A Season in London- Timeless Regency Collection

Synopsis:

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and
Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a 'poor relation,' Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma's grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother's superior, asks her to dance at her first ball. Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she's caught up in an intrigue she wasn't expecting--both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he'd hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might bot be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she'd be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she's quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn't prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

Review:

I don't normally pick to read regency romance but I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and review and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I don't think I could have lived at this time. I probably wouldn't have wanted to follow all the different rules and way of life.

I enjoyed Elizabeth Johns book. It was very detailed, clean and you felt the emotions from each of the characters. It was a page turner and it was a little suspenseful in a section of the book. I loved how it ended. It leaves you smiling and very happy for Emma and her cousin Jane.

Heather Moore's story was a cute love story about Edward and Emily that knew each other when they were young and after losing family members have come together. I loved that they became friends through writing letters and grew to love each other. They were very supportive of each other's hidden hobbies and talents which added some fun scenes. The book was clean, cute, and detailed. It was a fun read.

Rebecca Connolly is a new author for me and I enjoyed her witty writing. Daphne had been hurt before and her parents wanted her to go to London for a Season so she went (not very willingly.) While there she caused many scenes and attracted a gentleman that thought her antics were humorous but when she needed someone the most he was there. It was funny and sometimes you find yourself wanting to whip Daphne into shape. :)

Stars: 4

Choosing the Cowboy by Liz Isaacson

Synopsis:

Maggie Duffin is all set to inherit her father's farm supply store in Amarillo, Texas. With only girls in her family, and Heidi now married and living at Three Rivers Ranch, she feels a sense of duty and family loyalty. Which is honorable- if it wasn't for her boyfriend, cowboy Chase Carver.
Chase is and always will be a cowboy at heart. He breaks up with nineteen-year-old Maggie at the request of her father, but he's miserable. He can only keep himself away for five months before returning to the store and the girl he loves. He believes that if he can prove to Maggie's father that he can provide a stable, secure life, that Chase and Maggie can be together again.
So he sets out on a quest to find his own ranch. But with financial trouble and personal issues around every corner, both Maggie and Chase will have to rely on their faith to find their happily-ever-after.

Review:

This is a very sweet novelette set in Texas in the 80's. This book is an exclusive book sent to Liz's newsletter subscribers but I wanted to put a review about it because there is a chance it will be published later on. I have only read a few of Liz's books but I am really enjoying her writing and the whole inspirational cowboy type stories. I don't normally read those types of books, but I am not sure why because a cute cowboy is always a plus!
Chase and Maggie were dating and when her parents found out, her Father wasn't happy because he was quite a bit older than Maggie. So Chase listened to her Father and left her alone. It was a hard few months and then he decided he needed to see her. It is a cute story about how true love doesn't just go away and determination to get what you want. Chase does some things to try and win over Maggie's father and prove he can provide and take care of her. It is another extra short but cute and clean story. It gives you a glimpse of Liz's excellent writing.

Stars: 4

Hold Me At Twilight by Lucinda Whitney

Synopsis:

When Knox Campbell goes to Portugal for a short business trip, he never planned on losing his documents. Now he's stranded in Porto, his passport lost, and his credit cards canceled. Unable to return to the US and without a place to stay, Knox turns to the travel agent who suggested the local day attractions for assistance.
Jacinta Romano loves helping her clients set up their dream trips, although she doesn't usually meet the ones visiting from abroad. But all that changes when a client shows up at the agency while her meddling family are still there. They latch on to him immediately, insisting Jacinta bring him home while he's stranded. Thankfully, he's only staying until his new passport arrives and after two weeks of playing hostess, she'll be glad to send him on his way.
Or will she?

The Romano Family series follows the stories of the Romano cousins of northern Portugal as they find love and their Happily-Ever-Afters.

Review:

Lucinda sucks you in with this cute, sweet and very quick read. It is a well written but too short novella that leaves you wanting to know more details but excited to read the other books coming out in the Romano Family series. It is set in Portugal like her other books and it made me miss traveling and Portugal.
Jacinta is a travel agent and Knox is visiting Portugal on a short business trip when his important information is stolen leaving him stranded. He decided to stop by the travel agency that had helped him with some touring info and there he sees Jacinta. When they meet her family is there and encourages him to come to dinner and the whirlwind adventure of waiting for his passport continues. Their story is very sweet and yes it is short but for the length of the novella the characters are well developed and the end leaves you with a smile and satisfied.
This gives you a glimpse into what the Destined For Love: Europe series will be like. I love Europe so I am looking forward to this new series by different authors to come out so I can dream of being back there.

Stars: 4

Beck & Call by Jennifer Peel

Synopsis:

What happens when a dashing Englishman and an almost famous pianist collide? Sparks. And lots of them. Call's life always seems to be on the cusp of working out, only to unravel at the last moment. For instance, when she meets the guy. The man she's been fantasizing about from afar. The one who walks his beautiful Siberian husky around her neighborhood. Their first meeting is nothing like she hoped; in fact, she wishes she never met him.
Charles Beckett is in need of a good dog-sitter, but he gets more than he bargained for when a cheeky American bartender shows up at his house fifteen minutes late. The job interview quickly turns into a sparring match and Call leaves vowing to run him over with her truck the next time she sees him. It's up to their dogs now to bring the pair together.
Will Call finally have one of her dreams come true? Or will the Englishman be another check mark in her long list of unrealized promises?

Review:

Call is trying to make ends meet while taking care of her teenage brother. She works at the gym, at a bar and possibly taking care of a dog. She went to meet with the dog's owner, who happens to be the guy she passes walking her dog and that she fantasizes about but... it wasn't a success. Their paths cross again later and she isn't too thrilled but they begin a friendship. I liked how they started out as friends and getting to know each other instead of jumping right in to something. She is a very hard worker and example to those around her. He is very nice and wants to help her out but she wants to do it all on her own. She is very sassy and he is an "Englishman" with an accent so it makes for some funny dialogue. It's a fun, light, clean read but does have some mild language and drinking (she does work at a bar). I enjoyed the development of the story... It's another great read from Jennifer.

Stars: 4.5

Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson

Synopsis:

Tucker Jenkins has had enough of tall buildings, traffic, and business meetings to determine the next app that will change the world. He's sold his technology firm for billions and traded it for Steeple Ridge Horse Farm in rural Vermont.
Missy Marino has worked at the boarding stable and farm since she was a teen, and she's always dreamed of owning it. But her ex-husband left her with a truckload of debt making her fantasies of owning the farm unfulfilled.
When she meets Tucker, she starts having a new kind of fantasy-one where they work with the horses together. Tucker didn't come to the country to find a new wife, but he supposes a woman could help him start over in Steeple Ridge. Will Tucker and Missy be able to navigate the shaky ground between them to find a new beginning?

Review:

I am a big fan of anything Timeless Romance so I was excited about this new Timeless Romance Single. I was even more excited when it was a Liz Isaacson book about a handsome cowboy. Oooo Lala :) Missy has worked at the farm for years and knows all the ins and outs. It is sold which really makes her sad because she wanted to buy it. She wants to hate the new owner because it should have been her farm but when she sets eyes on him...sparks start a flyin'. It was a quick, clean read and you wanted to read on to see what was going to happen with the city guy, Mr. Tucker, the new owner of the farm. It was well written and I loved the farm setting for a Timeless Romance book.

Stars: 4.5