Title: Bound to the Warrior Knight
(The King’s Knights Book 4)
Author: Ella Matthews
Published: March 2023
Genre: Medieval Romance, Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical, A Marriage of Convenience

Blurb:

A tense battle of duty and desire in this Medieval romance

Wed to a stranger

Awakened by his touch

As the new wife of stoic knight Benedictus Monceaux, innocent Adela finds herself in a whole new world... their union is one of convenience and power, but her feelings for the warrior unsettle and excite her. Hiding an inner strength, Adela knows she can be strong ally to her husband – but she must walk a fine line between duty and desire, both at court and in the bedchamber...

My Review:

Ah, I’m a sucker for this trope and I instantly and irrevocably fell in love with Benedictus and Adela!

Benedictus and Adela have been engaged since Adela was still a little lass (Yup, Benedictus is much older than Adela) yet never do they meet nor court. To make it clear, Benedictus is from Monceaux, a high status and respected family in England meanwhile Adela is from Valdu family, wealthy but isn’t included in the high status. In a nutshell they are essentially married for political and financial reasons.

Taken into their early marriage, Benedictus has made it clear that he has no time to woo his new wife as he is busy leading the court therefore he only can give Adela the freedom she never gains from her father. Adela might look innocent, meek and weak but I did adore her especially when she has to deal with Benedictus, when everyone in the court indeed fears Benedictus. He is a fearsome and stubborn knight. I could imagine how big, fierce and strong he looks. Clearly Adela and Benedictus is a perfect match from the beginning. Living in the court isn’t easy for Adela, particularly as the wife whose husband has strong power like the king.

I just loved this story, their relation might go slowly but it was so precise, romantic and steamy. I loved when Benedictus couldn’t keep his hands off of Adela and how his feelings grew stronger until the strong wall around him cracked only for Adela. I also adored Adela for being so strong, kind and determined. The political and war issue was meticulously well-written and dramatically intriguing. The last but not the least is the prologue! I was so utterly touched by the heart-warming ending! Thank you, Ella Matthews, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes, she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes, but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). Follow her at https://www.ellamatthews.co.uk/ or her Twitter at https://twitter.com/ellamattauthor

 

Title: Engaged to London’s Wildest Billionaire
(Behind the Palace Doors... Book 2)
Author: Kali Anthony
Published: March 2023
Genre: Fake-Engagement, Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern

Blurb:

This convenient fake relationship romance from Kali Anthony is brimming with drama...and pure inconvenient desire!

In the words of the devil himself:

“Scandal I can do...”

Lance Astill’s debauched reputation is the stuff of tabloid legend. He’s dedicated to rebelling against his strict aristocratic upbringing and has never once shied away from trouble. Until he meets Sara Conrad...

Entertaining thoughts of his attraction to sheltered Sara would be far too reckless. Even for him. Then Sara makes him an impassioned plea to help her escape an arranged wedding, just like the one Lance failed to save his sister from. The playboy’s outlandish solution? Their own headline-making engagement!

My Review:

When I was reading this, I did want to read it in one sitting as the book totally captured me but I also felt like I needed my time to savour it. The thing is Sara’s honest character and the Regency terms had first captured me.

Being born from countess and count in Lauritania, Sara was promised to be married to the King until the King died and she is free from the responsibility. During the funeral rite, she feels someone is staring at her and there, she encounters our modern rake, Lance. I wasn’t able to control my ridiculously exciting expression when Lance keeps chasing after Sara. He is strongly lured by her golden hair and honest expression. Lance seems unable to be away from Sara yet he also can’t let her be with him as scandal will arise. Nevertheless when a dire situation bestows upon Sara, he is fully prepared to help her through fake engagement and bring her to his estate.

From the beginning I felt like being taken into Regency romance period and I did enjoy it so much because the aristocratic title and terms are splendidly laid out within the story.  Kali Anthony has brilliantly wrapped both modern and Regency into a wonderful story. As I turned the pages, I started to understand Sara and Lance’s characters. Sara’s skittish and naive character is often so grief-stricken but on one occasion it also amused me, on the other hand, Lance, despite being a rake as the media claim so, he is so attentive and passionate. Well, as much as I enjoyed the drama and the emotional rollercoaster, I also enjoyed how steamy their relation is, and Lance is a tease!

Kali Anthony did capture me again with her accomplished writing. It just made me want to read the prior and the last series of Behind the Palace Doors! Thank you, Kali Anthony, for the digital ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 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: Reunited by the Greek’s Baby
Author: Annie West
Published: February 2023
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Unexpected Pregnancy, Second-Chance at Love

Blurb:

Torn apart...until they’re bound together by their baby! Drama and emotion collide in this pregnancy romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Annie West.

He pushed her away to protect her

Now he’ll finally claim her!

When Theo Karalis was wrongly imprisoned, ending his affair with Isla Jacobs was vital for her safety. Proven innocent at last, he discovers she’s pregnant!

Nothing will stop Theo from giving his child everything his own father denied him.

Isla tried to move on after Theo refused all contact. Yet, seeing his commitment to their baby, his offer of a Greek getaway is tempting...and so is rekindling their simmering chemistry! But will that be enough to convince Isla he wants her, not just his heir?

My Review:

I have always loved Annie West’s books and this one has been added to my most favourite book list. Not only did the cover mesmerize me but also the story held me until the last page!

Isla had a fling with Theo before he was arrested for the crime he didn’t commit. When he was imprisoned, he asked his lawyer to make her go and never visit him again in quite devastating way. However after being released from the prison, he couldn’t forget Isla, the woman whom had captivated him during the archaeological dig in Greece therefore despite his mistreatment, he has the audacity to turn up on her workplace in England. Discovering Isla’s pregnancy, he is resolutely determined to care and claim the baby and Isla.

I couldn’t tell how much I adored this couple; Isla and Theo. Isla is innocent, naive, smart, honest and compassionate yet after what she has been through, she carefully guards herself from Theo. Meanwhile Theo is the typical Greek hero I always adore. He is charismatic, patient, protective and caring. Both experienced difficult childhoods but Theo never knows that Isla is all alone. I felt lured into some emotional and dramatic plots. The connection between Isla and Theo is so intense and romantic. I loved every step of it.

Annie West’s incredible talented writing kept me glued between the pages, especially when she outlined Theo’s rolled sleeves, it etched within my imagination. I loved and totally savoured every page of this story. The epilogue utterly warmed my heart. Additionally, the cover represents how I pictured Theo and Isla. I highly recommend it. Thank you, Annie West, for the ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Annie West loves writing passionate, intense love stories. She has devoted her life to and in depth study of tall, dark charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines who are a perfect match for those strong stubborn men is one of her all time favorite things. As a sideline she’s also researched dreamy locations for romance, from vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles.

Annie won the Romantic Rimes Reviewers’ Choice Award for ‘Protected by the Prince’ and the Australian Romance Writers’ Romantic Book of the Year Award for ‘Damaso Claims His Hair’. Romantic Times said in its review of The Sheikh’s Ransomed Bride ‘This is what a love story could be’.

As well as writing for Harlequin/Mills and Boon, Annie also publishes shorter contemporary romances like her Hot Italian Nights e-novella series.

She lives with her family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east coast of Australia, situated neatly between spectacular sandy beaches and gorgeous wine country. She loves reading, good company, good food, long walks and travel.

You can catch Annie’s news at her website www.annie-west.com or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author . She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com. To sign up for her email newsletter with behind the scenes information and updates, go to https://madmimi.com/signups/109660/join

 

 

Title: The Boss’s Stolen Bride
Author: Natalie Anderson
Published: February 2023
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Marriage of Convenience, Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

She needs a groom now and there’s only one choice: her boss! Step into the drama of this marriage of convenience romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson.

“You need to get married today?

Then you can marry me...”

Today is not only Darcie Milne’s last day working for her insufferable yet infuriatingly handsome boss, billionaire Elias Greyson...it’s also her wedding day! She must marry to take custody of her orphaned goddaughter but, after arriving at the registry office, Darcie finds herself without her convenient groom.

Renowned businessman Elias’s solution: he’ll wed his irreplaceable assistant – immediately! After all, taking a bride will help him secure an important contract. But then their first eye-opening kiss as man and wife suggests this marriage arrangement may not stay strictly professional...

My Review:

I must admit that Natalie Anderson has never disappointed me with her books, including this. Furthermore I have always been fond of her writing and tropes. This marriage of convenience with a boss and a secretary brought me into wonderful and powerful drama.

Darcie Milne works for Elias Grayson as his practical, efficient and multitalented secretary but when Darcie doesn’t turn up for important business deal, Elias, who could control his emotion in perfect ways, is mad at his secretary. Therefore when Darcie appears in his office not wearing her usual attire, he is stunned and even more shocked when she informs him that she quits. Darcie has tried to be professional when she works with Elias, she never puts any emotional attachment, and neither does Elias. Yet when possessive and jealous Elias hears that Darcie is going to marry, he is provoked then he marries her.

Their past has made who they are now. Darcie has always been alone thus when she has the slightest chance of adopting her goddaughter, she would do anything including marry the demanding ex-boss. Meanwhile Elias, he is afraid of becoming controlling and demanding. Through their marriage journey, I absorbed very different characters compared to what Darcie and Elias claimed. I loved when Elias couldn’t control his desire towards Darcie and he demands her to let him kiss her, it was so romantically compelling.

If you are in need of marriage of convenient trope, it is absolutely for you. It is filled with truly compelling characters, fiery moments, sexual tension and intense drama. Thank you, Natalie Anderson for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson writes emotional contemporary romance full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings – perfect for readers who love to escape with empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Natalie wrangling her four children, three cats, two goldfish and one dog ... and snuggled in heap on the sofa with her husband at the end of the day. Follow her at https://natalie-anderson.com/ or her Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/authornatalieanderson/

 

Title: His Maddening Matchmaker
(The Very Village Scandal Book 2)
Author: Virginia Heath
Published: February 2023
Genre: Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Regency Romance, Mills & Boon Historical, Friends-to-Lovers

Blurb:

Sparks fly in this witty Regency romance

They say opposites attract...

But do they wed?

Ned Parker has spent years restoring his family’s fortunes, leaving no time for courting. Now childhood friend and self-appointed matchmaker Isobel has decided to transform this “scruffy brute” into an eligible gentleman. Though he has no interest in rejoining society, Ned senses Izzy needs the distraction and reluctantly goes along with her plan. Despite their differing views, a surprising new attraction grows...but Ned’s doing his best to avoid it!

My Review:

Finally the second book of The Very Village Scandal is here. The Whittleston-on-the-Water is incredibly interesting village and its residents are the best!

Isobel or Izzy is resolutely determined to become a matchmaker for Ned Parker after she partially succeeded in pairing off her friend, Sophie, with Rafe. However Ned, the gruff, surly, unapproachable and scruffy hero, is enraged by the idea, because he has secluded himself after the flood attack on his father farm and preferred to work. Despite her cheery characters, Isobel feels the void within her that she thinks no one knows. Her father is a bully whom always throws accusations and makes her life miserable. She is so inclined to set up a new life far from the village and buries her horrid past behind yet no man has taken interest in her therefore she is determined to preoccupy herself by making her childhood friend happy through reforming him.

Ah I immensely enjoyed the life in Whittleston-on-the-Water. Despite its location, the village is far from the fancy life and ball of London even though the gossip is still there. I loved how technically enlightening it is about the farming and the beauty of the sunset and sunrise near the River Thames. The scene when Isobel tries to avoid her father and runs to see sunrise, tilting her face and immersing herself in the yellow shining sun captivated me a lot.

Virginia Heath’s wonderful writing is always entertaining and full of wonderful characters. Ned, the gruff and scruffy farmer who works hard in the farmer but has soft heart for animals and Isobel, an optimist who has shining and pleasant, albeit irritating character, both Ned and Isobel are stubborn but I loved them. At times I just wanted to put some sense to make them realize that they deserve one another and thanks to the kind neighbours for their considerate action. The story is so splendidly immersive and entertaining. The ending is so twisted and dramatic but I even loved it more. Thank you, Virginia Heath, for the ARC which I voluntary reviewed.

Rate: 5 of 5

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl, it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated – sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. One day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep. Follow her at https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/ or her facebook page Virginia Heath.