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

Coastal Magic Spotlight Review - - Must Love Bees by Sasha Summers

Must Love Bees

by Sasha Summers

Honey Acres - Book 2

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: January 23, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

For a cheerful beekeeper and her reclusive new neighbor, love is the sweetest surprise…

Astrid Hill can calm a hive full of restless bees, but she has no idea how to make her gruff new neighbor smile. Charlie Driver intends to hightail it out of Honey, Texas, as soon as he’s sold his aunt’s property, and Astrid worries her family’s adjoining honey business may be affected. But however aloof—and annoyingly attractive—Charlie may be, his daughters are too adorable to ignore.

Charlie would rather untangle a line of computer code than deal with people, and the stress of single parenthood isn’t helping. Yet Astrid has a knack for overcoming his resistance to this quirky small town and her beloved bees. What if his girls become attached, only to once again lose someone precious? Then again, in love, the more you risk your heart, the sweeter the reward…

Includes the bonus novella, Honey Ever After!
A wedding on Hill Honey Farms means family, honey and laughter. For this special day, all the Bee Girls are home—but that’s not the only surprise... A brand-new baby beekeeper will be joining the family!

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm not sure why Sasha Summers didn't land on my reading radar before now but this error has been corrected and will not occur again. I've already downloaded the first book in this series, The Sweetest Thing and preordered the third book, Honey, Be Mine (June 25, 2024).

I was completely charmed by Honey Hill Farms, the Hill family, bee whisperer Astrid, new arrival Charlie, and his adorable daughters. I loved how fully developed these characters were, even Charlie's daughters, young Nova and tween Halley. Both were integral pieces of the plot, helping to move both the story forward as well as the growth of  Astrid's and Charlie's characters, and their own in the process. 

There was a lot of fun and charm in this story and a sweetly satisfying romance, but a surprising depth of emotion as well. Charlie, in particular, was a fascinating character. I enjoyed the gradual evolution of his character without sacrificing the neurodiversity that made him unique, especially in the growth of his relationship with Nova and Halley as well as his slow-burn romance with Astrid. I wanted to be besties with Astrid. She really is the nicest person in town. I loved how she interacted with Charlie, appreciated him once she got to know him, how the gradual deepening of her feelings for him occurred because of the whole person he was, not in spite of it. Unlike his estranged family who - yes, I cheered - got exactly what they deserved.

The supporting Honey Hill Farms cast brought everything together in a warm, welcoming hug of affection and acceptance. I adored them. I wanted to spend the day baking with them. I even wanted to help tend the bees...and that's something I never expected to say in this lifetime. I was fascinated with the honey bee knowledge I gathered from this book, especially the organic manner in which it was delivered. It left me - someone who has always been afraid of bees - actually feeling affection for them and wanting to know more. As for the delicious recipes (all using honey) in the back of the book? I plan to make them all! 

Can't come for the whole weekend? There are one-day registrations available! 

Grab your book bestie and join these authors at the beach for this year's Coastal Magic Convention. Or come on your own and make new book friends! 

Review & Giveaway - - Two Wrongs Make a Right

Two Wrongs Make a Right

by Chloe Liese

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: November 22, 2022

Reviewed by Santa

Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn't be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.
 
Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash everyone's hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.
 
To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder: What if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

Santa Says:

Have you ever been drawn into a book from the very first page? Two Wrongs Make A Right by Chloe Liese is just that kind of book. It is a five star read for me and ticks off so many boxes for me. First and foremost for me, it is a wonderfully crafted re-telling of my favorite Shakespearean play, Much Ado About Nothing. Hello! Beatrix and Benedict or in this case Bea and Jamie. Benedict is his middle name but more about that in the book. There is even the exchange of letters like in the play in the form of texts. Just lovely. Second, fake dating for revenge. Brilliant! What could go wrong? Nothing if you don’t end up actually falling in love. Right? Once they embark on this fake dating, delicious shenanigans ensue.  

There are so many laugh out loud moments in the book. The dialog is witty and engaging. Each chapter is written from Bea and Jamie’s point of view. Their first encounter is stiff and awkward. Bea is neuro-divergent and navigates social situations awkwardly. She is an erotic artist. Jamie is a straight backed professional but also equally awkward in social situations. For every bit that they are different they discover how much they have in common. And the attraction is off the charts. Big points to Jamie as a classic romance hero. He’s a gorgeous baby doctor who saves geriatric cats. Bea’s artistry comes alive on her body as her tattoos express who she is as an individual. They grow beautifully together. 

Their relationship grows so organically that revenge dating becomes real dating and real love. But the forces that bring them together namely her twin sister Juliet and her fiance’ Jean-Claude. This guy’s a piece of work. They also wreak havoc on their world, The fall out from her twin sister’s love life threatens theirs. This was crushing to me but, in the end, all things are set to rights. And all’s well that ends well.  I know, I know. Different play. 

I have to say this one’s a keeper for me. I also intend to glom Chloe Liese’s blacklist. I hope this is the first in a series because there were some other characters in the book whose stories I’d like to read. I’m looking at you Chris, Kate and Juliet.

~~~~~~~~

Have you ever played Cupid for someone? Or has someone played Cupid for you?

Have you read any books by Chloe Liese?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 24 will receive a print copy of Two Wrongs Make a Right. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

 

Review & Giveaway - - Always Be My Duchess

Always Be My Duchess

by Amalie Howard

Taming of the Dukes - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: July 12, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can't break a man's heart—or make promises it can’t keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution . . . 

Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.

Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts.

PJ's Thoughts:

From beginning to end, I was utterly enchanted by this first book in Amalie Howard's new Taming of the Dukes series. The storyline is fresh and original (with an underlying nod to rom-com favorite, Pretty Woman), and features main characters not often seen in historical romance. Add in sensual love scenes, heart-tugging romance, a fake engagement, plus a gender-flipped rescue and...well...I was pretty much a goner.

Lysander (Stone, to his friends) stole my heart as surely as he captured Nève's. There are so many layers to this neurodivergent character and Howard captured them beautifully. Her depiction of him balanced the genius of his logical mind with his inability to quickly assess the emotional aspects of decisions and situations, creating misunderstandings along his journey while further endearing himself to me, the reader. The authenticity of his character traits created a fully-developed, nuanced individual with a deep capacity for love...with the right person. The right person being an unemployed French ballerina with a head for business, a well of integrity, and a core of steel. I adored her. 

Nève is the perfect counterpart to Lysander. I loved her passion, her strength, her kind and genuine heart, but also her refusal to compromise her worth. The chemistry between them sizzled but Howard took her time with them emotionally, moving their relationship forward at just the right pace, allowing a gradual and realistic deepening of feelings, especially on Lysander's part. She also used dance, central to Nève's being, as a vehicle to convey emotion. Her lyrical descriptions showcased her personal knowledge of ballet while also creating scenes that played across my mind like a movie. 

The secondary cast of the book were vibrantly depicted, adding humor and a richness to the story as well as fraught conflict (nasty villains but don't worry, justice is served). I especially enjoyed the friendship that developed among the five women (including Nève). Howard used their scenes to not only further develop Nève's character but also allow readers glimpses into each of their characters in advance of what I hope will be more stories. And, their participation in the final, swoon-worthy declaration was an absolute delight. Laughter and (happy) tears. 

If you have not yet discovered Amalie Howard's Always Be My Duchess, I enthusiastically recommend adding it to your summer reading list. It's one of my favorite historical romances this year and one that I have no doubt I'll revisit again. 

Have you read Amalie Howard yet? 

Do you enjoy characters that are outside the historical romance mainstream?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 14 will receive a print copy of Always Be My Duchess.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited