The first book I downloaded was Off Limits Fling by Rachael Stewart, She is one of my favourite authors and this novel did not disappoint. This is a True Love novel. Gabe and Avery Monroe meet again 3 years after Gabe turned down Avery’s kiss. Now, due to her brother’s meddling the pair are reunited at Gabe’s Croatian castle for the whole summer. The passion is reignited but will it burn eternal or be blown out? Both the main characters are damaged. In the past Gabe saw Avery as off limits as she had a reputation as a wild child. Now, as they spend time together he sees the real Avery and understands why she acted the way she did. An enjoyable read, both characters are relatable and work well together. Enjoyable descriptions of Croatia. The story is well paced and not dragged out.
Falling For Her Miami Rival is an LGBTQ Medical romance. This novel introduced me to a new author, Luana DeRosa. Both Jamie and Allegra work at the ER Palm Grove Hospital. Jamie grew up on foster care and worked hard to get where she is today. The ER depended on her. She applied to be the consultant but the job went to a new Doctor, Allegra. She is hurt but ever the consummate professional she works with Allegra and a connection between the pair develops. Once Jamie finds out Allegra is fresh out of a divorce, however, she decides they would be better staying as rivals.
This is quite a short read and focuses more on the inequalities of the US medical system as a storyline rather than the balance of the relationship between the two women. Jamie is no longer in charge, Allegra is. The author created the basis for a great storyline as she could have developed their characters and relationship around how they learned to cope with the power imbalance in the relationship but it is hardly mentioned.
The premise for this novel is great but the execution is lacking. There are missed opportunities to develop some interesting storylines but I would still be interested to read her future novels to see how her style develops.
Accidentally Wearing The Argentinian’s Ring by Maya Blake represents the Modern genre. Mareka is the shy quiet personal assistant to Cayetano, her rich boss. He is about to become engaged (ultimately the engagement with Octavia is a business transaction) but when Mareka goes to collect the engagement ring from the jewellers she is photographed trying it on! The world now thinks she is his fiancée and he is dumped by Octavia. Caye still needs a fiancée inherit his grandfather’s business as his will stipulates that he must be married to inherit. and so Mareka is the chosen one, after all she scuppered hos original plan. As the pair work together on Caye’s opulent estate they struggle to keep their engagement a business only proposition.
This is a traditional M&B Modern romance. The alpha male needs a fiancée/ fake marriage in order to inherit. There was a fleeting hint of mutual attraction between the pair prior to the engagement ring debacle but it was never acted upon. Both main characters have problematic families which affects their attitudes to relationships. An enjoyable read, as are all Maya Blake’s novels.
Finally the novel I wasn’t particularly looking for to reading as I don’t enjoy reading historical romances but I thought that maybe this one may change my mind - How The Wallflower Wins The Duke by Lucy Morris. This is a spicy Regency romance. Set mainly at a weekend house party Marina Fletcher is attending with her family as her father is a renowned architect and he is competing with the Moorcroft family for a contract to renovate Brook’s country house. Brook Wyndham is ex army, ex spare and now the Duke of Framlingham which he losing interest in. What he really wants to do is go on a Grand Tour and find himself. Marina Fletcher is a successful musician who has decided that she will only marry for love. Brook suggests a fake marriage between the pair.
There is definitely chemistry between the pair and neither are the traditional Regency hero/ione characters. The first part of the book is the tradition clean, almost staid romance whilst the second involves Mariana scrambling through Priest holes to get to Brook as she wants to try sex in case she never gets another chance!
I enjoyed this novel more than I though I would but I still don’t think I would reach for them regularly. As a one off it was okay but I wouldn’t rush to read anymore. I can see why they have stood the test of time and are a M&B staple, they are just not for me.