Tag Archive for: Romance

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The Viscount Who Loved Me

The Viscount Who Loved MeTitle: The Viscount Who Loved Me
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgerton #2
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 354
Length: 12h 23m
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: The Duke and I, An Offer from a Gentleman
My Thoughts

I was worried that if I continued reading the Bridgerton series, I’d be disappointed because I wouldn’t love the characters as much as I loved Daphne and Simon. I needn’t have worried because I loved THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME just as much as, and in some ways better than, THE DUKE AND I.

I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance between Anthony and Kate. The bantering and sexual tension was so much fun from their very first meeting. I loved the fun swoon-worthy romance as well as the meatier aspects of the story–overcoming one’s fears, gaining confidence in oneself, and found family.

The edition I read had a second epilogue, which I really enjoyed. I loved the return to the pal mal (croquet) setting. I think it would’ve been great fun to be included in a game with the Bridgerton family.

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The Duke And I

The Duke And ITitle: The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgerton #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 438
Length: 12h 9m
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer from a Gentleman
My Thoughts

I’m glad I decided to read THE DUKE AND I because it was such a fun, steamy historical fiction romance. Despite taking place during the time of one’s reputation being the most important thing, there are plenty of swoon-worthy moments. I really loved Daphne and her courage to help Simon, the Duke of Hastings, overcome his past trauma by showing him that love is more powerful and healing than anger and resentment. I loved the instant connection and attraction between Daphne and Simon. I especially loved the sexual tension between the two of them.

The edition I read had a second epilogue, which was fun but way too long and a bit overkill. I loved being able to see Daphne and Simon happy together with their grown children, but I rolled my eyes a couple of times at the sap.

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Iron Flame

Iron FlameTitle: Iron Flame
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Series: Empyrean #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 623
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm
My Thoughts

Gah! Why do I read these series before all the books are out?! Waiting for ONYX STORM is going to be torture! I saw the end coming because of the foreshadowing, but I’m still in agony!

I loved that IRON FLAME kicked it up a notch! There was more adventure, intrigue, political mayhem, warfare, and so much more romance. It was everything I wanted in a romantasy and sequel. It was excruciating to read because of the non-stop suspense and action. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering how it was all going to go down.

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Bringing Down The Duke

Bringing Down The DukeTitle: Bringing Down the Duke
Author: Evie Dunmore
Series: League of Extraordinary Women #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 356
Length: 12h 20m
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE was such a fun, steamy historical fiction romance. I really loved the setting of Victorian era England, just at the beginning of the suffragette movement and the admission of women to Oxford. I thought it gave the romance and characters, especially Annabelle and Sebastian, some depth. Not only did I love the theme of women’s rights and equality, I also loved the themes of friendship, finding one’s own way, and duty to one’s country vs. being on the right side of history.

I really loved Annabelle and her willingness to speak her mind even though it was looked down on at that time. I loved the instant connection and attraction between her and Sebastian, the Duke of Montgomery. I especially loved the sexual tension between the two of them.

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The No-Show

The No-ShowTitle: The No-Show
Author: Beth O'Leary
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 394
Length: 10h 48m
Narrator: Evanna Lynch, Heather Long, Kathryn Drysdale, Luke Thompson
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

My Thoughts

I absolutely adored THE NO-SHOW. I loved listening to the audiobook. Each woman and Joseph had their own narrator and I loved all four voices. It looks like O’Leary is on her way to becoming a new favorite author.

Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I was hooked from the get-go because I wanted to know what was going on. There are plenty of swoon-worthy moments and sexual tension, but THE NO-SHOW is so much more than just a romance. It’s a story about love, forgiveness, redemption, grief, second chances, and healing. I really loved how O’Leary wrote about mental health and healing from abusive relationships (professional and romantic). It felt real and it felt raw.