#duke of clayborn | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

phiralovesloki · 4 months

Text

Some books I read this year (2023)

I've read a lot of books this year, which I've tracked using the GoodReads challenge. Some of them I loved, some of them I liked, some of them were very okay, a few of them I did not like, and another few of them I did not finish (which I did not count towards my total because, well, I didn't finish reading them!).

Here are some books I loved, in no particular order--

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

I don't know how to describe this book. It's about stories, from start to finish, it's a queer love story, it's a mystery, it's fantasy. It reminds me of something else I've read but I can't place it. Absolutely a work of art in book form.

Chalice by Robin McKinley

I hadn't read anything new by Robin McKinley in years, not since Spindle's End, so I was excited to give this book a try. It's ... weird! Not gonna lie! But once I got into the world building, it really gripped me. Not every mystery is solved/explained, but it's to the book's advantage, not to its detriment.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens

I liked Sophie Cousens' contemporary romance debut (This Time Next Year), but hadn't loved her follow-up. This one seemed like it might be a miss, as the summary felt very ... silly, I guess? But this book handled so very well something that I think a lot of us experience--the mundanity of healthy relationships. I can't say more without spoiling what I think is a really excellent contemporary romance.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I had been putting this one off because I read to relax and decrease my stress, and I knew this book would be a difficult read. However, because it's YA, I found it much less distressing than I think it could have been. It's definitely a tougher read, but a very meaningful one, and I appreciate the hopeful ending.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

This is one mystery thriller that hit the mark and had a mostly satisfying reveal. It had some difficult moments, and one of the aspects of the reveal was a little farfetched, but I liked it overall. I've heard that Kubica's books can be hit or miss; this one was a hit for me, but I have yet to try anything else she's written.

All the Duke I Need by Caroline Linden (last in a series)

I usually prefer my historical romance to be Regency or later, but this whole series was a lot of fun. The premise is that an elderly dowager duchess is searching for an heir to the dukedom, as the duke, her only surviving child, is growing old himself and cannot bear any children of his own. She's tracked down the two closest heirs, and the first two books in the series involve each of them falling in love. This book switches gears a bit as there is revealed to be a potential third heir, but it's a lot of fun.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

I wouldn't say I'd read anything by Kate Clayborn, but it's close. Based on the summary of this story, I was a little nervous, since it seemed like Georgie was going to be one of those adorkable, child-like female protagonists. But instead, I got to read a beautiful love story between two people trying to figure themselves out, without resorting to anything highly cliched.

The Duke's Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon

Look, man, I love the movie Ever After, and this is basically Ever After. Do I need to sell it even more than this?

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

This book is absolutely wild. The entire story takes place as emails, transcripts, text messages, fliers, and so on, telling the story of a community theater troupe as they rally around a little girl and raise money for her cancer treatment. Oh, and there was a murder. I didn't like the follow-up to this book (The Twyford Code, unrelated in plot), but I loved this one.

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

This one seems to have been really divisive, with people either loving or hating it. I loved it--I loved the whole shtick with the 90s boarding school, and the mystery was really satisfying. My only caveat, really, is that I could not for the life of me figure out what the author wanted me to take away regarding #MeToo, which I think is the book's biggest flaw.

A Problem Princess by Anna Harrington (last in a series)

I really loved this whole historical romance series, which is about a group of men returned from war who end up trying to break up a conspiracy to overthrow the crown. Each book builds well on the other ones, so while you could read this as a standalone, and in fact I read some of the books out of order, in order would work best.

Babel by R.F. Kuang

I fucking loved this book. Jesus Christ. Divergent historical fiction with a little bit of magic, about the power of language and also how colonialism is the fucking WORST. Every white person needs to read this and shut the fuck up.

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh

This mystery thriller gets pretty complicated, but has a very satisfying conclusion (with one plot hole that I feel like I can excuse, tbh). It's also about the friction between a small Welsh town and the rich English folks who are moving in across the lake.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

A very odd story, but a lot of fun. It's in media res regarding the world building, but any time you really need to understand how an aspect of the world works, you've had enough information to get it. Hart and Mercy have a lovely relationship, and the intricate plot is very engaging. I can't wait for the follow-up!

The Martian by Andy Weir

No, I hadn't read the book until this year. No, I still haven't seen the movie. But I fucking loved the book. I appreciate that the science itself was very meticulously researched, which enhanced the story in the extreme. But truly that worked the best about this book was that this is absolutely what scientists and bureaucrat scientists are like, and it was an absolute blast to read.

Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood (first in series)

Historical fiction murder mystery series, starring a bisexual, hard-boiled junior detective and her disabled, super sharp lady detective boss. I am dying, pun intended, to read the most recent book in the series. One thing I really like about the series is that, while it nails the hard-boiled 1940s detective shtick, it makes no bones (pun again intended) about discussing the lives of marginalized people in the time period. Again, the main character is bisexual, her boss is disabled, and that's just the beginning.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

As with Kate Clayborn, I'll read just about anything by Emily Henry. This one might be my favorite, just edging out Beach Read. I've seen a lot of Tumblr posts about wanting a story about the career driven city boyfriend from all the Hallmark movies; if you want that, then read this. Basically, the main character is the career driven city girlfriend, and she's aware of it. It's happened to her more than once. Just that set-up alone was enough to get me reading this, and it did not disappointed. I also liked Happy Place, which I also read this year, but found that some of the characters were unlikable enough to distract me from the parts I enjoyed.

Off the Map by Trish Doller (last in a series)

While I prefer the other two books in this series, this one wasn't exactly a disappointment. A nomadic woman ends up forging a relationship with her best friend's future brother-in-law, as they all get together for that friend's wedding in Ireland. This story addresses the fine line between running away from your problems and being on the move because that's what feels right to you. A content warning: the main character's father suffers from dementia, and his illness and impending death are a huge part of the story.

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

This is one of those books where I can't remember that much of the plot, all these months after reading it, but I do remember enjoying the heck out of it. The whole thing was funny without being outright silly, and it was run to read a historical romance that took place in a different time and place than the typical British regency romance.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

I feel like I shouldn't have liked this book as much as I did. The book is, like, 40% "let's learn about Saturday Night Live!" 40% COVID, and 20% actual contemporary romance. But it was just very fun to read, like if 30 Rock were a romance novel.

Tall, Duke, and Scandalous by Amy Rose Bennett (last in a series)

This is just a fun, historical romance series. Nothing amazing, but very enjoyable. In this story, in particular, the male main character is face blind, but because of the female protagonist's facial scarring, he's able to recognize her, leading to their association and eventual relationship.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

I know I'm not the only one who loved this book. This is one of two books my 90-year-old grandmother recommended to me (the other one I did not like at all, and DNFed, so go figure). Octopuses are fucking awesome, so this was very fun to read.

The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George (first in a series)

Another refreshing change from the typical Regency romance. I think the first book in the series, which focuses on American heiresses being pressured to marry into British nobility, is the strongest, and the final book the weakest, but overall an enjoyable series.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske (first in a series)

One of the series I read this year that I would not shut up about (thanks to @thejollyroger-writer for recommending it), I am going to also not shut up about it here. Historical queer romance with magic, and a very engaging overarching plot. Please read.

Look Closer by David Ellis

All of the reviews of this book were essentially the same, something along the lines of, "The twists in this book are god-tier." And, you know, they weren't wrong. This is an absolutely RIDICULOUS mystery thriller, and whatever you think is going on, you are probably wrong. There were a handful of twists I caught early, but some really huge ones that were mind-boggling. I was so surprised that when I finished the book, I immediately went back and reread it, because I was certain that the author had messed up somewhere. He didn't. It's that clever.

Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase (one of a series)

I've been reading a lot of Loretta Chase lately, and most of her books strike me as unexpectedly hilarious without reading like parodies. The Carsington Brothers series is a great example, and while I've loved all four of the five books in the series that I've read (waiting for the first one to come off of my holds at the time of writing this list), this one was one of my favorites. In particular, you'd need to read this to read the final book in the series, Last Night's Scandal, which I absolutely loved.

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas (first in a series)

That I did not know about this series until the very end of 2023 is unacceptable. I frickin' love Sherlock Holmes, and particularly the versions starring women (Laurie King's work and the Enola Holmes movies, for example). This series, starring Charlotte Holmes, is fucking awesome. I'm two books in, can't wait for the next one to come off my holds list.

#book recommendations #my books 2023 #i've read 183 books this year apparently #although at least one of the ones on the list is a dnf i don't know why it's on my read list #and i have 4 more i am hoping to finish before jan 1

8 notes · View notes

triviareads · 2 months

Note

Is there any good historicals with the hero and the heroine having to stay together on a cabin or an inn?

Hi! Sorry for the delay. For some reason, I couldn't think of any more books even though I'm pretty sure there are way more historical romances where they're in a secluded space together.

The Chasing of Eleanor Vane by Sierra Simone: Eleanor tries to run for it to escape her betrothal to Ajax's nephew but he catches up with her and saves her from the storm by bringing her to a cabin he owns. The entire scene is SUPER hot, super emotional and I cry every time I read it.

A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh: The guy who owns the estate Dom and Willa are staying at has what's pretty much a fuck cabin equipped with toys and everything. Dom and Willa stay there for a night during the house party and basically do sex act known to man.

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean: Honestly some of Adelaide and Clayborn's finest moments take place in inns as they travel to stop a couple from getting married. And by finest moments, I mean this dumb man gets injured because he was distracted by her hair or something, she tends to him, he says the immortal lines "a little fucking", there's face-sitting. It's great.

Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy: After Hunt saves Leela from a gang of thugs at an inn they're both staying at, they spend a night together, only to find out later that she's the stepmom of the gal he wants to marry.

The Rogue not Taken by Sarah MacLean: This is a roadtrip romance so Sophie and King do find themselves in an inn or two. There's a great scene where he's *pointedly* looking away while she's bathing (he fails ofc), and then they pretend to be newlyweds.

The Truth About Cads and Dukes by Elisa Braden: Jane and Harrison stay in a coaching inn on their way to his country seat after their wedding, and she wakes up to him cuddling her and like, groping a tit but she's super into it except the second he wakes up, he runs away :(

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas: St. Vincent and Evie stay in an inn after their wedding and they consummate their wedding here because St. Vincent, unlike Harrison, doesn't have scruples.

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas: This does technically count because after Westcliff beats up St. Vincent for kidnapping Lillian, they stay in the same inn for the night, and agree to cut their losses and continue the journey north to marry in Scotland.

#sierra simone #sarah maclean #elisa braden #lisa kleupas #diana quincy #eva leigh #historical romance #romance novels #ask

4 notes · View notes

a-skirmish-of-wit-and-lit · 2 years

Text

Book Review: Heartbreaker (Hells Belles #2) by Sarah MacLean

If you're someone who likes cloak and dagger adventure, one-room proximity, sexy carriage rides, a female vigilante group who is out to destroy feckless peers, a well-respected duke with secrets, and a heroine who is as good at pickpocketing hearts as she is pockets, then boy, oh boy, is this historical romance for you!

Adelaide Frampton is the daughter of a prominent gang leader. She makes her escape on what was supposed to be her wedding day and joins the Hell's Bells, where she floats around Mayfair ballrooms like a wallflower: tall, bespectacled, and unnoticed by all. (Or almost all.) She's also a skilled thief. A master at remaining unrecognizable, which is why nobody knows she's the Matchbreaker, she is a veiled individual who helps women break matches and avoid marriage.

The Duke of Clayborn has spent a lifetime safeguarding his reputation. Protecting a secret. He's determined never to marry, to pass his title to his brother. Now, Adelaide, a woman who has never been invisible in his eyes, has not only stolen his darkest secret from out of his own two hands but has set out to stop his brother's wedding at Gretna Green.

And he can't let either of those things fly.

So, what starts out as a caper turns into a cat and mouse race to altar that's populated with inns, highwaymen, explosions, and tender feelings that catch them both off guard. The question soon becomes who is stealing whose heart? And will they be able to overcome their demons to accept they're worthy of love?

I loved the action in this book. It's more high-sweeping and fast-paced than it is character-driven, but that's okay because there are still plenty of romantic overtures between Henry and Adelaide. They're the epitome of a Hype Couple, if such a thing exists. I'm not sure who protects who best, or who tries to encourage the other's worthiness of love more, but it's the sort of thing that melts the heart because they're both willing to sacrifice to give the other the happiness they deserve. Their chemistry is sizzling, too. Which is a perfect complement to all the steamy scenes they share.

I had a lot of fun with this one. It was cheeky. Suspenseful. Romantic. And surprisingly poignant. I also love reading about groups like the Hell's Belles who cut greedy, powerful men down to size. Hit 'em where it hurts, ladies!

Was this Victorian era accurate? Not really. Did that alter my enjoyment of it? Not one bit. That said, I'm really looking forward to Imogen and Thomas' story--I think they're going to be DYNAMITE together. (Pun intended.)

Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

4/5 stars

**Follow me on Goodreads

#ashlee bree's book reviews #heartbreaker #hells belles #sarah maclean #arcs #historical fiction #historical romance #romance #recs: ashlee approved!#read july 2022 #coming august 2022 #bookblr #book reviews

8 notes · View notes

esonetwork · 2 months

Text

'Benedict and Brazos' Book Review By Ron Fortier

New Post has been published on http://esonetwork.com/benedict-and-brazos-book-review-by-ron-fortier-2/

'Benedict and Brazos' Book Review By Ron Fortier

BENEDICT AND BRAZOS # 19 : Echoes of Shiloh By E. Jefferson Clay Bold Venture Press 110 pgs

The Civil War is over but the hatred it spawned remains in the survivors, both victors and losers. Saddle mates Duke Benedict and Hank Brazos find this emotional residue in ex-Confederate Colonel Stanton Claiborne. A bitter man who rebuilt his southern estate, Shiloh, in Ohio country next to the town of Resurrection; an enclave of Northern veterans. Clayborne is deeply protective of his daughter Emma and his mentally disturbed son Lonnie. Due to his success at ranching, he’s generally despised by the majority of townspeople.

Resurrection is run by saloon owner Troy Ridge, a man of ambition who secretly aspires to destroy Claiborne and take control of Shiloh. When Missouri-born Ma Halloway and her three boys arrive in the territory, things get heated up fast. During the war, Colonel Staton’s troop had killed her husband and a fourth son. She too is obsessed with seeking vengeance on the rich Southerner.

Benedict and Brazos have their hands full trying to aid Sheriff Chad Madison in keeping the peace. The inevitable transpires at the annual Founders Day Dance and someone is shot. The fuse had been lit and unless the two pals can find a solution, the Civil War is about to erupt all over again.

Once again Jefferson Clay offers up a fast-paced western yarn only this one is more a tragedy than an action tale. Skillfully written, it focuses on the aftermath of the five-year war that nearly destroyed this great country.

#Benedict and Brazos #Benedict and Brazos 19 #Bold Venture Press #book review #E. Jefferson Clay #Echoes of Shiloh #ESO Book Review #ESO Network #Old West Adventure #Pulp Adventure #Ron Fortier #Western Pulp

0 notes

agrippinaes · 4 months

Text

books I read in 2023

I read 240 books in 2023, which is lower than my total books read than the past few years. But it'd be ridiculous to be bothered by it because, hey, I still read 240 books!

I set myself a goal of trying to read more out of my comfort zone this year. I wanted to read 30 non-romance books, 25 physical books, and 10 non-fiction books. By the end of the year, I'd read a total of 54 non-romance books, 62 physical books, and 27 non-fiction books. I'm hoping to continue in this vein in 2024.

Other stats - for fun -

My most-read author was Cassie Mint

I gave out 32 5* ratings

My most-read genre was (of course) romance, 120 of which were contemporary

I owned most of the books I read

I read the most books in June, with 34 books read, followed by August, with 25 books read

My most read trope was forced proximity, followed by hate-to-love

So, below is a list of the books I read this year. Rereads are italicised, favourite reads are in bold.

Recollection by Noelle Adams

When in Rome by Sarah Adams

Spring Breeze by Lily Alexander

Fornever Yours by Natasha Anders

Don't Pretend I'm Yours by Natasha Anders

In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes by Stephanie Archer

The Long Game by Elena Armas

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater

Finding Love in Apartment 2C by Samantha Baca

Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey

Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey

Kept by Maya Banks

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Chick Magnet by Emma Barry

The (Ex) Spy Who (Maybe) Loved Me by Christi Barth

Wet and Reckless by Samanthe Beck

Witches Copse by Math Bird

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

Every Wish Way by Shannon Bright

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

Desire or Defense by Leah Brunner

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

Ms Perfectly Fine by Kate Callaghan

Shucked by Kate Canterbary

1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle

Eyes on Me by Sarah Cate

Highest Bidder by Sarah Cate

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? by Agatha Christie

Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare

Beauty and the Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Pining for My Friend's Dad by Daniella Cole

Unsteady by Peyton Corinne

Her Greatest Mistake by Hannah Cowan

Shadows of You by Catherine Cowles

Night Shift by Annie Crown

Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

Bending the Rules by Mariah Dietz

Moist Actually by Ash Dylan

Everything's Better with Lisa by Lucy Eden

The Fall of Bradley Reed by Morgan Elizabeth

The Protector by Morgan Elizabeth

A Matter of Scandal by Suzanne Enoch

Reforming a Rake by Suzanne Enoch

Pretty Little Thing by L.K. Farlow

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

The Nanny by Lana Ferguson

Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli

Mafia Virgin by Mila Finelli

No Limits by Lori Foster

Holding Strong by Lori Foster

Tough Love by Lori Foster

Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

True Spies by Shana Galen

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

A Cup of Zodiac by Alexis Gorgun

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

Trust Me by Rachel Grant

Control Freak by Brianna Hale

Dom Fitness by Brianna Hale

Gym Bunny by Brianna Hale

Princess Brat by Brianna Hale

The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

Runaway Love by Melanie Harlow

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

Rent to Be by Sonia Hartl

Temptation by Jenna Hartley

An Optimist's Guide to Heartbreak by Jennifer Hartmann

A Pessimist's Guide to Love by Jennifer Hartmann

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

Billion Dollar Enemy by Olivia Hayle

When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath

One Touch by Lena Hendrix

The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton

Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

King of Greed by Ana Huang

Babymoon or Bust by Ava Hunter

Pucked by Helena Hunting

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Not That Duke by Eloisa James

Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James

String Me Along by Lilian T. James

The Intern by Sophia Karlson

Offside by Avery Keelan

Shutout by Avery Keelan

Against the Clock by Brittany Kelley

Against the Odds by Brittany Kelley

Willow and the Wolf by Elizabeth Kelly

Ava and the Bear by Elizabeth Kelly

Hold by Claire Kent

Nameless by Claire Kent

Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

Hot Single Dad by Claire Kingsley

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

Jingle Bell Beard by Julie Kriss

Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston

Grimstone by Sophie Lark

The Billionaire's Bride of Convenience by Miranda Lee

Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

A Rake's Guide to Seduction by Caroline Linden

Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren

Hate You by Tracy Lorraine

Fighting Mr. Knight by Rosa Lucas

Fifth Avenue Fling by Rosa Lucas

Crash by Tamara Lush

Drive by Tamara Lush

Consider Me by Becka Mack

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Wife Project by Chloe Maine

To Hate Adam Connor by Ella Maise

Recipe for Love by Anne Malcom

Method for Matrimony by Anne Malcom

New Hope, Old Grudges by Anne Malcom

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

Dahlia Made a List by Jenna McCall

Breathless by Amy McCulloch

This Charming Man by C.K. McDonnell

Love Will Tear Us Apart by C.K. McDonnell

Sticks and Stone by Grace McGinty

Trail of Deception by Amanda McKinney

A Missing Connection by Dani McLean

Four Weddings and a Duke by Michelle McLean

Crash by Ruby McNally

An Extravagant Duplicity by Lynn Messina

Thief by Cassie Mint

Hacker by Cassie Mint

Honey Trap by Cassie Mint

Beauty and the Kingpin by Cassie Mint

Ocean Jewel by Cassie Mint

Big Boss by Cassie Mint

Grump Gone Wild by Cassie Mint

Ride or Die by Cassie Mint

Thin Ice by Cassie Mint

Husband Skills by Cassie Mint

The Stranger by Cassie Mint

She Was Made for Me by Jen Morris

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Playing by the Rules by Monica Murphy

The Brazen by Willa Nash

How to Lose at Love by Sarah Ney

Pleasing Mr. Parker by Elle Nicoll

Convergence of Desire by Felicity Niven

Duke the Halls by Felicity Niven

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O'Roark

The Devil You Know by Elizabeth O'Roark

The Devil Gets His Due by Elizabeth O'Roark

The Summer I Saved You by Elizabeth O'Roark

All Downhill With You by Julie Olivia

The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

A Deal With the Bossy Devil by Kyra Parsi

The Barista's Guide to Perfect Steam by Valerie Pepper

Timid by Devney Perry

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Lady Len and the Mysterious Mac by Rose Prendeville

The River Knows by Amanda Quick

Dangerous by Amanda Quick

Reckless by Amanda Quick

Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

The Fantasy League by Meg Reading

Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid

An Earl to Remember by Stacy Reid

First Down by Grace Reilly

Breakaway by Grace Reilly

Alive at Night by Amelie Rhys

Playing the Part by Macy T. Riosa

Contractual Obligations by Elle Rivers

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

Rough by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale

Wild by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

Hunting for a Highlander by Lynsay Sands

Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

The Gangster's Prize by Joanna Shupe

Flawless by Elsie Silver

Heartless by Elsie Silver

Sinners Condemned by Somme Sketcher

Sinners Consumed by Somme Sketcher

Take My Daddy, I'll Take Yours by Jenika Snow

First Meet Foul by Jaqueline Snowe

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

Dracula by Bram Stoker

The Cottage by Lisa Stone

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Women Talking by Miriam Toews

Mile High by Liz Tomforde

Man Candy by Vanessa Vale

Man Cave by Vanessa Vale

Man Splain by Vanessa Vale

Man Handle by Vanessa Vale

South by Vanessa Vale

Wall St. Jerk by Megan Wade

The Pawn by Skye Warren

The Knight by Skye Warren

His Curvy Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells

Secret Santa by Kati Wilde

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead

Dear Grumpy Boss by Julia Wolf

Sincerely, Your Inconvenient Wife by Julia Wolf

Shiver by Suzanne Wright

Tempt Me by Tara Wyatt

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A Little Too Close by Rebecca Yarros

#2023 books #mine #about me

0 notes

brisownworld · 1 year

Text

In 2022, starting largely by accident, I read 356 romance novels (and 3 non-romance novels). I started a spreadsheet to keep track of my ratings of each (out of 5), how many featured queer, autistic, or POC protagonists, and how many sex scenes there were per book. Find those final stats above, then my 5/5 books of the year in the photos below!

I recommend 3 new romance novels a week over on my free newsletter, Forced Proximity, so definitely sign up if you want to read reviews and get curated recommendations every Friday afternoon!

Full list behind the cut!

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Roomies by Christina Lauren

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

It's Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Beginner's Luck by Kate Clayborn

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

Battle Royale by Lucy Parker

Seducing Mr. Knightly by Maya Rodale

Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane

The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake by Sarah MacLean

The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean

The Duke Buys A Bride by Sophie Jordan

The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan

Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

A Night To Surrender by Tessa Dare

A Week To Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Get full reviews and more on my weekly free romance novel newsletter!

#romancelandia #romance novels #contemporary romance #historical romance

1 note · View note

faithlean · 2 years

Text

(Download) Heartbreaker - Sarah MacLean

Download Or Read PDF Heartbreaker - Sarah MacLean Free Full Pages Online With Audiobook.

[*] Download PDF Here => Heartbreaker

[*] Read PDF Here => Heartbreaker

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke's secrets...and his heart. HEARTBREAKER Hell's Belles, Book 2A Princess of ThievesRaised among London's most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower--so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she's the Matchbreaker...using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.A King of ReputationHenry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable--and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.A Royal MatchWhen the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to

0 notes

victoriaroach · 2 years

Text

[^][PDF/ePub] Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) - Sarah MacLean

EPUB & PDF Ebook Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) | EBOOK ONLINE DOWNLOAD

by Sarah MacLean.

Download Link : DOWNLOAD Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2)

Read More : READ Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2)

Ebook PDF Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) | EBOOK ONLINE DOWNLOAD Hello Book lovers, If you want to download free Ebook, you are in the right place to download Ebook. Ebook Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) EBOOK ONLINE DOWNLOAD in English is available for free here, Click on the download LINK below to download Ebook Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) 2020 PDF Download in English by Sarah MacLean (Author).

Description

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke?s secrets?and his heart. A Princess of ThievesRaised among London?s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower?so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she?s the Matchbreaker?using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.A King of ReputationHenry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable?and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.A Royal MatchWhen the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it?s impossible for

0 notes

sarah-maclean-completist · 11 months

Text

72 Shelton Street A Rogue By Any Other Name A Scot in the Dark Adelaide Frampton Alec Stuart, Duke of Warnick Allendale House Aloysius Kingscote, Marquess of Eversley Benedick Hartwell Bombshell Brazen and the Beast Brook's Businesses Caleb Calhoun Coleford House Daring and the Duke Devon Culm Duncan West Eben James Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart Ewan Felicity Faircloth Georgiana Pearson Grace Condry Greek Mythology Heartbreaker Hell's Belles Henrietta Sedley Henry Carrington, Duke of Clayborn Heroes Heroines Homes Jacqueline Mosby James Talbott Jane Whitacre Jasper Arlesey, Earl Harlow Juliana Fiori Lady Calpurnia (Callie) Hartwell Lady Isabel Townsend Lillian Hargrove Locations Lord Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston Lord Nicholas St. John Love By Numbers MacLeaniverse Wiki Madame Hebert Madame Hebert's Main Page Malcolm Bevingstoke, Duke of Haven Mara Lowe Mariana Hartwell Michael Lawler, Marquess of Bourne Minerva House Nastasia Kritikos Never Judge a Lady By Her Cover Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake No Good Duke Goes Unpunished Number Two, Wesley Street One Good Earl Deserves a Lover Penelope Marbury Philippa Marbury Punch Ralston House Rules of Scoundrels Saviour Whittington Scandal & Scoundrel Seraphina Talbot Sesily Talbot Simon Pearson, Duke of Leighton Somerset House Sophie Talbot Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord The Bareknuckle Bastards The Day of the Duchess The Dog and the Dove The Duke of Christmas Present The Fallen Angel The Place The Rogue Not Taken The Singing Sparrow Theatre Royal Timeline Trevescan House Wicked and the Wallflower William Harrow, Duke of Lamont Worthington House

3 notes · View notes

mermaidsirennikita · 3 months

Note

Okay but now I need you to tell the best breakfast, lunch and dinner guy books you have read

Well, I should say that wildly enough enough soon after I made that comment about Leo Hathaway he literally told Catherine he must have her for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, sooooo

(He also proposed to her twice on the ride home lmao I forgot how many times he popped the question and she went "NO" or begged off lol.)

Ummmm otherwise:

Historicals:

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas. While I think Leo edges him out, we do need to acknowledge that Sebastian is real into it. The scene where Evie literally wakes up to him heading down is so good, and of course there's the wall scene.

Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. Jack Devil literally adds strawberries to the menu. Which is very controversial among Kleypas readers, and people need to, ah, get over it. Grow up. Be an adult!!!

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt. Another wall "hold your skirts for me" scene that we don't discuss ENOUGH. Charming Mickey, dude! Thief of Shadows also has Winter learn about it for the first time as he is Untouched and be like "I SHALL CONQUER THIS" (he does).

Charlotte and The Seductive Spymaster by Grace Callaway. Grace heroes.... go for allllll of it. And I would say this hero ESPECIALLY. I mean, he's literally eating butter sauce off this woman. Glory and The Master of Shadows also has the amazing scene where Wei literally can't wait for it and does it while Glory's parents are within earshot.

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean. Clayborn is abooout iiiiit. He does a "good girl" during, he hops her on top of him, it's a good time.

When the Duke Was Wicked by Lorraine Heath. Rum on lips. Enough said.

The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe. Lockwood.... may be outstandingly about it lol. At one point he's literally like "if I died doing this to her, I would die SO happy".

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall. Feel this should be mentioned though it's m/m, because Valentine is OBSESSED after he sees someone else doing it to Bonnie (chill people, it's well before they get together) and he's OBSESSED with the idea of doing it after. It's like. The first thing he ever does ever and he compares Bonnie to a flower, which. Hysterical. Something Spectacular also has a great scene where Orfeo tells Peggy right before "now you're going to find out why I'm renowned throughout Europe". HOT.

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller has another virginal hero who learns this and like, is obsessed. I love him, he's so strict.

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley. Mac literally does this to Isabella DURING breakfast.

When a Girl Loves an Earl by Elisa Braden. Has a variation you don't see enough of in historicals, so we're gonna include it.

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian. Marian isn't into p in v because of trauma. This... is not a problem for Rob.

Contemporary(ish):

Alll of the Kings of Italy heroes by Mila Finelli (including Alessio and Giulio in the m/m book) are super about it. SUPER. MAJORLY. Never forget Enzo D'Agostino being like "oh my god I hate her she's so annoying" while also loudly saying during "I LOVE IT" to her. He's crazy.

The Player by Kresley Cole. I should mention that not only is this hero one of the most obsessive heroes I've ever read... He literally did STUDIES to learn how to be as good at making her happy as he possibly could.

New Camelot by Sierra Simone. Ash and Embry are both into it, but Embry is REEEEEEALLY into it. Like, goes in after he's done into it. (And is juuuust as into doing it to Ash.) Which is so special.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, should mention because even though there's only one love scene it's long and good and he does the "returning to the scene of the crime" thing, which you never see in contemporary trad romance lol.

Managed by Kristen Callihan. Scottie is very scent-focused. That's all.

Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells I feel I should mention because he's NOT originally, but after he comes to super value her pleasure he REEEEALLY is.

The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert. Hero literally has an oral fixation. May be the best example of this lol.

Preferential Treatment by Heather Guerre. Hero is super subby and as such, this is naturally a BIG DEAL to him. There's one scene... dude.

Fantasy:

Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon. DUDE. DUDE. YOU WON'T EVEN BELIEEEVE. Carved into my brain, omg.

Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha. Ash has to keep not one but two women happy. He does this with enthusiasm.

Paranormal:

Should mention that all of the werewolves in Immortals After Dark consider this to basically be a sacred rite that is like, the BIGGEST deal in their culture, basically lol. They worship matehood and it's every little werewolf boy's dream to find his mate and do this to her (or them in general, Kresley's mating bonds are not only het).

Ummm there's a thing in Dark Desires After Dusk where Cade and Holly stop every however many miles on an important road trip so that he can do it to her on the hood of the car.

Lothaire is ABOUT IT. And there is a very famous scene involving it lol.

Thronos in Dark Skye is a controversial hero but he does, again, return to the scene of the crime.

Sci-fi:

Should be mentioned that all of Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarians are like, never happier than when they're getting this done.

#romance novel blogging #romance novels #book recs

7 notes · View notes

rebeccachapmanbook · 2 years

Text

(PDF Download) Heartbreaker: A Hell's Belles Novel - Sarah MacLean

Download Or Read PDF Heartbreaker: A Hell's Belles Novel - Sarah MacLean Free Full Pages Online With Audiobook.

[*] Download PDF Visit Here => https://forsharedpdf.site/59723796

[*] Read PDF Visit Here => https://forsharedpdf.site/59723796

0 notes

rockislandadultreads · 3 years

Photo

For Fans of Bridgerton on Netflix...

Books like Julia Quinn’s The Duke and I

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters

In this fresh and hilarious historical rom-com, an estranged husband and wife in Regency England feign accidents and illness in an attempt to gain attention—and maybe just win each other back in the process. Five years ago, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley met, fell in love, and got married. Four years ago, they had a fight to end all fights, and have barely spoken since. Their once-passionate love match has been reduced to one of cold, detached politeness. But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious at their country estate, she races to be by his side—only to discover him alive and well at a tavern, and completely unaware of her concern. She’s outraged. He’s confused. And the distance between them has never been more apparent. Wanting to teach her estranged husband a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own. James quickly sees through it, but he decides to play along in an ever-escalating game of manipulation, featuring actors masquerading as doctors, threats of Swiss sanitariums, faux mistresses—and a lot of flirtation between a husband and wife who might not hate each other as much as they thought. Will the two be able to overcome four years of hurt or will they continue to deny the spark between them?

When She Said I Do by Celeste Bradley

Angel's Sin Caught in a rainstorm, Miss Calliope Worthington takes shelter in a seemingly abandoned mansion. But when she finds a string of pearls in a dusty chest, she is caught red-handed by the house’s reclusive owner—Mr. Ren Porter—a fiery demon of a man who demands that Callie pay for the necklace…with her innocence. Devil's Bargain When he first lays eyes on the beautiful trespasser, Ren mistakes her for an angel. But when he realizes Callie is a thief, he strikes a bargain she cannot refuse. She must take his hand in marriage and pay him back in full: one night of passion for each stolen pearl. But when Callie surrenders to his desires—night after wicked night—he awakens something deep inside of her. Something powerful and passionate. Like a fairy tale come true, the monster she married has become the man she loves…when she said I do.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club. Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing. But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile. If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love.

For the Roses by Julie Garwood

1879. In Blue Belle, Montana, everyone knew better than to mess with the Claybornes. The brothers had once been a mismatched gang of street urchins—until they found an abandoned baby girl in a New York city alley, named her Mary Rose, and headed west to raise her to be a lady. They became a family—held together by loyalty and love if not by blood—when suddenly they faced a crisis that threatened to tear them apart.... Trouble came to town with one Lord Harrison Stanford MacDonald. Armed with a swagger and six-shooter, he cut a striking figure—but it soon became apparent to Mary Rose that he was too much of a gentleman to make it in her rough-and-tumble town. She asked her brothers to teach him the basics of frontier survival, which he acquired with ease. And soon he possessed a deep and desperate love for Mary Rose. She returned his affection wholeheartedly... until MacDonald revealed a secret that challenged everything she believed about herself, her life, and her newfound love. Now her search for identity and meaning would begin, raising questions that could only be answered if she listened to the truth within her heart...

#romance #romance books #historical romance #regency #bridgerton #bridgerton series #readalikes #book recs #recommended reading #reading recommendations #library #public library #tbr #booklr #book list

26 notes · View notes