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pollyssecretlibrary · 9 months

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“In the Eyes of the Earl”, by Kristin Vayden

I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review

Cambridge Brotherhood, Book 3

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s not her beauty but her intellect what makes her stand out. That’s what Collin Morgan, Earl Penderdale and hero of the story, thinks on meeting Elizabeth Essex. She is the daughter of his mentor, the celebrated Professor Essex at Cambridge University. The earl is involved in the investigation of a mystery concerning his own name (someone is using it under false pretenses for nefarious affairs) and all the clues he has leads him to the town. On paying a visit to his old professor, he is introduced to Elizabeth, a young woman who helps her father in his researches and papers on the condition that she can’t stand out, since the place was forbidden for women in the Regency era (Women were allowed there in the latest Victorian decade, early 20th century). But her quick wit, her knowledge, her confidence makes her someone unique and that’s why Collin seeks her company. No other woman, save for his own sister, has ever bantered with him like that and he is intrigued by her. But there’s more to our heroine than meets the eye. By day she navigates the libraries and colleges of Cambridge trying to make herself invisible and learning as much as she can, by night she teaches other women who want to expand their intellectual horizons beyond what governesses, nannies and tutors are allowed to go.

This romance is so unlike many others I’ve read before, it’s refreshing. It’s a slow burn in the narration though short in time, but what I found quite interesting about Elizabeth’s and Collin’s dynamics is that their path is a proper one historically speaking. They have moments where they are alone before they ever acknowledge their attractions even to themselves, but those are moments of conversation or rather verbal fights, there’s no bad blood between them, just challenging words and funny comments. However they don’t have any kind of romantic behavior until after Collin properly asks permission to court Elizabeth; in contemporary terms, they meet and become acquaintances and only then they start dating. I haven’t read many books with courtship in them, or at least the courtship only happened after a few kisses or sometimes after the deal is no longer reversible (you know what I mean), so this book is really about two very smart, very intelligent people and their romance. And the romance is in the details, the reason why they slowly, but surely, and of course unexpectedly they fall in love is in the details. And it all starts with a confusion for both of them. This book got me thinking on why I love reading romance and why I love historicals the most. This genre, writers like @vaydenkristin, remind me that there’s still beauty in the stories, in the characters and the plot. That the goal to achieve is the happily ever after, the love. And that’s so much more enjoyable when it is deserved, not when it’s granted. If you know, you know.

#Kristin Vayden #Book review #review #Historical romance #Regency romance #Bluestocking heroine #Battle of wits

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goodbooksandgoodwine · 9 months

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3 Historical Romance Audiobooks I Recently Enjoyed

Hey my wonderful bookish friends! I listened to 8 historical romance audiobooks pretty much in a row. These three books are the last of the historical romance TBR I had queued up for the summer. Overall, this was a fun way to experience a genre I enjoy and get to a few books in this genre a little faster than normal. When You Wish Upon A Duke by Charis Michaels is the second in the historical…

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#Adult fiction #audiobook #Avon #Book Review #Charis Michaels #Harper #historical romance #Kristin Vayden #romance #Sophie Jordan

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the-book-queen · 1 year

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Hide your wallets, it’s that time again! #TBQsBookDeals

Your Thursday thread of #romancedeals is ready, FREE to $1.99. Happy shopping! 📚❤

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Boss/assistant that leads to a D/s dynamic.

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In trouble with the mob, a wolf shifter assumes her twin's identity and escapes to an island resort, where she meets her fated mate, a bear shifter who previously met her twin. Oops.

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$0.99 ✦ Escaping His Grace by Kristin Vayden

To avoid being forced into a loveless marriage, she flees to Scotland and assumes a fake identity working as a governess for the Viscount.

Historical Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/3ZKKREJ

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1st POV. She made a deal with him: let us rent your property and I'll be your maid for a week. But when she shows up, he has a new plan: fake dating.

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Putting these lists together takes time. If you appreciate this content, please consider buying me a Ko-Fi. http://ko-fi.com/danielletbq

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marjaystuff · 1 year

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Kindness and Craft Fairs

One reason I read the books I do is because I love happy endings. I do know that not everything has a happy ending. I learned that lesson early when I read the book and then saw the movie Love Story by Erich Segal. I learned that lesson within my own life. I also learned you have to find and work toward your happy ending. But I digress…

This weekend I participated in a Craft Fair in a senior citizen center. When you are a participant, you have to pay for your space and offer up some of your goods for a raffle. Sometimes you have the opportunity to pay to use the local goods as well (table or pop-up). The money is used to help offset costs. This weekend the money is going to be used to help pay the lights and heating bills at the Vic Geary Drop-In Center. Yes, it is hoped that the crafters will make money selling their handmade items. Yes, many of the crafters are senior citizens who hope to augment their incomes.

No wonder, I rely on fiction to help me believe in the good of the world. Small towns that come together to work toward the common good. Where people turn out to help each other. This weekend, I saw that happen. I mean it wasn’t perfect - the Drop In Center still desperately need help like many social centers, but money was gained to help them continue their work.

Seeking kindness to help the world whether one craft at a time or one HEA book read. I stand on my pollyanna status.

Elise Cooper sent in an interview with Hallee Bridgeman and her book series called the Love and Honor Series. She also sent in a book review of Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin.

Meanwhile, enjoy reading this week. The weather is getting chillier so enjoy a cuppa tea and a great book.

Books Read this Week

My Dearest Duke by Kristin Vayden

The Duke in Question by Amelia Howard

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ash-and-books · 2 years

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Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb: Fans of Bridgerton will fall in love with this fresh and evocative historical romance from Kristin Vayden.

Get swept away to the bright society of Regency England in this beautiful romance featuring:

A reluctant duke who'd rather be writing scholarly papers

A lady with a unique and scandalous secret

The tempting chemistry between them they can no longer deny

And a truth that will either set them free or tear them apart...

Lord Rowles Haywind has always shied away from the spotlight of his brother's dukedom, worried it would bring too much attention to the family secret. His mother suffers from mental illness, and he dreads that he may turn out to have it to, or worse, that any children he may have will inherit her disability. Now that the title of Duke belongs to him, he has more responsibility than he ever dreamed of. He needs help, but he's not sure he can trust anyone enough. Until he reconnects with Lady Joan Morgan...Lady Joan's penetrating insights reassure Rowles as no one ever has. But she has a secret of her own that would cause a terrible scandal. She longs to tell Rowles the truth about her work for the war office, but she's afraid it'll ruin the connection they've kindled. But the longer she waits to tell him, the worse the outcome could be for them both once the truth is out...

Review:

Professor Rowles Haywind has just been named the Duke of Westmore after the tragic death of his brother and he is also helping his mother with her mental health after the death of his brother. He’s too busy to think of romance yet when he reconnects with his friend’s younger sister, Lady Joan Morgan, he can’t but feel like she truly sees him. Joan is about to debut but she’s hiding a secret, she’s been secretly helping the War Office because of her uncanny ability to read people. Rowles is afraid he might be afflicted with his mother’s mental illness and he’s been trying to hide her illness, yet is he strong enough to open himself up to love? Unfortunately this one just didn’t work for me, I found myself getting bored and not really connecting with the characters after the first few chapter. The romance just didn’t really feel there and I just didn’t really feel like there was any chemistry between the two. The book kinda of drags and there really isn’t any major conflicts or villains. Overall, this one just didn’t grab my attention unfortunately.

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #romance read

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allthingsdarkanddirty · 2 years

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Historical romance for a wonderful cause is in bloom! Don't miss Sunflower Season: Historical Romance Anthology for Ukraine available now!Universal: https://geni.us/Sunflower_Season Available on all platforms. BLURB: SUNFLOWER SEASON is a charity collection featuring stories (some never-been-published and some old favorites) by over 70 -- that's right -- SEVENTY of your favorite Historical Romance authors. ALL royalties will be donated to humanitarian relief in Ukraine. This set will be released on June 7, 2022 and will only be available for a limited time. Preorder now and enjoy a summer of historical romance!

Featuring novellas, stories and novels by Sabrina Jeffries, Christi Caldwell, Amalie Howard, Virginia Heath, Caroline Lee, Golden Angel, Bree Wolf, Lori Ann Bailey, Nicole Locke, Natasha Blackthorne, Royaline Sing, Lenora Bell, Sabrina Jeffries, Amy Quinton, Janna MacGregor, Annabelle Anders, Rachel Ann Smith, Eva Devon, Sandra Sookoo, Tabetha Waite, Diana Bold, Sadie Bosque, Cheryl Bolen, Erica Monroe, Kate Bateman, Cara Maxwell, Tracy Sumner, Jenna Jaxon, Jane Charles, Eliza Knight, Mariah Stone, Robyn DeHart, Wendy LaCapra, Hildie McQueen, Madeline Martin, Amy Rose Bennett, Ava Bond, Kristin Vayden, Piper Huguley, Fenna Edgewood, Kathryn Le Veque, Caroline Linden, Nancy Yeager, Dawn Brower, Celeste Barclay, Lauren Royal, Michele Pollock Dalton, Glynnis Campbell, Rose Pearson, Erica Ridley, Sydney Jane Baily, Deb Marlowe, Rebecca Paula, Amanda Mariel, Christine Sterling, Ava Stone, Lauren Smith, Sawyer Quinn, Caroline Warfield, Jessica A Clements, Jude Knight, Anna St. Claire, Tamara Gill, Gina Conkle, Charlie Lane, Terri Brisbin, Bronwen Evans, Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Merry Farmer, Tammy Andresen, Cecelia Mecca, Meredith Bond, Christine Donovan, Lana Williams, Carrie Lomax, Eve Pendle, Bethany Bennett, Bianca Blythe, Maggie Dallen, Samara Parish, Anna Campbell and more????

Again, ALL proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian relief efforts. We are not affiliated with any charities but are only doing what we can to provide help for the innocent people who've lost so much as a result of this senseless tragedy.

#releaseblast #releaseday #newrelease #bookbirthday #nowlive #newbooks #historicalromance #historicalfiction #romancenovels #romancebooks #romanceanthologies #romancecollections #charityanthology #romance #kissingbooks #steamyreads #romanticfiction #regencyromance #sunflowerseason #ukraine #charity #philanthropy #givingback #readers #booklovers #bookbuzz #bookclub #booksbooksbooks #bookish

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cathygeha · 2 years

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REVIEW

Fortune Favors the Duke by Kristin Vayden

The Cambridge Brothers #1

Grief hits people in different ways…a mother, brother, fiancée…all find themselves grieving the loss of a duke and yet through their grief healing and love is found for all of them. A sweet romance with a slow burn that introduces close male school friends who will star in this series. This is the story of Quin and the woman he finds his happily ever after with.

What I liked:

* Quin: second son, professor, the spare that became the heir, kind, generous, loving, and much more than first meets the eye.

* Catherine: engaged to Avery, raised by her grandmother, mathematically astute, lost her fiancé, strong, capable, a good match for Quin

* Lady Greatheart: grandmother, witty, loving, kind, a force to be reckoned with – really liked her

* Lady Wesley: Mother of Avery & Quin, lost her son, cared for Catherine, supportive, loving and kind

* Meeting Morgan and Rowles – the other two Cambridge Brothers (I think)

* Joan: Morgan’s sister: intriguing young woman in her first season and I wonder who she might end up with

* The slow falling of Quin and Catherine as they became friends first

* That Quin and Catherine seemed a good match

* That Catherine was able to stand up for herself

* That Quin was able to apologize

* That there was chemistry between Quin and Cathering…eventually

What I didn’t like:

* What and who I was meant not to like

* That it was a bit slow in spots so found myself skimming

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read another book in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourbooks Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

BLURB

For fans of Ella Quinn, Amelia Grey, and Bridgerton comes the first in a new historical romance series with all your favorite tropes:

• Friends to lovers romance

• Forbidden romance

• Reluctant dukes

• Tight-knit family saga

The new Duke has a proper scandal brewing.

Quinton Errington is perfectly happy teaching at Cambridge, with his elder brother carrying the duties of being the Duke of Wesley. But when a trip to celebrate Wesley’s last week of bachelorhood ends in tragedy, Quinton, who becomes the Duke, would give anything to have his brother back.

Wesley’s would-be bride, Catherine Greatheart, is left heartbroken and alone. Her grandmother has fallen ill, and Catherine has nowhere left to turn but to the family she was so close to being part of. The new Duke is kind, and she could use a friend.

Between learning how to be the head of his family, mourning his brother, and trying not to fall in love with his late-brother’s fiancée, Quinton will need some help—and it’s a good thing he’s not alone.

AUTHOR BIO

Kristin Vayden has published over a dozen titles with Blue Tulip Publishing, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken’s publishing company. Kristin's inspiration writing romance comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! Kristin lives with her family in Washington state.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dHG4yZ

B&N: https://bit.ly/3tOahCf

Apple: https://apple.co/3dMd21f

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3tOrxXN

BAM: https://bit.ly/3dJX6Me

EXCERPT

Catherine could not sleep. In fact, when she closed her eyes, it was as if she became more awake.

She rose from bed and padded over to her chair by the low-burning fire. There hadn’t been much change to her grandmother’s condition, and if she didn’t improve, the solicitor would likely recommend that Lord Bircham be contacted.

How she hated that he could hold any power over her future! Someone she didn’t know, who hadn’t any understanding of her or her grandmother, was to be given power over an estate he didn’t earn or inherit, all because he was a male relative.

It was bloody well infuriating.

And she wasn’t going to sit back and let it happen.

No.

She’d fought through too much pain, survived too much to allow her future to be dictated to her. This was her family, her estate, her future, and she was going to have a say in it, come what may.

But she needed information.

Who was this Lord Bircham? She had only met him once, and it was so long ago. The fire burned lower in the grate as she watched the embers stir and flare, her thoughts swirling. Who would be the best informant? She could have—should have—asked Quin, but he had done so much already. She didn’t want to rely on him, not for this, though she did have the sneaking suspicion he wasn’t asking for permission, simply going and finding information regardless.

If so, all the better. But she wasn’t going to wait for him.

She wished there was some random gossip she could uncover—it would be the easiest way to find out information—and as soon as she thought of that, a plan formed in her mind.

Who else knew everything except for the ladies of the ton? If there was a scandal, or rumor of one, they would know.

What she needed was someone she could trust, who wouldn’t turn her situation into new gossip, someone who would just give information, not take it. Lord Penderdale—Morgan—had mentioned his younger sister was debuting this season; Joan was her name. Perhaps she would know something? Yet as she considered it, Catherine disregarded the idea.

She needed someone who had listened to the gossip for years, who would know the older scandals, or lack thereof.

Relief flowed through her and she smiled as she thought of a name.

Yes, it was perfect.

And trustworthy.

A sense of peace eased her anxious mind as she started to work out the details. The desk was a short walk from her place near the fire, and with a few steps, she was sitting before a leaf of paper and writing a quick note.

Your Grace,

It would be my sincerest honor to have you over for tea. Would today be acceptable?

Yours,

Catherine Greatheart

Catherine sealed the message and set it just to the side of her desk, awaiting dawn. With a plan formed, she returned to bed, hope filling her heart, and finally fell asleep.

When she awoke, the sunlight was already brightly streaming through her bedroom window. It took only a moment for her to remember her plans from earlier, and with a determination she hadn’t felt in some time, she rose from bed and slipped the letter from her desk. Ringing for her maid, she swept her hair to the side and over her shoulder, pondering the other aspects of her plan that she would need to put into motion today.

As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she paused. Her grandmother would be proud of her progress, taking control—and doing it regardless of the fear that could easily consume her.

Fear of the unknown.

She nodded to her reflection, determination patching all the leftover cracks that hadn’t been filled before. The door opened, and Millard entered, offering a quick curtsy.

“Good morning. Please have this dispatched to the Duchess of Wesley’s residence.”

Millard took the note. “Shall I have the messenger wait for a reply?”

Catherine thought for a moment. “No.” She was quite certain the Duchess of Wesley would accept the invitation; Quin had already implied she was planning to visit anyway.

“Right away, my lady.” Millard left to give the message to the servant who would deliver it, leaving Catherine with her thoughts once more.

She looked at the clock on the mantel over the fireplace and noted she had a lot of time before she could expect the duchess.

Perfect.

When Millard returned, Catherine put on a lovely day dress. She was going shopping—and not just for clothes, but for everything else that could land her the most important piece of her plan.

A husband.

The season would start soon, and she needed the dresses they’d already ordered to be ready, but with a few changes. She wasn’t a debutante anymore. But neither was she a widow. However, there was a thin line between the two that allowed for some freedom in her choices in clothing. She wasn’t going to sit by idly, waiting for someone to win her heart. No. She had done that and lost nearly everything.

The morning light illuminated her desk as she approached, her need to write a list burning inside her. Something to keep her focused. Something to keep her from settling for less. She inked the pen and hovered over the paper.

Husband requirements:

Rich—no fortune hunters

Not belittling of women in business ventures

Interested in supporting the arts

Established

No gambling history

Kind to his mother/sisters

She studied the list and frowned. That was pretty much every other lady’s list; there wasn’t anything unique about it. She doubted anyone wanted a gambling and abusive man—but she needed, wanted something more than she could articulate.

Love?

Of course, but she wasn’t going to hold out for it. She’d had it once, or close enough. She wanted…

The word hit her with a solid thump in her chest, setting her heart to pounding. A partnership. Not a legal obligation. Not a man to officiate her life. Someone to walk beside her, to listen to her. Heavens, was that asking too much? To have a husband who could take advice from a woman? She grimaced. It shouldn’t be asking too much, but she wondered if maybe it was still difficult to find in a London ballroom. Perhaps she needed more from the Duchess of Wesley than merely information on her cousin. Maybe she needed information on other things too. Other people.

Could she do it? Take that step? Did she dare ask her almost-mother-in-law about other men? Did she have anyone else to ask? No. She didn’t. So, with a bit of a hysterical chuckle, she realized she was going to do the unthinkable. Ask the woman who was going to be her mother-in-law for help on finding a husband.

Good Lord.

She was either making a brilliant plan or a fatal error. And the worst part was that she wouldn’t know till later. She’d need to wrestle with the decision for hours yet, if not days.

But if it worked…

The hope of that echoed through her, filling her and pushing back the fear. The risk was far outweighed by the reward. And right now she needed an ally. She only hoped she’d made the right decision in who.

#Kristin Vayden #The Cambridge Brothers 1 #NetGalley #Sourcebooks Casablanca #Historical Romance #contemporary fiction #grief #fiction

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