Review - - The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses

The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses

by Amy Rose Bennett

The Parasol Academy - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

Hermina Davenport can hardly believe the audacious exploit she is about to attempt. To protect an orphaned young viscount, the prim and proper governess feels she has no choice but to break the rules of the Parasol Academy Handbook! When the lad’s guardian, a ruthlessly ambitious explorer, ensorcelled by the evil Fae Queen, spirits him away on a dangerous North Pole expedition, Mina employs an invisibility spell to snatch him from the ship. But a magical misfire whisks Mina and her charge onto a different vessel, that of a ruggedly handsome Irishman—a strapping prizefighter from Dublin’s backstreets—and Mina finds she’s at sea in more ways than one . . .

Phineas O’Connell, Lord Kinsale, can no more explain the arrival of this English Rose than he can adapt to his newly-inherited title—though his disgruntled pet pug clearly has “thoughts” about the fair stowaway. But their enchanted encounter sparks an irresistible offer: Phinn enlists the polished Miss Davenport to transform this misfit marquess into a mannered gentleman ready for his seat in Parliament. No magic required, just enticingly intimate lessons in etiquette and elocution to smooth all his rough edges including a stammer. . .

But when enemies—both earthly and supernatural, past and present—threaten, a confrontation begins, where Mina’s nondescript umbrella is just one of her powerful weapons . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Check your disbelief at the door and embrace the faery magic in this newest book from Amy Rose Bennett. 

I've lost track of the number of times I've watched Mary Poppins, which could be why I'm so thoroughly enjoying this new series from Bennett. I want to be friends with these graduates of The Parasol Academy who are tasked with protecting London's children. How could I not? They are kind, dedicated to their charges, pragmatic, and surprisingly adept at fending off villains. They also come equipped with intriguing spells and magic pockets. I do love a good pocket and, really, wouldn't a spell come in handy on occasion? I especially like the closet teleportation one, even if it does go wonky now and then, landing you in the master cabin of someone's ship. How else are you supposed to meet a hunky Irish marquess who just might end up being the love of your life? 

And let's talk about that newly-minted marquess. Say hello to Phinn, Lord Kinsale, my new book boyfriend, a tall, muscular, rugged, former boxer from the streets of Dublin. He's woefully ignorant of the ways of the Ton, doesn't know how to dance, and has a stammer. He's also kind, caring, dedicated to improving the lives of the poor, protective of those in his care, and smitten with his new governess. I say "his" because in addition to teaching the two young boys in his home, Mina is also teaching Phinn what he needs to know to effectively navigate society as well as deliver speeches in Parliament. Maybe "never been kissed" Mina would like a few lessons as well? I love the slow-burn chemistry between these two, how they slowly become friends while the growing yearning simmers beneath the surface. I love how gentle Phinn is once he realizes what he thought about Mina isn't actually what is truth, how he always verifies consent, even in the throes of his own desire. And, I love how he embraces all that she is without blinking an eye, ready to go to battle to keep his little family safe. 

If you're in the mood for a feel-good historical romance with humor, heart, a bit of adventure, slow-burn cross-class romance, an opinionated dog (who communicates with a certain governess), Fae magic, and a swoon-worthy happy ending, check out The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses. It's a delight.  

Review - - Lonesome Ridge

Lonesome Ridge

by Maisey Yates

Rustler Mountain - Book 3

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

Good guys and bad guys . . . myth and legend . . . gold and ranching. That’s what historic Rustler Mountain, Oregon, is made of, complete with feuding families descended from outlaws and lawmen. A century later, their grudges still hold—but for a new generation, when opposites attract, it might be time to surrender . . .

From killers to courtesans, the Hancock family has what might be called an eclectic history. But they’ve managed to leverage it into something respectable, creating the popular Hancock Wild West Show. The event features reenactments and trick riding—the latter performed by clever, charismatic Jessie Jane Hancock.

Jessie is usually unflappable, but lately something’s needling her—and it’s not just her annoying attraction to exasperatingly sexy Flynn Wilder—whose great, great, great, great, great grandfather was betrayed by Jessie’s just-as-many-times-great grandfather. It’s the upcoming mayoral election. Specifically, the unopposed candidate: Danielle LeFevre, mean girl, all-around awful person, and Flynn’s not-so-beloved half-sister. Jessie wants to keep Danielle from winning . . . and the only person who bothers Flynn more than she does is Danielle.

“I want you to be my first man.” Jessie Jane is hot enough to make him hallucinate, but her request is very real. Jessie wants to run for mayor, and she wants him by her side, as her fake boyfriend. A Hancock dating a Wilder. An outsider against the status quo. A drama their town will devour. Flynn always knew Jessie was a wild card, but bringing down his corrupt stepfamily is a temptation he can’t resist. Just like the vexing spark between him and Jessie. And once that fire catches, the real showdown begins . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Rustler Mountain is turning out to be one of my favorite Maisey Yates settings. I love the outlaw vs lawmen vibe and the way it frequently gets turned on its head. These characters are much more than the label they've been given by the townspeople...and by history. 

I wouldn't say Jessie and Flynn are enemies, exactly, but they sure aren't besties either. Their families have done their best to maintain the status quo of the multi-generation feud between them. While Flynn and Jessie have never done anything to disrupt that or get to know one another - until now - the fact remains that these two have been aware of each other since high school. 

I love the complexity of the characters in this series and, in particular, this book. There are so many layers - something Yates does well - revealing more and more of the true nature of the main characters as the story progresses. I enjoy being surprised by characters and both Flynn and Jessie surprised me as their story unfolded. I felt my understanding of and empathy for each of them deepening as they learned more about each other and I learned more about both of them. 

The humor and chemistry in the book is well balanced by the emotional depth, especially as related to complicated family dynamics. I found myself laughing in places, tearing up in others, and fully rooting for Jessie and Flynn, both individually and as a couple. I appreciated the evolution each of them underwent, bringing them to a point where they were unapologetically their true selves and at peace with their places in their families, each other, and life.

This is the third book in the Rustler Mountain series. It certainly can be enjoyed as a standalone though I'm glad I read the books in order as there are several characters whose relationships, and personal growth, evolve throughout the series. Wherever you decide to jump in, all three books have my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review - - The Heir of Whitestone

The Heir of Whitestone

by Catherine Coulter

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

When Alex Ivanov was 12, someone tried to kill him. Now, 11 years later, they still want him dead.

England, 1842. Queen Victoria reigns, Buckingham Palace is overrun with rats, and the streets of London are filled with intrigue.

Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Rescued and raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex has built a new life, but his past is catching up with him.

Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. Trapped by a scheming stepmother and a family determined to see her married off, she is as clever as she is desperate. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.

But as their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, danger follows. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks make one thing clear—someone wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, old enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything…

PJ's Thoughts:

A new Catherine Coulter historical romance with a Sherbrooke tie-in? I couldn't get to this book fast enough. 

It's been many years since I read a Coulter historical and, admittedly, I had forgotten the ins and outs of her particular style of writing. It was disjointed at times, with sudden veers into secondary storylines that felt a bit superfluous, and slow sections that made it too easy to set the book aside, but the main couple - plus Ryder Sherbrooke (The Hellion Bride) - kept my interest engaged and the pages turning.

Alex and Cam were so easy to root for. I became emotionally invested in them from the very start and that attachment never wavered. I loved Cam's internal strength, cleverness, and determination to take matters into her own hands in the face of toxic family dynamics. Also, how she saved that same family when adversity came to call.

Alex was equally appealing. I adored him and loved how smitten he was with Cam, coming to love her because of her unique qualities not in spite of them. I also loved his relationship with Ryder. As a fan of the original Sherbrooke books, it made my heart so happy to watch Ryder as the voice of wisdom in a paternal role. I wish Sophie (his wife) had been part of the story as well but references in the book reassured readers that they continue to be happy, in love, and giving hope and home to abandoned and abused children. 

The mystery that threaded through the book was a mixed bag. While I figured out certain aspects of it early on, there were others that eluded me until the reveal. It all built to a final climax which felt a bit rushed and left questions that I had unanswered. Others may feel differently but I guess I just like all my loose threads tied. 

The romance, however, was a complete delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and turned the final page confident that Cam and Alex had found their happily ever after, in more ways than one.      

Review - - Murder at Donwell Abbey

Murder at Donwell Abbey

by Vanessa Kelly

Emma Knightley Mysteries - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Have you discovered Vanessa Kelly's Emma Knightley Mysteries yet? I have to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying this new direction in which Kelly has taken her writing. 

In this second book in the series, we return to Highbury with another murder mystery that captures our amateur sleuth Emma's attention. Not only is Emma's personal life turned upside down with her father's surprising engagement announcement to Miss Hetty Bates but it's thrown into total chaos with a death (is it an unfortunate accident or something more sinister?) at the betrothal ball hosted by Emma and her husband. Will Emma figure things out before she finds herself in the villain's sights? Will the local constable muck it up? And what about the spinster, soon to be Emma's stepmother, Miss Bates? Will she turn out to be a complication or a delightfully unexpected ally?

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Set in a cozy, English village with intriguing characters, a tightly crafted mystery, charm, humor, witty dialogue, an indulgent, protective husband, and twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the action-packed reveal, it kept me happily turning pages from beginning to end. And bonus, I didn't figure out the final twist! 

If any of these are your reading jam, I recommend picking up a copy of Murder at Donwell Abbey as well as book one in the series, Murder in Highbury. I'm already excited to discover what sort of tangle Emma will get herself in the middle of next. 

Review - - Outlaw Lake

Outlaw Lake

by MaiseyYates

Rustler Mountain - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

True to their family name, the Wilders of historic Rustler Mountain, Oregon, have an outlaw lineage and a wild nature to match. But when it comes to love, an untamed heart might know best . . .

Carson Wilder and Perry Bramble have been best friends forever, starting with their painful childhoods. As far as romance, Carson always knew he wasn’t good enough for her. And by the time they were grown, their bond was too important to risk messing up. Now, Carson is grieving the death of his wife. And like always, Perry is his rock. He can’t imagine life without her. But he may have to.

Perry has loved Carson since she was 7 years old. He never showed a hint of interest in her beyond friendship, but two-plus decades later, he’s still the most important person in her life. Maybe too important. Inspired by the diary of an ancestor who left everything behind to come west as a mail order bride, Perry stuns Carson with a decision: She’s moving to a neighboring city to expand her florist business—and to find love and start a family.

Carson hates the idea, but he’ll do anything for Perry’s happiness. He’ll even help get her historic home fixed up for sale. She can stay with him at his ranch house on Outlaw Lake in the meantime. What ensues are dinners filled with laughter, dating app disasters—and Carson wondering why he’d look for another woman when the one he loves is right here. His answers may lie in the letters he finds from the man who married the mail order bride. . . . But can he finally gather the courage to be true to his wild heart—before it's too late?

PJ's Thoughts:

It's not an exaggeration to say that the strong bond between Carson and Perry is what got them through unstable childhoods, teenage confusion, and long-distance separations. It even got them through Carson's ill-advised relationship and Perry's broken heart because of it. Nothing has ever broken their friendship but they've reached a crossroads, at least Perry has. Something has to give and her decision to move away will either be the straw that breaks their bond or the incentive to forge a new path toward happiness, not heartbreak.

Maisey Yates' stories always take me on an emotional journey but Outlaw Lake takes that experience to a new level. So many feelings with these two. They really put me through the wringer. Both Carson and Perry are multi-layered characters with significant emotional baggage. Yates has crafted them beautifully, showing the many layers that impact their choices, their feelings, and their fears. I felt as if I knew each of them personally, experienced their emotional upheavals and struggles with a visceral fierceness, and could not have pulled more strongly for them to make it as a couple. They made it impossible not to invest myself in their happiness with my whole heart. 

Each chapter of the book opens with an entry from the diary of Perry's ancestor, a mail-order bride who wed a widower and suffered the same unrequited love that Perry has dealt with for years. The two couples, living more than 100 years apart, share journeys that parallel one another in significant ways with the words of both Mae and her husband opening hearts and minds in present day in unexpected ways. I loved these entries and enjoyed the perspective and rich texture they added to Carson's and Perry's story.

As with book one of this series, Yates surrounds the main couple with family members and local citizens who both support and challenge the lead characters. It was fun getting to know Carson's siblings better (their books are coming) as well as a brother and sister from a rival "outlaw" family in town (I have hopes for both of them!). 

If you're looking for a friends-to-lovers, contemporary romance with complex characters, family dynamics, strong emotional depth, and hard-won happy endings, give Outlaw Lake a try. I highly recommend it as well as book one in the series, Rustler Mountain (Carson's brother Austin and Millie, the town librarian - click to read my review). 

Review - - The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes

The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes

by Amy Rose Bennett

The Parasol Academy - Book 1

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Emmeline Chase, 25-year-old widow and new alumna, may be more high-spirited than the Academy would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke’s rooftop into an offer of employment. But Emmeline’s circumstances, along with her desperation to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father, have made her dauntless. Which seems the primary qualification to work for expert horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, and manage his three rambunctious wards. Yet Emmeline soon discovers that the nobleman’s heart-melting voice and captivating mind present an entirely different sort of trouble. She cannot risk losing her license by fraternizing with her employer . . .

Xavier’s wards have sent two nannies packing in a month thanks to frogs, firecrackers, and general mayhem. In addition, Xavier’s professional reputation is on the line. He’s already considered odd, with his talking raven companion and his fascination with timekeeping instead of pleasure-chasing with his peers. Charming, vivacious Emmeline seems intrigued with his quirks—but Xavier must have absolute peace to design London’s “King of Clocks” for Westminster Palace before the competition closes. Emmeline can no doubt restore order. As long as he doesn’t fall under her spell . . .

Yet, with a possible saboteur in their midst, and the attraction flaring between them threatening to become a deliciously disastrous distraction, a touch of magic may be required . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I can't be the only person who found herself humming A Spoonful of Sugar while reading this absolute delight of a book. The touch of magic found in Nanny Chase's pockets only amplifies all the facets that kept me happily turning pages from start to finish.

Bennett's first installment in her The Parasol Academy series has me eagerly awaiting all future books. Her characters are beautifully drawn and so well developed. I felt as if I knew Emmeline, Xavier, and all three children personally. I loved that each of them was given the time and care necessary for a true and complete depiction of their individual personalities. 

Xavier, in particular, was a character I found especially well crafted. In today's world, he would most likely be diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. Making a neurodiverse character not only authentic but also relatable can be a difficult task but I felt Bennett accomplished it beautifully, including his evolving relationships with not only Emmeline but also his three wards. 

The mystery element of the story was well done and kept me guessing right up until the reveal. While I thought I knew how that part of the book would play out, the author had a twist up her sleeve that I did not anticipate. I love when that happens. 

This first book in Amy Rose Bennett's The Parasol Academy series has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series and am eager to discover what magical - and romantic - surprises await. 

Review - - Thus With A Kiss I Die

Thus With A Kiss I Die

by Christina Dodd

Daughter of Montague - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington: A John Scognamiglio Book

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

“Woe, for I am the bug that meets the windshield's might,
No longer the speeding glass, smooth, clean and bright . . .”

You’re right. I, Rosie Montague of Verona, am lousy at iambic pentameter and Shakespeare speak, but you get the point: Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug. I, who for my whole life, have cruised along, unruffled by life’s trials, am suddenly smashed flat and speeding recklessly up the WhattheHellHappened Highway.

Why? you ask . . .

I’m 20-years-old and by my own design, never been wed, free as no married woman ever is. I’m beautiful, but without conceit, for Juliet, my legendary Mamma is the most gorgeous creature to ever walk the earth. Just ask Romeo, my legendary Papà. (Rumors of their deaths were premature.) I was heartwhole until I fell (literally) in love with Lysander of the House of Beautiful. But our love was not to be, for I was thwarted by Escalus, the Prince of Verona . . . who had designs on me.

I’m trapped.

Then! I’m presented with a solution. Escalus’s father, Prince Escalus the Elder, appears to me. He tasks that I find his killer. Did I mention Elder is a ghost?

Given that I only recently dispatched Verona’s first serial killer, I’m less than pleased. Yet Elder promises to unite me with my One True Love, so I gather clues. Meanwhile, revolution threatens, for beneath Verona society’s glittering surface lurk dark shadows—and an enemy eager to make me a tragic heroine in my own right . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

I highlighted so many brilliantly witty and downright hilarious passages in this book it would be easier to tell you what I didn't highlight than what I did. Remember this paragraph from my review of book one, A Daughter of Fair Verona?

Five minutes into the book, I was already snort-laughing while reading passages out loud to my sister-in-law. On almost every page, I would call out, "OMG! You have to hear this!" then read a sentence, or a paragraph, or the whole darn page to her. She left after about the tenth time I did this because (a) she wants to enjoy the book in its entirety once it's published and (b) at the rate I was going I would have read the entire book out loud because it's just that good and she had things to do. 

I did the exact same thing with book two. Warning: Do not read this book while eating. Or drinking. 

This newest installment in Dodd's Daughter of Montague (yes, that Montague) series follows the continuing journey of irrepressible, irreverent, amateur sleuth, Rosie Montague, her big, loving, madcap family, another murder to solve, and her unexpected romantic dilemma. When you're being pursued by both the Prince of Verona and the impossibly handsome Lysander (her One True Love...or is he?) and everyone has an opinion, including your heavily pregnant and hormonal mother (Juliet), overprotective father (Romeo), meddlesome family nurse (aren't they always?), all of your younger siblings (so many opinions), and (never forget) a pesky ghost with a whole lot at stake, hijinks, hilarity, danger, and a bit of romance are sure to follow, especially when placed in the uber-talented hands of Christina Dodd. She can have me gasping one second and laughing out loud the next. 

This one's a keeper. Along with book one, A Daughter of Fair Verona (I highly recommend reading them in order-read my review here), Thus with a Kiss I Die is the perfect summer book to bring warmth, laughter, a twisty mystery, a bit of romance (who will she choose?) and a bright burst of sunshine into your life. I read it in one day then turned around and read it again. Already counting down the days until the 2026(?) release of book three!

Review - - Small Town Hero

Small Town Hero

by Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

The towns may be small, but the hearts of the cowboy heroes in this duo of romantic novellas are as outsized as the rugged land that surrounds them . . .

ONE LONESOME COWBOY
by Linda Lael Miller
When a family crisis brings web designer and part-time house flipper Susannah Holiday to Arizona to care for her young niece, she’s soon juggling work, childcare—and her growing feelings for local paramedic and horse whisperer Ian McKenzie. They have more in common than meets the eye—including being cautious when it comes to love. But when a disturbing revelation from Susannah’s past surfaces, Ian is there to comfort her, and they both find their longing hearts opening to a better future—together . . .

COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY
by Maisey Yates
After Birdie Lennox, daughter of a notorious cattle rustler, gets caught stealing a horse off Gunnar Parsons’ land, she ends up bunking in his barn to work off her debt—plus her daddy’s. But Birdie hardly has patience for Gunnar’s moralizing. The man inherited his ranch and has always hated her family. Still, it beats prison. Maybe. What neither anticipates is discovering they have more in common than they dreamed possible. Even more unexpected is the spark between them—and the love it might ignite . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Fans of Linda Lael Miller and Maisey Yates should enjoy diving into new stories by these well-known western romance authors. For readers new to one or both, these quick reads are a great way to sample what both Miller and Yates have to offer. 

In "One Lonesome Cowboy," Miller explores love, family, community, trauma, and healing with a dash of mystery in a slow-burn romance that's both charming and heart-tugging. The characters drew me into their lives almost immediately and had me rooting for their happy endings.

Maisey Yates is known for her emotionally rich stories, often featuring characters with harsh or traumatic life experiences. "Cowboy, Take Me Away" features Birdie Lennox who may be one of the most wounded characters she's featured though she hides it well under a brash exterior. I really enjoyed watching Birdie and Gunnar slowly break down walls and open hearts in this enemies-to-lovers story of healing, redemption, community, and a hard-won happy ending. 

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying western romance with relatable characters, strong community, family dynamics, and heartfelt happy endings, add this duology to your summer reading list. 

Review - - Manic Pixie Dream Earl

Manic Pixie Dream Earl

by Jenny Holiday

Earls Trip - Book 2

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they’ve never met.

Also, she thinks he’s a woman. Named Euphemia.

Julianna is baffled. How can her soul mate not want to meet? Could it be that Euphemia is not the simple country girl she claims to be? Perhaps she’s wealthy. After all, she’s never cashed any of the bank drafts Julianna has sent. Perhaps Euphemia simply doesn’t want rank to come between them. Well, no more. Having extracted the details of a trip Euphemia is planning, Julianna squanders her meager savings and surprises her at the scene.

He is very, very surprised. As is she.

Now the two will have to decide what is true, what is not, and whether the truest thing of all—love—just might be worth an earldom . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Jenny Holiday took me on another entertaining and surprising journey with book two of her Earls Trip series. I expected a rom-com, bromance, mistaken identity romp and there are parts that fit that description but it's also so much more. 

First, I love the long-time friendship among the three earls in this series and especially how they all accept and support one another for exactly who they are. In Effie's case, that's a sweet, somewhat naive, fashion-loving, poetry-writing, nightmare-plagued man with some deep emotional baggage. He's also a man who has no experience with sexual desire, needing a close emotional relationship first (in today's world, he would be called a demisexual), but all that's about to change in a wholly Effie way.

Julianna, Effie's editor and letter friend, is the object of this new desire. A businesswoman, she's ten years older, sexually experienced (with a woman and a man), and wholeheartedly against marriage (just what's in it for a woman, anyway?). On paper, they seem the most ill-conceived couple ever but in real life the feelings that these two share are deep, endearing, and under a time constraint. What happens in Brighton should definitely stay in Brighton, right? Maybe not.  

There seems to be no way this cross-class romance will work (and truthfully, I had no idea how it would). Jules and Effie have opened their hearts and thoughts to one another through their many letters before they ever meet in person. They are well balanced, each having something to teach the other. Their time together is tender, funny, eye-opening, and endearing. Their parting is heartbreaking, but necessary for the growth that follows. Their happy ending is unconventional but oh, so perfect for the two of them. I didn't see the twist coming that made it possible but it absolutely works. 

I'm already looking forward to discovering what Holiday has planned for serious Simon in the next Earl's Trip novel and, of course, catching up with my favorite characters from books one and two. If you're looking for something a little different that will touch your heart, give Manic Pixie Dream Earl a try. I also recommend book one, Earls Trip.