Unwrapping Romance

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS, a Gentlemen of Honor novel by Sophia James

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS by Sophia James, book 3 of the Gentlemen of Honor series, published March 1, 2019.

Blurb for THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS:

From rags to riches

By the earl’s side!

Abandoned as a small child, Annabelle Smith has only vague memories of her past. Now living as a healer in London’s poverty-stricken East End, she receives a life-changing visit from the rich and imposing Lytton Staines, Earl of Thornton. He needs a cure for his ailing sister and helping him thrusts Belle into his dazzling life of luxury. But it’s Lytton who makes her world come alive!

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Connie’s Review:

London – 1815

Annabelle (Belle) Smith is 31-years-old, and an herbalist. She is being called upon by Lytton Staines, the Earl of Thornton, age 35. Lytton is seeking help for his sister, Lucy, who appears to have a wasting sickness. The doctors have not been able to help her, and having heard Belle’s good reputation with the medicines that she makes, he needs her help. She agrees to see his sister the next day.

Belle had lived in France with a woman who took her in from the nuns at a nearby church. She was also an herbalist and Belle calls her aunt. She does not know where she came from but has memories of fancy dressed people in large homes.

When Belle visits Lucy, she does not feel that she is truly ill, but is hiding a secret she does not want to face. So, Belle befriends her in a way that she hopes will get her to open up.

Lytton is quite taken with Belle and enjoys her company. She’s intelligent and is well read. Her perfect speech and knowledge of both English and French show she is of an aristocratic heritage.

When Belle is struck and injured by a carriage obviously owned by someone of wealth, she realizes someone from her mysterious past has recognized her and wants her dead. Lytton cares for her safety and hires someone to guard her. When yet another near-death disaster strikes, Lytton is determined to get to the bottom of these events and find out who is trying to kill Belle and why.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE CINDERELLA COUNTESS, a Gentlemen of Honor novel by Sophia James, Harlequin Historical, available now in ebook and print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of AMERICAN DUCHESS: a novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper

I present to you a guest review of AMERICAN DUCHESS: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper, published February 26, 2019.

Blurb for American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt:

Before Meghan and Harry, another American ‘princess’ captured the hand of an English aristocrat. Now, Karen Harper tells the tale of Consuelo Vanderbilt, her “The Wedding of the Century” to the Duke of Marlborough, and her quest to find meaning behind “the glitter and the gold.”

On a cold November day in 1895, a carriage approaches St Thomas Episcopal Church on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Massive crowds surge forward, awaiting their glimpse of heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. Just 18, the beautiful bride has not only arrived late, but in tears, yet her marriage to the aloof Duke of Marlborough proceeds. Bullied into the wedding by her indomitable mother, Alva, Consuelo loves another. But a deal was made, trading some of the vast Vanderbilt wealth for a title and prestige, and Consuelo, bred to obey, realizes she must make the best of things.

At Blenheim Palace, Consuelo is confronted with an overwhelming list of duties, including producing an “heir and a spare,” but her relationship with the duke quickly disintegrates. Consuelo finds an inner strength, charming everyone from debutantes to diplomats including Winston Churchill, as she fights for women’s suffrage. And when she takes a scandalous leap, can she hope to attain love at last…?

From the dawning of the opulent Gilded Age, to the battles of the Second World War, American Duchess is a riveting tale of one woman’s quest to attain independence—at any price.

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Connie’s Review:

The Wedding of the Century - November 6, 1895

Miss Consuelo Vanderbilt, age 18, is miserable as she prepares for her wedding day to marry Sunderland (Sunny), the ninth Duke of Marlborough, age 24, of Blenheim Palace. Consuelo’s mother, Alva Vanderbilt, is currently divorcing her father and is insisting that she marry a titled man, thus providing him with money he desperately needs. As much as she does not want to go through with the wedding, she has no other choice.

Two Years Earlier

At age 16, Consuelo adores Winthrop (Win) Rutherford, age 29. She, her parents and brothers are sailing to Europe from New York to present her to European society. Winthrop is traveling with them along with Oliver Belmont, a friend of her parents. Her mother is a force to be reckoned with. After a short time in Paris where she receives several proposals they head to London. There, her mother, Alva, zeroes in on the Duke of Marlborough whose family is in need of money to keep Blenheim Palace going.

After the wedding, Consuelo works hard as she takes on her new role. Sunny is a tyrant of sorts, but she tries to work with him. After the birth of two sons, she feels like she has done her duty. Years ago, she had met Frenchman, Jacques Balsan. They are in love but apart from one another. Since Consuelo and Sunny have grown apart, she plans to live in London. Their separation is quickly accepted and Consuelo becomes quite involved with helping people who need it. This is a passion of her that she will follow the rest of her life.

I’ve read quite a few novels about members of the Vanderbilt family and loved each and every one of them. I was impressed with Consuelo’s strength through all of the trials she faced and her love and devotion to Jacques, her sons, and grandchildren. This is a delightful book that I know readers of this time period are going to love. Enjoy!

Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

AMERICAN DUCHESS: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper, William Morrow, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE DUKE OF DISTRACTION, an Untouchables novel by Darcy Burke

I present to you a guest review of THE DUKE OF DISTRACTION by Darcy Burke, published February 26, 2019.

Blurb for THE DUKE OF DISTRACTION:

After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London... without losing his heart.

Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?

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Connie’s Review:

Miss Sarah Colton and her friend, Lavinia, the Marchioness of Northam are enjoying themselves at the races. There, both men and women race their phaetons. Felix Havers, Earl of Ware is the facilitator of the races. But when a woman is injured when her phaeton overturns, Felix is urged, and agrees to stop the races permanently.

Sarah is now in her fourth Season and the pressure to marry is intense. Sarah likes to bet on the races hoping to earn enough money to support herself as a spinster should it come to that. Her plan is to open a shop called Farewell’s along with her friend, Dolly. There, they will design and sell hats.

Returning home from an outing, Sarah is summoned to her father’s office where Felix is standing. Her father suggests that Sarah and Felix marry as he feels they are an excellent match. Both Sarah and Felix are embarrassed with Sarah refusing and leaving the room. Later, Sarah apologizes to Felix for her parents. He says he will do his best to find a husband for her.

Felix’s mother died giving birth to him and his father grieved her death for the rest of his life unable to show love for his son. Having experienced a childhood where he was deprived of affection, Felix feels that finding someone to love is not in his future.

Felix plans a house party at his home featuring phaeton races and includes a number of bachelors hoping to find a husband for Sarah. There, a kissing game ends up changing the way Sarah and Felix feel about each other. Is it possible for Felix to learn how to love someone?

I really liked this romance. Sarah and Felix are great characters and perfect for one another. The only thing I questioned was the kissing game they play at the house party. That sounded a bit juvenile to me, but after researching it, it truly was a game played at Regency parties although slightly different from the one played at Felix’s party. I hope readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE DUKE OF DISTRACTION, an Untouchables novel by Darcy Burke, self-published, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobook s.

Monday, March 4, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE WAYWARD BRIDE, a Besotted Scots novel by Anna Bradley

I present to you a guest review of THE WAYWARD BRIDE by Anna Bradley, published February 26, 2019.

Blurb for THE WAYWARD BRIDE:

In only six weeks, Isla Ramsey is due to marry Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney. But she remains haunted by memories of the dashing Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. The handsome aristocrat had hinted at forever and then tossed her aside, leaving Isla with few viable options. Now, as she awaits her new fiancé's arrival from London, she rides her horse past Hugh's estate at Hazelwood every day, pining for a man who was never truly hers.

Hugh Courtney may have left Isla's life, but he can't erase her from his thoughts. When he rescues her from a sudden snowstorm, they are forced to take shelter together at his private estate. In such close quarters there is no escaping each other. Yet no man wants a reckless wife—or a woman promised to another. As fate draws Isla further into his world, Hugh vows to keep her out of his bedchamber. However, some vows are meant to be broken.

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Connie’s Review:

Huntington Lodge, Buckinghamshire - 1818

Isla Ramsey’s sister-in-law, Hyacinth, has caught her just as she is planning to take a morning ride. Hyacinth insists that the weather is getting bad and it will likely snow soon. But Isla wants to be outside to see her betrothed, Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney, when he arrives. In truth, Isla likes to ride past Hazelwood, the estate of Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. Some time ago, she had been caught in a library with Lord Sydney and now Lord Pierce wants nothing to do with her.

When Hyacinth decides to take a rest, Isla chooses to slip out for a ride. The weather quickly grows bad causing her horse to bolt. Now, she and her horse are lost in the worsening weather. When a frozen branch falls in front of them, the horse throws Isla and she then passes out. Hugh finds her outside and takes her inside his home. She doesn’t have any injuries other than the severe cold temperatures she was subjected to, but the weather has gotten so back she has to stay at his home for several days before she can go back to Huntington Lodge.

The time together allows Isla and Hugh to discuss what happened to their relationship and what went wrong. They also simply have time to truly get to know one another.

In the meantime, Sydney has had a severe carriage accident and is taken into the home of a farmer named Lucas who treats his injuries and nurses him back to health.

Duty calls Isla and Sydney even though their hearts are drawn in different directions. Will they follow duty or their hearts?

What a totally delightful love story! I loved every word of it. Isla is such a sensitive person and has a way of getting people to open up. Sydney’s is the first I have read of an M/M love story and I was so touched at how beautifully the author wrote it. Very well done! This is a wonderful novel and I hope lots of people will read it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE WAYWARD BRIDE, a Besotted Scots novel by Anna Bradley, Lyrical Press, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of MISS COMPTON'S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE by Sophie Barnes

I present to you a guest review of MISS COMPTON’S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE by Sophie Barnes, published December 18, 2018.

Blurb for MISS COMPTON’S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE:

Sometimes playing pretend can lead to the perfect romance…

When Miss Leonora Compton decides to go to Sheffield and spend Christmas with her sister, she finds herself travelling with a man she cannot afford to like. But as their journey progresses she enters an unexpected partnership with him and realizes that things aren't what they seem. Because Mr. Dalton is not only tempting. He may in fact be precisely what she needs.

When Philip believes his travel companion requires protection, he immediately steps in to help by pretending to be her husband. For although the last thing he wants is to form an attachment, Philip is irrevocably drawn to the stunning red-head. And as they become better acquainted and their paths increasingly intertwined, he must decide if risking heartache again is worth the chance of finding true love.

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Connie’s Review:

London

Miss Leonora Compton, age 24, knows she will probably never marry so her father has agreed to let her use her dowry to open a shop. Her friend, Kathy, daughter of a local merchant, has come to work for her. Together, they raise vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the hothouse attached to their store.

Leonora’s younger sister is married to a viscount and she is going to visit her for two weeks at Christmas at their home in Yorkshire. Even though she feels she should stay in London to help run the shop, Kathy insists that she go visit her sister and her new baby. But before she departs for Yorkshire, a man comes into the shop saying that he won her building from her landlord in a card game and is now going to charge an enormous amount of money for rent.

Leonora has bravely decided to travel alone on public transport. A handsome man named Philip Dalton helps stow her valise in the carriage. When another male passenger tries to make a pass at her, Philip says she is his wife. As they continue their journey, Leonora learns that Philip is a widower and owner of several large shops in London. Along the way, they learn more about one another and enjoy their time together.

When they reach their destination, they are both surprised to find that Philip is a good friend of Leonora’s sister and he has also been invited to their home for Christmas. Oh my! What a stroke of luck for both of them. Their time together is fun and her sister and husband seem to want them to spend time together.

I enjoyed this novella and the characters of Leonora and Philip. They were written to be perfect for one another. This is a very clever story and I know readers will love it. I’m a huge fan of Sophie Barnes and she never fails to write a great story!

Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

MISS COMPTON’S CHRISTMAS ROMANCE by Sophie Barnes, self-published, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Unwrapping a Stop on the LADY DERRING TAKES A LOVER by Julie Anne Long Blog Tour with #excerpt

LADY DERRING TAKES A LOVER

The Palace of Rogues series

Julie Anne Long

Available now in ebook and print at

Amazon | Barnes &Noble | Kobobooks | Avon Romance

A mistress. A mountain of debt. A mysterious wreck of a building.

Delilah Swanpoole, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, “Dear Dull Derring,” is a lot more interesting—and perfidious—dead than alive. It’s a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.

But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue’s Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.

They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor…or choose a love that might be the truest thing he’s ever known?

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Excerpt:

She’d taken two steps when he said, his voice raised only a little, “Lady Derring . . . something puzzles me.”

She halted.

Closed her eyes.

Took a shuddering breath for courage.

Turned back to him. From the relatively safe distance of three feet, she said, “Surely not. We’ve established you know everything.”

His smile was small and patient. “You seem to excel at so very much here at The Grand Palace on the Thames. Yet you can’t seem to disguise how much you want me.”

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long originally set out to be a rock star when she grew up (and she has the guitars and fringed clothing stuffed in the back of her closet to prove it), but writing was always her first love. Since hanging up her guitar for the computer keyboard, her books frequently top reader and critic polls and have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Rita, Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, and The Quills, and reviewers have been known to use words like “dazzling,” “brilliant,” and “impossible to put down” when describing them. Julie lives in Northern California.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

“With Lady Derring Takes a Lover, the first in an exhilarating new series, the author’s literary prowess is in glorious full bloom with an engaging cast of exquisitely rendered characters, a deftly constructed plot that validates the power of hope and love, and inexhaustible measures of dazzling wit. “

—Booklist, starred review pick

Monday, February 25, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of WHEN LOVE LEADS TO SCANDAL, a Townsbridges novel by Sophie Barnes

I present to you a guest review of WHEN LOVE LEADS TO SCANDAL, a Townsbridges novel by Sophie Barnes, published February 19, 2019.

Blurb for WHEN LOVE LEADS TO SCANDAL:

Two people fated to be together…

Recently engaged to the Earl of Langdon, Lady Bethany is content with the knowledge that she’s made a wonderful match for herself. Until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger makes her wish she was still unattached – a sentiment that grows even stronger when circumstance causes her to spend more time in this gentleman’s company.

And the duty that threatens to come between them…

Charles Townsbridge is not prepared to learn that the mystery woman he met in the park, the very same woman he cannot get out of his head, is in fact his best friend’s fiancée. Determined to do the right thing, he tasks himself with quashing the attraction, only to discover that the heart cannot be so easily controlled.

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1820

Charles Townsbridge, age 26, son and heir of Viscount Roxley, enjoys taking a morning walk in the park. This morning, he hears a young woman calling for help to keep her bonnet from being blown into the lake. Charles grabs the bonnet and helps her and her chaperone to a bench to rest. He then excuses himself and heads home for breakfast. His is a close family consisting of his parents, two sisters, Athena and Sarah, and two younger brothers, James and William.

Lady Bethany Andrews is the daughter of an earl and is engaged to Robert, the Earl of Langdon. She became betrothed before she had been presented to society. Bethany had enjoyed briefly meeting Charles and was surprised to see him again that evening at a soiree. There, she discovers that Charles is the best friend of her fiancé, Robert. Robert is eager to talk with others about business deals and asks Charles to dance with and entertain Bethany. This irritates her as she feels he is treating her like a child. Charles is taken aback at Robert’s actions because he feels his friend should be spending time with his lovely fiancé. Bethany enjoys making architectural drawings which is quite unusual for a young woman but Robert disapproves saying she should be playing the piano instead, again irritating her.

Charles is invited to the Langdon estate for a two-week house party leading up to the wedding of Robert and Bethany. While at the party, Robert again ignores Bethany asking Charles to entertain her. Both of them are angry at Robert once again. Is there hope for a successful and happy marriage between Robert and Bethany?

Once again, Sophie Barnes has written a sweet romance that really shows what love is. Robert is a clueless clod who needs to change his priorities before he ends up a loser in life. Charles is the perfect hero that makes one sigh. I like Bethany because she is a smart, curious, and down-to-earth person. Great start to a new series. Cannot wait to read more.

Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

WHEN LOVE LEADS TO SCANDAL, a Townsbridges novel by Sophie Barnes, self-published, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

Friday, February 22, 2019

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of MR HUNT, I PRESUME by Valerie Bowman

I present to you a guest review of a novella in the Playful Brides series by Valerie Bowman – MR HUNT, I PRESUME, published February 8, 2019.

Blurb for Mr Hunt, I Presume:

He never forgot her…

When General Collin Hunt is ordered to take a much-needed holiday, he resigns himself to rest and recreation at his brother’s country estate. But when the only woman he ever loved—and selflessly gave up—shows up as his sister-in-law’s governess, his carefully ordered life is turned inside out.

She’ll never forgive him…

When Erienne Stone defied her family and fled her life of privilege, she never expected to be reunited with the man who’d abandoned her more than a decade before. But Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, is a hard woman to say no to, even when Erienne’s heart is in danger of breaking all over again.

A meddling matchmaker may be the key to their second chance…

After a decade of pain and heartache, can two star-crossed lovers trust the truth in their own hearts?

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Connie’s Review:

London - 1824

Lucy Hunt is married to Derek, the Duke of Claringdon, and is going through applications sent from Mrs. Griggs employment office, searching for a governess for their children, Ralph, 2, and Mary, 3. One applicant is Miss Erienne Stone, age 32. Derek remembers her name from when he and his family lived in Brighton. He tells Lucy that she was the daughter of a knight, Sir Robert Stone. In fact, Derek’s brother, Collin, age 35, had once courted the woman. Today, Collin is a confirmed bachelor. However, he admitted once that he never married because there is only one woman he ever loved.

When Lucy interviews Erienne, she is very pleased with her qualifications, and hires her. Lucy loves to be a matchmaker which is how they lost their previous governess.

Collin works tirelessly for the government, so his boss tells him to take some time off as he has been working too hard. So, he decides to visit Derek and Lucy and see his niece and nephew.

When Collin and Erienne see one another again, it is difficult for both of them because they are both nursing hurt from miscommunication in the past. Is there a chance that their relationship can be renewed?

This is a nice little romance but a bit predictable. This is an example of when a novella should be a full length book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

MR HUNT, I PRESUME, a Playful Brides novella by Valerie Bowman, June Third Enterprises, available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.