is so excruciating to feel his anguish. Savaric might have unusual looks however his huge stature, handsome features and remarkable hat have always caught my heart.

I enjoyed an amazingly intricate conflict between the traitors of the King and Protectors of the Crown, the banter, the intrigue, the heart-pounding plot and everything within. How Savaric and Marguerite clear up the hovering issue and their love against the odd is truly wonderful. I loved it and its epilogue! This miniseries of the Protectors of the Crown has absolutely left a deep meaning within my heart. Thank you, Melissa Oliver, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

Melissa Oliver is from southwest London, UK, where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and three daughters, who share her passion for decrepit old castles, grand palaces and all things historical. She won the Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers from Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2020 for her first book, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums and art galleries. If you want to find out more, follow Melissa on Twitter https://twitter.com/melissaoauthor

Title: Secretly Pregnant by the Tycoon
Author: Bella Mason
Published: May 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Surprise-Baby, Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern

Blurb:

One tightly wound billionaire will get the shock of his life in this surprise-baby story by Bella Mason!

One week of pure pleasure...

Forever bound by the consequences!

Fame for his ruthless restraint, Matt Taylor has only ever lost control around one woman. But his red-hot Melbourne fling with Hannah Murphy is firmly in the past – until she surprises outside his London office...seven months pregnant!

Hannah has flown across the globe to reveal her recently discovered pregnancy. But Matt’s guarded reaction leaves her wondering how he’s the same man who fulfilled her greatest desires months before! He’ll have to let her in if she’s to uproot her world and share everything – including their baby – with him...

My Review:

When I first took Hannah’s view seeing the glimpse of Matt wearing glasses, I was absolutely in awe of imagining how handsome and attractive he must be with the body of rugby player!

I loved how the story worked from the beginning to the end. Hannah and Matt had a fling when Matt visited Melbourne. Both unveiled their true characters during the fling yet they didn’t know that their last affair could conceive a miracle for Hannah and Matt. After seven months, Hannah makes up her mind then tells Matt about the baby.

Despite his demanding offers for his baby and Hannah, I was so engrossed by how caring and attentive Matt is even though Matt ill-treats Hannah on the day she informs him. Matt and Hannah’s past hover throughout the story and it made me wonder why they couldn’t trust one another. It also made me want to turn the page over and over as their sexual tension is always off the charts.

I’m a big fan of imagining heroine wearing dress and Bella Mason has completely provided it to conjure up my imagination of how beautiful Hannah with the bump and her red hair. Their journey to secure the baby is achingly romantic. Hannah and Matt are destined to be together despite the heartbreak. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling surprise pregnancy book. Thank you, Bella Mason, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 4.5 of 5

About the Author

Bella Mason has been a bookworm from an early age. She has been regaling people with stories from the time she discovered she could hold the dinner table hostage with her reimagined fairy tales. After earning a degree in journalism, she rekindled her love of writing and now writes full-time. When she isn’t imagining dashing heroes and strong heroines, she can be found exploring Melbourne, burying her nose in a book or lusting after fast cars. You could follow her on her Twitter https://twitter.com/BellaMasonBooks.

 

 

Title: Losing the Thread
(A Gingham & Velvet Mystery)
Author: Lynda Florence Hughes
Published: March 2023
Genre: Mystery, Murder, Detective

Blurb:

Has fashion become deadly business?

Cutting edge designers, Paulette Fredericks and Nicole Saunders, are summoned to Starlington Hall to create a bespoke wardrobe for Lady Philippa Soames.

Quickly drawn into the family and its dramas, they are present when a fellow guest is violently murdered at a shooting party.

These two unconventional women, who are both inquisitive by nature and observant at all times, begin their own investigations.

With a cast of intriguing potential suspects they have their work cut out.

How long can secrets from the past remain hidden?

And can they save the day before the killer strikes again?

In Losing the Thread Lynda Florence Hughes has created two colourful amateur sleuths in a debut novel that will keep you guessing to the very end.

My Review:

What an unexpected mystery! I was totally blown away by this debut novel!

It begins when Paula and Nicky are ordered to make a collection of clothes for Lady Philippa Soames who lives in The Starlington Hall. As the professional dress makers, they need to meet Philippa to understand her so that they could make the right clothes for her. While being properly introduced to Soames family and relatives, both Nicky and Paula have tendency for giving amusing nickname.

I didn’t expect these two dress makers, Paula and Nicky, could be the genius who unveiled the murder. At first I was getting acquainted with all the characters within the story. Each character reveals their true nature and one of the most infuriating characters is the lady Soames because she is so demanding and irritating. With the little intrigue and mystery as the opening, it made me wonder who was going to be murdered until the shooting party.

Despite my curiosity and hypothesis, I was unable to figure out who the murder was until it was revealed by these two genius sleuths albeit amateur. The personal life of Nicky and Paula did work as a distraction for me because when I calculated who the murder was, the drama and their romance life stopped me from thinking more deeply. Even though it is mystery book, Miss Lynda Florence didn’t drop Paula and Nicky’s true identity as designers through their value of fashion as well as their complicated life. After all, the book has an appealing plot twist which blows me away and it is also richly detailed with compelling characters. I also loved its heart-warming ending. Thank you, Lynda Florence Hughes, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the Author:

Lynda Florence Hughes is retired, and lives in a market town in Dorset about ten miles from the ocean. She is the proud mother of two sons and a grandson. Lynda has spent a lot of time in the Far East, travelling, making new friends and embracing new cultures. This is where she re-discovered her love of writing. One of her stories was shortlisted for a literary prize. This is her debut novel. You could follow her on her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lyndaflorencehughes/