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Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Miss Purdys Class in Books
Jun 16, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2019)
Political themes meh.
Another Historical Romance which is my all time favourite thing to read. This is no exception and it ticks every box. A lovely read, gripping story and great writing.
A few downsides is that there is a relationship between Miss. Purdy and a student that seems to be more seasoned that explained in the book. This may be due to the fact that not until much later does the writing become Students point of view and therefore you don't actually know what is felt by them as the story progresses in the beginning. If and when you read it - i hope you see what I mean.
The love story isn't your typical one which is refreshing, I do always love a bit of change and this one is definitely one, it's absolutely heartbreaking though which in a critic point of view, is very well written and a good plotline.
The story has some real life issues from around that time included which was very political. As I am not politically inclined and I do most of my reading before bed, it was rather hard to keep interested when the characters went on page long rants about it. (Perhaps trying to read those parts during the day will help my poor mind keep up!!) The politics slowly takes over, but is quite essential to the story though unfortunately again for me, i found it hard to keep up.
All in all I'd say it is worth a read, although not my favourite Annie Murray book but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
A few downsides is that there is a relationship between Miss. Purdy and a student that seems to be more seasoned that explained in the book. This may be due to the fact that not until much later does the writing become Students point of view and therefore you don't actually know what is felt by them as the story progresses in the beginning. If and when you read it - i hope you see what I mean.
The love story isn't your typical one which is refreshing, I do always love a bit of change and this one is definitely one, it's absolutely heartbreaking though which in a critic point of view, is very well written and a good plotline.
The story has some real life issues from around that time included which was very political. As I am not politically inclined and I do most of my reading before bed, it was rather hard to keep interested when the characters went on page long rants about it. (Perhaps trying to read those parts during the day will help my poor mind keep up!!) The politics slowly takes over, but is quite essential to the story though unfortunately again for me, i found it hard to keep up.
All in all I'd say it is worth a read, although not my favourite Annie Murray book but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A beautiful setting and a heart touching tale of forgiveness and redemption. A very sweet story that had me falling in love with Gloucestershire and Beagle puppies! The Elusive Miss Ellison is Carolyn Miller's debut novel and I applaud her creativity and gift for story! The descriptions of the settings, homes, and gowns were so detailed that I can still see the images in my mind.
Miss Ellison and Lord Hawkesbury have so many challenges to overcome. In their personal lives as well as with their relationship with their families and each other. Learning to lay down their pride and lean on God for truth and guidance was a very encouraging thing to witness.
I did enjoy this story and I am very excited to continue the series. However, the flow of the story and some inconsistency in the characters had me confused on multiple occasions. Hence my rating. That being said, the words and language was elegant and soothing. I found it very fun to read terms used in Regency times that I had to look up. This aspect added an extra level of depth to the story. There are several acknowledgements to Pride & Prejudice, which is always a delight to find in books. I am eagerly looking forward to following the author's growth and progress in her books to come. If you enjoy Regency stories with romance and redemption, I suggest you give this one a try!
I received a complimentary copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Miss Ellison and Lord Hawkesbury have so many challenges to overcome. In their personal lives as well as with their relationship with their families and each other. Learning to lay down their pride and lean on God for truth and guidance was a very encouraging thing to witness.
I did enjoy this story and I am very excited to continue the series. However, the flow of the story and some inconsistency in the characters had me confused on multiple occasions. Hence my rating. That being said, the words and language was elegant and soothing. I found it very fun to read terms used in Regency times that I had to look up. This aspect added an extra level of depth to the story. There are several acknowledgements to Pride & Prejudice, which is always a delight to find in books. I am eagerly looking forward to following the author's growth and progress in her books to come. If you enjoy Regency stories with romance and redemption, I suggest you give this one a try!
I received a complimentary copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Texas Cowboy in Books
Jan 8, 2021
3.5 stars.
Once again I was attracted to the cover. Attractive guy. Cowboy hat. (I seem to like cowboys in stories, so I was sorted!)
The thing I feel I have to mention first is Laura. She is so annoying! She’s so reliant on image, it’s unbelievable. I wanted to smack her several times throughout the book.
Then I’ll mention Jack. That first meeting of eyes across the street, the wink and his words: “I’ve never been to England, but they say it’s real pretty. Welcome to Texas, Vicky. Give me a call sometime and I’ll show you the sights. I might even be able to show you a few things that your cousin doesn’t know about.” He gave he another broad wink and tipped his hat.” I liked him right then.
And as for Vicky. Good for her for wanting to go out with Jack, even while her cousin disapproves! As an English girl myself, I was cheering her on. Who doesn’t think about cowboys wanting to sweep you off your feet? Okay, probably not everyone but I like the idea.
The storyline seems to follow a series of unfortunate events between Jack and Vicky where they miss each others calls or see the other with someone else and jump to the wrong conclusions. When it all got resolved it was all very sweet and romantic.
It was a short read, just over 100 pages, but it was quite romantic when they finally got together and I liked it. If you’re looking for a short romance or a nice cowboy read then you should give this a try.
Once again I was attracted to the cover. Attractive guy. Cowboy hat. (I seem to like cowboys in stories, so I was sorted!)
The thing I feel I have to mention first is Laura. She is so annoying! She’s so reliant on image, it’s unbelievable. I wanted to smack her several times throughout the book.
Then I’ll mention Jack. That first meeting of eyes across the street, the wink and his words: “I’ve never been to England, but they say it’s real pretty. Welcome to Texas, Vicky. Give me a call sometime and I’ll show you the sights. I might even be able to show you a few things that your cousin doesn’t know about.” He gave he another broad wink and tipped his hat.” I liked him right then.
And as for Vicky. Good for her for wanting to go out with Jack, even while her cousin disapproves! As an English girl myself, I was cheering her on. Who doesn’t think about cowboys wanting to sweep you off your feet? Okay, probably not everyone but I like the idea.
The storyline seems to follow a series of unfortunate events between Jack and Vicky where they miss each others calls or see the other with someone else and jump to the wrong conclusions. When it all got resolved it was all very sweet and romantic.
It was a short read, just over 100 pages, but it was quite romantic when they finally got together and I liked it. If you’re looking for a short romance or a nice cowboy read then you should give this a try.
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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Duke of Manhattan in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
I haven't read any previous books in this series but each book is a stand alone.
So we're introduced to Ryder as he arrives home to see his grandfather after a fall in which he broke his hip. They discuss business and what's going to happen when his grandfather dies. The title and all business related to it will pass to the oldest married grandchild, and that isn't Ryder. To stop him from losing the business he loves he has to find a wife.
Welcome Scarlett to the scene. A woman he spent the night with after flying back out to America to attend to his business dealings across the pond. Only Scarlett runs a business he's trying to take over and is refusing to step down from a leading role. The perfect solution: get married and both get to keep the businesses they love.
Of course feelings emerge over time and what started off fake soon turns real. I actually enjoyed reading them fall for each other. It sort of bloomed over time out of all the sex and time they spent together. It was really kind of sweet. Of course, there's always something that happens that makes the couple part and I'm pleased to say that it was neither of their faults in this one! Nevertheless, they part ways for a while and Ryder's admission of his love and the things he did to try and win her back were really nice.
I'm actually looking forward to reading more books by this author if they're all like this.
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
I haven't read any previous books in this series but each book is a stand alone.
So we're introduced to Ryder as he arrives home to see his grandfather after a fall in which he broke his hip. They discuss business and what's going to happen when his grandfather dies. The title and all business related to it will pass to the oldest married grandchild, and that isn't Ryder. To stop him from losing the business he loves he has to find a wife.
Welcome Scarlett to the scene. A woman he spent the night with after flying back out to America to attend to his business dealings across the pond. Only Scarlett runs a business he's trying to take over and is refusing to step down from a leading role. The perfect solution: get married and both get to keep the businesses they love.
Of course feelings emerge over time and what started off fake soon turns real. I actually enjoyed reading them fall for each other. It sort of bloomed over time out of all the sex and time they spent together. It was really kind of sweet. Of course, there's always something that happens that makes the couple part and I'm pleased to say that it was neither of their faults in this one! Nevertheless, they part ways for a while and Ryder's admission of his love and the things he did to try and win her back were really nice.
I'm actually looking forward to reading more books by this author if they're all like this.
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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Catching Him in Books
Sep 3, 2019
So this is my first book by the author although I did buy another of her books a few weeks ago but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.
I did like this. I think I have a thing for Alpha males, and Tyler was definitely that. He was protective and knew what he wanted, and that was Leah. I also seem to have a thing for backwards baseball caps. I just grew to really like Tyler. He seems like the perfect guy and Leah probably couldn't ask for more.
The romance was cute, the whole they were a couple before they actually got together with all the meals and the touching. It was sweet to read how quickly it progressed and how believable it was.
As for the incidents that kept happening after they got together. Well, I figured out who it was after Bruce had his "taken to the compound" part and then I was just more sure after everything else. That characters just seemed like the type.
As I've mentioned previously, I like a bit of angst in my stories and this didn't really have any. I may have been rooting for the couple because of how cute together they were but I didn't get upset on their behalf when things were being set on fire/trashed. I like to get emotionally attached to characters and I will cry when they do, get angry for them/with them. I didn't get that with this.
I will be reading the other book I bought and I'll figure out from there whether this is an author I can really enjoy reading.
I did like this. I think I have a thing for Alpha males, and Tyler was definitely that. He was protective and knew what he wanted, and that was Leah. I also seem to have a thing for backwards baseball caps. I just grew to really like Tyler. He seems like the perfect guy and Leah probably couldn't ask for more.
The romance was cute, the whole they were a couple before they actually got together with all the meals and the touching. It was sweet to read how quickly it progressed and how believable it was.
As for the incidents that kept happening after they got together. Well, I figured out who it was after Bruce had his "taken to the compound" part and then I was just more sure after everything else. That characters just seemed like the type.
As I've mentioned previously, I like a bit of angst in my stories and this didn't really have any. I may have been rooting for the couple because of how cute together they were but I didn't get upset on their behalf when things were being set on fire/trashed. I like to get emotionally attached to characters and I will cry when they do, get angry for them/with them. I didn't get that with this.
I will be reading the other book I bought and I'll figure out from there whether this is an author I can really enjoy reading.
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The Krinar Experiment
Book
A Krinar Kindle World Story When Drako’s space pod malfunctions over Johannesburg, his secret...
Science_Fiction Romance
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Merissa (12330 KP) rated Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
Brett is the fourth book in the Bad Boys After Dark series, but you can read it as a standalone (as I did), and you won't get lost. The other brothers play a big part in Brett's story, but not enough that you are lost with who is with whom. Brett and Sophie have known each other for a while, as Sophie works for Brett's brother. Since a wedding they both attended, Brett can't get her out of his mind. He is worried though, as he knows Sophie is not looking for just one night, but a long-term relationship. Due to circumstances in his past, Brett is slightly phobic about commitment but decides he needs to take a chance with Sophie.
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
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Merissa (12330 KP) rated A Little Christmas! Matty's Secret in Books
Dec 12, 2023
MATTY'S SECRET is part of the multi-author A Little Christmas: Season 2 series. We have met Matty before as he is Gaines' best friend. It's finally time for him to get his own Daddy. The romance between Matty and Weston was so smooth, it was divine. The pitfalls that happen aren't anything to do with them, but with Matty's ex, a thoroughly loathsome toad by the name of Putrid Peter. Trust me, it fits!
I absolutely adored how we got Matty and Weston's story, while also catching up with Warner and Terrance, and Austin and Gaines. There were other names I'm not familiar with, so I'll be on the lookout for those, but I'm REALLY hoping Arlo and Lewis are somewhere on JP Sayle's list of books to write. 😍
Another thing I loved was how Matty loves his foxes, and they were incorporated into everyday life for him by Weston. I loved Mr Tod and those plates were a magic touch.
I stopped reading for a minute in a couple of places, usually when the exercises were being described. This was nothing to do with the author and everything to do with me having aphantasia. I simply had no idea what they were doing! LOL It sounded good though.
A sweet, cheeky, sweaty, and heartstopping story full of goodness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Dec 7, 2023
I absolutely adored how we got Matty and Weston's story, while also catching up with Warner and Terrance, and Austin and Gaines. There were other names I'm not familiar with, so I'll be on the lookout for those, but I'm REALLY hoping Arlo and Lewis are somewhere on JP Sayle's list of books to write. 😍
Another thing I loved was how Matty loves his foxes, and they were incorporated into everyday life for him by Weston. I loved Mr Tod and those plates were a magic touch.
I stopped reading for a minute in a couple of places, usually when the exercises were being described. This was nothing to do with the author and everything to do with me having aphantasia. I simply had no idea what they were doing! LOL It sounded good though.
A sweet, cheeky, sweaty, and heartstopping story full of goodness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Dec 7, 2023
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Merissa (12330 KP) rated This is Not a Horror Movie in Books
Jun 4, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
THIS IS NOT A HORROR MOVIE is a gorgeous story of first love and scary happenings.
Emory is a late bloomer and happy to hide behind horror movies and books so he doesn't have to socialise. He has been in the snarky shadow of his twin sister for a long time and doesn't understand the looks he's now getting. Liz helps to put him on the right track, much to his disgust at the thought of girls wanting to make out with him! Enter Connor, the crush Emory had and shows no signs of dissipating.
This was a great story, full of sibling snark, and romance with the boy of his dreams. Luckily for Emory, Connor feels the same way, and seeing these two grow and develop their feelings was a warm and fuzzy moment for me. Connor is very protective, and with good reason, as Emory doesn't appear to realise just when he's in danger. I loved the supernatural element to the story, although the realtor wasn't much of a surprise! I'm also happy about Leland!!! I was worried about him.
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the sweet times with Connor and Emory, the promise of the future, and the amazing supporting cast that helped them. A great addition to the Sara Dobie Bauer collection, and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 4, 2021
Emory is a late bloomer and happy to hide behind horror movies and books so he doesn't have to socialise. He has been in the snarky shadow of his twin sister for a long time and doesn't understand the looks he's now getting. Liz helps to put him on the right track, much to his disgust at the thought of girls wanting to make out with him! Enter Connor, the crush Emory had and shows no signs of dissipating.
This was a great story, full of sibling snark, and romance with the boy of his dreams. Luckily for Emory, Connor feels the same way, and seeing these two grow and develop their feelings was a warm and fuzzy moment for me. Connor is very protective, and with good reason, as Emory doesn't appear to realise just when he's in danger. I loved the supernatural element to the story, although the realtor wasn't much of a surprise! I'm also happy about Leland!!! I was worried about him.
I enjoyed the pacing of this story, the sweet times with Connor and Emory, the promise of the future, and the amazing supporting cast that helped them. A great addition to the Sara Dobie Bauer collection, and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 4, 2021
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1) in Books
Aug 13, 2023
109 of 235
Kindle
Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1)
By Aimee Robinson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.
Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.
Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands him in a hospital bed, the last thing he’s prepared for is the beautiful, mysterious woman who barges into his room and demands help—or the long-dead feelings she stirs inside him.
As Sarah tries to unravel clues about her family’s history, her attraction toward the sexy Army veteran only grows. But her time in the past is growing short, and when an old wartime enemy of Jacob’s sets his sights on the blond beauty, Jacob will stop at nothing to keep her safe...even if it means losing her for good.
This was so freaking sweet just truly a lovely read I’m not one for big romance books but this had that time travelling edge. Oh I just fell in love with Jacob I want a Jacob!! Don’t think my hubby would be impressed though 😂. Definitely worth giving a go if you want that feel good happy ending.
Kindle
Charmed by the Past ( Spirits through time 1)
By Aimee Robinson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She’s researching her family’s genealogy, but she never expected to become history herself.
Sarah Johansson is planning a family reunion when a photo of a little-known relative sparks her curiosity. A closer look at the post-World War I image causes her to tumble back in time to 1919 and into the hospital room of a brooding, wounded infantry corporal.
Jacob Bellamy is done with war and everything it involves. After risking his life in the trenches, he hopes to finally find peace by retiring to his family’s farm. But when the war’s toll strikes too close to home and lands him in a hospital bed, the last thing he’s prepared for is the beautiful, mysterious woman who barges into his room and demands help—or the long-dead feelings she stirs inside him.
As Sarah tries to unravel clues about her family’s history, her attraction toward the sexy Army veteran only grows. But her time in the past is growing short, and when an old wartime enemy of Jacob’s sets his sights on the blond beauty, Jacob will stop at nothing to keep her safe...even if it means losing her for good.
This was so freaking sweet just truly a lovely read I’m not one for big romance books but this had that time travelling edge. Oh I just fell in love with Jacob I want a Jacob!! Don’t think my hubby would be impressed though 😂. Definitely worth giving a go if you want that feel good happy ending.