#AD Book Review: The Scandal of the Season by Annie Burrows

Cassandra Furnival needed to leave home when she was just sixteen due to her cruel step father.  She was convinced by an infantry man to elope with him so that she could leave her family without being forced to return. Unfortunately not all went to plan as he didn’t realise that the she wasn’t old enough to marry so the marriage was not legal and his commanding officer would not allow her to travel to the campaign with them.   Her step father would not let her return to the family home. Instead she went to live with her outcast Aunt who has been disowned for living with another woman. She has spent the last 6 years working as a seamstress until her godmother, The Duchess of Theakstone wants to take her to London and let her have her chance at being a debutante. Colonial Nathaniel Fairfax, who played a large part in thwarting her escape plan all those years ago, is surprised to see her at the Ton and he presumed that she in on the hunt for a rich, titled husband. He is determined to yet again thwart her plans and he is still listening to his sister’s malicious lies about Cassie. 

Nathaniel is still, despite his mistrust, attracted to Cassie, to the extent it is affecting his work. As Cassie is not prepared to break confidences in order to dispel the lies spread by his sister will Nathaniel realise Cassie is not the money/title grabbing debutante he envisages her to be? 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Cinderella and the Surgeon by Scarlet Wilson

Book 1 of the London Midwives Series, Cinderella and the Surgeon follows the storyline of hot tempered Scottish midwife, Esther Mcdonald clashing with upper class neonatal Surgeon  Harry Beaumont , Duke of Montrose when he arrives with his entourage of students, anaesthetists etc when he arrives at the Queen Victoria Hospital London. Her antipathy and dislike of Harry slowly dies away when he invites Esther to a glittering black tie. ball. Slowly a bond develop s between the pair who come from completely different backgrounds and a royal romance slowly develops between them. 

I found the characters to be very stereotypical: angry, prickly Scottish midwives and the posh Surgeon. It would be great if the roles could be reversed. A very clean romance interspersed with lots of medical action! 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Falling For Her French Tycoon by Rebecca Winters

Nathalie Fournier is a pharmacist desperately wants to adopt her deceased step-sister’s (Antoinette) baby boy. Conscientiously she decides to track down the Alain’s father before she does take the first steps to adopt him. She gets a seasonal job picking grapes at a large Provençal grapeyard/chateau as her Antoinette’s best friend Claire sister had told her that Alain’s father had worked at the Fontesquieu chateau. She falls for her billionaire employer Dominic Fontesquieu, but is he the father of the child? He has the same colouring and an identical birth mark. Raul, Dominic’s cousin turns out to be the father. Nathalie, however, decides she cannot have a relationship with Dominic as she is unable to have children. Will they be overcome this impasse and find their HEA? 

I found this novel heavy going to get through as there are so many questions and flaws that remain unanswered. When Dominic tells Raul he may have a son he doesn’t tell him that the woman he loved is dead. He leaves that announcement for Nathalie. Despite the story being set in Provence there is a lack of descriptive scenes - it might as well have been set in Timbuktu!! The storyline hinged solely on shoes the father and this got overdone very quickly. The interaction between Paul Courtier and just petered out and was a waste of a character. The storyline had potential but the finished novel needed some more work. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Her Sicilian Baby Revelation by Michelle Smart

Orla O’Reilly met billionaire Tonino Valente when she went to Sicily to meet her father. She ran back to Ireland when she was told by Sophia Tonino was engaged to her.  She was was pregnant and involved in a major car accident. Both Orla and her little boy, Finn,  suffered major injuries - he now has cerebral palsy. She also suffers from amnesia and can’t remember who the father of her baby is.  She meets Tonino at a wedding and the memories come flooding back. Tonino is determined to be a hands on father so they move to Sicily. Will Orla be able to overcome her trust issues and realise she loves Tonino? The epilogue of the novel will tell all. 

This is the first novel written by Michelle Smart that I haven’t enjoyed. I just couldn’t relate to either the storyline or main characters. The characters didn’t seem to gel or have any chemistry of any kind. Not my favourite novel this month.  

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Room Review: Mercure Bolton The Georgian House Hotel

I stayed at the Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel last Sunday to use up some of my Accor points.  I always stay in one of the Accor brand hotels if  I can as I have always find the staff to be helpful, the rooms reasonably priced and the rooms accessible to a walker, stick  or  someone with limited mobility. I don’t like booking disabled rooms as I like having a bath (as long as I have someone to help me in and out). 

I was in room 782. I found the door not too heavy to push open, even when navigating a wheelie suitcase, a stick and my lack of coordinated self through the door! The light switches were at the entrance so no scrabbling around in the dark. I liked that the suitcase storage area was tucked away in the hall so I was less likely to trip over abandoned luggage in the main room areas. The wardrobe was large and spacious and there was a full length mirror. Opposite the mirror/ storage area was a can’t/ hairdryer/ drinks facility space, which for once I could actually easily reach? 

The bathroom area was well lit and felt and looked clean. Again the mirror was huge and I found the bath easy to get in and out of with help. I didn’t feel unsafe using the grab rail or the power shower.

I liked that the main bed/seating area of the hotel room had been cleverly divided by the ositioning of yet another mirror and the desk area. The lighting was better than some Accor hotels I have stayed in when revising for exams and I have ended up using a torch for extra light. The bed was comfortable and there was lots of space around the bed and seating area which would make it more accessible and easy to navigate for someone like me who lacks spatial awareness and has to use a walker or stick. 

I found the staff to be really friendly, cheerful and helpful. There is a lovely sports centre, bar and restaurant which I didn’t get to use as my cat decided to be ill so I had to leave my break early to go back to look after him! 

I have stayed at this hotel on previous occasions and no doubt will do so again as I find that it is conveniently located for a short break. 

#AD Book Review: Coming Home For Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

Elizabeth Hamilton has been suffering from postpartum depression after the birth of her second child, Bridger and the loss of her parents. She was struggling to connect with her husband, Luke but was then involved in a car accident where she became amnesiac.  Fast forward 7 years and her husband finds her and brings her home so he can prove to the local DA that he did not murder her. As they plan for Christmas they are drawn closer together as a couple and family  so will Christmas be their new beginning? 

Not your average Christmas romance novel. The storyline combines humour, sadness, child angst and so much more without the novel becoming cluttered or unbelievable. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: How To Propose To A Princess by Rebecca Winters

Dr Nico Barsotti and Princess Fausta of Domodossola fall in love at first sight! Nico, won’t propose, however, until he has uncovered the mystery surrounding his birth. Fausta wants to take a step back from royalty so how will she react when she discovers he is a Crown Prince?

A sweet yet staid True Love romance that seems a bit dated and unbelievable in its storyline. Orphaned royalty don’t just disappear and then be found years later - the advent of social media means that wouldn’t happen. Most M&B writers have moved with the times and taken on board, and incorporated these devices into their storylines, whilst also updating them, making them more relevant and realistic to the reader. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Daring To Love The Duke’s Heir by Janice Preston

Part of the Beauchamp Heirs regency romance series, Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, is expected to find and marry the perfect high society wife. The only woman who he is attracted to, however, is Liberty Lovejoy, a woman who has just moved into society after years of being a nobody! She is too loud, bubbly and independent but she is the one he wants. The pair start as enemies, she is furious that his brother is leading her brother astray, then friends and finally they want more. 

A lighthearted enjoyable read that illustrates the class system that existed during Regency England and how the Duke’s family had to change their attitude in order for their son to be happy. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Forbidden To Touch by JC Harroway

This is the third and final novel in the Dare’s Billionaire Bachelors series. Reid Faulkner has always been the staid and sensible older brother. Let down by his first wife who nearly destroyed his family he has vowed never to be put in that position again. Blair has known Reid and his family since she was a moody teenager. Now she has been employed by Reid’s father, without his knowledge, to redesign their flagship hotel. When Reid mets her there is instant attraction and he agrees to fulfil all her fantasies but will this lead to a HEA as they seem to clash on ever issue? 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: His Innocent Seduction by Claire Connelly

Written in the first person, Millie is fulfilling her mother's Last wish and undertaking a  trip around the world. She meets asks Michael, a barrister, in a bar in Dublin, to have a one night stand so that she can lose her virginity. He agrees but has his own set of rules that she must adhere to. Will there arrangements be enough to prevent Millie moving on to Paris and for Michael to overcome his fear of relationships? 

An emotionally and sexually charged Dare novel. I would prefer it not to be written in the first person but that is my own personal preference. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Dare To Love A Duke by Eva Leigh

This novel is the third and final instalment of the London Underground mini series. Thomas Powell is the new Duke of  Northfield. He knows that he should cast off just playboy/ rake image and become an upstanding and proper Duke, just like his father.  He visits the sensual Orchid Club and meets the proprietress, Lucia/Amina. The Orchid club is a club where anything goes, fantasy becomes reality, no one knows each other as masks are worn. After several months of flirtatious glances, will they give into temptation? 

Tom and Amina have had cameos in the first two novels, mostly featuring lustful, longing stares. This novel makes a fitting final episode for this series.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Rake’s Enticing Proposal by Lara Temple

The Rake’s Enticing Proposal is the second instalment in the Sinful Sinclairs mini series, Charles Sinclair is a globetrotting  adventurer who visits Huxley Manor to sort out his late cousin’s affairs.  He meets Eleanor Walsh, a practical lady who wants to clear her family’s debt. He senses that she wants to escape her staid existence at the Manor.  Charles can offer her an exciting trip to Egypt, if she will agree to his shocking proposal.  They travel to Egypt to solve a mystery and find the missing box whilst the chemistry between them gets stronger all the time. 

The first part of the book dragged and could have been condensed without losing the flow of the storyline. The trip to Egypt was an enjoyable read, the storyline picked up and the descriptive scenes were an added bonus. This is an enjoyable, if you skim read the first few chapters, read with a slow burning romance/mystery element.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Saved By Their One Night Baby by Louisa George

The last person paediatrician Dr Ethan Reid expects to encounter on his rescue boat whilst rescuing refugees from the Mediterranean Sea is Nurse Claire Durand. They had an electrifying one night stand in France and now Claire has some news - she is pregnant. Ethan has always been alone. He was the victim as a teenager and now dogged by survivors guilt  always has to be the rescuer, almost like payback.

A sensitively  written romance addressing the recent and ongoing plight of the African and Syrian refugees who are risking their lives trying to flee across the Mediterranean Sea on rafts and tiny boats for a better life.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

Sierra Jones is visiting her brother, Cal, and his new bride, Maggie,  during a brief stay at Sullivans Crossing. Sierra thought she had sorted her life out, conquered her alcoholism, and put her past behind her but it appears to be. Arching up with her.  She meets Conrad, Connie, a firefighter and his adorable puppy and enters into a relationship with him. Will he be able to help save her when her life is in danger? 

I enjoyed the book, there are contemporary problems addressed in the novel, alcoholism and cheating for example which makes the storyline and characters more realistic. I found the narrative sometimes jumped from one character to another which made the story confusing but otherwise it was an enjoyable read.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: A Debutante In Disguise by Eleanor Webster

Letty Barton lives a double life. She both is both a debutante  and a trained Doctor - Dr Hatfield. She masquerades as an elderly male - no one knows Dr Hatfield is actually female or Letty.  Will Lord Antony Ashcroft uncover her secret. They met again when she is caring for his brother. The first time they met she was Letty and there was a mild verbal flirtation. Now he is a scarred war hero and she leads this double life. 

An interesting romance illustrating that women really were second class citizens, unable to train or work in professional occupations, merely sit around, do cross stitch and take rea as debutantes or work them selves to death as scullery maids etc.  Tony clearly depends on alcohol to forget the war and so it isn’t your traditional N&B historical romance as it touches on serious social issues. I did enjoy the book and hope the Author produces more along these lines. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: What Happens Now? By Sophia Money-Coutts

Lil Bailey, a primary school teacher, thought she had found her soul mate, the one. After 8 years together, however, he dumped her for his new colleague.  She meets Max Rushbrooke via OLD. He is an intrepid mountain climber who, after a great one night stand, subsequently ghosts her. She discovers that at 31 years of age she is pregnant and single. She decides to have the baby and finally tracks Max down only to discover his parents are Lord and Lady Rushbrooke and maybe he wasn’t ghosting her but merely uncontactable as he is leading a mountain climb! The rest of the novel follows Max and Lil navigating friendship, imminent parenthood and romance. 

A hilarious read. I especially enjoyed the interaction at the school with the rich parents and her TA. I wonder how how this book will age as it is right on the cusp referencing all the popular social media and dating apps but will this date the book and put future readers off?

I received this novel from HQ via NetGalley in exchange for an honest reviewThe 

#AD Book Review: Pleasure Payback by Zara Cox

Part of M&B Dare Collection, Pleasure Payback is a novel about revenge. Two years ago Damian Mortimer had a great bedroom experience with Neve and then destroyed her business - she was about to expand her hotel chain and he makes the deal fall through. Now she is ready to exact her revenge. Her business has recovered and she is on tv with Damien on a Dragon’s Den type programme. Will they be able to control their sexual chemistry or will it get out of control??? 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Summer Escape With The Tycoon by Donna Alward

Molly Quinn’s trip to the Canadian outback is the adventure of a lifetime. She won the trip in a blind auction where she battled it out with Eric Chambault. She is just about to start her adventure when in he walks - he had bought himself a ticket! She is paired up with Eric, as they are the only two singletons on the trip,  who is a rich tycoon. As they are pushed to the limit they become closer, but will their holiday fling survive in the real world? 

I enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and activities / it made me feel as though I was there enjoying the holiday with them. I found Molly’s internal monologue rather negative and depressing at times. The novel examined and developed their characters rather than their sexual chemistry. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#win Dower & Hall Sparkle in a Bottle Star Earrings

Dower & Hall have partnered up with the NSPCC  to create the Radiant Star Collection. 10% of the purchase price of each item is to be donated to the NSPCC. I purchased the Sparkle in a Bottle sterling silver star stud earrings (£20). The earrings are sterling silver, measure 8mm and have butterfly backs. They come presented in a little glass bottle with a cork stopper and a Dower & Hall presentation bag and tissue paper, so no need to wrap them yourself! £5 from each purchase of this item is donated to The NSPCC.  I bought 2 pairs of these earrings,  one for a competition prize and  I also bought a pair for myself. I find they are easy to put in my earlobes and really comfortable to wear. 

To win a pair of these earrings check out my Instagram post Here

Competition Rules: 

Must be following this IG account and like this post.  Extra entries can be gained by tagging friends and commenting on ig posts. Competition is open worldwide. Competition opens 02/feb 2020 and closes 1March 2020 11.59 pm GMT. The competition is not affiliated in any way with Dower & Hall

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own 

#AD Book Review: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne

The second in the Redemption Bay series. Both McKenzie and Ben have left and returned to  Haven Point. McKenzie returned for family reasons and is the mayor of Haven Point.  Ben returned for business reasons - would Haven Point make a good base for Cain Tech facilities? Ben isn’t really liked at Haven Point. His father was a cruel man and Ben  is blamed for taking away jobs when he closed Kilpatrick boats and ran down some of the buildings.  McKenzie is determined to sell The Bay to Ben as the ideal place for his new facility as they need the jobs and income it would produce.

This isn’t a traditional M&B romance. A small town love affair that doesn’t develop on the basis of sizzling instant chemistry but a storyline based on coming home and developing friendships. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Andrea (Andy) Oliver has returned to her home town from her not so glam life in New York. Her life is turned upside down when her mother, Laura, and Andy are involved in a shooting at their local mall. Her mother stands up to the shooter and is stabbed. When she wakes up in hospital the danger , for her, isn’t over as her past comes back to haunt her. Andy must discover her mother’s past in order to save her. 

A great read showing how a daughter who has has an easy, aimless life must suddenly grow up in order to save her mother. The flashbacks to 30 years ago to explain Laura’s background did drag the storyline a bit. An enjoyable read not written in Slaughter’s usual style of writing. 

I received this novel from Harper Collins via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Take Me On by Dylan Rose

Take Me On is part of the M&B Dare collection and written by Dylan Rose. Kenzie Fox, a yoga instructor from New York inherited the rum distillery from her Great Aunt Lily,  is just about to sell her share the Miami distillery until she discovers the potential buyer is Antonio Navedo, her arrogant one night stand that she has only just had a steamy night of sex with. Antonio wants to purchase the distillery as it used to belong to his family.  She suggests a wager: she turns the distillery around, she gets the shares. If, however, she fails he gets the shares and as an added bonus anything he would like in the bedroom as well. 

Rather a simplistic storyline which somehow made the chemistry seemed forced between the two main characters. An interesting premise that just somehow didn’t translate well on to paper (or kindle).

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Earl’s Countess of Convenience Marguerite Kaye

Part of the Penniless Brides of Convenience mini series, The Earl’s Countess of Convenience follows Eloise Brannagh, who has been living with her sisters under the care of her Aunt Kate, entering into a marriage of Convenience and name only with the Earl of Fearnoch, Alexander Sinclair. She has seen what passion can do and is so quite content to live in a passion free marriage. Her new husband, however, is much more handsome and intriguing - he turns out to be a spy - than she anticipated so she may be forced to break her self imposed rules!!!

Eloise is instantly likeable. Her interaction with her sisters brings some light relief and humour to the book. Alexander's role is more mysterious as he turns out to be a spy. Neither wants to fall in love and so both are content with a name in only marriage. Slowly the chemistry builds until they get their HEA if they want it or not! 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Top 5 Valentines Day Gifts: #Whatwomenwant

I dislike Valentines Day immensely which is why I don’t do a Valentines gift guide blog post but I was interested to see that Mills & Boon have commissioned a survey to find out what women want for Valentines or V day as it is sometimes known. 

I could definitely go with the almost 1/2 of women under 30s who believe in celebrating Love for themselves whilst almost 1/4 would buy themselves a gift - I am always in the mood to buy myself a gift! And 1/3 (31%) would like to receive a book (great gift). The classic staples: flowers, chocolates and cards still top the gift list but they seem so boring and unimaginative when there are so many thoughtful gift ideas out there - like books! 

What are you buying/ expecting to receive on Valentines Day???? 

#AD Book Review: From Heiress To Mum by Therese Beharrie

Autumn Bishop spilt up with her billionaire boyfriend Hunter Lee because he didn’t want children. He is still her best friend. Imagine her surprise when he turned up on her doorstep with his baby son Eli, the result of a one night stand after they broke up. He is to look after Eli for 3 months whilst his mother goes away to college and is asking for her help! 

I know this is a novel but if this had happened to me he would have got a short shrift. I feel that Autumn is too good natured and basically a walkover. The pair wee in love but split because she wanted babies and he didn’t. As they look after Eli they slowly analyse where and why their relationship went wrong the first time whilst Hunter realises what he had lost and has to work hard to win back. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#win Lola Rose Holly Bracelet in Butter Stone & Rose Quartz

Win this Lola Rose chunky and eye catching butter stone and rose quartz bracelet and pouch (£55) in this month’s blog competition.  The bracelet is adjustable from 16.5 to 22cm with a Chinese style fastening. There is a gold tone LR tag. The bracelet is packaged in a Lola Rose blush pink pouch.



Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules

Competition opens on 07 February 2020 

Closing date 01March 2020

Open internationally 

Not affiliated in any way with Lola Rose

Entrants must complete the compulsory Rafflecopter options

Good luck

#AD Book Review: The Secrets Of Lord Lynford by Bronwyn Scott

Eton Falmage Marquess of Lynford has vowed never to marry, as he has a closely guarded secret that he is unable to have children. He seduced Eliza Blaxland who is a mining widow. He offers her and her daughter Sophie the use of his Dowager house when she has problems with one of her mines. She has vowed to never lose her heart or her independence, but the share holders are putting her under pressure  to place a mining tunnel under the sea which she feels is unsafe. They are therefore trying to take the company away from her. She is adamant she will not marry again  as this would mean her husband would take control of the mining business.  Lynford wants more from Eliza but if he tries to win her it means he will have to reveal his closely guarded secrets and lose her anyway.

Set in Cornwall, the descriptions of the coastline etc are detailed, really setting the scene for the novel.  It is interesting historically to have such a strong willed and determined heroine and the secondary storyline following the need to improve the lives of the miners and their families is also interesting. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: The Midwife’s Secret Child by Fiona McArthur

The Midwife’s Secret Child is a M&B Medical romance written by Fiona McArthur. Dr Raimondo Salvanelli did not know midwife Faith Featherstone was pregnant when he walked out on her. When she realised she wrote to him but he ignored her letter. She is bringing their daughter up alone but when he finds out he flies to see them and persuade Faith that he is a reformed character who is dependable and committed to both her and their little girl. 

I found the birth scene to be rather graphic and the story took a while to get interesting, the first few chapters drag. 

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

#AD Book Review: Sisters By Choice by Susan Mallery

As the saying goes: You can’t choose your family! Three cousins, Sophie, Kristine and Heather are trying to navigate the problems life has thrown at them. Sophie has returned to Blackberry island after watching her business empire collapse, Kristine has to make a choice between her career and marriage and Heather is trying to save some money so she can reach her goals but every time she does save some her mother needs it. During one done these three empires lose their bonds as cousins and friends will help them navigate the most insurmountable of problems.

A gentle story about how three cousins work together to overcome their problems. Beautifully written but I think I prefer Susan Mallery’s M&B novels.

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

# AD Book Review: Secrets of His Hidden Cinderella by Caitlin Crews

Secrets of His Hidden Cinderella is written by Caitlin Crews and published by M&B Modern. The nineteenth Duke of Marinceli, Most Excellent Grandee of Spain - Teo de Luz encounters his ex step sister Amelia Ransom during a masked ball at his castle. Their meeting had consequences in the shape of s baby. She has to return to Spain to admit her true identity and infirm Teo about his impending fatherhood. Teo hates Amelia and her mother as he feels that she took advantage of him when they married soon after his mother’s death.  Teo decides to marry Amelia despite hating her mother in order to exact his revenge and legitimise his child but will marriage lead to a HEA? 

Teo comes across as haughty and unlikable, Amelia feisty and not overly in awe of his high clad status. An enjoyable read but not one I would reach to reread in a hurry.  

I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review