Review: The Earl Next Door (The Bachelor Lords of London #1) by Charis Michaels

This is so much more than your typical historical romance read. So much more! This story made me think. As a woman in modern times, I take for granted that women didn't always have a voice. Piety's story shows me the frustrations of living in such a world. A world where a woman can't choose what to do with her own money and needs a man to decide for her. To protect her fortune from her selfish, money hungry mother and vile, abusive step-brothers, she runs from America to England, constantly waiting for them to show up at her doorstep, because sooner or later they will...and do.

Oh her strength and tenacity to accomplish things in a foreign and man's world is empowering. She's a forward thinker. And yes, I know it's fiction, but I couldn't help but feel like this...women like this are who set the precedent for our time. Our voice. Our choice.

For all that Piety has had to endure, she has remained true to who she is. She wins her neighbors over with her caring and unselfish heart. Anyone who bothers to get to know her can't resist her charms. And she IS charming and sincere. One neighbor in particular, Lord Falcondale, learns this valuable lesson.

Trevor, Lord Falcondale, is broody and determined to not have anything to do with Piety. He has plans of his own that don't involve a woman. It doesn't matter how attracted he is to her, he believes he is not fit to be anyone's anything. He has his own ghosts to deal with. He knows his past will catch up with him and is determined to stay ahead and out of reach of it. But, he doesn't run soon enough.

Between both their hunters, this book is full of non-stop action that hooked me and kept me on edge. And of course the romance was a sizzling, slow burn.

What a fantastic debut from Charis Michaels! I am very much looking forward to her next book.

American heiress Piety Grey is on the run. Suddenly in London and facing the renovation of a crumbling townhouse, she’s determined to make a new life for herself—anything is better than returning to New York City where a cruel mother and horrid betrothal await her. The last thing she needs is a dark, tempting earl inciting her at every turn…

Trevor Rheese, the Earl of Falcondale, isn’t interested in being a good neighbor. After fifteen years of familial obligation, he’s finally free. But when the disarmingly beautiful Piety bursts through his wall—and into his life—his newfound freedom is threatened…even as his curiosity is piqued.

Once Piety’s family arrives in London, Falcondale suddenly finds himself in the midst of a mock courtship to protect the seductive woman who’s turned his world upside down. It’s all for show—or at least it should be. But if Falcondale isn’t careful, he may find a very real happily ever after with the woman of his dreams…

Review: Always by Lynsay Sands

Always was a fun, romantic read that left my heart full.

Rosamunde was raised in a convent and prepared to take the veil to become a nun. But her father, King Henry, had a different path in mind for his illegitimate daughter. She was his favorite after all, and he would see that she was well cared for and loved.

Aric, just ending his engagement to a cheating harlot and left with major trust issues, had absolutely no desire to ever marry. King Henry, however, gave him no say in the matter. Aric was always the king’s first choice when thinking of a husband for his daughter. And thanks to Aric’s recent single status, the king gets what he wants.

Of course it isn’t exactly marital bliss for the newly wedded couple. There are plenty of bumps to smooth out. Which is to be expected from two strangers unexpectedly thrown together.

Rosamunde may be the king’s daughter, but she is in no way spoiled. Raised to be fully self-efficient and reliable, she is used to caring and tending to her own matters. Her main responsibility and passion at the convent was working in the stables with the animals. Aric, however, still feeling the effects of his ex-betrothed, lets his jealousy and fears consume him in regards to Rosamunde. He stifles and tries to control her actions, thinking that by limiting her he can prevent her from being unfaithful. Sadly, he misses the point that Rosamunde is nothing like his vile ex or other women from his past. But, he will learn.

There were quite a few times throughout the story that had me shaking with laughter. Obviously, Rosamunde is naïve when it comes to matters of the bedroom, and one really shouldn’t get sex advice from a nun and a bishop. Just…no. I felt for Aric during those times. He actually feared bedding his wife at one point. Then there was her affinity for caring for animals. There’s a scene where she’s nursing a horse back to health that you really need to read for yourself. It was hilarious.

Best of all about this book though was seeing these two people slowly come to trust in each other and love one another–to the point where they’d risk their own lives for the other. Watching Aric come to learn what is was to be truly loved and cared for and feel those things in return is pretty heartwarming. And seeing Rosamunde bloom from a young woman out of her element into a strong, fierce protector and lover is pretty amazing.

This was a 4 star read for me.

 

Review: A Wife for the Future by Emerald Lavere

Humanity is in danger of extinction. The population has severely diminished. Too many scientists playing God in the past, guaranteeing an increase in the male birthrate, has catastrophic consequences in the future. Females are now rare, and thus greatly treasured. Wars have been fought, borders realigned, and the world as we know it is unrecognizable...all to the lack of women.

A Wife for the Future is an Adult Dystopian romance filled with plenty of steam, tenderness, and an underlining thought provoking plot. We have plenty of countries now that prefer males over females. What if doctors and scientists start tinkering with the genetic code, slowly eliminating the ratio of females born? Let’s face it, as much as certain cultures prefer males over females, they need women. Women and men go hand in hand. You cannot create life without the other.

I found this story to be absolutely original and fresh. Ashling comes from our current time. If you’ve read book 1, The Wikomsette, you learned that her mom is from the present, while her dad is from the future. [Quick recap: Her dad was part of an elite team of scientists chosen to go back in time to try to correct the wrong and save mankind.] Ashling is aware of her father’s true identity, and what is expected of her. On her twentieth birthday, she and her father must return to his time. She’s needed in the future. Humanity needs her in the future.

With the shortage of women, it’s perfectly acceptable and expected for women to take on more than one husband. A tribe of men. And keep the human race going. Men between certain ages are presented to her for her choosing. Sharing herself with multiple men wasn’t as much of a shock as she expected, but the fact that these men were okay with it, no jealousy whatsoever, at times astounded and confused her. There is a sort of role reversal in the future. Men are happy and eager to work, tend to the home, and raise the kids, while assuring the woman is content in life. Um…I’d like to visit this majestic place.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the connections Ashling formed between her and her men. Each man is different and unique. They each bring a different dynamic to the home and the bedroom. My favorite though was a man who wasn’t a husband…yet. Oh, but I desperately wanted him to be.

Everything’s not exactly orgasmic bliss though. There are evils lurking in the background, threatening to rock the foundation. And her father is caught up in the nightmare. Set up and falsely imprisoned for crimes he did not commit.

The action that ensues and where the story takes us in the end is well told and kept me on edge. The overall wrap up left me teary eyed and completely satisfied. I really did not want to see this story end. I wanted the characters to continue on and entertain me. I was THAT drawn to them.

Emerald Lavere did a phenomenal job connecting both books and bringing this duet to an end.