The Academy Series by Tessa Bailey

Over the past two years I have read Tessa Bailey’s The Academy series following police cadets Charlie (Disorderly Conduct), Jack (Indecent Exposure), and Danika (Disturbing His Peace) as they discover their love for partners who challenge them, change them, and complete them.

This series takes you from light and airy to dark and troubling and back again win each and every book with little effort.  It’s Tessa Bailey, after all.  They’re funny, they’re edge of your seat dramatic, and they’re filled with happy sighs.

Disturbing His Peace, the final book in the series, released on April 24^th, so I thought it only fitting to make a short post reminding my readers to get out there and purchase these!  I fell in love with every character (although I’ll admit that Greer and Danika are my favorite couple) and I so wish that this series didn’t have to end.

To check out my review: Disorderly Conduct, Indecent Exposure, Disturbing His Peace.

To purchase the novels: Disorderly Conduct, Indecent Exposure, Disturbing His Peace.

Must Love Babies by Lynette Austin

I’m a big fan of babies.  I mean, they’re all ugly until like six months, but I’m still a fan of them.  And nothing is more of a turn on than a big, strong many holding a little baby in his arms.  That’s more swoon-worthy than the hottest romance novel, in my opinion.  Now combine them!

Blurb: Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it!  He’s in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call.  His sister’s been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of seven-month—old nephew.  That’s the end of the bachelor lifestyle.  Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant’s in trouble.  In this southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone.  And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man…?

Review:  Must Love Babies by Lynette Austin was exactly what I expected from the blurb on the back cover.  It was cute and sweet, sure to give you butterflies fluttering about in your stomach and soft sighs every now and again.  It’s the sort of book you’d want to read after a long week at work because it just sort of… flows.

Brant Wylder is definitely a man worth reading about.  He’s hot, he drops everything to help his sister, and he gets really upset if you paint your vintage car the wrong red.  The perfect man.  There were plenty of laughs had watching him try and take care of a seven-month-old, but I probably laughed harder than most given that I’m currently nannying a seven-month-old and I know just how difficult the whole process can be.

Molly Stiles in an independent woman who don’t need no man, especially since she’s swamped with daddy issues.  If there’s one thing I’m not a huge fan of in romance novels it is daddy issues in my heroines.  I love drama, but for some reason I strongly dislike when my main characters refuse to open themselves to love because of their parents.  Give me PTSD, give me a crazy ex, give me a fear that they’re only after you for your money.  Whatever, just don’t give me mommy/daddy issues.  That said I didn’t dislike her as a character.  She drops everything multiple times to help Brant for no other reason than to ease his burden, she protects his nephew like her own, and she’s making her business dreams a reality.

Neither of them were looking for a complicated relationship but boy did they find it. They didn’t just fall in love though, they seriously fought it.  So if reluctant romance is your thing, you should pick up this book immediately.  I didn’t hate this book, but I’ll admit that it wasn’t exactly my taste.  That’s on me though, because the writing and characters are solid.  Just don’t go into Must Love Babies expecting erotic sex scenes or explosive drama because someone took a charming small town and shoved it between the covers of a book.

Must Love Babies is out now so grab a copy & get your baby fix!

Loving the Secret Billionaire (A Love at Last Novella) by Adriana Anders

Blurb:

I was a loner for a reason. I had too many secrets, too much to hide, and way too much at stake. So, when a stranger showed up at my door, with her talk of saving the world, I should have sent her away. I didn’t. I had to have her, even if I was a criminal...and a virgin. So, I let her in, made her mine. Then everything went to hell. And I had to decide, just how far would I go to keep my woman?

Review:

I originally read Loving the Secret Billionaire by Adriana Anders when it was a short snippet of a story in the Rogue Desire Anthology.  Adriana Anders rightfully decided that the story of Veronica and Zach was one that needed to be expanded on (thank the Lord).  When she reached out for readers the conversation went something like this:

Adriana: I need readers for my novella Loving the Secret Billionaire.

Me: Me.

Her: You know you already read this story in Rogue Desire, it’s just been expanded.

Me: Don’t care.  Me.  Send it.  Please.  Please.  Please.

And so she took pity on me and sent it along.

Novellas are interesting because you have to put aside some of the realistic progression of relationships in order to fit everything inside of a little package.  That being said, I thought that Loving the Secret Billionaire was wonderfully done in such a way that it covered everything it needed to but didn’t feel eye-rollingly cliché, just the typical novella cliché.  When I finished the book I started to write this review and realized I couldn’t remember the title.  When I scrolled back to the front of my e-book I was surprised to re-learn it because I don’t feel that this story has all that much to do with Zach being a billionaire.  So if you're thinking this will be your typical billionaire romance (read: bad boy, wealthy man with no respect, etc, etc, etc) then you're going to be wildly surprised.

Usually when I read a romance novel the hero suffers from a bad attitude, rakish behavior, or just generally being an asshole.  Just in the last few months though I’ve had the pleasure of reading more and more romance novels where the hero (and sometimes even the heroine) suffer from a diagnosed disability.  It’s a progressive step for the romance genre.

Zach isn’t your typical hero.  For one, he’s blind.  It was definitely a new and enjoyable to read experiences from the perspective from someone who cannot see the physical world around him them.  Adriana Anders had to get creative with descriptions and it made the entire story a unique read.  Zach is a recluse, spending most of his time behind the screen of a computer and little time interacting with people in real life.  I loved watching him learn to love another person and balance wanting to do everything for Veronica, who only wants to show the world that she can do this on her own.

Veronica is a preschool teacher who has finally had enough with the negative political climate she’s faced with every day.  She decides to do something about it by running for office against a wealthy, experienced politician.  She was spunky, quirky, and outgoing, but not without some realistic hesitance to the veil of secrecy surrounding Zach.

I wasn’t expecting the chemistry between them to be as unbelievably hot as it was.  I guess I just figured an inexperienced blind man and a budding politician might take things a little more tame in the bedroom.  Not so.  This is some sweat-producing, gasp-worthy stuff between these pages.  Again, I loved that Veronica and Zach were forced, due to Zach’s disability, to communicate more verbally than other couples might be required to because it led to a lot of dirty talk.  Who doesn’t love dirty talk?

All in all, Loving the Secret Billionaire is a spicy novella worth a read, especially if you, like so many others, are into political awareness and rising up against the current state of affairs.  That said, it’s also good read for someone who just wants a short, passionate couple hours spent with a unique pairing of characters.  This novella is a respectable length and it's out April 19th and it's only .99 cents.  You can pre-order it here.

Lady in Waiting (The Reluctant Brides #1) by Marie Tremayne

I often go through phases with my romance novels.  For about a month I’ll read nothing but romantic suspense.  Then I’ll switch to regency romances.  Then I’ll switch to weird romance novels from the 90s where consent was entirely a grey area.  Then I’ll take a break with some contemporary for a while.

I have been on such a wonderful regency roll for the last week or so and I’m enjoying it immensely.  Lady in Waiting by Marie Treymane, featuring a high society woman posing as a maid in an Earl’s household, is just another book in a long line of fabulous writing and entertaining characters.

Blurb: When Clara Mayfield helps her sister elope, she’s prepared for the scandal to seal her fate as a spinster. What she doesn't expect is to find herself engaged to the vile Baron Rutherford as a means of salvaging her family's reputation. Determined not to be chained to a man she loathes, Clara slips out of Essex and sheds her identity: she becomes Helen, maid at the Earl of Ashworth’s country estate. After all, below stairs is the last place anyone would think to look for an heiress…

William, Lord Ashworth, is attempting to rebuild his life after the devastating accident that claimed the lives of his entire family, save his beloved sister and niece. Haunted by memories of what was and determined to live up to the title he never expected to inherit, William doesn’t have time for love. What he needs is a noble and accomplished wife, one who can further the Ashworth line and keep the family name untarnished…

From their first encounter, the attraction between them is undeniable. But Clara knows William is falling for Helen, a woman who doesn’t even exist. The question is, if she reveals the truth about her identity, can she trust the broken William to forgive her lie and stand by her side when scandal—and the baron—inevitably follow her to his door?

Review: This is the sort of drama I positively love.  Sure, I’m partial to crime and murder, but there’s something really exciting about someone pretending to be someone they’re not.  I’ve read a few romance novels featuring men pretending to be someone else, but this is the first romance novel where the heroine is the one hiding her identity.  Every time Clara kept up the pretense of Helen, servant girl, exhilaration licked at my veins creating a flicker of heat that, by the end of the book, had me near panting with anticipation.

Clara ran away from her wedding, but that doesn’t make her weak.  In fact, she’s stronger than many women of her time… even of this time.  I don’t believe there are many women who would give up their status in society to work as a servant in someone else’s household, even if their husband-to-be was an abusive asshole.  Clara is kind, thoughtful, adventurous, and scrappy.

She’s the perfect match for the brooding William whose traumatic past has left him unable to be in society for any length of time. He is temperamental, intelligent, and head over heels for a servant girl he can never have.  At least, not in the way he wants.  I’m usually a little over gloomy men, but there was something about William that drew me.  Maybe it was the fact that his brooding wasn’t unwarranted, but rather completely understandable.  He was so human and leaped off the page to grab my heart.  I’ll be thinking about him for a while.

I absolutely loved them together.  William could hardly hold himself together around Clara and Clara had a hard time keeping up her façade in front of him—she’s far too outspoken for a house maid, one of the things I truly enjoyed about her.  When they came together time after unavoidable time I nearly squealed with delight.  Forbidden pleasure is the best sort, you know?

I can tell that Marie Tremayne’s series The Reluctant Brides is going to be one of my favorites yet.  There is nothing better than delectable romance, especially when it’s written with such talent, such passion, such vigor.  Regency fans will delight in The Lady in Waiting.  It’s out now, so click here to download it!

Check out my Instagram @ instagram.com/romantically_inclined

Lady Be Reckless (The Duke's Daughters #2) by Megan Frampton

Megan Frampton is my new go to regency romance author.  Her series The Duke’s Daughters is well-written and hilarious, with the added benefit that you’re sure to connect deeply with at least one of them.  I’m an Ida.  And an Olivia.  And a little bit Eleanor.  Oh hell, you’ll connect with all of them.

Blurb: The Duke’s five daughters have beauty, breeding, and impeccable reputations. Or at least, they did. Now that two have chosen to follow their hearts, can the others be far behind?

Lady Olivia refuses to repeat her siblings’ scandalous mistakes. Instead, she will marry the lord rejected by her sister and help with his good works. When he resists, Olivia forms another plan: win his lordship’s admiration by helping his illegitimate best friend find a bride. How difficult can it be to transform the rakish Edward Wolcott into a gentleman? To ignore his virile good looks? To not kiss him in a moment of impulsive madness? Apparently, very difficult indeed.

Edward Wolcott promised his ailing father he would marry well, and it appears Lady Olivia wishes to assist him. The sparkling firebrand intends to smooth his way through London’s ballrooms, parlors, and eligible ladies, while all Edward’s thoughts suddenly revolve around bedrooms . . . and Lady Olivia herself.  Only a scoundrel would seduce the duke’s most dutiful daughter. And only a truly reckless lady would risk everything to be in his arms . . .

Review:  Lady Be Reckless by Megan Frampton was an absolutely delightful read.  I sped read through it desperate to know whether Olivia, much like her sister Eleanor, would follow her heart over her father’s wishes.  I felt connected to every character as though they were me, as though they were my friends and my family.  I found myself hanging to every written word.  There were laughs and anxious moments, almost tears and broad smiles… it was fabulous.

I felt such a comradery with Olivia.  I got my Master’s degree in Social Work because I wanted to change the world—much like Olivia—but I, too, had moments where I forgot that you can only help those who want your help and not everybody does.  Olivia learns this the hard way.  I loved that Frampton didn’t make Olivia perfect.  She is full of faults, but that makes her all the more lovable because she’s so real.  She’s bold, unapologetic, stubborn, passionate, and more.

Edward is a bastard… legally. But he’s lucky enough to have a loving father who accepts him and friends who don’t look down on him because of his birth.  He isn’t so lucky with the rest of society, however.  He was the perfect match for the overly eager, headstrong Olivia.  Calm without being sullen, polite without being boring, rich without being snotty.  I positively adored him as a man and a character.

Together Olivia and Edward played the typical society game of highborn-lowborn.  They were so freaking cute I wanted to scream a couple times, but I refrained because that borders on weird (which I am, but not that weird, at least not in public).  Every kiss, every embrace, every sneaky moment brought sparks to my life that I am happy I do not have to live without.

I am desperate for Pearl and Ida to get their chance at happy endings (particularly Ida because I’m obviously not a strange to preferring a book to human company).  The next books in the series cannot come soon enough and Lady Be Reckless is out now!

How to Forget a Duke (Midadventures in Matchmaking) by Vivienne Lorret

Blurb: The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with the client. A simple thing to remember . . . unless you’re a matchmaker with amnesia.

The Duke of Rydstrom requires a wife. Preferably one with a large fortune and a complete lack of curiosity. The last thing he needs is a meddling matchmaker determined to dig up his dark family secrets.

All Jacinda wants is to find a bride for a duke. How hard could that be? He’s handsome, enigmatic . . . and hiding something. She’s sure of it. Determined to discover what it is, she travels to his crumbling cliffside estate. Yet, by the time she washes up on his beach, she can no longer remember who she is or why the duke is so familiar to her. All she knows is that his kisses are unforgettable—and she intends to use every skill she can to discover what’s in his heart . . .

When Miss Bourne can’t remember what brought her to his ancestral home, Rydstrom intends to keep it that way. Yet as the days pass, his true challenge will be safeguarding his secret while resisting this woman who—confound it all—may well be his perfect match.

Review:  There were things I liked about How to Forget a Duke by Vivienne Lorret and there were things of which I wasn’t particularly fond.  Let’s start with the things I would have changed.

1. Names are pretty important to my overall enjoyment of a romance novel and I positively hate the name Jacinda (it reminds me of Lucinda which reminds me of the idiot godmother from Ella Enchanted and she frustrated me so badly).  It does not roll of the tongue at all. And I know the author was going for an Emma meets Jason Bourne theme, but I really wish she hadn’t used the last name Bourne.  Way too obvious and a strange name for the time period.

2. I’ve never read Emma by Jane Austen, so all the references (and there were a lot) were sort of lost on me.

Now, what did I like?  Everything else.  I thought the novel was witty, charming, romantic, and hilarious.  There were no murderer or case to solve (besides ‘Who is Jacinda Bourne’?), so the drama was definitely to a minimum but it was rather nice that way.

Jacinda is a fiery, independent woman with a penchant for trouble.  Those are my favorite type of regency women.  I loved the way she was able to steal into the hearts of all those around her despite her sharp tongue and penchant for acting inappropriate for a woman of her standing.  Crispin is your typical high class male:  brooding, easily annoyed, and looking for an heiress.  He was frustrating at times, but I enjoy high strung men crumbling down beneath a woman’s touch—even if Jacinda’s touch nearly drove him mad.

I wasn’t sure at first how much I was going to enjoy the whole ‘loss of memory’ plot, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Lorret handled what could have been a clichéd mess and made it unique, humorous, and a little sad all at once.  Jacinda struggled to remember things, but she never forgot how to be herself, i.e. extremely irritating to Crispin and I thought it was really entertaining to watch Crispin struggle with his feelings for someone so beyond what he thought he could handle from a woman.  Lots of misunderstandings, stubborn people, and crazy weather in this book.

All said and done it was an enjoyable read with just enough drama to keep me happy, but not so much that it stressed me out on my lunch break.  So, perfect for the circumstances.  How to Forget a Duke is out May 2018.  I love match-making spins, so I'm excited for the rest of this series.

Resurgence (Blood of the Custodians, Book #1) by Sharonlee Holder

Everyone who follows my reviews knows that I’m a huge fan of Gena Showalter’s Lord of the Underworld series which is a very entertaining (and hot) take on Greek Mythology.  So, I was particularly excited to read the first book in Sharonlee Holder’s Blood of the Custodian’s series, Resurgence, which also follows the Greeks but in a totally unique way.

Blurb: It's been a thousand years since the Fates destroyed Olympus, forcing the gods into exile among the humans. Now, led by Eros, the sons and daughters of the Olympians are preparing for war. They are determined to win their freedom, but the Fates will do anything to keep the status quo. A prophesied weapon—said to be able to destroy the Fates—is sought by both sides. Eros and the resistance want to use it to win their freedom, while the Fates race to find the weapon first and destroy it.

Antara, a hybrid of human and Custodial descent, comes into her ancestral powers as the very Tracker Eros needs to find the weapon. Kidnapped, held hostage and forced to confront the hidden truth about her own heritage, Antara is drawn deeper and deeper into a world she never knew existed. Things would be a lot simpler if she could just hate Eros for bringing her here; if his fate weren't now bound to her own—and if, despite everything, she didn't already find herself falling in love with him…

Review:  I love Greek Mythology.  I don’t know what it is about the Gods that makes me love reading about them so much.  Maybe it’s their cockiness, their inhuman hotness, their uncontrollable egos… or maybe it’s the fact that these 1,000 year old Gods and Goddesses know how to get it on.

I’m always so impressed with authors who can write romance novels with plots and characters as complex as these.  You need to do a crazy amount of research just to keep who shagged who straight, I can't imagine keeping names and strifes and relationships accurate, too.  Not to mention an author's ability to get creative with the myths.  Romance novels this intricate are a work or art and Resurgence is no exception.

I absolutely loved the direction that Sharonlee Holder took her Greek Myth story.  I’ve never read a romance novel where the main character was Cupid—and not the diaper wearing, cute baby Cupid either.  No, Eros is all man.  And Antara is a moody, fiery sprite of a woman who’s thrown into a wild and unbelievable situation. But, unsurprisingly, she makes the best of becoming more than friends with a hot Greek God.  I wish we were all so brave as to endure hot sex on the reg.

I loved how the author portrayed Cupid and I especially loved the overpowering sexuality of his true form and the impact it has on those around him.  The sex scenes between Eros and Antara were perfection and, thankfully, there were many of them.  You could feel the chemistry between these two characters coming straight off the page.

I think that Resurgence is a true gem for those who enjoy Greek Mythology, the novels of Gena Showalter, or reading romance novels that are way more than just fluff.  There's some serious chaos here and if you're going to pick up this book you need to be prepared for volatile characters, buff guys fighting a lot, and plenty of explosive sex.

Best news: The first book in the series right now is FREE.  Follow this link to get your copy today!  (Information accurate as of 4/1/2018).