The Little Women Devotional by Rachel Dodge ~ My Review

Hello, my friends! I love a good devotional, and when it's mixed with my favorite literature - well that makes it just plain fun! I've read three different Jane Austen devotionals, but today I'm reviewing a Little Women devotional! 

The Little Women Devotional

By Rachel Dodge

Publication Date: December 1st, 2021

Publisher: Barbour Books

Pages: 232

Received: I received a hardback from the publisher for my honest review.

Rating: 5 stars.

Devotional Inspiration from the Lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy   

The Little Women Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, cherished by generations of readers. 

Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as His cherished daughter. This beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

 

My Review

The Little Women Devotional by Rachel Dodge is a beautiful book. Chapter by chapter, it pulls spiritual insights from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. It combines them with scripture, personal application, and prayer. I loved the illustrations and found them whimsical and charming.

There is so much to glean from this devotional. From helping a neighbor or the less fortunate to Jo’s struggle with her anger. The need for encouragement and to fight the good fight.

I also thought it would be fun to read a chapter a day from Little Women simultaneously! I did not get a chance to do this because I was doing another study, and my time was limited. But I had a strong urge to do just that!

I have always loved reading devotionals that combine literature and scripture! If you are fond of Little Women, you will absolutely adore The Little Women Devotional! 

FTC Disclaimer: I received a copy of the story for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon (paid link)

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Read my thoughts on Praying With Jane by Rachel Dodge.

Many thanks to Rachel Dodge and Barbour Books for my copy of The Little Women Devotional!

Do you read devotionals? Give it a try! I also think this would make a great gift! 

Mr. Darcy's Rival by Kara Louise ~ My Review

Mr. Darcy’s Rival by Kara Louise 

Publication Date: May 29th 2015 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 
Pages: 362 
Received: e-copy from the author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Blurb:

Mr. Darcy has learned he must prepare himself when he and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, make their yearly visit to his aunt, particularly when it comes to Lady Catherine’s expectation that he marry her daughter, Anne. 

This year, however, will throw in a few additional obstacles to Darcy’s peace of mind with the presence of a nephew on the de Bourgh side of the family, and quite unexpectedly, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. 

An interrupted proposal, a letter written and unknowingly lost, a harsh accusation, and a rival all conspire to thwart Mr. Darcy in securing Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s affections when he visits his aunt at Rosings. 

Will Elizabeth find the handsome and engaging Mr. Rickland more suited to her than Mr. Darcy? And will a novel she reads that was written secretly by Miss Anne de Bourgh help smooth the path to the couple finding true love?

My Review:

Kara Louise is one of my favorite Austenesque authors, and I always look forward to one of her stories. I’m happy to report that she has done it again with Mr. Darcy’s Rival! It might be my new favorite of hers, possibly tying with Mr. Darcy’s Voyage!

What if, while in Hunsford visiting Charlotte, there happens to be another guest at Rosings. Not Darcy, but another of Lady Catherine’s nephews on her late husband’s side of the family, Mr. Rickland. He has arrived before Darcy and has a full week to get to know Elizabeth before Darcy arrives. Darcy is surprised to find Elizabeth visiting in Kent, and he is annoyed to find Rickland there as well with his easy manners, enjoying Elizabeth’s company. Darcy now realizes Elizabeth is perfect for him, and he can't live without her, but is he too late? Will he lose her to Rickland?

With Mr. Rickland, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy all at Rosings there is much more excitement and activity! Poor Darcy doesn't stand a chance with both Rickland and the Colonel monopolizing Elizabeth's attention! 

I wasn’t a fan of Mr. Rickland, but of course, I’m never a fan of a rival of Darcy’s. ;) Elizabeth enjoys his company and likes that he seems to be singling her out. But I believe fate has a hand in getting Elizabeth and Darcy together in ways I’ll let you discover as you read the story yourself! But let me say, I took great pleasure in this version of “the letter".

I loved this Anne! She is still sickly and quiet, but she has a little something going on in the story that I quite enjoyed, and I loved how it turns out!

I would high recommend Mr. Darcy’s Rival for your reading pleasure! This Pride and Prejudice variation kept me up late into the night anticipating what was going to happen next! I loved it!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author.

Buy: Amazon
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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Kara Louise

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

Triumph and Treasure by Collette Cameron ~ My Review

Triumph and Treasure by Collette Cameron 

Series: Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, #1 
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2014 
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing 
Pages: 279 
Received: E-copy from the author. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 
I loved Triumph and Treasure! As always, Collette Cameron delivers a fast-paced, action-packed, Regency romance novel with many twists and turns! 

Only hours after getting married, Angelina learns the man she married is not whom he says he is, not only that, but he’s already married! Angry, embarrassed and utterly ruined, Lina cannot go home! Boarding a ship, she leaves Massachusetts and sails to England for a lengthy visit with her Aunt Camille and Uncle Ambrose, the Duke of Waterford. Vowing never to trust a man again!

But while in England, Lina finds her uncle has other plans for her. The Duke is not happy with Lina’s situation, and, through devious ways, finds a new husband for her. 

Flynn, the Earl of Luxmoore, is being blackmailed by the Duke of Waterford to marry his niece. Before his death, Flynn’s father gambled and lost the family fortune to the Duke. Now Flynn is responsible for his father’s debt. The Duke offers Flynn two choices, marry Lina and the debt would be forgiven or have no way to support his ailing mother, invalid sister, and elderly grandmother. Flynn is desperately trying to find another way out of this mess...until he meets Lina. There is something about her that tugs at his heart, and he quickly feels the need to protect her too.  

I love Ms. Cameron’s characters! The chemistry and sexual tension between Flynn and Lina are wonderful! I love how caring and loyal Flynn is, not only with Lina, but with his mom, sister, and grandmother.  

I also love how Ms. Cameron has threaded characters from her previous stories into this one. For example, Flynn is related to the Craiglocky Clan, from the Castle Brides series. 

After being fooled by a man whom she thought she loved, Lina begins making a mental list of rules to avoid falling into a trap like that again.  I got a kick out of all of her rules. Some of them had me chuckling!  

I really enjoyed Triumph and Treasure! The first in the Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, and I look forward to reading the next!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon
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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provide, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Connect with Collette Cameron

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

Holidays with Jane ~ My Review

Holidays With Jane: Christmas Cheer 
by Jennifer Becton, Melissa Buell, Rebecca M. Fleming, Cecilia Gray, Jessica Grey, and Kimberly Truesdale 

Publication Date: October 28th, 2014 
Publisher: Indie Jane Press 
Pages: 374 
Received: E-copy from one of the authors. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 
I loved Holidays with Jane! All six of Jane Austen’s books are represented in these modern retellings! I found each to be very well written; short, but complete. It is so perfect for the holiday season, when you’re busy and really don’t have time to get involved in a full novel. I could curl up on my couch and read a story without worrying about staying up too late! Six modern retellings all wrapped up in a neat little package! 

The Work of an Instant by Jennifer Becton is perfect!! LOVED it! In this Persuasion retelling, Ms. Becton  did an excellent job modernizing Captain Wentworth’s letter! **sigh**  

Mischief and Mistletoe by Melissa Buell is a retelling of Northanger Abbey. Ms.Buell did a fabulous job dropping this into a modern setting as well. Cate (Catherine) is a seamstress in this version. As someone who sews, her creativity made me want to get out my needle and thread and do a little sewing myself! 

A Tale of Three Christmases by Rebecca M. Fleming is a touching story that is beautifully written. A retelling of Sense and Sensibility, it is told from Maggie's (Margaret Dashwood) POV.  After the death of her father she finds a journal left to her by him with instructions to write down the events of the next three Christmases. It was beautiful!

With Love, From Emma by Cecilia Gray, gave me the warm fuzzies!! Loved it! This, of course, is Emma and Lance's (Mr. Knightley) story. I enjoyed it as Emma reflects back through the past year, remembering different holidays, ending at Christmas.  This is a sigh-worthy story, and I savored it for a day or two in my mind!  

It’s a Wonderful Latte by Jessica Grey, is a retelling of Mansfield Park. Ms. Grey goes into a different direction when she does a little gender swapping, making Edmund a female character named Evie, who can’t see the love of a good friend (in this case, it’s not her cousin). It’s fun and magical as Jane Austen herself appears in this story!

Pride and Presents by Kimberly Truesdale. Ooh! I love Darcy in this one! Ms. Truesdale did an excellent job bring this to the present day, and when Elizabeth and Darcy finally get together...hhmmm....well, I got that warm fuzzy feeling all over, again! Lovely!

I really enjoyed how there are a few threads connecting each story in a small way. For example, you can find the characters from all the stories enjoying a cup of coffee from Mansfield Perk! You’ll also find Cate’s Creations being worn by a few of the ladies throughout the book. 

I loved Holidays with Jane! They are all cleverly done! I can’t tell you which story I loved most…I kind of fell in love with ALL of them! This is a must have for any Janeite!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from one of the authors for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon
Add: goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provide, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Connect with the Authors

Jennifer Becton ~ twitter • website • facebook

Melissa Buell ~ twitter • website • tumblr • facebook

Rebecca M. Fleming ~ twitter • website • facebook

Cecilia Gray ~ twitter • website • tumblr • facebook

Jessica Grey ~ twitter • website • tumblr • facebook 

Kimberly Truesdale ~ twitter • website • tumblr • facebook

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! 

The Muse Blog Tour ~ My Review

Hey Everyone! I'm super excited to be part of The Muse Blog Tour! I was fortunate to get a copy for review, because it was fantastic! My thanks to Leatherbound Reviews and Meryton Press! And, of course, to Jessica Evans for writing a wonderful story!!

Book Blurb:

Elizabeth Bennet, the newest corps de ballet dancer at Ballet Theater of New York, dreams of rising through the prestigious company’s ranks to become a prima ballerina. When she’s cast in superstar choreographer William Darcy’s newest work, she believes she’s one step closer to realizing her dream–until she meets him. 

William Darcy, the former dance legend and ballet bad boy, is a jaded perfectionist whom dancers both fear and admire. Although touted as the next big thing in the ballet world, he secretly battles a bad case of artist’s block–until he meets Elizabeth Bennet. 

Tempers ignite between Elizabeth and Darcy, but he’s irresistibly drawn to the stubborn and beautiful corps de ballet dancer. Could she be the muse he needs to reignite his passion for ballet?

The Muse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 
by Jessica Evans 

Publication Date: December 15th, 2014 
Publisher: Meryton Press 
Pages: 384 
Received: E-copy from publisher 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars



"Rest assured--first impressions are not always what they seem to be" ~ Darcy

My Review:

Wow! I loved The Muse! This modern Pride and Prejudice variation is set in New York City, where Elizabeth is a dancer at the Ballet Theater of New York, and Darcy is a choreographer for the ballet. 

Darcy is harsh and curt as he corrects his dancers.  He wasn't there to make friends, and the dancers should appreciate his attention. Elizabeth has caught his eye, and he is quick to instruct her. She awakes his creative juices, and soon, unknown to her, she becomes his muse. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Elizabeth!

Elizabeth takes offense to his attention. After overhearing a conversation between Darcy and Charles Bingley on the first day of rehearsals, where Darcy remarks that Elizabeth doesn’t have the right body type, saying she is too short and curvy for a ballerina. Now every correction Darcy gives, Liz only sees as criticism and his disdain for her.

Darcy was intense, brooding and self-absorbed at the beginning of the story, but he is also a loyal friend and good brother. Georgiana wasn’t my favorite here; she was a bit too valley girl and immature.

Elizabeth is hard working and determined to be a great dancer, but at the same time she struggles with self-doubt. She is also a bit jealous of Jane, who is beautiful and an excellent dancer. Jane also has an amazing boyfriend, Charles Bingley. It bothers Liz that she didn't have either; she wasn't a great dancer nor did she have a boyfriend, but for now, she would work on her dancing. 

I have to admit I didn’t think I would like Darcy as a dancer, but it worked really well! I was hooked right from the beginning. The story flowed well and kept me engaged, which I’ve been having trouble with lately.

The choreography in this story is beautiful and at times sensual.  I'm not a dancer, but it seems Ms. Evans really did her homework or is a dancer herself! 

For those who care to know, I would say, there are some mild sex scenes, and course language.

The Muse is an excellent read! I would highly recommend it!

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the publisher for my honest review.

Expected publication date is December 15th, but be sure to add it to your goodreads shelf!

About the Author:

Jessica Evans is middle school English teacher by trade, I cut my writer’s teeth in various fan fiction forums starting at the tender age of fifteen. My debut novel, The Muse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, is set to be published by Meryton Press in December 2014.

In my spare time, I read a lot of Young Adult literature, cook and eat as organically/sustainably/artisanally/grass-fed-ally as possible, and work on improving my life one affirmation at a time. I live in the magical borough of Brooklyn, though am not a hipster. I swear.

Connect with Jessica Evans

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Check out the other stops on the tour! There's some giveaways going on at some of the stops!!

12/1: Excerpt at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice,http://tamaraausten77.blogspot.co.uk/
12/2: Review at Songs & Stories, http://liedermadchen.blogspot.com/
12/3: Guest Post & Giveaway at More Agreeably Engaged,http://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot....
12/4: Review at Wings of Paper, http://mywingsofpaper.blogspot.it/
12/5: Excerpt & Giveaway at Laughing with Lizzie,http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co...
12/6: Guest Post & Giveaway at Babblings of a Bookworm,http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
12/7: Guest Post & Giveaway at My Love for Jane Austen,http://forloveofausten.blogspot.com/
12/8: Excerpt & Giveaway at Stories From the Past,http://rosefairbanks.com/
12/9: Review at So Little Time..., http://candy-m.blogspot.com/
12/10: Review at BestSellers & BestStellars,http://bestsellersandbeststellars.com/
12/11: Author Interview at Wings of Paper,http://mywingsofpaper.blogspot.it/
12/12: Review at Diary of an Eccentric,http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/
12/13: Review at Fairy Jane Tales, http://fairyjane.blogspot.com/
12/14: Excerpt at The Calico Critic, http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/
12/15: Review at Warmisunqu's Austen,http://warmisunquausten.blogspot.com.es/

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! 

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow ~ My Review

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen by Shannon Winslow 

Publication Date: August 6th, 2014 
Publisher: Heather Ridge Arts 
Pages: 266 
Received: e-copy from the author for my honest review 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


A Novel ~ wherein she tells her own story of Lost Love, Second Chances, and Finding her Happy Ending.

I loved The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen! Shannon Winslow has rewritten the ending of Jane’s life and has given her the happily ever after that we all hoped Jane would have. It is beautifully written, and it’s a story I think Jane herself would be proud of.

The story is written from Jane’s perspective as she sets out to pen Persuasion. At the same time, she also begins a journal recalling the first time she meets Captain Devereaux and writes of all of her time with him that so parallels that of Anne Elliot’s. 

In her twenty’s, Jane meets and falls in love with Captain Devereaux. Her parents do not approve of the marriage, and Jane will not go against their wishes. Captain Devereaux goes away angry, and Jane doesn’t see him again for another four years. Unfortunately, this meeting does not end as well as Anne and Captain Wentworth second meeting. No, Jane has to wait much longer than Anne for her happy ending.  

Not only are there many parallels to Persuasion, I see many similarities to other aspects of Austen’s books. Just as Elizabeth calls out Darcy for eavesdropping on one of her conversations, Jane calls out Captain Devereaux:

“Do not you think, Captain Devereaux, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was giving my opinion of Giaour?”

Captain Devereaux also has a friend, a Captain Bothwell, who reminds me a little of Captain Wentworth’s friend, Captain Benwick. Although, he is not as depressed as Captain Benwick, he has suffered an injury that prevents him from sailing again. Bothwell and Jane become quite good friends. 

I also love how Jane quotes her characters or speaks about them as if they are real people. And I delighted in little conversations like this one between Cassandra and Jane: 

“Now you sound just like Lizzy Bennet. How delightful!"

“You know that she is my model in all things.”  

“I thought it was the other way round, Jane - that Lizzy was patterned after yourself. Either way, I am sure Captain Devereaux must have felt the point of your wit!”

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen is a wonderful read, with a plausible ending that was cleverly done! It warmed my heart to know Jane knew what it was to love, to love deeply, and to be loved back! Well done! This book is the first I’ve read by Shannon Winslow, but it won’t be the last! I would highly recommend The Persuasion of Miss Austen for your reading pleasure! 

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon
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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon: I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Shannon Winslow

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To read a lovely guest post by Shannon Winslow where she talks of love letters and The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, click here.

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! 

Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet by Marilyn Brant ~ My Review

Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet by Marilyn Brant 

Publication Date: July 15th, 2014 
Publisher: White Soup Press 
Pages: 236 
Received: e-copy from the author for my honest review. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 
Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet is a super fun and cute story!  This is a sequel to Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Match (which I loved! See review here), but it stands up quite nicely on its own! Although both books are a modern Pride and Prejudice variation of sorts, they don't follow the original storyline closely. In Pride, Prejudice & the Perfect Bet you will find Jane and Bingley’s story. 

The story begins at the wedding of Beth Bennet and Will Darcy, were Jane is the Maid of Honor and Bingley is the Best Man. Unfortunately, at the moment they are not getting along so well. At the engagement party they were getting along just fine, in fact more than fine. Until Jane overhears a conversation Bingley is having, boasting of his conquests and how weddings are a perfect place to find action. He even makes a bet that he will score first!  Well, Jane's not about to help him win that bet! 

Bingley has no idea what turned Jane off, but when he finally figures it out, he works hard to correct her opinion of him. Soon Bingley, the confirmed bachelor, starts falling for Jane. My heart breaks for Bingley when Jane’s ex comes back into the picture.

I loved how Ms. Brant put fun names into this story! It was entertaining to recognize familiar names, including myself!! And how she mixed up Austen's characters a bit, like Jane’s ex is named Willoughby. I thought it was hilarious how Willoughby’s poetry drove Jane away. As Elizabeth Bennet said:

“But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away” ~ Pride & Prejudice 

I always love Ms. Brant’s sense of humor and her writing style. She is one of my favorite authors! 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet! It was a fun quick read and left me with warm fuzzy feels! I would highly recommend this story! I loved it, and I bet you will too! 

FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.

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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provide, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Connect with Marilyn Brant

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear!

One Last Blind Date by Erin Brady ~ My Review

One Last Blind Date by Erin Brady 

Publication Date: May 22nd, 2014 
Publisher: Price Publishing 
Pages: 205 
Received: e-copy from author for my honest review. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


"Because when you've found the one, you know it....It's magical the first time you're with him." p. 102

 
Oh my! I just love One Last Blind Date! It’s a super cute, humorous, feel good story! It gave me the warm fuzzies, and I had to go back an re-read the ending again as soon as I finished! I needed to re-live it again right away! 

For her 30th birthday, Sarah receives a membership to SoulMates4Everafter, an online dating service, by her best friend, Amy. Why do married people always think their single friends NEED to be married too? Not thrilled by the prospect, Sarah reluctantly agrees to giving it a try for at least three months. Having trouble just setting up her profile, Sarah calls for technical support. The IT guy, Gabriel, finds himself helping her out way more than his job description calls for, and somehow she’s managed to keep him on the phone for over 45 minutes. Then she weasels out the number for a direct line to him in case she has anymore questions…which, of course, she does.

Soon Sarah has Gabriel’s cell phone number and is calling him daily. They look over potential candidates for her future husband, discuss which ones she should date and then, after every date, she calls and tells him about it! They develop a beautiful friendship over the phone.

After the first few dates don’t go the way Sarah had hoped, she decides just to have some fun and quit looking for Mr. Right! Go on as many dates as she can and enjoy herself. I had to laugh at some of the situations that she finds herself in! But she does meet some interesting people, some of which become life long friends. Topher is my favorite, and even though he’s not husband material for her, they become close friends.

Many of the chapters are from Gabriel’s point of view, and he is falling for Sarah. But he’s been hurt by love before and doesn’t want to get hurt again, so he resists the feelings he has for Sarah. Instead, he will help her find the love of her life …if he can. 

Sarah is also falling for Gabriel. She drops all sorts of hints, but since he doesn’t seem to pick up on any of them, she doesn’t think he’s interested in her. She is worried that once she quits the service she won’t have a reason to talk to Gabriel again. She is sad at the thought of not speaking to him again.

I loved One Last Blind Date! This romantic-comedy is a fun, quick read! Erin Brady has become one of my favorite writers! I love her fun, flirty romances! I think you should give this one a try! 

For those who care to know, this is a clean romance.

FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of the story from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.

Buy at Amazon.
Add to goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provide, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Connect with Erin Brady

 facebook • blog • goodreads

My Reviews for other books by Erin Brady

The Holiday Gig

The Shopping Swap

...And The Winner Is!

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

The Earl's Enticement by Collette Cameron ~ My Review

The Earl’s Enticement by Collette Cameron 

Publication Date: May 27, 2014 
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing 
Pages: 326 
Received: ARC e-copy from the author for my honest review. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 
I loved The Earl’s Enticement! I think it is Collette Cameron’s best work yet!! Although, this is the third book in the series it more closely follows the first book than the second. Set in Scotland in the year 1817, the story begins just before Highlander’s Hope (Book 1) ends, and this is Adaira and Roark's story. I loved how the ending and the beginning of the two books overlap! 

Adaira mistakes Roark, the Earl of Clarendon, for the man who is trying to harm her brother’s wife, Yvette. She tricks Roark into going the wrong way and lures him into her trap. Poor Roark! Having been abused as a youth by his father, he is afraid to be confined in small dark places, which is exactly where Adaira puts him. He is mad at being locked up, and at the same time he is irritated with himself for being aroused by Adaira. 

You couldn't get more opposite than Adaira and Roark. While Roark values the rules of proper society, Adaira does not. She dresses in breeches, knows how to fence, and could ride a horse better than most men. She has also made a name for herself as a breeder of exceptional horseflesh. An incident several years ago has left her with no desire to become someones wife. So... why does she find herself so attracted to Roark?

When the truth is revealed and Roark is released, Adaira finds herself in big trouble. The consequences for imprisoning an Earl could be severe, but Roark gives her an ultimatum…learn to act like a proper lady or go to prison. No more breeches, riding side saddle and a Season in London was to be her punishment, but to Adaira prison might be a better option. Adaira and her whole family are to travel to The Earl’s Estate where her studies in ladylike behaviors will begin. It's all very amusing when Adaira cannot seem to get through one day without some kind of blunder! She is not cutout to be a lady! Her fierce temper gets her into trouble and she acts before she thinks. All the while, Roark is beginning to regret trying to change her ... he finds he likes her just the way she is. 

With a house full of interesting guests, a neighbor lady who has had plans of her own to be the next Lady of Clarendon and Edgar (Roark’s evil brother who would like nothing more than to become the new Earl of Clarendon) still on the loose, danger and mayhem ensue!

Even though the events in The Earl’s Enticement closely follow Highlander’s Hope, I feel the story will stand quite nicely on its own. 

The Earl’s Enticement is a humorous, action-packed romance! I would highly recommend reading this fast-paced story, and all of Collette Cameron's books! 

Read my reviews for books 1 & 2 of the Castle Brides series, Highlander's Hope and The Viscounts Vows.


Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book from the author for my honest review. 

Buy from Amazon.
Add to goodreads. 

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link, I will receive a small commission. Thanks.

Connect with Collette Cameron

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg ~ My Review

Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg  

Publication Date: February 25, 2014 
Publisher: Point 
Pages: 288 
Received: e-copy from publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Book Blurb:
For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

 

Better off Friends is a super cute story of a boy and a girl who are best friends, and all the complications that go along with being "just friends". 

Macallan and Levi meet on the first day of seventh grade when Macallan is asked to show Levi around the school. The two of them hit it off when Macallan recognizes a button Levi has on his backpack from her favorite BBC show, Buggy and Floyd. After that, they are pretty much inseparable.

As they get older and start dating (other people), they have to learn to deal with some awkward moments, such as being the third wheel, and who’s side do you take in a break up? Especially when the other person is also your good friend?! They also learn that it’s best not to double date. The problem with double dating is that Macallan and Levi would monopolize the conversation with their witty back and forth banter. Leaving their dates feeling left out. 

There are some sad moments too. About a year before the opening of the story, Macallan’s mom was killed in an accident, and Macallan is still dealing with the loss of her mom. I especially like how Levi’s mom bonds with Macallan. It brought tears to my eyes when Macallan opens up about her mom. 

I love how the story is told. Starting from when they first met to about senior year in high school, Macallan and Levi look back at the highs and lows of their friendship. Breaking from the story, the chapters end with a dialog between Macallan and Levi commenting at what was just told in that chapter. Kinda like in the Princess Bride when the story would go back to the grandfather reading to his grandson, or in When Harry Met Sally when it would break from the story to where the couples were talking. I also love that it is told from both Macallan and Levi's point of view.

I really enjoyed reading Better off Friends! It's a charming story that begs the question "Can boys and girls be just friends?"

Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of the book for my honest review.

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For my Janeite friends, Elizabeth Eulberg is also the author of Prom and Prejudice!

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