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Cerise DeLandRecensioni

Autore di Until the Dawn

80+ opere 241 membri 34 recensioni

Recensioni

Have tissues handy for this lovely Regency romance collection set around the Harvest Festival in Reabridge, Cheshire, England in 1815 which varies from family-friendly to NC17, so parental guidance is advised.

MOONLIGHT WISHES AND MIDNIGHT KISSES by Collette Cameron: Have a tissue handy the afternoon it will take for this family-friendly Regency wounded warrior tale.

THE MORNING LIGHT by Caroline Warfield: Allow about two hours for this PG tale of a war-wounded doctor, his deserted daughter, and the midwife who sought a cure.

A HARVEST BLESSING by Rue Allyn: Allow two and a half hours for this PG15 romance between refugee Charite Estelle Benetia Marmont du Pessac and retired Captain Thomas Paul Owen.

COMING HOME by Mary Lancaster: Have a tissue handy for this two-and-a-half-hour romp as 24-year-old Lady Lorna Gaveston, assisted by Captain David Buckley, evades gazetted fortune hunter Edgar Winthorpe.

UNDER THE CHAMPAGNE MOON by Alina K. Field: Allow an afternoon for this PG15 tale of orphaned refugee Fleur Hardouin.

THE QUIET HEART by Elizabeth Ellen Carter: Allow an afternoon for the PG15 tale of widow Veronica Petersham who has come to fulfill the dying request of one of her soldier patients.

A LOVE BEYOND TIME by Sherry Ewing: Allow three hours for this PG15 second chance romance.

THE WIDOW'S HARVEST HOPE by Cerise DeLand: Allow two hours for this NC17 second chance with the resolution of a mystery.

LOVE IN ITS SEASON by Jude Knight: Allow about two hours for this PG15 romance between 24-year-old farrier Gwenillan Hughes and 35-year-old veteran Captain Jack Wrath.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
 
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Quakerwidow | Oct 13, 2023 |
The Lyon’s Perfect Mate by Cerise DeLand
The Lyon’s Den Series

Mrs. Dove-Lyon does it again…she impresses me with her matchmaking acumen and the results are once again…perfection!

What I liked:
* Mrs. Dove-Lyon: Intriguing woman in disguise, manipulative, cunning, wise, and rather wonderful. I would LOVE to know her backstory
* Priscilla Catherine Taunton: survivor, difficult childhood, finally comes into her own after inheriting and setting things right, suffers from PTSD whether she knows it or not, even tempered, wise, giving, wealthy, and someone I would love to have as a friend
* Valerian Sanders Anderleigh, Viscount Mannington de Broke: came into title unexpectedly, Captain and fighting for 8 years, spent time away from home, returns to empty coffers and everything in disarray with hopes to put all right again
* The way Cilla dealt with her last stepmother…loved that!
* Val’s wisdom when it came to pleasing women even though his pride led to some difficult times for him
* The courtship honeymoon shared by Cilla and Val
* The communication between Val and Cilla
* Cilla’s ability to tame Val’s temper…usually
* The way Val’s family was “handled” in a wise and positive manner
* Evers: an extraordinary butler ;)
* All of it really…left me feeling good at the end of the story

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what Cilla experienced growing up and what Val saw at war

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars
 
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CathyGeha | 1 altra recensione | Sep 10, 2023 |
I enjoyed this story of how two strong-willed people learned that a little compromise can open a world of unexpected love. The story begins with a prologue introducing Priscilla. After a miserable childhood where two stepmothers physically and emotionally abused her, Cilla has reached the age where she has complete control of her inheritance from her father. After learning a little about what she'd been through, I loved seeing her take control of her life. She has big plans for changing her future.

Six years later, we are introduced to Val, Viscount Mannington de Broke, home from the war and newly come into the title. His late father and now deceased older brother beggared the estate with their spendthrift ways, his stepmother and her two daughters continue to do so, and his younger brother, Tom, not only burned through his yearly allowance by March, he also lost a considerable amount of money gambling at the Lyon's Den. Val is furious to learn that young Tom is expected to marry Mrs. Dove-Lyon's choice of a woman to clear his debt. As a man protective of his family and family name, Val rushes off to confront Mrs. Dove-Lyon and ends up as the bridegroom-to-be. His reaction to the identity of his bride-to-be was telling - he remembered her as a child and resolved to help her change and blossom.

The initial meeting between Val and Cilla did not go as either expected. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between them as each jockeyed for their requirements. I liked their honesty with each other and the sense of humor that was also evident. Both traits bode well for their marriage.

One of the things I liked about Val is his sensitivity to Cilla and what she's been through. His respect for her is evident in how he treats her. He has the patience to wait for her to get to know him rather than pushing for everything at once. His main failing is pride, which makes it difficult for him to accept more than the bare minimum of the funds she makes available. Cilla likes, admires, and respects Val, but her insecurities make it difficult for her to believe he would be interested in anything more than their initial agreement. I liked their time together for their honeymoon as they got to know each other. Their attraction was evident, and the passion they shared brought them closer.

But their marriage has its growing pains. Cilla's desire to help her new family runs up against Val's pride and drives a wedge between them. Each must decide if their marriage is worth fighting for and if they can find a way to meet in the middle. I liked the self-reflection that showed neither was blameless in their difficulties and that if they wanted that elusive happiness, each must make some changes. I liked the ending, especially catching up with them a few years later.

The secondary characters added extra depth to the complications of their marriage. As usual, though unconventional, Mrs. Dove-Lyon's talent for making matches remains unchallenged. I liked the firmness she used in her dealings with Val. The brief appearance of Cilla's second stepmother at the beginning of the book gives a brief glimpse of Cilla's treatment at her hands. Val's younger brother, Tom, is young and foolish, which is exactly what Mrs. Dove-Lyons needed to accomplish her plan. Cilla's influence on Val helped him handle Tom with more patience and understanding. Val's stepmother and stepsisters could have been a thorn in everyone's sides, but Cilla's experience enabled her to be the bridge between them and Val. I liked the secondary story involving Natalia.

#netgalley
 
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scoutmomskf | 1 altra recensione | Aug 30, 2023 |
Laurel Devereaux and Hadley Sherbourne, Viscount Grey were in love and engaged to be married when his manipulative father promised him in marriage to a girl in his home village. He broke off the engagement with Laurel and went home to deal with his father and his proposed marriage. Unable to break the agreement, he had to wait for their fathers to pass, so the contract would be void and the young woman was able to marry her love and he could return to Laurel. Laurel was devastated and miserable for two years before Hadley arrived back in her life, determined to win her back and her forgiveness.

This was a simple second chance romance with just the right amount of angst to keep it real, but not painful. I enjoyed Laurel; she made no excuses for the way she still felt about Hadley and his ability to win her back. Hadley was determined and persistent in his pursuit. I did think that some of the more intimate scenes were a little hokey, but I was able to look past them for the most part.

Historical Romance, Regency Era, Country Life, Season/Marriage Mart, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Groveling Hero, Titled Hero, Experienced Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Runaway/Jilted Heroine, Second Chance Romance, Three Star, Two Flame
 
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Silcottfamily | Mar 27, 2023 |
Addy and Gyles’ story was more enjoyable for me than Imogen and Lex. There were several opportunities for increased drama and I was disappointed to not get them…I won’t spoil the story with details, but a few side plots could have been built up more. Also, it took me a bit to get used to the idea that most of Addys story was occurring right along side Imogene’s. So there was definite overlap of scenes, but it was interesting to see how they were interwoven.

The Heroine
Addy is a beautiful, petite Diamond of Society, but she desperately wants to be seen for more than her beauty. She smart and interested in alchemy, mixing medicine. She is instantly drawn to Gayle’s and is wooed by his pure attraction to her and his appreciation of her thoughts and talents. She can be very sweet, docile, and polite, but, as several gentleman found out, also very honest and straightforward!

The Hero
Gyles was imprisoned in Paris for many years in his youth and vowed to live life to the fullest when he escaped! But once he sets on eyes on Addy, he is smitten! He has headaches from his time in captivity and Addy helps him. He also harbors some ill-will towards his dad for not paying the ransom to release him and for his horrible management of his estates. For all that Gyles has to deal with, remarkably, he takes it in stride. He knows he loves Addy and will stop at nothing, including defy his parents wishes, to have her!

The Steam
Even if I didn’t fully fall for the installed, the steam was definitely there between the two. They had great dirty banter and the few scenes were steamy!,

Tropes
Georgian Era, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Rake Hero, Titled Hero, Virgin Heroine, Instant Attraction, Kidnapped,
 
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Silcottfamily | Mar 27, 2023 |
** Overall Rating is 4.3 **

“When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.”

I believe this is the longest review I have ever written – simply because it covers 8 novellas. I will say one thing that relates to all of the stories I read in this book – they are all remarkably well filled out and that is a difficult thing to do in so few pages.

An Improbable Hero by Mary Lancaster – 4.5 STARS

This is the first time I’ve read Mary Lancaster’s work, and I’m so glad to have given it a try. The writing is excellent and I felt I really connected with the characters. That connection is something that is really hard for an author to do with such a short word count. I will definitely look for more of her books.

Simon Jarvis and Letty Lovell are an unlikely pair. Letty is young and innocent – and running away from an abusive guardian who is trying to force her into a marriage she doesn’t want. Simon is seasoned and jaded with a soul as black as the night. Yet, they are drawn together and Simon can’t do anything other than save her when her guardian shows up – and in the company of a Frenchman no less. Not a good thing while England isn’t through with Napoleon yet.

Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon – Cerise Deland – 4.5 STARS

I absolutely adored this wonderful love story between Josephine Meadows and Russell Downey, the sixth Earl of Stanton. They are absolutely made for each other even though he’s an aristocrat and she’s the daughter of a very rich merchant. Even with that disparity, they both work together for the good of England against Napoleon. She has a huge network of informants throughout Europe thanks to their business ventures and he is responsible for assuring the supply chain of men and materials for the war effort. They’ve worked together for years – each has loved the other for years, but neither would ever let the other know. This delightful tale is about their wedding – and the adventures of their non-honeymoon while they try to save one of Josephine’s informants.

The Tender Flood – Caroline Warfield – 4.5 STARS

This is a lovely tale of two lonely people who don’t realize how lonely they are until they see what is missing in their lives. Zachary (Zach) Newell was invalided out of the army when he lost his leg. Now, he acts as a coachman for his uncle’s coaching company. He has dreams for his life and his current position allows him to save toward making that dream a reality. He is a really good man – kind, caring, and honorable. His biggest love is books – he loves having them, reading them, sharing them, discussing them. Patience Abney is the daughter of an impoverished vicar – and the granddaughter and cousin of an Earl. Therein lies the rub – at least as far as Zach is concerned. He well learned his ‘place’ while he was in the army and he knows Patience is far beyond his reach. However, he’ll do all he can to help her and her students while they are stranded at the inn during this raging storm. All he has to do is keep his hands off her and remember she is by far his better. We all know how well that is going to work out for him, don’t we? Their journey to their HEA was a lovely thing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Before I Found You – Sherry Ewing – 3.5 STARS

Captain Jasper Rousseau is wealthy, handsome, confident, honorable, untitled, and not in any particular hurry to marry – even though his mother is constantly urging him to do so. His shipping business is flourishing – especially with the purchase of their new ship, the Legacy. To appease his mother, he is attending a Valentine’s Day ball and he’s not happy about it – until he sees – across the room …

Miranda de Courtenay is simply a ‘Miss’ and she doesn’t like that one bit. She wants a title above all else and the way to get one is to marry one. She is bold and independent and that usually keeps her in trouble of one sort or another, so her suitors aren’t exactly lining up at her door. When she meets a handsome, intriguing man at the Valentine’s Day ball, her hopes soar. Can this man be her ‘title’ and be attractive too?

Once Miranda discovers Jasper has no title, she immediately, sadly, tells him they have no future. He is very disappointed in her but assumes he’ll never see her again. Besides, he has a saboteur to deal with – someone keeps damaging his new ship. He’s sure it is his longtime enemy, Hugo Danville, but has no proof.

It is interesting to see Miranda come to terms with her jealousy over her siblings having titles while she doesn’t. I never came to care much for Miranda, but it was nice to see her learn that the heart wants what the heart wants.

This was another new-to-me author.

The Comtesse of Midnight – Alina K. Field – 3.0 Stars

Malcolm Comyn, Earl of Menteith, is frantically searching for … himself. A cousin is challenging his right to be the earl and Malcolm has to find the proof – one way or the other. He has to find the Comtesse de Fontenay because she will have the answers he needs. On his way to find her, he gets waylaid by an awful storm – and ends up rescuing a woman. Except the woman, dressed as a man, doesn’t welcome his ‘rescue’. But, OMGoodness – she is a beautiful sight.

Marielle Plessiers is the Comtesse de Fontenay, but not the one for whom Malcolm is looking. She knows of Malcolm and his story, and she’ll have to share what she knows with him. But, can she trust him? He knows she is a smuggler. She also knows she has to trust him and hopefully he can help her with the man who keeps turning up to threaten her.

This story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied because it didn’t feel finished. In the author’s notes at the end, the author tells us that we can find the answers if we read another book she has written. That is all well and good if I wanted to read another book – but – it doesn’t do a thing for making this story feel finished to me. This is another new-to-me author.

Wait For Me – Rue Allyn – 4.7 STARS

Irish Red/Eugenia/Miss Fynlock/Esme (a lady of many names) has been a privateer all of her life and the English would love to get a rope around her lovely neck. Although she was legally acting as a privateer for the Americans, the English wanted her as a pirate. Now, here she is, on English soil, on a personal mission. The trouble is, there has been a horrendous storm and she’s finding it almost impossible to get to the small seaside village of Fenwick On Sea to complete that mission. It seems she’s been slogging through the mud for days when she trips over a lump of some sort that is lying in her path. When she stoops down to do a closer examination of that lump, it turns out it is a British naval officer with whom she has a history. She knows he’d like nothing better than to get her under lock and key – but she cannot leave him out in this weather to die.

Brandon Gilroy is on a mission for the crown. A shipment of munitions, meant for the English troops fighting against the French, has gone missing and it is Brandon’s job to find it, get it to the right place, and see that the culprits are caught. When he is rescued by a pirate who could certainly be involved in the plot, he can hardly believe it because he thought she had more honor than that. Then, at the inn, he discovers even more possible culprits. How will he manage to get the information he needs to find who has the munitions?

Even though this is my favorite of the stories, it is also the one that left me with so many unanswered questions. I loved the characters – and I know they had a HEA – but I have no clue how they got there. The author’s notes said I could read an as yet unwritten book to find out the answers. That did not please me.

A Dream Come True – Jude Knight – 4.7 Stars

OH! This was the sweetest, loveliest story. I loved ALL of the characters. I loved that the village busybody/bully got her comeuppance – but I wish it had been more. I absolutely adore Daniel and the way both Barnaby and Theo deal with him. BTW – this was another new-to-me author.

Barnaby Somerville was just called to be a vicar. He loves it and can’t imagine his life doing anything else. He also loves the small seaside village in which he serves as curate for his father. The people, for the most part, are wonderful giving souls who care about each other. The exception is Mrs. Fullerton who is the self-appointed morality police of the parish. At the moment, her focus is on Barnaby’s wards, particularly his nephew Daniel who happens to be part black. According to Mrs. Fullerton, Daniel is an abomination and should be removed from the village and sent off to an orphanage so he doesn’t taint the residents. Unfortunately, Barnaby’s father feels the same way and will surely remove Barnaby from being the vicar when he learns Barnaby has taken in his deceased, disowned sister’s children. Barnaby’s income is small – very small – and he can barely stretch it to cover his own living expenses much less the addition of the two children. However, he'll do whatever it takes to keep them.

Barnaby has a small amount of skill as a healer and is quickly called upon to treat all of the injured travelers who are washing ashore from all of the raging storm wrecked ships. Although she isn’t injured, one of those rescued from a ship is Theodora (Theo) Conroy. Theo is a lovely, quiet young woman who is the lady’s maid to Lady Felicity who is also rescued. While Theo wasn’t injured from the shipwreck, she is quite ill because of travel sickness – she doesn’t just suffer from seasickness – it is any travel that sickens her. So, when she is brought off the ship, she is really quite ill. She’s also quite intrigued by the handsome, competent, caring vicar who is giving excellent care to her and all of the other passengers.

I enjoyed watching quiet, unpretentious, unassuming Theo come into her own and vociferously defend both Daniel and Barnaby. I also enjoyed watching them grow to love each other – even knowing their hearts would be broken when Theo had to leave with her mistress. It is a lovely, lovely, heartwarming read and I am sure you’ll enjoy this story.

A Kiss By The Sea – Grace Burrowes – 5 STARS

There are some really good stories in here, but this was my absolute favorite. I love the characters and felt I could fully relate to them and their situations The descriptions of village life were absolutely delightful and made me want to live in just such a place.

The Fenwick on Sea blacksmith is so much more than that, but he doesn’t want anyone to know how much more. So, Thaddeus Pennrith uses the name Thad Penn with all of his friends and neighbors there. He’s handsome, well mannered, intelligent, caring, and has an elegance about him that few have ever seen before. He’s been there for five years now and knows he’ll soon have to give it up and leave, but he is dreading that day when he has to return to his real life and responsibilities.

Lady Sarah Weatherby has finally screwed up her courage and fled a n’er do well betrothed and a manipulative, dishonest uncle. Were it not for a horrendous storm, she’d have reached her aunt’s home already. Instead, she is stranded in a seaside village with blocked roads and a coach in need of repair. Sarah is traveling incognito in hopes of preventing a scandal and to keep her uncle from finding her and taking her back to London. In this small village, she sees a life she’d never known existed. The people have real conversations, they actually like and have affection for each other, they are all productive and useful, they are all just kind, caring individuals. Sarah comes to admire them and to learn a lot more about herself as a person. And – that fine blacksmith is certainly worth admiring.

It was a delight to see Thad bolster Sarah’s self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. As they came to know each other and love each other, each of them was fearful that the other might not want them if their true identities were exposed. In the end, the family confrontations only make them stronger together and makes their love burn brighter. I definitely enjoyed this read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
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BarbaraRogers | Mar 26, 2021 |
This was a delightfully fun and entertaining read. The characters were an absolute delight, the romance was sweet, the story was excellently written and well-paced, and the humor was boundless. It was just the lighthearted kind of read you’d want in these troubling times. I mean – just look at the title – that should tell you it is entertaining.

Miss Esme Harvey’s father is rich as Croesus and as his only child, she’s quite the heiress. Her family is a close loving one and she’s never wanted for anything. (It was really nice to see a loving, supportive family). She wanted Giles Wilfred Charles Beauchamp, the Marquess of Northington – and he wanted her just as desperately – so all was good there – right?

You see, Giles has a habit of disappearing – with no explanation. He proposed – and disappeared. Now, it is time for the wedding and – he’s disappeared again, but he’s on his way – but he’s late. Esme has to wonder – why does he disappear? Doesn’t he really love her? She thinks she knows what he’s up to, but – well – she’s not sure.

Giles doesn’t have the kind of family Esme does. His father, the Duke of Brentford, is a profligate, womanizing, gambling, wastrel who cares nothing for anyone except himself. Giles has spent his entire life trying to distance himself from his father – to maintain a spotless reputation. Luckily, he has wealth in his own right – but his father is constantly hitting him up for money. Sometimes Giles gives it to him – and sometimes he doesn’t. However – this time – he wants a LOT – and won’t sign the marriage contract until Giles agrees to his demands. Oh! My!

When Esme learns about Giles's father, she determines to ‘save’ him and protect her father’s money at the same time. The adventure begins! Esme is a hoot – she can ride and shoot and generally take care of herself and when she pulls a gun on poor Giles and leaves him totally naked, in a room at an Inn, his chagrin is complete. He has to get her back! Can he?

This short, fun read will leave you chuckling and shaking your head. You’ll love the delightful characters and will enjoy meeting them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
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BarbaraRogers | Aug 20, 2020 |
Have you ever had a fantasy about a hot neighbor? This is a good novella about a city girl from Jersey and a small town Texas sheriff. There is yearning, romance and even a little suspense.
 
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Carole0220 | 1 altra recensione | Mar 23, 2020 |
HER BEGUILING BUTLER is the first book in Cerise Deland's new Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent series. I received this book as an advanced reader's copy for and honest review. And I am honestly delighted at how much I enjoyed reading it. It is reminiscent of classic historical romance literature without being overly cliche. Lady Ranford is a young widow who just wants to get through mourning the man her father arranged for her to marry so she can live out her days on her terms. Unfortunately since the death of her husband, Lord Ranford, her staff seems to end up missing or dead. And the new butler, with whom Lady Ranford finds beguiling and bewildering, is asking a lot of questions while at the same time withholding secrets of his own. In this first book in the series, the reader will find plenty of romance, mystery, and intrigue to keep them turning to the next page. And Ms Deland does a good job of setting the reader up for the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to the next Delightful Doing in Dudley Crescent.
 
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Carole0220 | Mar 23, 2020 |
This book had one of the most delightful heroes (Baldwin Summers, Earl of Cartwell) I’ve read in a very long time. He had a very poor childhood, cruel parents and a wastrel for an older brother. Did he do the woe-is-me routine? NO! Did he become the biggest rake in the ton? NO! Did he run off to war thinking he’d just die there? NO! Does he have low self-esteem and let others run over him because he feels inadequate? NO! He is a wonderfully well-rounded, caring, loving, self-confident man. He deals wonderfully with his termagant of a mother and he is honest and honorable. You just don’t get much better than that. For me, he is what made the book enjoyable. By the way – contrary to the book blurb – I didn’t find him bemused at all.

Baldwin has the nickname Win because that is what he does. He is a hero extraordinaire from the Napoleonic wars – a brilliant leader and superb tactician who cared for his men and treated them well. When Win’s best friend and former fellow soldier dies, he leaves Win as guardian to his 8-year old daughter and her dog and monkey. She’s a delight and Win quickly comes to care for her and fully plans to do his best by her and her pets. First thing on the agenda is to find a governess – but – he’s been through so many interviews and just can’t find that perfect one. Most of them run out of the room screaming when they meet the monkey. Then, his friend’s wife recommends someone and Win agrees to interview her – he doesn’t hold out much hope, but he’ll give it a try. Poor Win is in total shock and disbelief when he walks into his parlor for the interview and there is an absolute angel in pink standing before him. ** I loved the scene when Win first interviews Isabelle – it is so cute **

Miss Isabelle Swanson’s life was one of pampered luxury until an unscrupulous steward took advantage of her grandfather’s dementia. She fully intends to recover everything, but she needs money to do it, so she applies for a governess position. She’s delighted to meet the child who will be her charge and the animals who give her comfort.

I really liked Isabelle, but I did have trouble identifying with her plight. I could see absolutely no reason for her to feel she had to do the task alone. She would have lost her home and everything in it before she would have asked for help from people with far more knowledge and resources than she had. She was portrayed as a very intelligent and sensible person and that part of her actions just didn’t fall into the intelligent or sensible bucket.

I enjoyed the read and the characters were delightful. I particularly liked Shrew, the butler, and Daphne, Win’s ward.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 
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BarbaraRogers | Jun 3, 2019 |
Sophia is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is willing to risk it all because the reward far outweighs the cost for her. A courageous woman but a dangerous way to live. Masquerade with a Marquess explores a time in history that was uncertain through the eyes of a woman that feeds off her convictions, strength and the injustice of that era. That Ms. DeLand managed to get a love story that spans distance, poverty and the unknown circumstances made this story an intriguing journey.
 
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Lashea677 | 1 altra recensione | Feb 16, 2019 |
The Regency Romp series is naughtiness with a dollop of mystery. The women are fearless, the men are scandalous and the revelations are explosive.


Lady Varney’s Risqué Business, Book 1 - A secret love affair, a yearning heart and a wicked proposition set the stage for lovers to grab hold of a second chance. Ever the dutiful daughter Kitty walked away from her one great love and into her darkest nightmare. Justin gambled with his heart and came up empty handed. When an act of desperation brings Justin and Kitty face to face, will they grab hold of their second chance?


Rendezvous with a Duke, Book 2 - A family name shrouded in scandal. A forbidden love destined for heartache and a spirited hellion determined to make all her dreams come true.


Masquerade with a Marquess, Book 3 - Sophia is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is willing to risk it all because the reward far outweighs the cost for her. A courageous woman but a dangerous way to live. Masquerade with a Marquess explores a time in history that was uncertain through the eyes of a woman that feeds off her convictions, strength and the injustice of that era. That Ms. DeLand managed to get a love story that spans distance, poverty and the unknown circumstances made this story an intriguing journey.
 
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Lashea677 | 1 altra recensione | Feb 16, 2019 |
Viv has had her, heart broken, her world torn apart and all the pity she can stand. She's ready to live again. Have some fun. Get her groove back. Britt wants a woman that sees the man, not the job. He's looking for forever, not a one night stand. Sexy, feisty and fun loving Viv fits the bill. Will she be willing to put her heart on the line when it nearly broke her before? Ms. DeLand, packs all the turbulence of love into a sometimes over the top, but no less captivating, courageous and sizzling story of risky business.
 
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Lashea677 | 1 altra recensione | Feb 16, 2019 |
There are three central characters to this knock your socks off love affair. Andre and Marianne would be nothing without the larger than life passion that puts them in each others arms. She's the widowed American with a heartbreaking past in search of her own independence. He's the notoriously sexy and stubbornly determined nobleman that speaks to a hunger in her soul. When lust turns to love, who will hold the winning hand? With a mysterious sensuality sets the hormones on fire and brings a heart to it's knees with Daring Widow.
 
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Lashea677 | Feb 16, 2019 |
The anatomy of an unforgettable story is to delight readers. Deland does so by imagineering women of strength, men of courage and hours of romance. Sweet Siren gives a second chance to a heartbroken father and a determined widow. Olivia is a firecracker. Outspoken, opinionated and obnoxious but always true to herself. Killian is everything she despises in a man. Rude, ruthless and frustratingly tempting. So why won't her head, listen to heart? Deland can can enchant a heart with her brand of wit. From her adorable characters, to her humorous dialogue and heartwarming storylines, she raises the bar higher with every sexy tale she writes.
 
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Lashea677 | Feb 16, 2019 |
I love it when a writer is not afraid to shake up the canvas with an unconventional character. Ada is that oddity. She speaks her mind, follows her heart and risks everything for what she believes in. She can't and won't be tamed. It's only fitting that this courageous heroine meets her match in an equally strong adventurer like Victor. He's fought his own battles to become a survivor, but his greatest fight could be to win the heart of a firecracker like Ada Hanniford. Scandalous Heiress steamrolls it's way into hearts with a love affair unlike any other.
 
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Lashea677 | Feb 16, 2019 |
This is a lovely, very romantic read. It is well-written and the characters are fun, three-dimensional, well-developed and very likable. The first novella in the series set up the stories for all three Craymore sisters and the war heroes who love them.

The Craymore sisters, Bee (Belinda), Del (Delphine) and Marjorie are living with their aunt, Countess Marsden because their father and brother died within weeks of each other and left them at the mercy of an avaricious cousin. He put them out and didn’t even let them keep a memento of their mother. They love their aunt and appreciate the largess of her and her step-son Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden. However, they don’t like accepting charity and each of them is actively looking for a way to support themselves. Marjorie and Griff’s romance was featured in the last book and this one features Del and Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley.

Neville received a letter from his aunt Penelope (Penn) saying that her good friend, Gertrude, Countess Marsden, is having a Christmas house party with the express purpose of marrying off her three nieces. Neville met and fell in love with Del a couple of years prior. He proposed and she accepted. That same night, his nasty piece-of-work father appeared and announced Neville’s betrothal to another woman. Neville refused, but his father had the means to force him into the marriage. Needless to say, Neville and Del’s parting was not a pleasant one. Now, Neville’s father is dead as is his wife, and he’ll do whatever is necessary to make amends and win Del’s hand in marriage. Neville begs for a three-week leave from his post in war-torn France and seeks out the Earl of Marsden at Wellington’s headquarters in Paris. He asks Marsden for an invitation to the house party and tells him why it is so important to him.

Del was shocked and dismayed when the crowd parted on the first day of her aunt’s house party and she saw the man who broke her heart. She’s never forgotten nor forgiven him. He’d proposed to her and crushed her heart all in the space of a few short hours. She is still angry, but she can’t be rude at her aunt’s party – besides – she’s a sweet and kind young woman and he’s a wounded war hero. He comes straight to her and the wooing begins. She’s distrustful, but she still cares.

It was lovely to watch Neville woo Del. I think we’d all like to have our loves woo us that way. He’s sweet and thoughtful and caring and slowly wears her down. I loved watching their story unfold. Now, I can hardly wait to see Bee and Alastair’s love story.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
 
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BarbaraRogers | Oct 31, 2018 |
This was a nicely written novella featuring three couples and three HEA’s. What more could you ask for? They had all been friends since childhood and they had all been in love about that long as well. The ladies are sisters and the men are returning war heroes. The main featured pair is Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden and Marjorie Craymore. The secondary couples are Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley with Delphine (Del) Craymore and Alastair Demerest, newly ascended to a dukedom, and Belinda (Bee) Craymore.

As the three men head out together to attend Griff’s step-mothers Christmas house party in Brighton, two of them know that the reason they are going is to secure the women they have loved forever. Both of them were severely injured in the war and they value life and want to settle down. Griff knows he is looking forward to seeing Marjorie, she’s been with him in his heart and mind through all of his battles, but he doesn’t know he’s in love with her. Making that discovery is a bit of a shock to his system.

The Craymore sisters are all beautiful, sweet, caring, prideful and they are seeking atonement for their family as well as revenge. Their father, a Viscount gambled away the family fortune and even their dowry’s before he died. Then, their brother George died in the war and a cruel, uncaring relative took over what little remained of the Viscountancy. At that point, their aunt (Griff’s step-mother) took them in. Although she was loving and generous with them, they each felt they were taking charity and it grated on them. Each sister wanted to do her part to either gain revenge (Marjorie) or to atone (Bee) and they went about it in different ways. Marrying was something they never thought to do.

It was lovely to see these three engaging couples find their way to each other and gain their HEA. It was a lovely read.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
 
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BarbaraRogers | Oct 5, 2018 |
WILD LILY by Derise Deland is a extraordinary Recency Romance. #1 in "Those Notorious Americans", and what a beginning! Ms. Deland is a masterful storyteller who manages to pull readers into her stories and keeps them turning pages. This is how it is with WILD LILY!

This is the story of Lily Hanniford, an American heiress, and Julian Ash, Marquess of Chelton, who needs to find a way to persuade Killian Hanniford, Lily's father, to pay more for his family’s shipping line. They are in desperate need, due to Julian's reckless father. But, what he doesn't expect is to find Lily so wild, a romantic, and very interesting.
Fast paced, dramatic, romantic and steamy. A bit of mystery, a powerful amount of chemistry, the brashness of the notorious Americans, and so much more, provides readers with a fantastic read. A definite must read! I definitely look forward to more of this mesmerizing series.
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR½
 
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tarenn | Sep 27, 2017 |
Regency Romps by Cerise Deland is a great Regency Romance collection, books 1, 2 and 3 of ROGUES, SPIES, AND LORDS OF HONOR series, with
Never a dull moment. Filled with exhilarating, exciting and entertaining rogues, randy ton members, spies, Lords of honor, fiesty ladies, suspense and mystery, what more could a historical romance fan, wish for in a book.

Each story presents readers with a different hero and heroine, plots, and cast of characters. Ms. Deland has an eye for history, detail and characters. A refreshing read! Strongly recommended for fans of not only, Cerise Deland, but historical romance fans, fans of delightful characters, a bit of with banter, romance and finding HEA. Fantastic reads, in my humble opinion. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Deland. I enjoy her writing style, her plots and her characters, which are all positively amazing. Another must read!!

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR½
 
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tarenn | 1 altra recensione | Aug 31, 2017 |
Viv and Britt are the matron of honor and the best man at their friends’ wedding. Having gone to a psychic for the bachelorette party Viv was told she would meet a man with a scar. Opening the door to Britt and sharing a surge of heat with him convinces her the psychic is right. As they run around D.C. helping Abby to have the wedding she wants their attraction grows and they get the chance to see how hot it is.

I enjoyed this story. I loved Britt and Viv and their instant attraction. The time period they have to deal with their attraction is short which makes the story intense. Watching them struggle to deal with their feelings and the quickness of it kept me involved so I could not put the book down. I liked how the story went from her point of view to his. Knowing both of their thoughts gave me insights into them as people dealing with the present as well as their pasts. I especially liked when Viv had her epiphany and was able to verbalize it.

This is a good story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
 
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Sheila1957 | 1 altra recensione | Apr 1, 2017 |
Abigail is going to San Antonio to visit her hospitalized SEAL brother when she meets his team leader at the Washington airport and cold shoulders him. Feeling guilty she gives up her first class seat to him and softens her stance towards him.

This is one of my favorite stories by Cerise DeLand. I like the characters. I like the story. I love the setting. Abigail is a strong modern woman. She is at a loss when dealing with her brother. She is also instantly attracted to Nick, his team leader. Nick is the strong SEAL who is used to dealing with whatever happens but he is also at a loss to explain their connection.

The story is a simple one of instant connection, how to deal with her wounded brother, and the ghosts at the Menger Hotel where they are staying. I loved how the Menger Hotel and its history are woven into the story along with the Alamo. I can see it all. I like how Abigail's family history is also woven into the story.

If all the stories in this series are as much fun as this one, I cannot wait to read them.
 
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Sheila1957 | Jul 27, 2016 |
Dray wants to fix the past and make the present and future better for Emma. She just wants to forget the past and remain obscure to the ton. But Dray will have her as his wife.

I enjoyed these two characters. Both have a shared past that has left scars. Both have their thoughts about a future together. They don't agree but somehow they manage to have what both want. I like that Emma was not a pushover. Her past has made her stronger and she is not afraid to show that strength. Dray feels guilt for his role in her past and will do anything for her forgiveness and to have her as his wife. When Dray's actions from the past come to light during the present, I thought is was marvelous that he accepted Emma's reading of it and did not force himself upon her to make her change her actions. I liked that he respected her to allow her the freedom to choose her actions.

The is a fun read. As Dray is trying to keep Emma from finding out about his past and present actions, I chuckled at his solutions. I felt as though I was watching a play that was a comedy of errors and at any moment the whole farce would come down. It took Emma a little while to connect the dots but when she did she spoke up and called Dray on the carpet for it. I was delighted as I read this story.

I could not help but fall in love with these two, delightful as they were. I'm sorry to see the Regency Romp series end.
 
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Sheila1957 | Jul 7, 2016 |
Sophia has come to England from Italy to find two paintings that belonged to her family and were stolen. She is found at a masquerade by distant relatives who open their home to her. While not wanting to rekindle her one-night stand with Victor, she is unable to keep her distance from him. But he knows Sophia is hiding the truth from him as well as the importance of the paintings she seeks.

I enjoyed this story very much. Sophia and Victor are two complex characters who were fascinating to watch to see which one would open up first. Both needed honesty but were unable to trust because of their separate, and combined, pasts. Both are wary of each other as well as their need for each other. When they let their walls fall, they can reclaim their pasts and their love.

I also liked the secondary characters. They move the story along but they are an interesting group as many of them were spies. I would like to see some of them in their own stories (besides the ones that have been released.) I would especially like to know what goes on between Wainwright and Victor's step-mother. There is also a story about Victor's father and Elizabeth, his third wife. Victor makes some statements I like to understand better.

The story line kept my interest. I wanted to know what was so important that Sophia risked her reputation to get back those paintings and how far she was willing to go. I liked how the past was woven into the story so that I knew what had happened. There is enough suspense here as well as romance.

MASQUERADE WITH A MARQUESS is a wonderful read. I look forward to the next story in this series.
 
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Sheila1957 | 1 altra recensione | Mar 25, 2016 |
Mike, an ex-Seal who has been discharged because of a disability, is sent to protect Rebecca, an undercover insurance fraud investigator, during a shoot out on the streets of Washington, D. C. They grew up together and had spent the previous summer working together. Mike walked away and Rebecca was not in the mood to forgive him.

I enjoyed this story. I liked that Mike and Rebecca were reestablishing a relationship and that it was not a fast reconnection. Mike had to work for it. He also had to admit to himself that Rebecca was the best thing to happen to him. I had fun with the action and adventure of the story where the incompetent criminals think they will get away with their crime. This is a good quick read. I want to read the rest of the Omega Team series.
 
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Sheila1957 | Mar 17, 2016 |