Monday, May 11, 2020

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1) by Karen Witemeyer book review

At Love's Command

(Hanger's Horsemen #1)

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

My Review: 7.5/10

This new set of characters reminded me of some from possibly my favorite book by this author: the Archers from Short Straw Bride (etc). If you liked that book and the series, I have a feeling you'll like this new novel and series too.

There was a little too much insta-love for my taste, but the characters are charming and Josie and Matthew's interactions are funny and sweet. Josie was interesting. She's educated, competent and confident, but at times I was a little annoyed with her behavior - when I felt like she acted overly emotional or demanding. It felt like she was trying to backseat drive or co pilot Matthew sometimes. I felt like she needed reminded, either you trust the man you hired for his skills or you don't. And you're not one of the horsemen. And there was one scene in particular where her bravado would have been better left unsaid. Lull your enemy into complacency. Let him think you're beaten so he keeps his guard down. Instead she put him on high alert and made things harder for Matthew and his men. But she also kept her wits about her under pressure and managed to get a message to Matthew. So I had mixed feelings about her.

I think Preach was my favorite character. I loved the regular request for a fitting Bible verse from him. Really, I loved Hanger's Horsemen as a group. They felt like a family. I have high hopes for this series and look forward to the next book!

Friday, May 8, 2020

A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch book review

A Proper Charade

Esther Hatch

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

My review: 9/10

While there is a lot to love about Ms. Hatch's writing, her characters are easily my favorite thing. Patience was my favorite character so far, and no wonder. She is intelligent, surprising, funny, but also imperfect and vulnerable. And I loved Anthony's character as well - very different from a typical hero. I loved his quirks.

This book really had it all for me. A sweet story with depth, healing, growth, and plenty of humor. I loved the duck smiles. :D

This is not the first book that Lord Bryant surprised me in and I appreciated that.

The only thing I didn't like was a resolution at the end. It seemed pretty bold for Miss Morgan to feign ignorance. And it seemed like an announcement or a scandalous kiss in the middle of the ball would have settled a situation once and for all.

I'm only disappointed that this is a brand new release and I can't expect any new books from this author likely for a year. Can't wait!

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Book Review: Rakes and Roses (Mayfield Family #3) by Josi S. Kilpack

Welcome to my tour stop: Book Review of Rakes and Roses! Josi Kilpack is my favorite author in the Proper Romance line... and one of my favorites of all time because she just consistently hits it out of the park. And she creates some of the most human and relatable characters I have ever come across. I particularly love this series about Elliot Mayfield's family. Let's get right into it!

This is another story in the series of Elliot Mayfield's nieces and nephews. He has set aside a particular inheritance for each if they marry well - a person he approves of. Harry is a gambler and a drunkard and finds himself at the end of his rope... and under a young widow's care in her home. She is independent, wealthy and mistrustful of men in general, yet determined to help him. It's a wonderful story of hard work and fresh starts.

My Review: 9/10

One of my favorite books to read is when there are characters who undergo personality transformation, whether it be through circumstances, natural growth, or the influence of another character. I love to see believable and inspiring change. This novel had that. Add a strong female lead and a sweet romance and I'm hooked.

*** SPOILERS AHEAD***

I think it would have been an even stronger story over multiple books or a more drawn out time period, as overcoming addiction and/or alcholism can often take much more time than is portrayed in the story. However, it was still within the realm of reason, since we meet Harry at rock bottom and there is within him a desire to change.

***END SPOILERS***

I absolutely adore this series. Can't wait for more!