REVIEW: All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne

 

OHMYGOD. I love this series. Admittedly, I'm fairly new to all things Kerrigan Byrne but I have read a few of her novels and short stories and I want to read all of her work because it's just so dang engaging. 

In the case of All Scot and Bothered and Cecelia and Lord Ramsay, I absolutely adored their push and pull and especially loved how independent Cecilia was. Even knowing the Red Rogues and their desire to be independent women, I found Cecelia's brand of strong woman to be so appealing (while thinking about how far we've come and how glad I'll hopefully never have to fight for my right to be who I want). I also enjoyed how Cecelia and Ramsay were on a collision course of wills and love and we could all see it and knew it was coming and yet there was no way to dream up how much fun it was to read them struggling against each other and for each other. The intrigue of who was behind the misdeeds going on behind the scenes, the involvement of Cecelia and Ramsay and their friends and family, and resolution of that subplot were interesting and well done. 

I'm absolutely thrilled that there's at least one more book coming out in this series and I have an idea of who will be coupled up and I CANNOT WAIT. It's going to be so much fun. 

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/3hvVk2b

SYNOPSIS:

All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today bestselling author Kerrigan Byrne!

They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London's most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met.

IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY

Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips...Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?

"With the Devil You Know series, Byrne once again delivers the beautifully nuanced characters and seductive storytelling her readers have come to expect."—Booklist

REVIEW: Courting Trouble by Kerrigan Byrne

OUR REVIEW:

 As a new reader of Kerrigan Bryne’s historical romances, Courting Trouble stood out as something a little different than what I’ve come across before. Usually I expect to read about two head strong characters who have to find a way to use that fire for them rather than to burn everything down. It always works for me—delights me, even. In the case of Courting Trouble, the heroine was a little more meek, although surprisingly bold in her adulthood, and I liked how unexpected she was. The hero, Titus, was dreamy and wonderful and while he had more of the typical strong traits I anticipated, he also was a more gentle soul. 

I think I’ve read so many alpha characters lately that I’ve forgotten how lovely it is to read a novel featuring two characters who are genuinely good humans. The hurt-ache and angsty bits were there but not too heavy handed and the storyline has me anxious to go back to any of the previous books I’ve missed in this series and also anticipating the two books I think are coming.

Courting Trouble was a fun, quick read. Perfect for the next free weekend you have to read.

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/3pDlvad

SYNOPSIS:

A brand-new deliciously wicked romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Kerrigan Byrne. The Goode Girls aren't simply good, they're stunning.

Doctor Titus Conleith emerged from his time as a battlefield surgeon with a mysterious fortune, a lethal secret, and a demon on his back. Ruthlessly intelligent, he was able to lift himself from his beginnings as coal-stained bastard through merciless discipline and inexhaustible skill. Alone by choice, he swore never to open his heart to another. Not after Honoria Goode. The heiress who shattered his hopes and then tread upon the shards of his heart with her bejeweled slippers. The beauty with whom he shared his first taste of passion, before she gave her hand to another.

The woman whose life he just saved from bleeding out on his table...

Honoria’s life as a Viscountess has been nothing but a misery she’d brought upon herself with her own cowardice. Trapped for years in a loveless marriage to a cruel rake, she has been widowed by the consequences of his villainy.  Now, she must face the man with the blazing golden eyes of the boy she once worshiped, and the dark past they both share.

As their passion reignites with the same fervor of their youth, Honoria can’t help but begin to wonder…

Will he allow her the second chance she doesn’t deserve?

REVIEW: Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre

 

Shel: When telling my cousin about Every Last Secret, I likened it to Single White Female or Fatal Attraction--though I'm realizing that I'm dating myself with those references. If those references mean nothing to you, here's what you need to know--this novel is really hard to put down once you start it. It's categorized as "psychological fiction" --and that's probably the best way to put it. Torre's ability to capture the nuances of all types of relationships and what makes them work or fracture is one of the many things that really shine in this novel. Her powers of observation--of our human nature, our needs, our manipulations, and what we do to create the lives we want or we want to project--were spot on. Court: Dang, could not have said it better. This one was so good and I couldn't put it down either. I have always loved Torre's writing, but she definitely keeps getting better and upping her ability to craft a story that is nuanced, and enthralling and just keeps me hooked right to the last page. These people are all so flawed, but the insight we get into their thinking is spectacular. The execution of the story is so good, and I had to stay up wayyyy too late to see how it ended.

Shel: Alessandra Torre did a fantastic job of pulling me into the novel and making me completely invested in not what was happening but how it was happening. Torre seemingly removed the mystery of 'who done it' in the prologue so it appeared to be less about the end result and more about how Cat, Neena, William, and Matt got to there. I found myself strongly HATING characters and hate reading parts of chapters. Alternatively, I also found myself actually liking things at the end that I don't know that I should have--does that make me a psychopath?! Perhaps. I blame Torre for it all--the strong feelings, the inability to do an ounce of work, the one more chapter-ing until all hours of the night--because she once again wrote a novel that I couldn't get enough of. Court: YAS! I know who I am a fan of in the end, and while that probalby also makes me seriously messed up in the head these people are so very human and it is what makes this book exciting. They are down to their base instincts here, and how they navigate the game of being a big fish in a little pond. A.R. Torre has a beautiful gift to be able to keep us guessing where the story was going and ultimately surprised me by what I found out. 

Shel: While I didn't have to get to the end to figure some things out, I truly enjoyed the entire journey to the end. And I liked the end--the sense of completion and yet the unexpected sense of melancholy that colored the last pages and left me with the most interesting sense of satisfaction and longing. Court: I felt the same way. It is a stand alone book, for sure, but I loved how satisfied I feel having read it. I was afraid to keep reading because I wanted it to last, but also very happy with the entire book front to back, and that is kind of a rare thing to get sometimes. I realllly enjoyed this book, and you must check it out! 

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/3nEFO6i

Welcome to the neighborhood. Watch your husband, watch your friends, and watch your back.

Cat Winthorpe has worked hard to get what she has: a gorgeous home; social standing; and William, her successful, handsome husband. Then a friendly new couple moves into the estate next door. While cautious, a good neighbor like Cat greets them with open arms and warm hospitality.

Neena Ryder isn’t a fellow lady of leisure. A life coach with off-the-rack dresses, personal issues, and a husband who hasn’t delivered, she’s anxious to move up in the world. This beautiful new town is a step in the right direction. It’s also making Neena aware of what she doesn’t have. Namely, William. When Neena’s infatuation escalates into obsession, it’s just a matter of eliminating a few obstacles to get the life she wants. The life next door.

As Neena’s secret fixation grows, so does her friendship with Cat. But beneath their cordial interactions is a wealth of temptations, secrets, and toxic jealousy. For both women, the desire for a perfect life can turn perfectly dangerous.

REVIEW: In too Deep by Skye Jordan

 

OUR REVIEW:

In Too Deep is exactly the light romantic escape I needed....especially after reading one heartbreaking novel and one novel that was meh...In Too Deep was perfectly delightful. It features three friends, focusing in this particular novel on Laiyla and her love, Levi. 

While this novel was novella-ish length, the characters were fully developed, as was the plot. It follows Laiyla as she returns to her high school summer haven and tries to rectify the perceived wrongs that the community feels (primarily against Levi). She invites her three friends and they decide to rebuild a family property into a local resort. While this is happening, Lailya runs into conflict with the locals and her first and only love, Levi. Obviously, as this is a romance, we know that a happily ever after is found but it's not just the story of Laiyla and Levi that begins in this novel, it's also the foundation for Chloe and KT and let me just say--I cannot wait. This novel was quick, balanced, and the perfect read for my reading funk.

Thank you Skye Jordan, for reaching out when you saw that I had a snafu with NetGalley--I'm so happy that I read this first novel and cannot wait to read the rest of the series. 

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/348Lfmt

REVIEW: One More Round by Alice Clayton

OUR REVIEW:

 Shel: I can’t think of a better way to end 2020 and begin 2021 than with a new read from Alice Clayton. Court: Agreed, and what better way than this one? Especially since my reading frency of the 2010's started with her and these characters!

Shel: Our love affair with her characters started long ago with the Red Headed series but one of our top favorites has always been Wallbanger so what a treat to be able to spend some time with Caroline and Simon. Not only did we get to see them older and more established, we got little looks at their friends and how everyone else is doing. Court: Yes! They're all doing well, but the writing is so good that it still feels fresh and giving us a glimpse into their lives in a satisfying way. I was very excited, and blew through it at warp speed even though I was trying to savor it! 

Shel: For Alice Clayton and Wallbanger fans—do yourself a favor and grab this sweet romcom. And for those who are new to Alice Clayton—grab Wallbanger and then make your way through all of her other books—you’ll be laughing until you’re crying, swooning, and reaching for the next read. We’re so hopeful that this is the beginning of more new books from Alice Clayton. Court: YES! I am wholeheartedly onboard with this! She's an amazing author and I cannot wait to buy what she comes out with next!

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/354z62u

SYNOPSIS:

Reunite with Simon and Caroline from the New York Times bestselling WALLBANGER in this fun and flirty novella!

Simon and Caroline have it all. A gorgeous restored Victorian house in Sausalito, flourishing careers, an eternal spark for each other, and a cat with more attitude than is legal in the state of California.

So what’s plaguing the couple of the century? They’ve got everything anyone could wish for, except...a family.

After a few close calls, Simon and Caroline are coming to terms with the idea that being parents might not be in the cards for them. They’ve been married several years, and they’re realizing it may just be the two of them, forever. Which is ok, right?

Caroline is considering a major career change, Simon is working more than ever, things are falling into place, without a baby rattle.

But just when you think your life is set, the universe gives you a...twist.

Come back in for one more round with Simon and Caroline.