Her Unexpected Courtship Review

Isabel Reed has promised to marry for love. At present her heart belongs to the one companion she knows accepts all her eccentricities—her horse. So when her older brother threatens to trade the animal on a whim, Isabel must force aside her progressive beliefs and bargain to entertain her brother's flirtatious, albeit handsome, friend Lucas Ashcroft in exchange for keeping her horse.

Lucas is on the brink of madness—after a year’s worth of visits, he loves Isabel and is ready to propose. When it seems like she has finally come to feel the same, he foolishly believes he's won her heart.

After a botched proposal from Lucas, Isabel makes it her mission to prove his affections for her are misplaced. But Lucas is determined not to give up his pursuit, and as Isabel comes to know him and his heart, she must work to save herself from losing not only her horse, but the most equal love match she never thought possible.

Review -  Her Unexpected Courtship by Megan Walker was a fun escape read. It's the third book in the Promise of Forever After Series. Four characters share a "traveling" bracelet to help bolster their friendships and serve as a good luck charm as they navigate society and their own hearts. The characters were interesting and engaging. The story moved along quickly and the pacing seemed just right. The story and characters felt fresh and engaging. I was a little taken back by how cold Isabel's brother could be to his sister. Isabel learns more about herself and those around her. There was an interesting theme dealing with perceptions and dealing with grief. It was an interesting read that I would recommend trying. Click here to learn more about Her Unexpected Courtship.

Please note that I received a free e-book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support the maintenance of this blog.

It Started in Budapest Review and Giveaway

 

Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can’t hold on much longer.

In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula. When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania, where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother immortal. Molly’s rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his own past. When he discovers Molly’s plan, Percy’s concern for the naive young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.

Review - This is not your typical romance. The main character, Molly, is unusual with several quirks and a shocking naivety about the difference between fantasy and reality. The story pace is quick and often relates to Dracula by Bram Stoker. This story would be good to read along with the classic Dracula. I felt like I was reading this story at the wrong time of year. It should be read around Halloween and not the summer. There seems to be other allusions to other monsters i.e Mummy, but I am not familiar enough with the Horror genre to know for sure. This felt very different from Daines's other books...more excitement, horror, naivety, and unusual characters. It's a clean, wholesome read. I would recommend it to Romance/Horror fans. To learn more, click here.

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Please note that I received a free e-book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links. Please note that the giveaway is run by the publisher.

Romancing Her Rival Review

 He stole her inheritance. She stole his heart. 

Daphne Windham has depended upon one thing her entire life: inheriting her beloved great-aunt’s estate, Cheriton Hall. With her mother desperate to marry her off to the highest bidder, Daphne is relieved to escape to Cheriton for the summer—until she learns that her aunt has decided upon a different heir entirely. Cole Everard, the steward’s son and Daphne’s childhood friend. Former friend, that is. 

Raised on the grounds of Cheriton, Cole Everard never imagined he would be named heir, but he is determined to prove himself worthy of the position. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, especially when Daphne arrives claiming he is anything but worthy. Instead of their close friendship, Cole is met with cold indifference—which would sting much less if he wasn’t entirely in love with her… 

Hurt and betrayed, Daphne believes her only choice is to undermine her new rival and reclaim what is rightfully hers. But that plan becomes increasingly difficult, what with Cole’s infuriating charm and kindness. When fate offers Daphne a second chance, will she take it or risk it all for the promise of love?

Romancing Her Rival is the second in a series of books about five friends. The other four novellas will be written by authors Sally Britton, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks.

Review - Romancing Her Rival is a fun and quick romance. I loved that I could read it quickly and relax with a good story. The book was well-written, engaging and interesting. The characters were intriguing and engaging. I felt like the inheritance theme was on target with the time period. Jane Austen, Francis Burney and Maria Edgeworth addressed inheritance in their novels. The author willingly shows the characters good and bad traits as well as allows the characters room to grow and develop within the story. This is the second in a series of books. To learn more, click here. 

Please note that I received a free e-copy to review however this is my honest opinion. This post contains amazon affiliate links.