Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Romantic Fantasy by Kelly Miller, Janet Taylor, Carol S. Bowes KU

Blurb

What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.

Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?

In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?

Review

Attention! If you’re a lover of everything Jane Austin and fantasy, you should most definitely read this story. This isn’t simply a reimagining of the lives of the characters that millions of historical romance readers have fallen in love with. The authors manage to take a classic and make it all their own.

In the beginning of the story, the reader is introduced to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, the master and mistress of Pemberley. While Fitzwilliam is nearly thrown from his horse, his wife mysteriously faints in the garden. While Elizabeth wakes up from her faint surrounded by servants who are concerned about her, Fitzwilliam isn’t so lucky. An angel named Graham appears to him and announces that he has saved his life. In return, Fitzwilliam has to allow the angel to accompany him for a week. Graham tells Fitzwilliam that he would like to understand humans and why they feel so deeply. The mortal is pressured into helping the angel on his journey.

From the start, Graham is trouble. He clearly covets Elizabeth, and the life that Fitzwilliam has. This isn’t the only conflict in the story. A relative from Fitzwilliam’s past decides to appear without invitation with a beautiful woman in toe. Her goal, is to tempt Fitzwilliam into cheating on Elizabeth. Trust me, between the angel and the vengeful aunt, the couple has a lot of drama to deal with. Don’t worry, Graham does get better in the book. Because of his powers, he does uncover a lot of secrets. But he struggles with his morals and learns a few things about himself.

I’d recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading well written drama filled stories.

Second Chances: A Friends to Lovers Celebrity Romance (Love on Set Book 1) by Alice Reed KU

Blurb

For those who believe lightning can strike twice …

Girl-next-door turned party girl Emelia Young has spent the last five years cultivating an illustrious acting career in LA. But, when fate pulls her back to her hometown of Sydney, she finds the eyes of the world are on her, and this time for all the wrong reasons.

In the midst of a chaotic scandal, Emelia meets the eye of the last person she expected to see: her high school sweetheart, Liam Miller. When the whole world turns dark, Emelia finds light again in the boy she loved all those years ago.

But things have changed. No longer the heart-drawing sixteen-year-old Liam used to know, fame, money and notoriety have changed Emelia, leaving them both unsure of where they stand.

When chance leads them into close proximity, Emelia finds there’s something even more terrifying than having the whole world hate you: developing feelings for someone who she could actually fall for.

Hearts will be set racing in this fast paced second chance romance set on the sunny and romantic Bondi Beach. Do they have it in their hearts to take another shot at love?

Review

What a heartwarming read!

After reading this book my first thought was, “I wish I could date someone like Liam.” This book was different, since the male lead wasn’t some dark character who was rude and aggressive. Liam was all sunshine. I felt like his personality balanced out Emelia, who was more of the insecure reformed mean girl type.

Aside from the author’s impeccable skill with character development, the plot was interesting as well. Liam and Emelia were once lovers when they were teenagers. But then, Emelia broke it off, left Australia, and became a famous actress. Fast forward a few years, Emelia returned to Australia, her mission to confront a passed lover and secure a part in a new series. Then, Liam and Emelia were thrust together by scandal. The scandal was so surprising that I actually shouted, “No way!” while reading. To be honest, it took a bit for me to like Emelia. But by the end, I was rooting for Liam and Emelia to reconnect. Since Liam new the real Emelia, it helped me understand why he loved her.

If you’re looking for a book with love, betrayal, and scheming executives, this is the book for you!

US Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PNMYRJZ

Aus Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08PNMYRJZ

UK Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PNMYRJZ

Rose (Suitors of Seattle Book 1) By Kirsten Osbourne PF

Blurb

Rose is the first book in a highly anticipated new series Suitors of Seattle, following the adventures of eight Western daughters ready to benefit from

the matchmaking skills of her new Aunt Harriett, whom readers will recognize from the best selling Brides of Beckham series.

Pampered socialite Rose is used to men falling at her feet. But her match with handsome Dr. Shawn Henry leaves her feeling less than adored. Has Rose fallen

in love with a man who can’t love her back?

Want more matchmaking madness? Check out the Brides of Beckham.

Review

I think I’ve read this book 20 times already! It’s one of those stories that you never get sick of. It’s an interesting spin of the “unrequited love” theme. Rose is not only pampered but a bit self-obsessed. She have had dozens of suitors, who has declared their undying love for her. So naturally, when she meats Doctor Shawn Henry, who’s also a bit full of himself, she is sure that he loves her.

What I find most entertaining about this read is that the author does a fabulous job switching between perspectives. On one hand, you have Rose, misinterpreting the gestures that Doctor Shawn, who acts as if the courting process is tedious. Rose, doesn’t find out that the dentist doesn’t love her until after they make love on their wedding night, which serves as a bucket of ice water dumped onto the character.

What I love about this book is that there is more to Rose. Through out the story, she shows a compassionate, that many are surprised to see. She volunteers in a battered women shelter and helps two of her siblings with their own love stories. She finally gets to know Doctor Shawn, who in turn sees that Rose is truly a gem. She doesn’t have to change as a person, though, I feel like Rose does mature through the book.

If you’re looking for a historical romance that has flawed but lovable characters, this is the book for you!

https://books.apple.com/us/book/rose/id657179651

Phoenix of Fyre by Danizza Hymas KU

Blurb

Magic. Mystery. Adventure. A war waged centuries ago is reborn as an evil sorcerer from Taurent attempts to seize control of the three Ivory Kingdoms. Magic not seen in 500 years returns to Cicero in the form of a young girl named Phoenix. Daughter of a blacksmith, she is taught to sword fight; a talent she ends up utilizing for survival and success. During an attack on her village, she loses her family, but she finds that she possesses a unique skill set that grants her certain mystical abilities, particularly over the elements. Raised by gypsies, she befriends a mute named Monique. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to meet Ayden, an archer. He assists them in the realization of Phoenix’s destiny as the Lady Fyre, who is prophesied to be the only being powerful to defeat the sorcerer Daedalus. The trio fights to take back Cicero, as well as their very lives. The island nation of Isys also has a unique interest in Phoenix. They send a spy to seek her out, which results in an unlikely alliance, as well as an unexpected reunion. Will Phoenix and her entourage be able to defeat Daedalus and his Taurentian army?

Review

What an exciting read! Can I have more, please? This author knows how to weave a plot that includes magic, mystery, secrets, action, adventure, romance and a villain who has control over two nations. The story begins when Phoenix is a child, and concludes when she is in her mid-twenties. I love this aspect because I was able to understand how each event in her life shaped her. As she matures, her powers over the elements, and her skills with the sword become even greater. She also acquires friends that aid her on her quest to rebel against the occupation of her country. The novel has intriguing side characters that have their own pasts and secrets. What I like most is that these characters are no damsels that constantly need saving. They are useful and have varying personalities. I don’t agree with everything that the characters do. But their moves are realistic, since things aren’t always black and white. If you enjoy a long read filled with action, adventure, and a side of clean romance, this is the book for you.

The Strictly Business Proposal (Freshwater Bay # 1 bye Nell Grey KU

Blurb

Is Beth Barnes a beautiful con artist or the genuine friend of Evan Morgan, an elderly Welsh chef?

When Evan dies, he hands talented London chef Beth her big break. She has the chance to realise her dream and run her very own restaurant in a village on the wild Welsh Celtic coast. But there are strings attached. Can she comply and gain her inheritance, her dream? Accused of being a gold digger by the family, Beth’s welcome to Wales is not quite as warm as she’d hoped for.

Burned from a recent divorce, the last thing on architect Gareth Morgan’s mind is another wedding. If he wants to realize his development dreams, he must marry.

It’s a strictly business proposal. But can Beth and Gareth really stick to the terms?

Review

I loved this book. This was a great start to a Series. It was your typical marriage for gain romance with a couple that end up falling in love. The author did a wonderful job with displaying the sexual tension between the characters. At times I was wondering, will they or won’t they? Both of the main characters are not perfect. I loved reading about the baggage that each of the individuals brought in to their arrangement. This is a four book series, and I am on book three. Each book focuses on a different couple. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance that takes place on the sea.

In Between (Katie Parker Productions, 1) by Jenny B. Jones KU

https://books.apple.com/us/book/in-between/id1509805466

Blurb

Unlike most kids, teenage Katie Parker never got a fair shot at a normal life. With a mother in jail and a missing-in-action dad, she’s never known what it’s like to truly be loved. Low on options and family members, she’s soon shipped off to a foster home. Now in an unfamiliar town, Katie’s rebellious attitude is at odds with her new family, school, and classmates. And after falling in with all the wrong people at school, things go from bad to really bad after she takes the blame for vandalizing the local performing arts theater.

But in the midst of a dark situation, Katie finds light in the most unexpected places: through her new friendship with an eccentric senior, the commitment of her foster family, and a tragic secret that changed them forever. And as she inches closer to acceptance and forgiveness, she finds that God has been there all along.

Review

Dear Lifetime,

Can you please make this into a movie? It has all of the things that all of us sappy television viewers love, a lost foster kid, kind foster parents, an eccentric senior citizen, bullies, the nerdy best friend, and the sort of love interest. In all seriousness, this book is amazing! It isn’t overly preachy. In fact, Katie struggles with the idea of God through the entire novel. Katie is winy, but humorous. She makes a lot of bad decisions, and that’s okay.

I think that the drawback is that there isn’t more romance. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the series for you. But I will say that Katie does eventually fall in love. I just wished that it happened in this book because I’m a hopeless romantic. I loved seeing Katie find her way and enjoyed all of the comedy that was provided.