Review & Giveaway - - A Love by Design

A Love by Design

by Elizabeth Everett

The Secret Scientists of London - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: January 17, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

You couldn’t design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.

Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena’s Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and—at literally every turn—the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
 
George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret’s future and Grantham’s parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses—along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course—to win Margaret over to his cause.
 
Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?

PJ's Thoughts:

Elizabeth Everett continues her Secret Scientists of London series with a multi-layered, second-chance, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance that had me wondering how in the world it would all work out in the end. There are more than a few obstacles standing in the way of this happily ever after, primarily Margaret's refusal to forgive George for leaving her when they were young.  

If you enjoy STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) romances, this series is tailor made for you. Everett's women scientists are dedicated, determined, and ahead of their time, making life-changing discoveries. If only they weren't forced to do it in secret. Except for Margaret. Determined to open England's first woman-owned engineering firm, Margaret is challenging London's male-run business community head on. I'm sure you can imagine the challenges she faces in doing so. Everett doesn't make it easy for her lady scientists. While fully embracing the feminist qualities of these women, she doesn't back away from the difficulties created by their choices. It adds complexity and realism to these characters as well as the time in which they lived. It also adds layers to the relationship between Margaret and George.

May I just stay how much I adore George? This is a man who has loved one woman his entire life. Too bad he messed things up when they were young. Yes, his reasons were understandable but he broke young Margaret's heart and - no surprise - she's not exactly eager to forgive and forget. Still, I was in his corner cheering him on the entire way. He's just such a sweetheart and his yearning for his "Maggie" is so endearing. I love how he respects her engineering prowess, how he supports her even when her ambitions stand in the way of his, how he's determined to protect her at any cost. And, oh my, the personal secret he's been keeping and how Margaret handles it? Yes, please! 

One of my favorite parts of this book is the bromance between George and Arthur (hero of book one, A Lady's Formula for Love). George's increasingly outrageous gifts for Arthur's and Violet's baby daughter, Arthur's responses to them, and the ways in which these two men "bond" the friendship neither is willing to openly acknowledge are both hilarious and endearing. More, please!

A Love by Design stands well on its own though for a better understanding of Everett's lady scientists and events that have brought them to this point, I suggest reading the books in order. 

Have you read any books in this series?

Have you read any STEM romances you would recommend to other readers?

Do you enjoy side bromances in the romances you read?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, February 16 will receive a print copy of A Love by Design.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

 

Review - - The Fraud Squad

The Fraud Squad
by Kyla Zhao
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: January 17, 2023
Reviewed by Nancy

 

A working-class woman who infiltrates Singapore’s high society to fulfill her dreams risks losing everything in the process—including herself—in this propulsive novel by debut author Kyla Zhao.
 
For as long as she can remember, Samantha Song has dreamed of writing for a high-society magazine—and she’d do anything to get there. But the constant struggle to help her mom make ends meet and her low social status cause her dream to feel like a distant fantasy.
 
Now Samantha finds herself working at a drab PR firm. Living vicariously through her wealthy coworker and friend, Anya Chen, is the closest she’ll get to her ideal life. Until she meets Timothy Kingston: the disillusioned son of one of Singapore’s elite families—and Samantha’s one chance at infiltrating the high-society world to which she desperately wants to belong.
 
To Samantha’s surprise, Timothy and Anya both agree to help her make a name for herself on Singapore’s socialite scene. But the borrowed designer clothes and plus-ones to every glamorous event can only get her so far. The rest is on Samantha, and she’s determined to impress the editor in chief of Singapore’s poshest magazine. But the deeper Samantha wades into this fraud, the more she fears being exposed—especially with a mysterious gossip columnist on the prowl for dirt—forcing her to reconcile her pretense with who she really is before she loses it all.

Nancy’s thoughts: 

The Fraud Squad introduces us to Samantha in a scene that demonstrates her uneasiness with her job, where things aren’t going especially well for her division of the PR firm, her love of high fashion and the doings of Singapore’s social elite, and her friendship with Anya. It’s obvious that the two women are very close and trust each other despite Samantha’s understandable envy of the advantages Anya derives from her mother’s social status and wealth. Anya invites Samantha to dinner with Tim, who wants to vent over his latest romantic troubles. Because it’s an exclusive restaurant, Samantha agrees. 

Zhao has a tough line to walk with Sam because of her yearning to experience life as the A list knows it. She saves Sam from coming across as shallow in part because her goal is not so much to belong among people far wealthier than she is but to write for the magazine that’s the pinnacle of the fashion press in Singapore. Samantha is also sympathetic because she’s loyal and loving to her mother, who works as a nail technician. Samantha’s father died long before the story opened, leaving his family with a massive pile of debt, some of it owed to loan sharks, to discharge. Sam’s mom hopes Sam will marry a wealthy man who can give her a comfortable, secure life. Samantha prefers to earn that life on her own, but she’s tolerant of her mom’s hopes, as many a daughter has been. 

At dinner, Tim shares his frustration not only about the broken relationship but about his parents’ insistence that he stop pursuing creative interests and join the family business, one of Singapore’s most successful hedge funds. He doesn’t see himself as a money man, and the scheme to elevate Sam to the social elite is designed to show them that people’s destinies aren’t determined by their beginnings. So he and Anya set out to launch her in society by getting her invitations to exclusive events, where she’ll wear clothes borrowed from Anya. They call themselves the Fraud Squad. 

I found the idea that elevating Sam socially would prove anything about Tim’s chances of making a career in the arts a stretch. Attaining social success and establishing a creative career are very different endeavors. Still, I liked Anya and Sam’s support of Tim’s hopes and Tim and Anya’s willingness to help Sam make the connections that could get her the job of her dreams. 

Once Tim and Anya gain access for Sam to any particular event, the impression she makes is up to her. She has to look like she belongs and to establish connections that gain her further invitations and raise her profile. Things don’t always go smoothly, which makes the story more believable. 

Little by little, though, Sam begins to turn her social toehold into a niche and then to establish a wider circle of connections that give her the exposure she needs to attain her dream job. Along the way, she makes some choices about other friends that are not endearing though the reader understands why she acts as she does. 

The book is somewhat reminiscent of The Devil Wears Prada (the movie, not the book, which I haven’t read) in that the heroine sets out to establish a career that involves high fashion, is sucked into the appeal and the standards of that world, and ultimately pays a price for that. The two stories are completely different, but the questions of who the heroine is at heart and what she really values are common to both. 

There’s a romantic thread between Sam and Tim that’s sweet and believable. It’s definitely a subplot but figures into the clever way Zhao ties in several plot threads at the moment of crisis. That crisis has a double twist that’s painful for Sam. The way she dealt with those twists was sympathetic and reasonable. 

Zhao works in the Singapore setting primarily with place names, business names (kopitiam for coffee shop), and some terminology. I don’t mind looking up a word. When I have to look up several, it pulls me out of the story and becomes annoying. While the meaning of kopitiam was apparent in context, the meanings of two or three other terms were not. I like to understand what I’m reading, so even if I think I might grasp what something is, I look it up to be sure. This disrupts the flow of the story for me. Explaining them in an aside or an internal would’ve given me a much smoother reading experience. Other readers may disagree. 

The story moved well, and the characters were likeable. I found the plot engaging. Though I  thought the Fraud Squad’s stated goal of helping Tim a bit unlikely to succeed, the part that would elevate Sam’s social profile and help her forget connections was logical and well executed. The twists at the crisis fit well with the characters involved, and the resolution tied everything up in a satisfying way. 

Recommended 

4 Stars 

~Nancy

Winner - - Love and Other Perennial Habits

 

The randomly chosen winner of 

Love and Other Perennial Habits by Emmaline Warden is:

Nicole B

Congratulations!

Please send your full name, mailing address, 

and choice of print or Kindle copy to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Do I Know You?

Do I Know You?

by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Reviewed by Santa

When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.

Eliza and Graham are anticipating an anything-but-sexy, weeklong getaway to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Nestled on the Northern California coastline, the resort prides itself on being a destination for those in love and those looking to find it. For Eliza and Graham, it might as well be a vacation with a roommate.
 
When a well-meaning guest mistakes Eliza and Graham for being single and introduces them at the hotel bar, they don’t correct him. Suddenly, they’re pretending to be perfect strangers and it’s unexpectedly…fun? Eliza and Graham find themselves flirting like it’s their first date, and waiting with butterflies in their stomach for the other to text back. 

Everyone at the retreat can sense the electric chemistry between Eliza and Graham’s alter egos. But when their scintillating game of roleplaying ends, will they still feel the heat?

Santa Says:

 

Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka called to mind The Pina Colada song from my youth. The cover which sports sunglasses left on the beach with a couple embracing in its reflection with wedding bands in the sand. Do you feel that vibe? Are you humming along? 

This four star book follows, in a way, that same premise. A couple who love each other find themselves in a rut. Same routines day in and day out. Work. Home. Dinner. Sleep. Repeat.

How do they come out of it and resurrect their love story? Graham and Eliza don’t resort to personal ads - it’s not the ‘70s anymore.  

They sort of fall into rediscovering who they are as individuals and as a couple through a reservations fluke a friend of theirs makes. A friend gives them a weeklong stay at a resort to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. The hotel has two rooms in their names. Eliza blurts out that they will keep both rooms. One so she can work on her voice over work without disturbing Graham. This panics him on a couple of levels. He is the more insecure about their relationship. They agree to meet up later at the bar.  

Graham then meets David who mistakenly assumes Eliza and Graham are strangers and introduces them to each other. Neither corrects him and they decide to use this opportunity to get to know one another again. They meet up for dates, meet up in the different activities provided by the resort. They start to discover things about each other and themselves. 

It may sound a bit contrived or that may be just me but the authors make it work. You want them to come back to each other. You cheer for the friendship that develops with Graham and David. I was even becoming invested in David’s own happily ever after. 

Do I Know You? is the second novel by this married writing team in this genre. They are definitely authors to take note of.

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

 

Review - - Starting Over on Sunshine Corner

Starting Over on Sunshine Corner

by Phoebe Mills

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: February 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

A busy single-mom. A laid-back bachelor. One unforgettable night that changes their friendship—and their lives—forever . . . 

Single-mom Rebecca Hayes has been so focused on raising her daughter and building her finance career, she’s not sure she even remembers how to date. The only man she’s been out with is Jackson, her very close—and very attractive—friend. But Becca isn’t getting her hopes up after they crossed the line one memorable night—she knows Jackson too well. So when she discovers she’s pregnant with his baby, Becca isn’t sure she can count on Jackson anymore . . . 

Fatherhood isn’t something Jackson Lowe saw for himself. He figured he’d just keep working at his family's landscaping business, surfing and being a happily unattached bachelor. But in his heart, he longs to build a family with Rebecca—his secret crush and the real reason he never settled down. He’s got a lot of work to do before she’ll believe he’s all in. He’s been the man Becca wants. Now, Jackson has to prove he’s ready to be the man she needs.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have been thoroughly enjoying the stories surrounding this close-knit group of friends (and family) in Phoebe Mills' Sunshine Corner series. This time it's Becca and Jackson in the spotlight, in a friends-to-lovers / opposites-attract romance with a few surprises along the way.

I love how Mills doesn't shy away from tossing her characters into the deep end of emotional upheaval while still maintaining an upbeat vibe in her books. There's emotional depth but also plenty of humor, especially when friends and families get together. I don't know if Mills is from a large family but she sure gets the sibling dynamic. 

Both Jackson and Becca are dealing with family issues while also exploring building a relationship different from what they've had as best friends since high school. For Jackson, he's struggling to figure out what he wants career wise. His father is pressuring him to take over the family company but Jackson knows he'd wither on the vine if forced into an office job when his passion is surfing. But he also knows that Becca needs the stability of a sure thing. And then there's the fact that, as the youngest son, everyone still treats him like he's a goof-off who lacks ambition. Not so. I love how much he has always (secretly) loved Becca, how well he understands her, and how hard he works to be the best possible partner and provider, in every way. 

Becca's chaotic and abusive childhood has had a lasting impact on her as an adult. Jackson has always been her best friend but she's never felt inclined to change that status, even now when she's pregnant from their one night stand. Truth is, she doesn't handle change of any kind well and that includes emotional closeness. I appreciate how the author moves her relationship with Jackson forward at a slow pace, giving her the time she needs to figure things out. The progression of her feelings and their relationship as a couple are portrayed realistically, given her hang ups. By the time I reached the end of the book (loved that epilogue!), I was confident in their love and future happiness. 

This is the third book in Mills' Sunshine Corner series. It stands well on its own but readers should be aware that the community of characters from the first two books are also prominently featured in this one, with one heroine in particular struggling with new motherhood. I love following the relationships of previous couples but if you'd rather not meet them for the first time post-HEA, you may want to begin with book one, The House on Sunshine Corner then follow that with A Wedding on Sunshine Corner. Both are currently available at a reduced e-book price. 

Winner - - February Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winner 

of a package of books is:

catslady

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - Love on the Line

Love on the Line

by Anabelle Bryant

Vauxhall Voices - Book 1

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Release Date: January 17, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

In the hedonistic world of Vauxhall Gardens, a place where London’s aristocracy pursues daring entertainment and sensual pleasures, desire overrules status, prejudice, and societal censure.

When Lola York meets Theodore Coventry, Earl of Essex, their chemistry is undeniable, but she knows better than to yearn for forbidden love. That is, until their involvement becomes unavoidable and Lola realizes the most dangerous risk of all is the one that threatens her heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

I enjoy a good cross-class romance and Anabelle Bryant's newest novel, Love on the Line, brings readers this particular trope in a fresh new setting. At least, fresh and new to me. I can't recall having read a pairing of a peer and a Vauxhall performer before. Both characters are intriguing, relatable, and multi-layered. Their story pulled me in and had me pulling for them the entire way. It is written in such a way that I had no trouble at all believing in their love and happily ever after, even with all the obstacles in their path.

There are two mystery/suspense threads that run through the book: the murder of Theodore's friend and the secret from Lola's past that hangs over her head. The murder brings Lola and Theodore together, with the hunt for the murderer progressing in parallel to their relationship, but it was Lola's secret that I found the more compelling storyline. I had no idea how Bryant would tie up those loose ends, allowing Lola to be reunited with her family and our couple to live happily together. As it turned out, justice was served in a most appropriate way. I do enjoy seeing a villain get what they justly deserve. 

I'm already invested in Lola's fellow performers in Vauxhall and looking forward to their journeys. It's fun to step outside the norm and explore new horizons, as Bryant is doing in this series. 

Coming Attractions

 

January is in the wind, February is upon us, and I'm still working on catching up. My knee rehab is going well. In fact, I've graduated from physical therapy sessions - YAY! - and am now working on strength and endurance. The endurance part is slow going - a virus that sapped all my energy didn't help - but I'm determined to reach my goals. Goal number one is to have enough energy to return to my morning walks at the zoo. I miss my furry and feathery friends! In the meantime, books are keeping me company in between walking laps around the pool deck. Here are the titles on the schedule for February.  

Launching the month on Wednesday, February 1 is a review of The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel set within three time periods during the 1930's - 1940's. 

Friday, February 3 brings a review of Love on the Line by Anabelle Bryant. This cross-class historical romance launches Bryant's Vauxhall Voices series.

We're returning to present day on Monday, February 6 with a review of Starting Over On Sunshine Corner by Phoebe Mills. This newest addition to Mills' Sunshine Corner, contemporary romance series offers up a heart-tugging friends-to-lovers romance.

I love debut novels! Swing by Tuesday, February 7 when I share my thoughts about Love and Other Perennial Habits by debut author Emmaline Warden. This historical romance launches Warden's A Genus of Gentlemen series and has me eagerly anticipating more from this new author. 

Join me Monday, February 13 for a review (and giveaway) of A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett, another page-turner in her Secret Scientists of London, historical romance series.

On Friday, February 17, we'll be Falling in Love on Sweetwater Lane. Stop by to read my thoughts about this third book in Belle Calhoun's heart-tugging, small-town, Mistletoe Maine series. 

We're diving into intrigue and danger on Tuesday, February 21 with a review of Going Rogue in Red Rye County by Katie Mettner. 

Wrap up the month of February with us on Tuesday, February 28 when I share my thoughts about Ana Takes Manhattan, an upcoming romcom by Lissette Decos. 

What are you looking forward to this month? 

Is your 2023 reading off to a fast start or a more leisurely one?

What was your favorite book from your January reading?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment no later than 11:00 PM, February 4 will receive a package of books from my stash.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review - - The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre

by Natasha Lester

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 10, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Alix St. Pierre. An unforgettable name for an unforgettable woman. She grew up surrounded by Hollywood glamor, but, as an orphan, never truly felt part of that world. In 1943, with WWII raging and men headed overseas to fight, she lands a publicity job to recruit women into the workforce. Her skills—persuasion, daring, quick-witted under pressure—catch the attention of the U.S. government and she finds herself with an even bigger assignment: sent to Switzerland as a spy. Soon Alix is on the precipice of something big, very big. But how far can she trust her German informant…?
 
After an Allied victory that didn’t come nearly soon enough, Alix moves to Paris, ready to immerse herself in a new position as director of publicity for the yet-to-be-launched House of Dior. In the glamorous halls of the French fashion house, she can nearly forget everything she lost and the dangerous secret she carries. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes that only she can right the wrongs of the past …and finally find justice.

PJ's Thoughts:

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is one of those books that wrapped me up in its story and refused to let go. This one kept me eagerly reading way past my bedtime. 

Told during three timelines before, during, and following WWII, Natasha Lester has created a compulsively readable journey of one unforgettable woman. Centered within the Paris fashion industry, WWII fighting, and the unique position of women of that day, it's a story that's compelling, evocative, poignant, suspenseful, and empowering. A tale I won't soon forget. 

I enjoyed the method Lester used to tell this story, moving from Alix's present to past to present, divulging bits and pieces of this complex character each time until a full picture of her life began to emerge. It was an interesting and successful way to get to know and understand her, without the proverbial info dump. I don't always enjoy time hops but in Lester's hands it worked exceptionally well.

I loved all of the layers within the characters Lester created. Not only Alix but secondary characters as well. She brought them to life vividly, easily pulling me into their lives and eliciting a range of emotions within me. They were so realistic that, with real people (Christian Dior, for one) woven into the fictional fabric of the book, it was all too easy to believe that they all actually lived during that time, that all of the events in the book actually happened. 

This was my first book by Natasha Lester but it sure won't be my last. I've already purchased her earlier novel, The Rivera House, and will be watching for any future books to come.