Gill M
Review also posted on
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-touch-of-romance-by-paullett-golden.html
Jules Knowlton, poet and newly appointed Cambridge professor attends a writer's retreat. He is drawn to the only other poet in attendance. Leila Owen, is a beautiful Anglo-Indian lady, with a rare gift for poetry.
What starts as friendship rapidly becomes something more. Unfortunately, Leila's father is returning from India after five years and is likely to push for an arranged marriage to help his career in the East India company.
When the retreat ends the couple try to find a way for Jules to be accepted as a suitor. However, their plans don't go quite as planned!
This is a lovely story with an unusual couple. It is funny, whimsical and well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on
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Mr and Mrs Bennet have an acrimonious and increasingly violent marriage.
Not only do they do a poor job of raising their youngest daughters but their regular fights cause emotional abuse to their family.
From the age of twelve, second daughter Elizabeth takes on the role of protector, guide and support for Mary, Kitty and Lydia. She has some assistance from her elder sister, Jane. However, Jane's naivety means Elizabeth has to watch out for her too.
All of this leads to a sadder, more mature Elizabeth Bennet than we usually meet.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives in Hertfordshire his standoffish behaviour does not recommend him to Elizabeth. However, as they come to know each other better, a friendship grows.
Darcy's own experience of shouldering responsibility at a young age, gives them something in common.
Elizabeth is determined to care for her sisters until they are all married. Unfortunately, this means that she is likely to end up a spinster, given the age difference.
As Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam fall in love, Elizabeth faces the heartbreak of refusing him to keep her promise to her sisters.
A great story with an unusual twist from the usual Pride and prejudice variation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/threads-of-magic-pride-and-prejudice.html
Threads of Magic is Book 2 of Mr. Darcy's Magic. It is a standalone novel without cliff-hangers, but it is best read as part of a series.
Set against a backdrop of Regency England where magic is the province of the aristocracy.
Napoleon has weaponised magic and English Royal Mages must defeat him.
In Book 1, Elizabeth Bennet is forced into a loveless marriage with Royal Mage, Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her magical gifts are needed to optimise his essential defensive magical power but the rules of propriety dictate an unmarried couple cannot work together.
By the end of Book 1 the couple are in love.
Threads of Magic starts as the couple return to magical headquarters after a romantic break.
They are dropped straight back into battle before they make it through the door. Elizabeth saves everyone using an unconventional strategy.
One would think that she would be lauded for this. However, three Mages have a strange malady for which Elizabeth is blamed.
The Mages relocate/retreat to Netherfield Park to regroup. Taking with them a captured French Mage.
Elizabeth is ostracised by many and even feels her beloved Fitzwilliam does not support her.
Fitzwilliam is desperately trying to protect Elizabeth from accusations of treason, while walking a political tightrope with the various members of the Mages Council.
Several members despise Elizabeth and wish her harm.
When Elizabeth is assaulted and thrown into the cell of the French Mage, the outcome could be terrifying. However, she finds he is not quite what she expected.
The story races along at a steady pace with battle, angst, duelling, intrigue and deception.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to Book 3.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Matthew, Duke of Abernyte is seeking a traitorous aristocrat, who is assisting with the French invasion of England.
Lady Violet lives in terror of her brother, Lord Dennington who is cruel and abusive.
When Abernyte and Lady Violet meet on the dancefloor a friendship develops.
Unfortunately, Dennington pushes Violet to further a relationship with Abernyte. As Violet knows to her cost, if her brother wants her to do something, his motives will likely be malicious.
The book shows Violet finding her courage to defy her brother, no matter how terminal the consequences.
Can Matthew and Violet find their way to thwart the malicious plotting of Lord Dennington? Can Violet find hope and love in her future?
Compelling read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
After two attempts on his life by a female assassin, Fitzwilliam Darcy is understandably perplexed. When he seeks sanctuary with his friend Charles Bingley at his new estate in Meryton, he is shocked to meet the assassin or someone who looks very like her.
So begins a tale of several mistaken identities, murder, false accusation, duplicity, betrayal and all-round peril.
This is such a great story! The mystery is compelling and the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is adorable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Georgiana Darcy only just escaped ruin and injury following the actions of her governess Miss Younge and the perfidious George Wickham, ex-family friend.
Her brother Fitzwilliam Darcy came to her rescue but during the encounter, he killed Wickham.
Both Georgiana and Fitzwilliam are forever changed by the events.
Following a collapse of her family's finances, Elizabeth Bennet takes a job as governess to Georgiana Darcy. However, Pemberley is imposing and grim, Georgiana is troubled, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is secretive and brooding. Can Elizabeth break through their reserve?
I have to say that I am not sure about this one.
Darcy's behaviour is massively out of character. Georgiana swings from childlike and coquettish. It is an interesting look at post-traumatic stress disorder and the effects of abuse and grooming.
However, it is not a comfortable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Mr Enfield, long time resident of Netherfield Park, took a grandfatherly interest in the vivacious second daughter of his neighbours, the Bennet family.
Elizabeth Bennet loved to walk through the countryside and admired a particular area of Mr Enfield's garden. He invited her to enjoy it whenever she pleased and renamed it ‘Elizabeth's garden'.
When he died, she was stunned and delighted to learn that he had left the garden to her.
But gifts can come with strings!
Fitzwilliam Darcy was fond of his uncles' cousin, Mr Enfield. He would visit whenever he traveled along the road to London, which passed Hertfordshire. When the gentleman left Netherfield to him in his will he was pleased but planned to sell, feeling he had sufficient property to manage.
His friend Bingley wants to buy an estate after a time leasing to learn estate management. What could be better than for Bingley to buy Netherfield?
Except Darcy discovers that the estate must be complete before it can be sold and part of it is owned by a neighbour.
When Bingley becomes enamoured of Elizabeth's beautiful sister Jane, the perfect solution seems to be that Elizabeth sell her garden, allowing Darcy to sell to Bingley.
However, they are all shocked to find a condition of the bequest is that Elizabeth cannot sell until she is married. As Elizabeth has no suitors, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to attend a house party in order to meet a list of eligible gentleman.
But what if the right man is not on the list?
The character of Elizabeth was well drawn but I could not quite see why she put up with a lot of unpleasantness in order to sell something that she wanted to keep.
Darcy was initially suspicious but rapidly became a kind friend. Nice to skip the usual haughtiness!
A happy ever after is of course guaranteed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The goddess Agatha knows that Elizabeth and Doug are soulmates.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth is living in 1868 and contemplating an arranged marriage, while Doug is a doctor, turned successful actor who finds himself lonely, despite his celebrity.
Agatha's magic allows them to meet, resulting in an adventurous and steamy romance.
Well drawn and engaging characters.
Worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Hugh, Earl of Brinsworth is suffering from the aftereffects of fighting in the Napoleonic War. He is haunted by memories and dreadful dreams.
Clara Lockhart enters his house as companion to his mother. Clara is the daughter of an abusive Viscount, who sees no value in her. He made no effort to help her find a husband and even helps himself to her wages!
The book shows Clara finding kindness and friendship that she has never known before. Hugh finds a willing listener, to ease his burden.
Through intrigue, espionage and evil intent can Clara and Hugh find companionship and love?
Enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/epiphany-by-jessie-lewis.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy has it all. Handsome, very rich, nephew of an Earl and owner of the fabulous Pemberley.
He also has a vexatious aunt, who insists he was betrothed in infancy to his sickly cousin Anne de Bourgh. Anne believes it, he knows it is untrue.
Darcy recently visited Hertfordshire and met the witty, beautiful and kind Elizabeth Bennet. He has lost his heart to her.
However, he knows it is his duty to marry for rank, fortune and connection. None of which Elizabeth has.
He has dragged himself away to prevent being overwhelmed by his desire to propose.
Darcy is already like a bear with a sore head, when he discovers that his sister has told Anne de Bourgh of his feelings for Elizabeth.
Anne who rarely leaves her home, decides to head for Hertfordshire to see off her rival.
News that his enemy George Wickham, a rake, is paying attention to Anne forces Darcy to return to Hertfordshire to retrieve his cousin.
And so begins a gradual unravelling of misunderstandings and prejudices. Will exposure to the Bennet's delightful family Christmas, compared with Anne's appalling behaviour, give Darcy a better perspective on what is truly valuable?
As usual, Jessie Lewis has produced another gem.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/reputation-easy-thing-to-lose-by-em.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy is ardently in love with Elizabeth Bennet. Unfortunately, due to pride and misunderstandings, Elizabeth rejects his proposal in a most vehement manner.
She comes to realise that he is the best of men and she loves him. When they meet again at his estate, Pemberley, their future felicity seems in reach.
Devastating news rips them apart.
Youngest sister Lydia Bennet has eloped with George Wickham.
Mr Bennet searches for them in the slums of London.
When he finds them, Wickham refuses to marry Lydia without a large dowry. Money that Bennet does not have. Mr Bennet challenges Wickham to a duel.
Wickham is killed, but he shot Mr Bennet who later dies of infection.
The Bennet family are evicted from their entailed estate and face possible ruin. This becomes almost certain when Lydia is found to be with child.
Elizabeth moves to London to live with her aunt and uncle. Darcy comes to her and proposes again.
Elizabeth is heartbroken to have to refuse again. She won't expose Darcy's sister, Georgiana to the scandal.
Elizabeth and Darcy develop a plan. Marry in secret and not reveal it until Georgiana is married. Elizabeth is to pose as chaperone and companion to Georgiana.
As one can imagine this leads to some tricky situations. Darcy gets furious when members of society treat Elizabeth as a servant.
The couples ease and closeness lead to accusations that she is his mistress.
Both suffer the matchmaking efforts of well meaning relatives.
Things seem to be coming right, with all of the sisters having suitors.
The last obstacle is a house party at Pemberley.
However, this is fraught with ladies of the ton jockeying for position as Mrs Darcy. How far will they go, to achieve this goal?
The denouement is very satisfying.
Really enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Sebastian Lancaster, Earl of Roddam is an intriguing character. Intellectual, exasperated with “Society” and hiding a deep dark secret.
Lizbeth Trethow is a wallflower. Bright, enlightened and determined to marry with love and equality, or not at all.
Their intellect brings them together as friends. Both develop a secret passion for the other.
Unfortunately, Sebastian is scarred by an abusive childhood and is scared to allow Lizbeth close.
There are several advances and retreats before they finally come together.
Lizbeth is determined to help Sebastian work through his demons, but struggles to find the way until she stumbles upon some startling letters.
Will they find peace and happiness?
An enjoyable read but a possible trigger for abuse survivors.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious readers and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
A combination of misunderstandings, angst and joy
When Elizabeth Bennet refused to marry her father's heir, the odious Mr Collins, she could not have imagined how life would change. When her father died suddenly, her family lost their place in society and their home. Her sisters live as poor relations, separated between relatives.
Out of guilt, Elizabeth eased the burden on her family by taking employment. She has spent five years, living a lonely life, working as a governess.
When she is importuned by the son of her employer, she is dismissed without a reference. A guest at the house offers transport and a Christmas working holiday with his family at Pemberley.
There she meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, wealthy widower, with an infant daughter. He is captivated by the young lady, despite her reduced circumstances
The kindness Elizabeth experiences from both staff and the family renews her faith in humanity.
Could she find love too?
Lovely story, with the usual combination of misunderstandings, angst and joy. Well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The book starts on the night that 19 year old Mary Fletcher's father is dying.
While the impecunious Baron Fairley's life draws to a close, his heir Jonathan is downstairs carousing with his friends and auctioning off his sister's virtue.
Mary's maid runs to the house of the elderly Duke of Fenwick, begging for help.
Luke, Duke of Fenwick may be old but he is definitely not lacking spirit. He races to assist. Using a special license, he offers marriage, is accepted, consent is given by the last words of the Baron and the Vicar attending the deathwatch performs the ceremony.
As Mary's husband he has the right to protect her and so he does. In her new home she finds security and grandfatherly affection.
Also in residence is Henry, the steward and her childhood friend. He is also in love with Mary!
When Luke is murdered, he is determined to have the last word. There are major revelations in his will.
Mary, now the dowager Duchess find herself haunted by a determined ghost, who demands that she finds the Duke's murderer.
The characters are engaging. Luke is such a lovely man, though very naughty!
Henry is steadfast and kind.
Jonathan and dowager Baroness Naomi are utterly appalling.
Very good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
An entertaining tale of a lonely Duke and his correspondence with Gwen, a scribe in his solicitors' chambers.
A year of exchanging letters brings them close but meeting in person will be a shock.
This is more fairy tale than historical romance, with some rather modern sensibilities. It is an enjoyable read and Edward is a compelling character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Mary Bennet struggles to find a place of value in her family. Her mother favours her two most beautiful girls. Her father values the brightest. She has sought to distinguish herself as the most pious and charitable sister.
Over time she has resigned herself to spinsterhood (as who would marry her?) with piety and Christian charity her life's work.
While trying to forward a new charitable enterprise at Christmas, she meets Mr Arthur, a guest of Mr Bingley. Slowly a friendship and maybe more, develops. He really sees Mary, understands her loneliness and finds value in her. For the first time she is attracted to a man.
Mary develops incite into her behaviour and realises her piety and Christian charity contain a large amount of pride, self-righteousness and superiority.
Elizabeth Rasche has a rare gift for depicting Mary in a way that makes you see past her carping, to the lovely young woman within. So nice to have a romantic happy ending for Mary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is avoiding Elizabeth Bennet.
He refused to attend his best friend Bingleys' wedding to her sister Jane, he declined an invitation to join them for Christmas at Netherfield and he is fleeing London before she is due to arrive.
Darcy loves Elizabeth but holds no hope that she returns his affection. The little glimmer of hope was dashed by the elopement of Lydia Bennet with Wickham.
When a snowstorm forces Darcy and his sister to seek shelter at Netherfield, he comforts himself that at least Elizabeth is in London.
Elizabeth has been bereft since she lost the good opinion of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Coming to love him late in their acquaintance, she mourns that Lydia's behaviour and the connexion to Wickham has turned Darcy away from her.
Now even her trip to London is denied her as she is prevailed upon to attend the house party at Netherfield. Mrs Bennet will not let her pass up the company of eligible young men!
After a difficult start, Elizabeth and Darcy spend time together and seem to be making progress, when a monumental misunderstanding intrudes.
The yearning, angst and pain are beautifully expressed and made me cry (again)!
Wonderful book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Fitzwilliam Darcy's head has been turned by a beautiful, intelligent, vivacious gentlewoman. However, Elizabeth Bennet is of a lower social status and has an embarrassing family. She has connexions to trade and worst of all her obsequious cousin William Collins, is parson to Darcy's aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Darcy flees her company before he allows his passion to overcome his sense of duty to his family and status. He also persuades his friend Bingley to join him, to save him from a marriage of unequal affections to Jane Bennet.
Just before Christmas, Lady Catherine dies suddenly, leaving Darcy to oversee her estate, Rosings. He ponders whether he ought to marry his unappealing cousin Anne, to protect her and Rosings for the family.
In a combination of a Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life, Darcy is visited in his dreams by the ghost of Lady Catherine (dragging, not chains but a Rosings fireplace) continuing her lifetime harangue that he should marry Anne.
Then his mother's ghost appears showing him a heartrending incident from his childhood, when her considerations of rank and status where allowed to come before his happiness. She expresses her regret and encourages him not to place too high a value on rank, duty and status.
Darcy ponders further his poor behaviour in Hertfordshire and his unwillingness to alert the neighbourhood to the threat posed by the rake, George Wickham.
In exasperation he declares he wishes he had never travelled to Hertfordshire or met the Bennet family.
A spiritual guide, in the form of the dreadful Mr Collins, the shows him scenes of what would occur if his wish were granted.
Will Darcy learn from his visions? Will he return to Elizabeth?
An enjoyable story with a delightful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
When they last met at Jane and Bingley's wedding, misapprehension of each other's feelings kept Elizabeth and Darcy distant.
In the intervening year he has travelled in Greece, hoping distance and distraction might mend his heart.
Elizabeth has lived with the Bingleys and rejected yet another proposal, all the while missing Darcy and regretting the loss of his regard.
When Darcy returns from Greece, heavy snow stops him travelling to Derbyshire for Christmas. Bingley prevails upon him to join the Bingley Christmas celebrations. The knowledge that Elizabeth will be present, both disturbs and attracts Darcy.
The resulting story is a delightful reacquaintance of Darcy and Elizabeth at Christmas. There is yearning and hope, with a tiny touch of angst.
Wonderful!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Elizabeth, young widow and dowager Viscountess Rocksley has always suffered from an insatiable curiosity for, well, everything!
Her marriage was somewhat disappointing, with a husband interested in fulfilling his marital duties in the dark and clothed in nightwear. She decides that she wants an education in the erotic arts. Having applied to the Madam if a superior brothel for tuition, she is surprised to find her tutor is the notorious rake, James, the Earl of Malvern.
He is bored and expects the task of educating a mouse of a woman in carnal knowledge to be merely diverting.
Although he appears cold and aloof, even from the beginning there is heat between them.
As Elizabeth's education continues, she becomes more emotionally attached to Malvern, while he outwardly remains detached.
Hi inner thoughts show us what an abusive childhood he suffered. His father was a rake and debaucher, like all the Earl's of Malvern before him. With his mother living in a convent (likely as an antidote to being married to the Earl) James was exposed to his father's lifestyle.
The Earl takes him along to debauches, exposing him to far too much, far too soon. Culminating in purchasing his first prostitute when he was twelve!
James has no experience of normal family life or love. So when he and Elizabeth become close and he fears that he loves her, he panics and pushes her away, in a devastating fashion.
This is an interesting book. It is extremely erotic, but the emotional subtext gives it an enjoyable depth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
As a nurse in the NHS, I was interested to read a US perspective of nursing in the Covid Pandemic. I hoped for vignettes about her patients and their journeys, but this seemed somewhat secondary to Cassie's emotional, psychological and political concerns.
Her descriptions of the stresses piled on by hospital management are appalling and made me very grateful for the extremely supportive management in my own hospital.
Cassie, I salute your work but I could not do it myself.
Darcy is tracking down George Wickham and Lydia Bennet through the stews of London. Just as he is successful in coercing Wickham to marry Lydia, he is struck on the head and knows no more.
When he wakes, he finds himself on a pirate ship, victim of a case of mistaken identity. Unfortunately, the pirates are not about to send him home with an apology!
So begins a breath-taking tale of piracy, kidnappings, betrayal, love and the solving of a 20+ year old mystery.
One of my favourite moments is Elizabeth Bennet learning smooth self-defence techniques, which she puts into action on George Wickham.
Darcy and Elizabeth are awesome and the new lead characters are engaging.
A rollicking adventure! I heartily recommend that you read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.