Forget Me Not (The Gents #1) by Sarah M. Eden book review

Forget Me Not

(The Gents #1)

by

Sarah M. Eden

Nottinghamshire, 1785

Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss-her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone too soon. But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself-she will never forgive the man who broke her heart.

After losing too many of his friends and family to early deaths, Lucas vowed to live life to the fullest. And after traversing the world, he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home as he left them-except for Julia. The little girl he left behind has blossomed into a captivating lady, a lady who makes it clear she despises him. With little hope of reconciliation, the former friends are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement. Lucas and Julia have been betrothed without their knowledge and are to marry immediately. Now Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friends to win the heart of a lady who loathes him-a lady he’s coming to love more deeply every day.

 

 

 

My review: 6.5/10

 

I had trouble wrapping my mind around the amount of loss Julia suffered. She had very good reason to have developed abandonment issues, given that the one person left to her, apart from her father, chose to leave her and made no effort maintain any kind of relationship with her.

*SPOILERS*
To be honest, the more the story went on and more arguments were made that he had always cared and thought of her non-stop, the less believable I found it. If he really talked about her, worried about her, shared stories and memories all the time... he would have written, or tried to see her, or picked up souvenirs and sent them to her, etc.  anything at all over the past 8 years.

*More SPOILERS*
And I found her father's character inconsistent. I got the impression that he did little-to-nothing over the years to coax her out of pain and isolation. Then he got rather heavy handed, treated her coldly, and let her go. No further efforts on his part. Then he runs to her, crying and welcoming her back and allows her to stay indefinitely. He actually tells Lucas that if she doesn't want to speak to Lucas, he will have to honor her wishes. What? The time period and the father in question would more likely have refused her sanctuary to begin with. At the very least, would have told her she belongs to her husband now and needed to find a way to make it work.

I thought the concept of the gents was very sweet. I loved how her brother Stanley had been intertwined in the group. It lent credence to the way they embraced her so thoroughly immediately. Though I wished there had really only been showing (rather than telling) of each of their characters, and though I found too much similarity between the gents (which is supposed to be a new, different series, despite this being a prequel of the former series) and the Jonquil brothers, I was intrigued enough by each of them to look forward to their stories.

I think my biggest trouble was the sadness book-ending this story. I felt so badly for Julia, for everything she had gone through. For what seemed like endless suffering. And knowing what is awaiting her in the future made it hard for me let my guard down too, to be happy for her. It was bittersweet.

Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker book review

 

Otherwise Engaged

by

Joanna Barker

 

She’s never been afraid of breaking the rules—until she risks breaking her heart

Constantly stifled by the rules of Society, spirited Rebecca Rowley enjoys finding ways to quietly—or not so quietly—rebel. But riding bareback and avoiding nosy neighbors are nothing compared to the thrilling secret she is keeping from her family.
When Rebecca’s quick thinking saves the life of a young girl, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the child’s dashing brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. As that attention turns flirtatious, Rebecca is forced to tell him the truth: she is secretly engaged—to the one man her family would never approve of. Fortunately, Lieutenant Avery is a navy man with no wish to marry, or so they both assume as they enter into a friendship. Rebecca hopes to change her family’s mind about her betrothed, but the more she comes to know the handsome lieutenant, the more she wonders if she promised her hand too hastily.

After all her carefully laid plans are shattered during a family crisis, Rebecca must force her heart to decide. Should she stay true to the promise she made or fight for the future she’s only just begun to imagine?

 

 

 

My Review: 6.5 /10

I had very strong mixed feelings on this one. Beware SPOILERS.

I loved the first 85% of this book. But then the two main characters crossed some lines. I lost some respect for Nicholas in the process - she had been straight with him from the beginning. Though I loved what he said, he shouldn't have kissed her. Afterward, she needed to get her head straight and decide what she wanted. And if she wanted to continue to pursue Edward, then she needed to be honest with him about what happened. The story was still redeemable to me at this point.

Then she meets him at the meadow and loses her mind, and integrity, completely. What happened there was 1000% not okay. And Nicholas tells her it's okay because the vows haven't been said yet?! Um, I think your fiance would disagree. So disappointing. I was pretty much done at this point.

Then Rebecca did something unexpected. She admitted she was wrong, declared she was committed and went home. She spent the night sorting out her thoughts and examining her feelings and she discovered that she was fickle, selfish, foolish and lacking in integrity. She said she didn't deserve either one of them and should cut them both loose. And I thought, " YES GIRL. Yes." It doesn't feel good to learn these things about yourself, but it's only then that you can change them. There is power and freedom and growth in that. I thought, "I never saw that coming. She's going to break it off with them both and develop some character in herself, spend her time rebuilding her relationships with her family. She might even look after his sister for the next several months that he is gone, growing a relationship with her and being a good role model for a change. And maybe when he returns, she will be ready. Wow. I am so impressed."

But then I turned the page. She breaks things off with Edward, who laughs and says, hey it's fine, I fell in love with someone else too! Don't beat yourself up over it. Um...? I think he would have had some different words for her if he hadn't also been unfaithful. And the fact that he was doesn't suddenly make her virtuous. Yikes.

Then she leaves, confused, and her mother comes over to drive the final nail in the coffin with some worldly wisdom: real love is strong and conquers all, and that should be a) the sign and b) enough. Ugh, . I was so disappointed. This book started so strong. I LOVED Rebecca's flawed, relatable person. I loved her and Nicholas together. And there were tons of laugh out loud moments. But that ending left me feeling robbed. I will have to try another one by this author ASAP because I had such high hopes. And this couldn't possibly happen again, right?

Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks book review

Georgana's Secret

by

Arlem Hawks 

1811, HMS Deborah

A Regency romance on the high seas.

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, “George.”

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the “boy” under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy’s secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her.

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband have slipped away.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

 

 

 

 

My Review: 5/10

I appreciated some of the unique aspects of this story, but struggled to find others believable. Abuse makes people react in different ways; some retreat within themselves, some learn to fight. But from the very beginning of the story, I didn't really understand why this was the best situation they could think up for Georgana. Her father couldn't actually send her away to a school, concealing the name and location? Lying about it outright seemed to work just fine. So everything built on that seemed unnecessary.

I liked that the book didn't pull any punches about the realities of life at sea during that time - the roughness, the threats, the motivations. But it was also frustrating to see certain characters turning a blind eye toward mounting tension and dangerous insubordination. I struggled to respect them. I did like Georgana's kill-em-with-kindness attitude toward certain individuals and the way that things played out - that particular story line was pretty cool. But on the whole, this book was a mixed bag for me.

Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter book review

 

Vying for the Viscount

(Hearts on the Heath #1)

by

Kristi Ann Hunter  

 

When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?

 

 

My Review: 6/10

As much as I love this author (one of my favs), this one just wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't connect with the two main characters or their romance. While a lot of the "friendship" between them crossed the lines of propriety, the whole setting-each-other-up-while-really-pining-for-each-other thing has been done and overdone before, and I have trouble buying it. To be fair, Hudson seemed completely unaware of his feelings, but I also had trouble believing this.

And as much as I love cameos by former main characters, I am growing tired of these ones. It's not a quick mention or cheeky reference, but full assist to the main plot. We're 11 books in now. They don't all need to be interconnected and friends.

Ms. Hunter is still one of my favorite authors, however, and nothing can deter me from anxiously awaiting her next novel.

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

At Love's Command

(Hanger's Horsemen #1)

by

Karen Witemeyer 

 

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!

A Proper Charade by Esther Hatch book review

A Proper Charade

by

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!

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!

 

 GET YOUR COPY HERE:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | BOOK DEPOSITORY INDIEBOUND | AUDIBLE | GOODREADS

 

 NEXT TOUR STOPS:

May 07           Fire and Ice

May 07           Gwendalyn's Books

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