Cute, clean romance. I enjoyed the story and if Hallmark did Regency era, this could be the plot for their movie. I loved the friendship which developCute, clean romance. I enjoyed the story and if Hallmark did Regency era, this could be the plot for their movie. I loved the friendship which developed into love and I appreciated that her father was happy to see his daughter happy rather than well placed. There were a few phrases that caused me to wonder if they were appropriate to the time period but I'm not sure on the answer and it didn't take away from the storyline. Overall, an enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence
Merged review:
Cute, clean romance. I enjoyed the story and if Hallmark did Regency era, this could be the plot for their movie. I loved the friendship which developed into love and I appreciated that her father was happy to see his daughter happy rather than well placed. There were a few phrases that caused me to wonder if they were appropriate to the time period but I'm not sure on the answer and it didn't take away from the storyline. Overall, an enjoyable read.
There are things I liked about this story. The plot is pretty fun overall but I can't say I loved it. That is mostly because I felt disappointed in DaThere are things I liked about this story. The plot is pretty fun overall but I can't say I loved it. That is mostly because I felt disappointed in Darcy particularly and Elizabeth as well. I consider Darcy to be upstanding in all he does. Even when he makes a wrong choice, he believes it to be for the best, such as convincing Bingley away from Jane. Yes, he was absolutely wrong but he felt he was right. I don't envision him making choices to do something that he believes to be wrong. I can't see him with a mistress anymore that he would cheat a business partner because I don't believe he would think that would be right. In this story, he didn't believe anticipating their vows would be right and yet he succumbed to his bodily desires even knowing he would regret it. And Elizabeth coaxed him to do so. It didn't really seem Elizabeth-like to do such a thing. Why would she want him to do something that he would feel bad about later? It just felt wrong to me. She would be more likely to tease about it but not talk him into it. And he would stand for what he believed to be right, because he is a Darcy. Call me a prude but these are how I see these characters. And then after they had done it once, the reader is privy to multiple experiences even though they aren't explicitly detailed on the page. Frankly, these are facts I do not want to know about anybody's relationship, real or fictional.
What was Collin's fate in the end? How long does Mr. Bennet live? I kept waiting for Darcy to offer his own doctor to check him out.
The idea of Darcy showing up and whisking Elizabeth away from having to marry Collins was a fun idea for the plot. I both loved and hated the prologue because it was so interesting to know from the start of the story but also, I hated having to go back three weeks for chapter one and wait for the rest of the story to catch up to what I already knew would happen.
Sex: closed door Language: some Violence: attempted kidnapping, physically abusive...more
First of all I have to confess that I am coveting Sarah's hair. The cover is gorgeous. The story is fun to read and imagine. I love that it was inspirFirst of all I have to confess that I am coveting Sarah's hair. The cover is gorgeous. The story is fun to read and imagine. I love that it was inspired by Taming of the Shrew. I think Prinny's reaction to her shrewishness was perhaps the most fun part of the book but there was much besides that to entertain. I'm not generally a fan of violence but it was so well deserved that I didn't mind it happening and would have clapped had I been there, I think.
I enjoyed the story, the banter, the set up for the plot...It was just a fun read.
Sex: kisses Language: no Violence: brief
Merged review:
First of all I have to confess that I am coveting Sarah's hair. The cover is gorgeous. The story is fun to read and imagine. I love that it was inspired by Taming of the Shrew. I think Prinny's reaction to her shrewishness was perhaps the most fun part of the book but there was much besides that to entertain. I'm not generally a fan of violence but it was so well deserved that I didn't mind it happening and would have clapped had I been there, I think.
I enjoyed the story, the banter, the set up for the plot...It was just a fun read.
I enjoyed reading Kitty's story. I've enjoyed the whole series really. I've decided that I really want to go back and reread the whole thing. I think I enjoyed reading Kitty's story. I've enjoyed the whole series really. I've decided that I really want to go back and reread the whole thing. I think my favorite thing with this story was the friends' reaction to Edward and Kitty. And Edward's reaction to their reaction. The story is sweet, a quick read and fun to read.
No sex, language or violence
Merged review:
I enjoyed reading Kitty's story. I've enjoyed the whole series really. I've decided that I really want to go back and reread the whole thing. I think my favorite thing with this story was the friends' reaction to Edward and Kitty. And Edward's reaction to their reaction. The story is sweet, a quick read and fun to read.
I loved reading Edith's story as heartbreaking as it was. She was rather mysterious in previous books. We only got snippets of her story. But she did I loved reading Edith's story as heartbreaking as it was. She was rather mysterious in previous books. We only got snippets of her story. But she did seem world wise and knowing. In this one we see all her insecurities, strengths, fears and fierceness.
Graham is pretty wonderful and very introverted but once one is part of his life, he is incredibly loyal. Loved him. He and Edith are well matched.
Very mixed feelings about Edith's brother. He came through this time but I'm not sure that I trust him at all. I never get enough of the Spinsters as a group and I adore their husbands as well. The villain in this book is truly evil. It was hard to read in some parts because he was so awful. We didn't get to fully know what happened to him.
spoiler> I also want to know what happens to his wife. Is she as horrible as her husband or also a good person in a bad situation?
I have enjoyed all the books in this series and recommend reading them in order since characters reappear and it is easier to understand the situation with the Spinsters when you start with book one. Looking forward to the next one.
Possible triggers: sexual assault, psychological abuse, physical abuse.
Sex: some kisses, references to marital bed, innuendo. Language: yes, mild. Violence: physical assault, sexual assault, psychological abuse, entrapment, references to throwing of punches, violence against women. *I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Merged review:
I loved reading Edith's story as heartbreaking as it was. She was rather mysterious in previous books. We only got snippets of her story. But she did seem world wise and knowing. In this one we see all her insecurities, strengths, fears and fierceness.
Graham is pretty wonderful and very introverted but once one is part of his life, he is incredibly loyal. Loved him. He and Edith are well matched.
Very mixed feelings about Edith's brother. He came through this time but I'm not sure that I trust him at all. I never get enough of the Spinsters as a group and I adore their husbands as well. The villain in this book is truly evil. It was hard to read in some parts because he was so awful. We didn't get to fully know what happened to him.
spoiler> I also want to know what happens to his wife. Is she as horrible as her husband or also a good person in a bad situation?
I have enjoyed all the books in this series and recommend reading them in order since characters reappear and it is easier to understand the situation with the Spinsters when you start with book one. Looking forward to the next one.
Possible triggers: sexual assault, psychological abuse, physical abuse.
Sex: some kisses, references to marital bed, innuendo. Language: yes, mild. Violence: physical assault, sexual assault, psychological abuse, entrapment, references to throwing of punches, violence against women. *I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it....more
As it turned out I'd already read the second of these two novellas but a review reading was good too. Mr. Darcy's Love: I liked this story for the mostAs it turned out I'd already read the second of these two novellas but a review reading was good too. Mr. Darcy's Love: I liked this story for the most part. I never complain when love between Darcy & Elizabeth comes quickly instead of dragging out for months. Especially in a novella length story. This story had a number of characters trying to thwart their relationship but Darcy is true to Elizabeth no matter what others try to pull. There is an attempted rape which isn't over graphic but still awful to imagine. Wickham is vile in this reimagining.
Potential trigger: attempted rape Sex: innuendo Language: no Violence: yes, some of which is sexual assault
The Essence of Love: I liked the different Mary character. She is pushed into it by her Godmother but once there it appears she rather likes the differences. It is fun to see her be a normal teen. E&D are both likeable and their relationship happens easily. Kind of a nice change. Most of this book is low angst and kind of fluffy fun. There is a brief part toward the end that was kinda scary for a bit. And while that ended okay, the very end was kinda yucky. I didn't like that part at all. He should have gone to trial and be dealt with justly rather having the way things happened. The end result is the same more or less but do it legally.
I love this series as well as the Agents of the Convent and this book gave us mostly The London League but we got to meet up with some of the ladies aI love this series as well as the Agents of the Convent and this book gave us mostly The London League but we got to meet up with some of the ladies as well so that was fun. I liked the story and though the "meet cute" wasn't really cute per say, it was a fun start for this book.
Lucy's dad is a piece of work. Ugh. Loved Lucy and Hunter though. It was a rough start but definitely got sweet over time. And I loved all the secondary characters that assisted in watching out for Lucy.
It was a fun read and I look forward to the next one too.
Sex: no Language: some, mild Violence: a little...more
I am soooo glad this is the start of a series. When it finished my brain was responding with 'Nooooo, I want to know more!' Obviously the Viscount andI am soooo glad this is the start of a series. When it finished my brain was responding with 'Nooooo, I want to know more!' Obviously the Viscount and Philippa get their happy ending in this book but there is just enough set up for the next book to make one want the book to continue into the next story.
I also wanted to know what the Duke said to Phil's father and his lackey after Michael & Phil left for London. I'm hoping future books will give us a hint. And I want to know if the Duke ever deals with his wife's behavior. Neither of those points would be essential to this story but very interesting to know all the same. So fingers crossed to read about it in future books.
The Viscount has a serious problem with people. He can't read them. He doesn't get nuances. I assume it is something like autism. He is brilliant with numbers. He is in no way not smart. He just can't read the people around him even with his family's help. Phil is the perfect woman for him because she is super honest and speaks straightforwardly so Michael can understand. But she has been crossed off the approved list already. It is a problem that he can't quite stop thinking about her.
I loved that Phil proved herself to the doubters without knowing she was under scrutiny. She was just naturally good. Plus, she loved Michael and would sacrifice for him. I loved her grandfather as well.
This is an enjoyable story and I can't wait for the next book.
Sex: no Language: no Violence: physically - brief, with words - far more reaching...more
Once again, I loved a book by Joanna Barker. I've read just about all of them and loved them all. Her writing draws me into the story and I don't get Once again, I loved a book by Joanna Barker. I've read just about all of them and loved them all. Her writing draws me into the story and I don't get distracted by bad writing or the like. I don't pay attention to the words at all. I just get pulled into the story she paints with her words.
I loved the characters in this book and though I've never had a desire to do something like be a Bow Street Runner I sure loved reading about these two characters and their love of helping people. And their love for each other. Their relationship was quite swoony. At least as it moved along a bit. I enjoyed their banter/teasing.
I can't actually think of anything I didn't like about this book. It was a winner read for me.
I listened to the audiobook on YouTube and loved the narration. Miss de Bourgh is a very different character from canon and it is fun to see her in thI listened to the audiobook on YouTube and loved the narration. Miss de Bourgh is a very different character from canon and it is fun to see her in this role instead of a sickly, mousy kind of person. Her character is all about adventure in whatever form. This story is very short but it gave a good picture of this version of Anne and her relationships with Darcy and Richard. It was fun to listen.
No sex or language Violence in the form of a trick that was a bit too much....more
From the first time I saw this book cover I knew it was a book I needed to read. There are times where I haven't enjoyed P&P characters being completeFrom the first time I saw this book cover I knew it was a book I needed to read. There are times where I haven't enjoyed P&P characters being completely changed in personality and there are other times when I have found it most agreeable. This book falls into the latter category. The set up for the story is unique and I enjoyed Darcy as a bookshop owner. The biggest personality change, and one I greatly enjoyed, was Anne. This characterization of her was hilarious. I always say I love variations where Anne gets a backbone. I'd have to say she got more than that in this one. Apparently being raised by her father instead of her mother made a big difference in how she would turn out. I loved her. I need to read the prequel to get her story.
I thought this was a fun story. The plot does not have many similarities to canon but that made it interesting. Wickham was still despicable but he was horrible in different ways than canon. At least in part. Bennets were still ridiculous, Bingley still had puppy eyes for Jane, and Caroline was haughty and paid dearly for her bad choices. The one big change I didn't care for was Jane. Her attitude toward Darcy seemed too far off and felt abrupt.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators did a good job.
I'm coming into this series reading this, number 6, first. I was able to understand the story well enough without having read the prior books though oI'm coming into this series reading this, number 6, first. I was able to understand the story well enough without having read the prior books though one might have a greater understanding of background if one did read the earlier books first. This is definitely a book about reforming oneself as both main characters did so. They are both flawed and both in need of redemption. I felt bad that Prudence was so adept at shortchanging her own worth as a person. James had felt no need for redemption until Prudence entered his life and then he was brought to see the error of his ways and was more forgiving of himself in his determination to do better. I quite liked his reformed self.
There was something about the way the terms wallflower and rake were used that bothered me but I haven't been able to put it into words to explain way. Maybe because I think of a wallflower as someone who doesn't get asked to dance but it was used in the story in such a way that it pertained to all aspects of her life not just dancing.
This was a quick read and had a sweet Happily-ever-after.
Sex:innuendo Language: no Violence: no *I received a complimentary ARC through BookSprout and voluntarily chose to review it. ...more
4.5 stars I enjoyed this story overall but it took me a while to be drawn into it. But to be fair, some of that could have been due to a health issue 4.5 stars I enjoyed this story overall but it took me a while to be drawn into it. But to be fair, some of that could have been due to a health issue that made reading for longer periods impossible. I liked Olivia and Lucas. It is a bit of an enemy to love type relationship but we don't see a whole lot of enemy behavior once the story gets going. Mostly it is just a problem they inherited from their fathers. I liked that Lucas could see Olivia for what she is rather than what others wanted her to be. She was a strong woman in a society who doesn't appreciate that at all. I liked the way they worked together.
I tried to figure out who the guilty party was in the mystery element of the story but I did not come up with the correct answer. I was kinda glad to be wrong though. My alternative would have made me more disappointed in characters. The real villains made it disappointing enough. So sad.
I was happy with the ending though. I have high hopes for their happily-ever-after.
Potential triggers: grief, betrayal of friendship Sex: no Language: no Violence: brief...more
It has been a while since I've read one of Ms. Walker's fairy tale retellings. It was fun to read and fun to see the characters from previous retellinIt has been a while since I've read one of Ms. Walker's fairy tale retellings. It was fun to read and fun to see the characters from previous retellings. It was also fun to see the parallels to Cinderella in the story. Glass is a big element in the plot, she has a lovely Godfather, and she even leaves a shoe behind for her "prince to retrieve" though it doesn't happen exactly the same way.
I think my only complaint was that every time the step sister started to speak her stepmother interrupted so I never got a really clear picture of what she was like. Was she mean or nice or just under the thumb of her mother? I don't really know. And since she is a minor character in the story even if her name comes up a lot I guess it doesn't matter that much if I do know.
I loved watching the way Theresia touched Rolland's heart and funny bone. It was lovely to watch his self imposed walls come down bit by bit. Their banter was fun and how they interact with each other too. I also loved Rolland's mother and Theresia's Godfather even though we didn't get to spend all that much time with him.
There is a thief and a murderer to catch and I didn't figure out who done it a head of time. It was not an obvious case to me. The romance was the bigger part of the story but the mystery was not a minor part of the plot.
Loved the book.
Sex: no Language: no Violence: yes *I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it. ...more
I would describe this mistaken identity trope story as a comedy of errors. There are misunderstandings, mistaken identities, fear of being found out, I would describe this mistaken identity trope story as a comedy of errors. There are misunderstandings, mistaken identities, fear of being found out, partial understandings that lead to more misunderstandings and it goes on and on for the entire story. It all might have been more easily resolved if Darcy had faced Elizabeth first off but even that was unlikely since he had been lied to before this story started leading him to believe that he couldn't speak to her. And so the errors begin and go on. If you are looking for a story with lots of swoony time between Elizabeth and Darcy, this isn't it. They only spend time together at the very end of the book but their focus is on each other in their hearts the whole time. I enjoyed the story. I'd been looking forward to reading it for some time so when I found it free in a giveaway party I was thrilled to pick it up. It was fun and different from other JAFF I've read.
Sex: innuendo Language: yes, some Violence: no ...more
I just discovered that I have read this first book in this series but not books two or three. I guess I need to pick them up because I found this to bI just discovered that I have read this first book in this series but not books two or three. I guess I need to pick them up because I found this to be quite delightful. The story felt lighthearted even though there are some darker elements. I found myself smiling frequently as I read. I had my suspicions about the plotline early on and then it seemed that my theory was implausible so I had to wait to figure things out just like Louisa did.
I loved the characters, enjoyed the story and found it humorous and entertaining as well as tender and sweet.
Sex: implied marital relations closed door Language: no Violence: some *I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. ...more
This is a very low angst story. The basic gist is that G has to learn to trust herself to figure out what real love is as she is facing her season. AnThis is a very low angst story. The basic gist is that G has to learn to trust herself to figure out what real love is as she is facing her season. And even before she begins to learn about herself, Darcy is freaking out and trying to match her up with people before her season even starts. Calm down Darcy. This isn't your choice. You didn't appreciate being pushed toward marriage to your cousin. What makes you think that Georgiana would appreciate you trying to push her into marrying the cousin of your choice? That forms a bit of what conflict there is. That and Darcy's pride rearing its ugly head again. I actually found the fortune telling gypsy to be the most interesting part of the book. It was intriguing.
Sex: passing references Language: one character - mild Violence: no...more
I did not know what to expect from this collection of stories. I feared I was going to hate it since I saw there were dragons in one of the stories anI did not know what to expect from this collection of stories. I feared I was going to hate it since I saw there were dragons in one of the stories and I'm not much of a fantasy reader but I decided to give it a shot. I actually loved it. I loved that there was a short ditty at the beginning of each story to state what the "what if" of the variation would be. There were a few stories that I did not love but overall, I enjoyed the book very much.
An Attempted Compromise: Wow did this story have awful unintended results but the only people that didn't end up in their HEA were Caroline, Wickham and the Hursts. Still painful for Elizabeth though.
No Less Brittle Than Beautiful: This story is faith friendly. Mary and Wickham seem like the worst possible couple to be put together but the results were charming. Is is even possible for Wickham to feel true remorse and repent? It doesn't seem likely in general but I loved the way Mary's natural tendency toward choosing good showed him his failings and in turn, did help him to because a better man. And I loved seeing Mary portrayed as genuine rather than self-righteous.
Keep You Breath to Swell Your Song: This was a cute story. I'd love to be able to hear the singing that so enchanted the Prince Regent and so many others. But there are some women who need to learn to hide their facial expressions better if they want to keep their secrets.
But Then the Dragons Came: Okay, now we are to the dragon story which in general is not my cup of tea but I started the whole thing already laughing because I was letting my Kindle read this book to me while I weeded. If you've ever used this, you know that the poor computerized voice can't differentiate context and makes mistakes because of it. I've gotten used to Miss So&so being called Mississippi So&so now and it doesn't even phase me. Anyway, another thing the Kindle voice can't do is know to pause between ending one story and starting the next so what I heard was this: "Thus, Darcy and Elizabeth were able to live happily ever after. But then the Dragons Came." I looked up. "Wait. What?" I looked over to my Kindle and realized what had happened and burst out laughing. So I was entertained from the first with this little story. It isn't one that I'd want in a full length novel but for the length of this story I could handle it and enjoy it as well. This one does contain a wedding night but it isn't graphic.
Nothing But Officers in her Head: I love when one of the sisters is written to be much more than she appears and this story is Kitty's. She is super smart and has to keep it all hidden from everyone but her father. I liked how the story played out.
In His Night Cap and Powdering Gown: Mr. Bennet is quite the man in this story. I actually wanted to see more of him than we got to. The story focus was more on how the family responded to his altered personality. I kept wondering if the changes the family made would permanently change the family dynamics or if things would flit back to normal in time.
Punish Him for Such a Speech: This one has Christian themes. I think the story is more about friendship than romance, at least until the epilogue. I didn't love the ending between Mary and Elizabeth.
To Yield Readily: I didn't love this one. The confession of love was too weird in its timing. I wondered what Darcy was thinking. As the story went along I wondered how there could possibly be happily-ever-afters for everyone. I didn't love the pairings but in the end it seemed like a happy future might be hoped for.
And Then the Murders Began: This was another one that made me laugh at the beginning just like But Then the Dragons Came. This time the Kindle reader said: "Indeed, Jane would always be grateful that Mr. Bingley was willing to yield so readily to his friend and sisters all those years ago and then the murders began." And once again, I laughed. But I didn't keep laughing. I thought this story was on the creepy side and didn't like it at all. A curse and a murder. It was pretty awful circumstances especially after learning the who and why.
If Only They'd Had a Son: Ugh. It seems that I preferred the earlier stories in the book to some in the latter half. Yes, they had a son but he is useless. I hated both the brother and the parents. Hope they all learned a life long lesson from the circumstances. They were pretty awful. Mrs. B was not surprising. I could easily see her behaving like this with a son. But Mr. B was so much worse than usual. So much so that even Elizabeth didn't really like him.
Overhearings More to the Purpose: I love a variation that causes Mrs. B to improve and change the way she parents the girls. This one has great results.
For I am a Married Woman: Another story with creepy circumstances. Collins and Wickham are horrible people. The only good thing in this story is that the entail was finally broken and Lydia calmed and became a better person and good example to Kitty....more
4.5 stars This was a fun mail-order bride story. Cecil's mom sends a message that she is sending him a nurse for Christmas. However, mom sends Gwendol4.5 stars This was a fun mail-order bride story. Cecil's mom sends a message that she is sending him a nurse for Christmas. However, mom sends Gwendolyn there to be his nurse AND his bride. Cecil is clueless about the marriage part and Gwendolyn is confused but whatever..... It was kinda mean of mom to not let her son know since Gwendolyn thinks she is being rejected as a bride. Anyway, I loved how doctor and nurse worked so well together. It really was a good match in either a professional or personal relationship. I also loved the teen girls who seemed to make the best out of their situations in life. And their kindness is repaid in a life changing way. This is Christian lit but wasn't preachy, except once when the topic was used as a great set down for gossiping. It was well deserved.
This sweet and clean romance was an enjoyable read. Other than being annoyed that the main conflict was a lack of communication that could have been rThis sweet and clean romance was an enjoyable read. Other than being annoyed that the main conflict was a lack of communication that could have been resolved by a simple conversation in less than 5 minutes, I liked the story and characters. Lack of communication is not a fav trope for me but I still liked the book. I liked how the main characters both overcame troubled childhoods to be good people. And I loved the support system.
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