Unclaimed Giveaways

 

A couple giveaways are still unclaimed. 

Winners are listed below.

Annette N

(Coronation Year)

and

Patoct

(April Coming Attractions)

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - My Heart Will Find You

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a hardback copy of

My Heart Will Find You by Jude Deveraux is:

Nikki

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Superstar

Superstar

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

He never saw her coming...

After almost a year away from hockey, Bastian Durand’s return to the game should be a triumph.

Instead he’s taken down by the Chicago Rebels mascot.

It can’t get worse. Or maybe it can. Because the human inside the Rowdy Rebel costume is none other than Pepper Calhoun.

His friend’s sister.
His coach’s daughter.
And the woman Bastian has wanted for the longest time.

Pepper has always been a magnet for bad luck and now she’s ruined superstar Bast Durand’s big comeback. So that tracks. Everyone, from her father and brother to the fans and press, heck, even the NHL commissioner, hates her.

Everyone but the one guy who should.

Hiding away is the only thing she can think of, except Bast has the same idea. To her utter dismay, he’s determined to protect Pepper from anyone who dares breathe a word against her.

And to convince her that crashing on the ice isn’t all that different from … falling in love.

PJ's Thoughts:

Is it wrong of me to hope Kate Meader never runs out of stories to tell within the Chicago Rebels universe? I have fallen hard for these characters and love the way they weave in and out of one another's books, offering up friendship, support, and unwanted relationship advice (meddling hockey players - who knew?) If you're new to this series, Meader has written each book in such a way that you could begin at any point without feeling lost. But, if you're a fan (like I am) it's a special pleasure to see favorites pop up following the conclusion of their own book (I'm looking at you, Kershaw). I love tagging along as earlier couples live out their happily-ever-afters.

After meeting Bastian in his brother's book, Dear Roomie, I immediately wanted to know more about him and was beyond excited when Meader announced he would be getting a book of his own. Tack on a snowed-in-only-one-bed trope (yes, please!) and my excitement knew no bounds. I'm pleased to report that this one had all my happy reader vibes dancing. 

Meader is a master at creating complex, well-developed characters and then weaving them into a fun, steamy story without sacrificing emotional depth. Strategically placed humor keeps things on the light side while complicated relationships (family and romantic) and obstacles ground her stories in reality. I adored Bast and Pepper. I loved how protective Bast was of her, even when they were at odds, and eventually how protective they both became of the other. Their chemistry was off the charts but the quiet, talking times were just as significant. Both characters evolved individually over the course of the book, making their growth as a couple even more solid, relatable, and heartfelt. Yes, I cried during the epilogue. Yes, they were happy tears. Yes, I'm already counting the weeks until the next Rookie Rebel finds his own happily ever after. 

The relationship between Bast and Pepper plays out entirely within Superstar and can be enjoyed on its own without having read the earlier books in the series. However, Bast's relationship with his brother, Reid is a significant part of his character arc in this book. Because of that, and to better understand the history and layers of their sibling relationship as well as the complicated family dynamic with their father, I would suggest reading Reid's story, Dear Roomie followed by Bast's story in Superstar. 

Review - - The Seaside Library

The Seaside Library: A Novel

by Brenda Novak

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart…

Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community.

When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf.

Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book…

PJ's Thoughts:

After reading that blurb, I couldn't dig into this book fast enough. Brenda Novak has always been able to spin a good story and the ones filled with suspense always draw me in. 

What would you be willing to do to protect a friend? That's the question Novak explores in this book about three friends, a tragic event of two decades past, and the consequences decisions made then have on each of their lives today. I enjoyed the shifting dynamics among Ivy, Ariana, and Cam. Things were bound to be a bit awkward after losing touch over the years of separation or, in Cam's case, breaking off contact due to his jealous wife but the discovery of a body and the resurrection of the murder case from that summer long ago have intensified the swirling emotions - and doubts - among the recently reunited best friends. It's an interesting exploration of the ebb and flow of friendships as well as secrets, lies, and the weight they place on one's conscience. 

The mystery of what actually happened that fateful night is tightly constructed and filled with surprising twists and turns, playing out with subtle clues effectively placed throughout the book. I was sure I knew who the murderer wasn't but it took me a while to discover who it was. Though even figuring out the identity of the murderer before the reveal didn't lessen my eagerness to find out how it all would play out. I was not disappointed.

There's also a romantic thread in the story that significantly impacts the dynamics of the three friends. Though it's secondary to the mystery, it's important to actions the friends take. It offers a happily ever after but I wasn't as emotionally invested in the romantic couple as I wanted to be - for reasons - including the fact that I was more emotionally attached to the character who became the third wheel. Others may have different feelings. I will say though that by the time the epilogue (a year later) rolled around I was able to be happy with the couple's HEA and satisfied with where life had taken all three of the friends. 

If you enjoy a blend of women's fiction and twisty suspense with strong threads of friendship, coming home, and friends-to-lovers romance, add The Seaside Library to your summer reading list. 

Review & Giveaway - - My Heart Will Find You

My Heart Will Find You: A Novel

by Jude Deveraux

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Their love refused to stay quiet, echoing across time…

When the world is brought to a standstill in the early days of a global pandemic, Etta Wilmont finds herself suddenly stranded in Kansas City. Desperate to secure a roof over her head, Etta crosses paths with Henry Logan, a lonely older man in need of a caretaker. His invitation for Etta to stay with him seems to be the solution to both their problems—and maybe the spontaneous adventure Etta’s life has been missing.

As Etta and Henry settle into a companionable living arrangement, Etta indulges in Henry’s library. The compelling historical accounts of life in the Midwest soon inspire vivid dreams of Kansas City in the 1870s, dreams in which she’s a mail-order bride, married to a handsome but guarded rancher named Maxwell Lawton.

Haunted by the story unfolding in her mind, Etta realizes her dreams of the past and the familiar faces featured within are starting to have an impact on the present, altering her current reality. Perhaps these dreams are Etta’s chance to finally claim something for herself after so much time spent caring for others. More than anything, Etta wonders if the captivating man she’s falling for while she sleeps might be real, might be out there—true love waiting to be found and which would change both their lives forever.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm one of those people who sobbed at the end of Jude Deveraux's A Knight in Shining Armor but not for the reason you might think. I loved the book but was desperately unhappy with that ending. So why was I eager to read the author's newest time-travel romance? Because I had faith that she wouldn't let me down twice. I am happy to say she did not. My tears at the end of this book were definitely of the happy reader variety. Did I have to suspend disbelief to accept what happened? We're talking about traveling through time here. Of course, I did. But did I care? Nope, not in the least.

It felt weird and, I'll be honest, a little triggering to read the first couple chapters of this book. It's set in the beginning stages of the pandemic when the world was shutting down and fear was setting in. Once I got beyond those first chapters though the focus shifted to Etta's time in Henry's home in present day and frontier life in the 1870's. I quickly became immersed in the characters' stories and while I didn't forget about the pandemic, it moved to the background and wasn't a key factor in my thoughts anymore.

Deveraux really brought these characters to life and made me care about them. Along with the well-developed characters (both primary and secondary), she also provided a stunningly realistic picture of 1870's Kansas. I could visualize the surroundings and events of that time as clearly as a movie across my mind. I was with Etta every step of the way and, boy howdy, did I fall hard for Max. So many layers this man has. 

I was fascinated by the dreaming "time slips" used to transport Etta between time periods and the small changes each time that led Etta and Henry (and me) to wonder if they were really dreams or actual time travel. It was such a clever method to use. Each time Etta awoke, I prayed even harder for Max to be real and for a solution to let them be together for a lifetime. It didn't even matter to me in which time period they lived. 

Etta and Max, a rich cast of secondary characters, in both time periods, and more than a few twists kept me glued to the pages and wondering how it would all play out. Even in the final chapter I still didn't know! This was the Jude Deveraux writing I fell in love with many years ago along with an ending I could happily wrap my heart around even if I had to suspend disbelief to do so. Again, not a problem. 

Do you enjoy time-travel romance? Do you have any favorites?

Have you read Jude Deveraux?

Do unknown people or periods of time ever weave their way into your dreams?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 12 will receive a hardback copy of My Heart Will Find You. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Winner - - Ana Maria and the Fox

 

The randomly chosen winner of 

a print copy of

 Ana María and the Fox is:

flchen1

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Please put "Ana Maria and the Fox winner" in your email.

Winner - - Coronation Year

 

The randomly chosen winner of

a print copy of

Coronation Year is:

Annette N

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Please include "Coronation Year Winner" in your email.

Review - - Coming Home to the Highlands

Coming Home to the Highlands

by Lisa Hobman

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Sometimes life is full of surprises, especially when you least expect them…

Born into the Scottish Clan MacBain and the 17th century ancestral home, Drumblair Castle, Liv MacBain has always dreamt of
leaving the ancient homestead and becoming her own person in the world of fashion.

From a young age, she worshipped the trailblazing designs of the haute couture glitterati, hoping one day to join them.

With older brother Kerr, the rightful heir, Liv has been free to spread her wings.

Fast forward. Liv, is now 28 years old, working at a high-end fashion house and living her dream life in New York. She’s
never been happier.

Until everything changes with one devastating phone call from her brother, Kerr, that brings her rushing back to
Scotland.

Old friends and adversaries resurface and Liv faces a difficult decision that could mean her dream future can no longer be
a reality.

Or can you have your castle and your career?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've read other books by Lisa Hobman and enjoyed them so I was looking forward to this one. The premise is intriguing and who doesn't love a Scottish castle, right? Unfortunately, this one fell a little short of my expectations. That's not to say I didn't like it. I did. But I really wanted to love it. 

The setting of the book is wonderful. Hobman really brings Liv's family's castle to life. I could easily envision both the castle and the grounds as I was reading. The characters are also brought to life, some very appealing and others not so much. The author gives several of them interesting layers, complex life issues, and secrets. In fact, she uses them to introduce some very weighty and relatable topics, begging to be explored more fully, and with one character, an issue that isn't talked about enough (in my opinion). 

The biggest fly in the ointment for me was Liv's brother, Kerr. He's a self-centered, entitled, egomaniacal jerk who treats his sister with careless disregard at his best and outright cruelty at his worst. This goes on for the vast majority of the book until there's an inexplicable change - an abrupt, unexpected change of course that I didn't buy for a moment. It felt contrived and unrealistic and didn't leave me with the feel-good moment I'm pretty sure the author was hoping for. 

I liked Liv. My heart ached for her - for the grief that was breaking her heart, the tug of war between her loyalty to family and her passion for her career. I loved her relationships with her childhood pals in Scotland, her roommate in NYC, her mother's dog, and her boss. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a boss like Liv's. I was cheering for her to find her happy ending even while shaking my head at the choices she made in direct opposition to what she had always adamantly said she wanted. And for an intelligent woman, how did she not clue in to what was so glaringly obvious? 

The book ends on a high note with a happy ending for more than one couple. But I still don't trust Liv's brother. 

CW: Parental death, grief, domestic violence (off page)

Winners - - April Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winners from

April Coming Attractions are:

Patoct

Glenda

traveler

Gina Jones

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com.

Please include "April CA Winner" in your email.

Review & Giveaway - - Ana Maria and the Fox

Ana María and the Fox

Liana De la Rosa

The Luna Sisters - Book 1

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.
 
Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.
 
Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now, as a member of Parliament, Gideon is on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all—a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.
 
But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection . . . but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

PJ's Thoughts:

I was young (14) when I was first introduced to Mexico City. As an exchange student I lived with a Mexican family, was immersed into their daily lives and welcomed into their family with open arms. I developed a deep appreciation and respect for Mexico's rich culture, complex history, and wonderful people. Even though this book is set in England, critical parts of Mexico's history, as well as the rich cultural heritage of her people are brought to life. I could not be more delighted.

I loved the Luna sisters. What a breath of fresh air they are in the vast landscape of historical romance. I enjoyed the evolving relationship among them once they were removed from the power-hungry father who had pitted them against one another their entire lives. It was fun to watch each young woman begin to grow, out from under his control, while also begin to forge a new dynamic among the three of them. There are layers to these characters that I enjoyed exploring in this book and will continue to enjoy as the series unfolds.

While they are beautiful, wealthy, and educated, the sisters are also foreign women of color. They are "different." I'm glad that De la Rosa did not shy away from this aspect of their journey within London society, showing the fascination on the part of London's society but also the bias and disdain. I especially appreciate how she allows Ana María to find her place there without compromising her cultural identity. 

The romance between Gideon and Ana María is a slow, simmering, push and pull burn that reeled me in and kept me hooked. I loved these two together. They have similar values, respect one another, and would make an ideal match. There are, however, significant obstacles to overcome, not least of which are the impact a foreign wife would have on Gideon's political career (in particular, his need for political allies in his quest to pass an anti-slavery law), the fiancé in Mexico, chosen for Ana María by her father, and Ana María's deep love for her homeland. I appreciated the fact that the author gave them no easy answers. Watching them work together to find their happiness made it all the more satisfying. 

This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm already invested in the other two Luna sisters, their potential heroes, and looking forward to new adventures in their books. 

Do you enjoy exploring new cultures in the romances you read?

Have you read anything by Liana De la Rosa yet?

Is there a particular culture you haven't read about yet in romance but would like to? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 7, 2023 will receive a print copy of Ana María and the Fox.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Coronation Year

Coronation Year: A Novel

by Jennifer Robson

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Reviewed by Hellie

It is Coronation Year, 1953, and a new queen is about to be crowned. The people of London are in a mood to celebrate, none more so than the residents of the Blue Lion hotel.

Edie Howard, owner and operator of the floundering Blue Lion, has found the miracle she needs: on Coronation Day, Queen Elizabeth in her gold coach will pass by the hotel’s front door, allowing Edie to charge a fortune for rooms and, barring disaster, save her beloved home from financial ruin. Edie’s luck might just be turning, all thanks to a young queen about her own age. 

Stella Donati, a young Italian photographer and Holocaust survivor, has come to live at the Blue Lion while she takes up a coveted position at Picture Weekly magazine. London in celebration mode feels like a different world to her. As she learns the ins and outs of her new profession, Stella discovers a purpose and direction that honor her past and bring hope for her future.

James Geddes, a war hero and gifted artist, has struggled to make his mark in a world that disdains his Indian ancestry. At the Blue Lion, though, he is made to feel welcome and worthy. Yet even as his friendship with Edie deepens, he begins to suspect that something is badly amiss at his new home.

When anonymous threats focused on Coronation Day, the Blue Lion, and even the queen herself disrupt their mood of happy optimism, Edie and her friends must race to uncover the truth, save their home, and expose those who seek to erase the joy and promise of Coronation Year.

Hellie’s Heeds

I am an unapologetic Anglophile who reads historical novels like a child eats bon-bons. I’m sure it’s no surprise to those who know this about me that I feel this book was a 5 star-Top Dish because a lot of things would have had to happen for the book to get lesser marks. However, I have read other books by Jennifer Robson (The Gown, Goodnight from London, After the War is Over) and the writing style and historical detail, as it has been all the times before, is just lovely. 

What makes this story particularly delectable for me is the setting: post-war London (WWII specifically) and I was fascinated by the level of detail regarding rations, post-war “scrimping by” anecdotes, and allusions to Queen Elizabeth (yes, yes, I do love The Crown). I also delighted in encountering characters I had discovered before–Miriam from The Gown, Kaz and Ruby from Goodnight from London. I realized I had missed reading one of Jennifer’s books that took place in Italy (as I said, Anglophile) and undoubtedly tied to one of the other characters in this book. So yes, while I do have my particular setting preferences and historical favorites, Jennifer Robson gives such careful attention no matter when she places her story, creating authentic detail, believable characters, and such high stakes that the reader can’t help but care for the outcome of these people. (And they do feel like people–people your grandparents would introduce you to.) 

Jamie Geddes–the in-resident artist who is staying at the hotel in order to paint Coronation Day for a client–is so swoonworthy. Edie, the hotel-owner who fears (just a little) life is passing her by, is so relatable and perfect for Jamie. Just a picture perfect romance. You ever read a book and you can see it on the screen? This is one of those stories. In fact, I’d like to know when Masterpiece Theatre is going to take these related books and create a television series based off them? Something is going to have to replace Call the Midwife eventually–and I think these books would be perfect. 

If you’ve already binged The Crown and still want more–or want more of the young Queen–go find this. She may be a small part of the book, but she’s still memorable. Long live, Jennifer Robson.

~~~~~~~

Thanks for that wonderful review, Hellie. You make me want to one-click Coronation Year immediately and move everything on my reading list behind it.

Readers, have you read any books by Jennifer Robson?

Are you as fascinated with British history as Hellie?

What book(s) would you like to see made into a movie/television series?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 6 will receive a print copy of Coronation Year.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - April 2023

 

 

We kick things off on Tuesday, April 4 with Hellie's Top Dish review - and a giveaway - of Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson. If you're a royal watcher, you'll want to read what Hellie has to say about this new historical fiction novel set within the scope of Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.

Join me Wednesday, April 5 for a review - and giveaway - of Liana De la Rosa's Ana Maria and the Fox. Launching De la Rosa's The Luna Sisters series, this Victorian romance featuring a Mexican heiress and a British politician is brimming with cultural richness, political machinations, and unexpected love. 

Moving back into contemporary times, on Thursday, April 6 I'll be sharing my thoughts about Coming Home to the Highlands by Lisa Hobman, a woman's unexpected journey home, an unexpected inheritance, a man she hasn't seen since high school, and, quite possibly, a new direction in life. 

Jude Deveraux is back with another time-travel romance and I am here for it. This one features a woman from present time, a man from 1871, and a plethora of intriguing characters (in both time periods) who help bring this story to life. Stop by on Monday, April 10 for my review (and a giveaway) of My Heart Will Find You. 

Tuesday, April 11 brings a review of Brenda Novak's The Seaside Library. A women's fiction novel by one of my favorite authors featuring the beach, three teenage friends reunited twenty years later, and a mystery? I can't wait to dive into this one. 

A new Kate Meader hockey romance is always cause for celebration in my house, Bonus points for a snowbound, forced-proximity, adversaries-to-lovers journey, especially when it features hockey superstar Bastian Durand and the team mascot - who is also his friend's sister, his coach's daughter, and if that isn't enough, the person who takes him down on the ice his first game back after a one-year injury hiatus. Join me on Wednesday, April 12 when I share my thoughts about the newest addition to Kate Meader's Rookie Rebels series: Superstar. 

Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge, Indiana has become one of my favorite contemporary romance towns to visit. Join me on Tuesday, April 18 when I share my thoughts about Home to River's Edge, book one in a new Weaver's Sisters trilogy set within the River's Edge universe. I love this river town and the people who live there.

Join me on Friday, April 21 for a review and giveaway of Reese Ryan's Return to Hummingbird Way. This newest contemporary romance in Ryan's Holly Grove Island series features an enemies-to-lovers romance between the maid of honor and best man at their best friends' wedding. Lots of pesky "hate crush" attraction simmering beneath the animosity with these two.

Monday, April 24 brings a review of The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig. A rake who is not quite as bad as he seems, an advice columnist for a "subversive" ladies magazine, and a temporary fake courtship. What could go wrong in this first full-length book of Craig's Goode's Guide to Misconduct historical romance series?

Stop by Tuesday, April 25 when I dish about How to Best a Marquess, the third and final book in Janna MacGregor's The Widow Rules historical romance series. Will a second chance love blossom between Beth and Greyson as they cross England in hopes of finding her dowry, the one that the charming trigamist Meri took off with before inconveniently dying, leaving three wives - and no money - behind? 

Mermaid Beach by Sheila Roberts is one of my favorite books in her humorous and heart-tugging Moonlight Harbor series. With snappy dialog, laugh-out-loud moments, music, relatable family dynamics, poignant emotion, and second chances at love for three generations of women, this one rates high on my feel-good meter. I'll be sharing my review on Wednesday, April 26. 

It's dysfunction at its finest - and most humorous - in Moorewood Family Rules by HelenKay Dimon. A family of grifters, the woman doing everything in her power to make them go straight, the man hired as her bodyguard, the sister who may or may not be on her side, the cousin willing to dispense of her permanently, the great-aunt (just what exactly is she up to?) who rules the family roost, and more. Much, much more. Don't miss my review on Thursday, April 27. 

We're rounding out the month on Friday, April 28 with a review of Royal Caleva: Gabriel: Duke of Bencalor by Nancy Herkness. According to the book's blurb, this romantic suspense tale featuring an American computer hacker and a royal duke, first in the Royal Caleva series, promises honor, passion, and danger. Sounds like it's right up my reading alley.

That's it for April! As always, if there are changes to the schedule I'll update this post. You can click on the link in the right sidebar to view the post at any time throughout the month. 

What are you looking forward to? Books? Flowers blooming? Spring vacations? No more snow? Share what has you smiling this lovely month of April. 

Have you read any of the books we're featuring yet? If so, what did you think?

Are there other titles on your most anticipated reading list for this month?

I'm still in decluttering mode and you all know what that means. Four more packages of books looking for a new home!

Post a comment before 11:00 PM, April 4 and you'll be in the running to receive one of the packages. 

*Winners randomly chosen

*U.S. only

*Must be 18