Category: Novella

Stealing The Duke by Jess Michaels

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Stealing the DukeStealing the Duke by Jess Michaels

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Scandal Sheet #2
Publication Date: 3/5/19
# of Pages: 108

Marianne is in a dire situation and she has absolutely no idea how to rescue herself much less her sweet ten-year-old sister, Juliet. Their father, the Earl of Martingale has just died and left them destitute and scandal-ridden. Well, there wasn’t really a scandal until Marianne found a stash of things her father had stolen (kleptomania) and Marianne called the watch to have the items returned to their owners. She requested that it be handled discretely – it wasn’t – now the scandal is running rampant throughout the ton. To top it off, the cousin who inherited her father’s earldom has given them one month to be out of their home. Now, she has found yet one more stolen item that has to be returned. She can’t call the watch to return it, that would just add fuel to the scandal. No, she must return it herself. She’s sure the owner of the item isn’t in town, so it should be an easy enough matter to sneak into the townhouse and leave the item to be found by the owner.

Alexander Wittingham, the Duke of Avondale, considers himself a monster. He’s scarred both inside and out. He’s lived isolated for the last five years – completely shut off from society. When he apprehends what he thinks is a thief stealing into his study, he is ready to fully punish them. Then, he realizes it is a female – and a lovely one at that. He allows her to explain why she’s there and what her circumstances are, he makes her an offer she can hardly refuse. Well – she could refuse, but then what would she and Juliet do?

I really liked Marianne. She made the best of the hand she was dealt and remained cheerful and caring. Alexander – well – it wasn’t that I disliked him, I just didn’t understand him. To me, his big secret was no big deal – at least not enough to cause him to act as he did.

This short novella is well written and the characters are both likable and I think you’ll like it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Love Leads To Scandal by Sophie Barnes

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820)3 Comments

When Love Leads To Scandal (The Townsbridges Book 1)When Love Leads To Scandal by Sophie Barnes

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Townsbridges #1
Publication Date: 2/19/19
Number of Pages: 81

This short novella was a lovely introduction to the Townsbridges. It is a refreshing change because all three of the families involved in the story are loving and supportive from the parents on down. I liked the Townsbridge family but would have liked getting a little better feel for each of the siblings. Charles is heir to Viscount Roxley and he has four siblings — two younger brothers, James and William as well as two sisters, Sarah and Athena. You will absolutely love Athena and she might become your favorite character. I did expect a hint and/or a set-up for the next book to be contained in this book, but I didn’t see it. I also hope Robert gets his eyes opened and a HEA in a future book.

Charles loves his early morning walks in the park. There are few people there at that time and those that are aren’t paying any attention to him. He is startled when he hears a commotion and sees a young lady running toward him yelling, “My bonnet! Please, please, please, stop my bonnet!” Charles takes a slight jog to the left, saves the bonnet and meets the most intriguing young lady. Who is she? He can’t quit thinking about her. A few days later he has the answer to that question. She is the betrothed of his best friend Robert.

I’m not sure what to make of Robert. I have a hard time picturing a man like Charles being best friends with the sort of man Robert appears to be. I certainly can’t picture the kind of loyalty that Charles displays to him. There are hints about the reason Robert behaves as he does and I’ll be excited to see if he gets his own book so that we can maybe understand a little better.

Lady Bethany Andrews is the daughter of an Earl and her mother is American. She’s vivacious, joyful and loves life. She is amazed that she’s managed to become suitably betrothed even before her first season begins. Of course, she owes that to the close confines of a ship as she and her parents return from a family visit to America. But then – she met that intriguing man in the park – too bad she didn’t meet him first because he makes her heart race and her skin tingle. Oh well, too late now. She wasn’t expecting to marry for love.

Bethany and Charles fight their attraction and each is determined that nothing will come of it, but it is so hard when they are constantly thrown together. The tension is palpable and the author does an excellent job of showing their turmoil and resolve not to hurt Robert or cause a scandal.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, but I would have liked it to be just a little longer so I could get to know the Townsbridges a little better – I didn’t even get a real feel for their ages. I love how loving and loyal they are to each other.

I can certainly recommend it as an excellent read.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”