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Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue
Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue
Mackenzi Lee | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.9 (18 Ratings)
Book Rating
Amusing historical romance
This was a fun read in lots of ways. I would say the book had a storyline of a ‘farce’ in the old meaning of the word. It very much reminded me of a black and white comedy without sound, some laurel and hardy-ness.

The characters in this historical are very much out of the box. Henry being the ultimate in immaturity but hey, he was only 18 years old. This man-boy-lad-about-town was his own worst enemy getting into constant scrapes that usually included inappropriateness and less clothes than one would expect. His forever friend Percy kind of stole the show for me, I adored him and his character, his difficulties made me feel all the feelings.

As said already, the story was farcical but in a way that didn’t irritate. I felt the need to suspend reality and that was fine by me. I enjoyed the writing, the wit and the dialogue. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book after so many friends have enjoyed it.
  
Grace Thatcher is the granddaughter of the duke of Salisbury and due to his death and an issue with her and her siblings inheritance is strong armed by her waste of space gambler father, into acquiring, or at least pretending to a husband.Grace feels better her than her younger shy timid sister. What follows is series of events that puts the three main characters of the story in the spotlight. We have Grace, sweet caring and totally unspoiled by her unfortunate upbringing which was untill later life a background of poverty. mr Samuel Preston a kind charming gentleman still grieving for his dead wife Elizabeth but determined to live his life as she would have wanted and lastly Nicholas Sutherland Elizabeth brother a dark bitter gruff man who blames Samuel for the death of his sister and his bent on revenge. Saving Grace is a clean sweet romance which shows the characters evolving through their interaction, i breezed through very quickly and loved seeing the way everyone changed for the better a must read for all historical romance fans..
  
A Suitable Replacement (Deceived #4)
A Suitable Replacement (Deceived #4)
Megan Derr | 2014 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is an MM Historical Romance with a dash of fantasy added to it. After all, I don't think anyone studying the magical theory of the Goblin Wars would have gone down too well with the 'ton' in normal circumstances. However, there are parts of it that rang true for the historical genre - the attempted assassination of the royals, the child having to atone for the 'sins' of his parents, etc.

This is a fast-moving and intricate plot involving a Duchess who has run away with a love match, her brother just returned after three years away, the jilted fiance and the lady the love match was supposed to be marrying for reasons of her own.

It is written very well with enough plot twists to keep you on your toes. I loved the relationship between Kelcey and Max and the way that you were constantly left wondering what would throw a spanner in the works next. At the same time, I wanted to knock their heads together to get them to talk honestly with each other.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and definitely recommended.

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2015
  
Grave Mercy
Grave Mercy
Robin LaFevers | 2012 | Children
8
9.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
*I received this copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I'd had this on my "to read" shelf on here for a while and then removed it, thinking that since I very rarely read historical books that I might not enjoy it after all.

What a load of rubbish that was!

The synopsis made me think it would be like the <i>Throne of Glass</i> series and in a way it was; assassin, a bit of romance, but it was also not. This was based on true events and there was a lot of different things happening in relation to the duchy.

I have to admit that the first 10-15% was a bit hard for me to get into. There wasn't too much detail about her time at the abbey and as much as I was interested in what she was learning there that bit started to bore me after a while.

It was only with the arrival of Duval and the sparks they ignited that I really started to get into this. I could tell straight away that something was going to happen there and since I'm a romance reader I was happy that there was the possibility of romance. It was nice reading the slow progression of their relationship as it changed.

As for everyone else; Anne, Isabeau, Beast etc. I grew to really like them. They all added great things to the story.

In relationship to Beast, I would really like to know what happened to him, and I'm hoping I will find the answers to that in the next book in the series.

If you like stories of assassins and romance then you'll more than likely like this.
  
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.

What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but it’s more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Mar 9, 2021  
On my blog today, I have great little deleted scene from the Christian historical romance novel DREAMS REKINDLED by Amanda Cabot. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win both books in the Mesquite Springs series, a bluebonnet ornament, and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/03/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-dreams.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
He's bound and determined to find peace . . . but she's about to stir things up.

Dorothy Clark dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers--until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.

Brandon Holloway has seen firsthand the disastrous effects of challenging others. He has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new--and completely uncontroversial--start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood.
     
Historical isn't one of my favorites when it comes to genre but this one had enough romance and mystery to keep me interested. The writing was intriquing and very well done. It made me feel as if I could see and feel what was happening to and with the characters. Stephen was a bit odd at first, I didn't know what to think of him but he made me laugh and smile. And then I fell in love with him and with Sybil. The secondary type characters also made me smile and feel good. Which is always fun because sometimes the other characters get put into the background and you don't feel them, but not in this story. I am so glad I got to review this one
  
PS
Prairie Song (Hearts Seeking Home, #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is really good. I loved it from the beginning. You will be reminded of a book from the other series that you may think that it connected to it. It was really intruding. You will learn how to deal with some really serious issues.

The issues are a various of different things. One person in this book can show how they deal with geif and it not all good. You get to experience some things going on Trail as well. I would recommend this book to any one that likes historical fiction, a bit of civil war era, romance.

Though I am not going to make you decide I will let you decide for yourself if you want to read it or not and rate for yourself.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

May 23, 2020  
Historical romance fans are in luck because I have the first part of the prologue from Camille Di Maio's latest book THE FIRST EMMA on my blog. Stop by, and check it out. Then enter the #GIVEAWAY to #win your own #signed copy of the book!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/05/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-first-emma.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
The First Emma is the true story of Emma Koehler. Whose tycoon husband Otto was killed in a crime-of-the-century murder by one of his two mistresses – both also named Emma – and her unlikely rise as CEO of a brewing empire during Prohibition. When a chance to tell her story to a young teetotaler arises, a tale unfolds of love, war, beer, and the power of women.
     
Of Love and Betrayal (Warriors In Love #2)
Of Love and Betrayal (Warriors In Love #2)
Louise Lyndon | 2015 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book of Louise's that I have read and she is definitely my go-to author for Historical Romance! Her stories are full of information, both fact and fiction, about what it was like to live in 'that' time period. With a cast of interesting characters and places, this book is sure to satisfy.

Of Love and Betrayal is the story of Aveline, on the run for killing a man. During the story, you find out that although she gave him a gruesome death, it was still far less than he deserved! The idea of being sold to pay off someone else's debts is simply diabolical, and yet it happened. Aveline is full of trauma and stress, not surprising considering what she's had to live through, but she still has a strong survival instinct and a sharp wit. As a heroine, she was wonderful, especially considering the restraints that Louise had to write within for that time.

Troy is our strong and silent hero, with a secret to hide, who is still willing to marry a stranger to keep her safe. I loved reading about him and his brothers and my heart ached for the breakdown in relationships between them, whilst still wondering what his secret could be. This deep, dark secret seemed so at odds with the person he was, and yet, once his secret was out, it was absolutely and utterly perfect for him.

With no spelling or grammatical errors that I noticed, this is another stunner from Louise Lyndon. Definitely recommended for all fans of Historical Romance!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 23, 2015