Review & Giveaway - - Seasonal Habits of Husbands and Honeybees

Seasonal Habits of Husbands and Honeybees

by Emmaline Warden

A Genus of Gentlemen - Book 2

Publisher: Emmaline Warden LLC

Release Date: May 28, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Harrison Metcalf, the newly appointed Earl of Everly, has only ever been in love with Margaret Reedy, his uncle’s widow. When she marries another, and he is once again alone, he decides the cost of love is far too steep to hazard again. Alas, duty calls, and he is required to procure a wife and secure the line. He will fulfill his obligation, but he could never knowingly marry someone who requires love.

Phoebe Kent would happily trade beekeeping for the uncomfortable noise and the press of bodies the social season requires. But with her parents’ fear of spinsterhood, she knows marriage is a must. If only she could approach her inevitable union in the straightforward way one does a business deal.

With an agreement made, and a contract written, Harrison and Phee embark on the beneficial bargain that is to be their marriage. They never fathomed that nightly card games and pesky kittens would be a surefire path to flirting. Contract modifications are made as a touch becomes a kiss, and a kiss becomes a night, and the two settle into their new life as husband and wife. But can their burgeoning love prevail when it was never part of the plan?

PJ's Thoughts:

This is what I said in my review of Love and Other Perennial Habits, Emmaline Warden's debut novel, when it released in February of 2023: "This warm hug of a book should put debut author Emmaline Warden on the radar of romance readers everywhere. If I hadn't known it was written by a debut author I would have thought it the creation of a seasoned writer of many books. The characters are beautifully developed, the story flows, the humor is well balanced with emotional depth, and the romance is sigh worthy. I was fully immersed in the journey from beginning to end." The same can be said of the newly released second book in her A Genus of Gentlemen series, Seasonal Habits of Husbands and Honeybees. 

The slow-burn, marriage-of-convenience journey between Phee and Harrison is endearing, sigh worthy, and an absolute delight. I love the time, care, and attention to detail that Warden uses in portraying this couple. It becomes apparent rather quickly that Phee is neurodivergent (though in those days she would have just been "odd"), resulting in her being misunderstood and, in some cases, ridiculed by members of the ton. I love her. She's unfiltered and set on her path. She's also slowly blooming as she awakens to confusing feelings for a man who encourages her to be her true self and what that will mean for her life going forward. How Harrison treats her, eases her path, even when he's baffled by her, sets the tone for their emerging friendship and eventual romance, winning my heart in the process. 

Harrison, while highly sought by society mamas for their daughters, is carrying a fair amount of emotional baggage, baggage well hidden behind a carefully cultivated mask that only his best friend is privy to. He's committed to his marriage with Phee, if only as friends, but gradually, bit by bit, desire sneaks in, then feelings, then realization that only Phee - and a wee kitten - have the key to unlock that baggage that's been weighing him down. 

Honestly, the way these two tug at my heartstrings. Essentially, they save one another and I am here for it. I adore them, their journey, and the fact that the author keeps them true to themselves, especially Phee. The epilogue is laughter - and joy - inducing evidence of that. 

Emmaline Warden is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her books really are like a warm hug, with complex characters, intriguing settings, humor, multi-layered storylines, slow-burn (open door) romance, and heartwarming, happy endings. I have my fingers crossed that Warden has at least one more book planned for this series. Harrison's best friend, Averndale needs his happily ever after and I am eager to tag along. 

Do you enjoy stories with atypical characters or settings?

Do you - or do you know someone - who keeps bees?

Have you read Emmaline Warden yet?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 31 will receive a print copy of either Love and Other Perennial Habits or Seasonal Habits of Husbands and Honeybees (winner's choice).

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Love and Other Perennial Habits

Love and Other Perennial Habits

by Emmaline Warden

A Genus of Gentlemen - Book 1

Publisher: Emmaline Warden LLC

Release Date: February 6, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

All Margaret Reedy’s despicable husband left her when he died was the title of Countess of Everly, a ramshackle estate, and a pittance to repair it. Fortunately, he couldn’t deny her the most important perk of widowhood: freedom. A chance to become the woman she might have been if a forced marriage hadn’t gotten in her way. Problem is, she’s not entirely certain who that is.

Oliver Ludlow’s only desire is to spend the next month with his hands buried in the soil of his greenhouse, escaping London and his newly appointed role as the Marquess of Greenwood. Instead, he offers his help renovating the gardens of Baron Manor, which means spending his days in the company of the peculiar countess who owns it. As he gets to know her, however, he begins to find her quirks intriguing… and alluring.

An idyllic autumn in the country has a way of becoming the perfect backdrop to fall in love, but with their lives leading them in two completely opposite directions, will their newfound happiness be strong enough to weather not only their expected roles in society, but the seasons of life?

PJ's Thoughts:

This warm hug of a book should put debut author Emmaline Warden on the radar of romance readers everywhere. If I hadn't known it was written by a debut author I would have thought it the creation of a seasoned writer of many books. The characters are beautifully developed, the story flows, the humor is well balanced with emotional depth, and the romance is sigh worthy. I was fully immersed in the journey from beginning to end. Also, who knew I could develop such an emotional attachment to spinach plants?

I appreciated the time Warden took with Meg and Oliver, especially as pertains to physical intimacy. Oliver won my heart as surely as he captured Meg's with his understanding, gentleness, and care. Everyone deserves an Oliver in her life, or at least in her books. 

Both Meg and Oliver are complex characters with emotional rivers flowing below the carefree smiles they show to the world. I enjoyed the fact that their relationship began in the country where each of them was most at ease. It gave them the opportunity to take their time away from the prying eyes of society to become friends first, to peel back some of the layers to the true heart of their character. And, let me tell you, I adored these characters! 

In many ways, this felt like a coming of age journey for both the hero and heroine. When the "black moment" arrived, the author could have taken the story in a different (easier) direction. I'm glad she didn't. It gave both Meg and Oliver the time needed to face some truths, about themselves and each other, not only strengthening them as individuals but also as a couple. In the end, I was cheering their HEA and confident of their ability to happily navigate life together. 

The cast of secondary characters provide a rich landscape for the main couple, introducing some that I'm hoping we'll see again in future books. I'm eager to read more from this sparkling new voice in historical romance. 

Have you discovered any debut authors recently?

Do you enjoy historical romances set away from London?

How do you feel about heroines who chart their own path?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, February 9 will receive a copy of Love and Other Perennial Habits. Winner's choice of Kindle e-book or print.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18