Category: Book Review

Explosive Trail + Giveaway

Can an officer and her K-9 partner survive a bomber with a vendetta?

When a serial bomber’s explosion in Olympic National Park lands K-9 officer Willow Bates in the hospital, her estranged husband, FBI agent Theo Bates, rushes to her side. He’s determined to protect her and the baby he didn’t know she was carrying. But the bomber has revenge on his mind and will stop at nothing to finish them off.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit

My Review:

These LIS continuity series just keep getting better! This one is third in the Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit series but would read really well as a standalone as well. Each book has it’s own individual suspense and romance while carrying forward an over-arcing suspense thread that slowly builds with each book and won’t be resolved until the last one. Reed does an amazing job of fitting in pertinent details without bogging the plot down. Great for new-to-the-series readers but also a helpful refresher for P N K-9 fans.

K-9 Star (bomb and arms detection dog) is the star of this story! Loved this furry scene stealer and I was cheering her on in some of the hair-raising (fur-raising?) scenes! But her humans are pretty cool to and…eeeeppppppp…

Mega Second Chance Romance! Willow and Theo are on the verge of divorce and the wounds are still fresh. An attempt at reconciliation three months earlier didn’t prove fruitful…at least not in the way you might think. Now Willow’s pregnant and that just makes navigating all the hurt and angst that much harder.

Now, I’ll say that while the suspense is fantastic in this novel, the romance is spectacular! The author somehow managed to build emotion into every situation…and the undercurrents in the dialogue!!!! I felt every agonizing moment. And completely related to both Willow and Theo and the reasons for their split. And when they let their guard down and the romance starts to sizzle — be still my heart. Breathtaking stuff!

But, of course, there’s a nefarious bomber to apprehend and quite a bit of adventuring to get through before that oh-so-very-satisfactory happily-ever-after can come about.

Oh — and I love the way the author set things up for the next book and added some more dangling threads to series’ suspense. Makes me all kinds of anxious to pick up the next book soon. Which is easy to do since these books are releasing each month.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. Absolutely LOVE that this entire series is available in audio format. I have them all on preorder and drop everything when I get the notification that book is available. I finished this one in a day and loved every second.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com kindle account

US — Paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — Paperback or ebook or audible.ca copy — winner’s choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Explosive Trail, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 3, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Counter Attack + Giveaway

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen’s Gambit Killer strikes again–this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex’s real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer’s calling card–a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it–cannot be ignored.

My Review:

Intense, emotional and unputdownable! I flew through Patricia Bradley’s latest release. Just never found a good place to set the book aside and do other things and I do so love getting lost in a book…even if it’s sometimes scary and a little bit creepy like this one is.

Just the right blend of investigative work interspersed with all the action/danger. And so many things are happening at the same time it’s hard for Alex and Nathan, her police chief counterpart, to keep on top of things. (I’ve always found the US police hierarchy so interesting — where a town has a chief but also a sheriff. And Bradley describes the various responsibilities of each really well.)

I did a good job of sleuthing out some things and was totally clueless about others, so that made for an exciting read. I’m so proud of what I did figure out but agog at what I missed. I won’t quit my day job to become a professional armchair sleuth anytime soon. 🙂

And — woohoo — reunion romance in the making after a high school romance went sour a decade earlier. Love how well they know each other and how irked they are about that. Kinda grumpy and edgy and oh so reluctantly slipping back into old habits. I do so love the second chance romance trope and this one made me all kinds of happy.

A stellar, faith-infused romantic suspense that somehow also manages to ooze Southern Charm. And did I mention that Counter Attack is the first in Bradley’s new Pearl River series? I’m giddy with anticipation for book two’s release.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Gently read paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Counter Attack, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 3, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Spring for Susannah + Giveaway

Random Retro Re-Read!

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor’s brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she’s ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse’s confidence in her–and his faith in God’s perfect plan–slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

(Please Note: I cut off the synopsis here because it reveals a major spoiler)

My Review:

published in 2011

If the idea of a grown-up Little House book appeals, look no further. My child’s heart is singing even as my adult one is swooning. LOL. This is an amazing read and I’m not quite sure that I will be able to do it justice with this review but I aim to try.

Incredible characterization — and dynamics! Jesse has me all but swooning one second and then wheezing with laughter the next. He’s larger than life with his grandiose gestures and loose tongue that spouts the most surprising things! He’s earnest and loves God and delights in his farm, the land…in his wife who he has determined to love before he ever set eyes on her! He’d be perfect if he wasn’t so exasperating at times and a little titched in the head.

Each chapter in the book starts out with a quote — from Jesse. An intimate glimpse into the man’s conversations with God. My favourite: “Your idea about becoming one flesh, God — it’s the best.”

By contrast Susannah is timid and shy and contained, so terrified of not meeting expectations that she almost sets herself up for failure. But deep in the core of her being the real Susannah is yearning to be let out and Jesse’s just the man to set her free. His unflagging attempts to draw her out of her shell so that he can get to know her — his insistence that she have an opinion, that she make her own decisions — his pride in her accomplishments — his delight in the surprises he uncovers — well, let’s just say this was an incredible read from beginning to end. Definitely a book to savor.

Richmond has captured the essence of the pioneer spirit. Susannah’s personal journey is inspiring, especially when you realize that the hardships she endured are the exact ones our ancestors faced. Homesteading the west was not for the faint of heart! 

You might have noted the controversy in other reviews regarding some of the romantic content in Spring for Susannah. Jesse and Susannah are already married at the beginning of the story and we witness the development of that relationship. I don’t feel that there is anything untoward in what Richmond has written, but she does reference the fact that their union involves intimacy. These scenes are filled with tenderness and humour and I think they bring a greater depth to the story.

Spring for Susannah is a rich, robust epic pioneer tale that well stay with you long after finish reading the last page.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

gently read paperback copy which has been stored in a glass doored bookcase available to anyone, anywhere — so this is an International giveaway. Woohoo!!!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Spring for Susannah, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 3, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Letters for Phoebe + Giveaway

RANDOM RETRO READ

When Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance. 

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball’s quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can – through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?

Letters for Phoebe is the first in a series of books about five friends. The next four novellas will be written by authors Joanna Barker, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks. 

My Review:

published in 2020

Short, sweet, and full of flirtation and banter and some word dueling! Griffin and Phoebe are a contrast in character and outlook and poor Griff does not make a good first impression. Or second. Or third. Or…well, let’s just say it takes a while for Phoebe to warm up to him. Which is absolutely fine because it means more delightful misunderstandings to wade through.

The first book in a multi-authored Regency series — Promise of Forever After — where certain young ladies face challenges during their quest at finding true love. A cute prelude introduces the pact they make at the end of their finishing school days and Phoebe makes for a splendid start to the series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com Kindle account.

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice, or also audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Letters for Phoebe, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

In the Shadow of the River + Giveaway

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci’s actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci’s mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life–and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past–is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it’s clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.

My Review:

Whoa! Not sure what to say about Ann H. Gabhart’s latest release except that it excelled all my expectations — and I’ve read most of her books so that’s saying something.

First off, I love the way she created a community on the showboat — well, a found family really. The setting was just as captivating as the plot for me. And the characters — as eclectic a bunch as you’d expect to find under those circumstances. But, who can be trusted? Because…Jacci has a secret past even she doesn’t know about. Eeeep — loved the mystery, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

The first 100 pages or so are all about Jacci’s childhood and how she comes to live on the Kingston Floating Palace. It’s full of drama and mystique and the innocent outlook of a very young child. And them the story jumps ahead fifteen years when all that mystery swirling in the background comes to a seething boil.

There’s intrigue, danger, and a lot of secrets that need to be brought into the light before a reader can finally sigh in relief and bask in the glow of a hard won happily-ever-after. And not before a few unexpected twists come into play. I was spellbound to the very last word.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Leah Horowitz who did a fabulous job of creating a memorable listening experience.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of In the Shadow of the River, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Mistaken Mountain Abduction + Giveaway

Tracking a kidnapper leads to a deadly pursuit.

After her twin is abducted and mistaken for her, former army helicopter pilot Aggie Newton must move fast. She has to find her sister and figure out why she’s become a target — even if it means working with her ex. But Detective Bronson Young knows there criminals will do anything to stop their investigation. Can they dodge deadly attacks long enough to save Aggie’s sister and expose the kidnapers?

My Review:

Love the unique twists, Redmon brings to this Love Inspired Suspense…starting with Aggie being an Army helicopter pilot! She’s capable, no nonsense and determined. Every inch the soldier, even though she’s a civilian now. A nice change from the military alpha male lead (though I do love them as well!!!) Also love the twist in Aggie and Bronson’s former romance — again, a departure from the norm, so that was fun too. (I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers, but when you meet this pair and read their story you’ll understand what I mean.)

Equal parts investigation and action and no end of danger (including some awesome flight scenes) made this a high-octane page-turner. All wrapped around the promise of a second chance love story. I’m one happy reader!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Gently read paperback copy available anywhere — so — yay — International Readers Alert!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Mistaken Mountain Abduction, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Daughter of Rome + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they’re banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that “no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.”

My Review:

published in 2020

True confession time – I’m not a huge fan of Biblical Fiction. Not any fan at all, really, but some of you have encouraged me to give the genre a second chance and Tessa Afshar was recommended a lot, so here we are and, gasp — I loved this story! I’m still gobsmacked about that.

First off — the author’s writing is so beautiful! Descriptive without bogging the story down and her phrasing is just exquisite. It’s also clear that she doesn’t take the responsibility of portraying biblical events or persons lightly. That was one of my worries — especially since this book deals with people I’ve met ‘for real’ in the bible. And while Afshar obviously embellishes their back stories and the day to day events in their lives, she manages to stay true to their essence, making this almost a reverent read for all that it’s fiction.

Priscilla and Aquila’s story is all about grace and forgiveness. It’s about understanding the difference between finding your worth through works or through faith. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the workings of the early church and noting the similarities we share — both in personalities within the church and varying opinions.

So, while I still wouldn’t consider myself an ardent Biblical Fiction fan, I’m definitely a Tessa Afshar fan and am eager to explore more of her work…so that’s a good start, right?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Daughter of Rome, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Swindler’s Daughter + Giveaway

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away–in jail–Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father’s house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye–and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she’s always dreamed of, she’ll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers–especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

My Review:

First off, I have to deep dive into a cover love swoon because there is just something so appealing about that portrait of Lillian! So pretty and eye-catching with those bold choices of colour…and yes, clearly a young lady in the early 1900s would not be wearing bright lipstick but still, I think it captures her essence and provides a lovely introduction to the heroine waiting within.

The story starts in a lawyer’s office where Lillian’s life is turned upside down and builds from there. The first part of the book focuses on Lillian coming to grips with the idea of an inheritance from a father she never knew. Her grandiose ideas of what that inheritance entails takes a nose dive when she finally arrives to claim it — and discovers so much more than she bargained for.

Like an extended family she never knew about and a run down house inhabited but a strange woman who is convinced it’s owned by her son….and the son! Oy — Jonah doesn’t make a good first impression (though Lillian plays a part in that) and neither is willing to trust the other so there’s lots of clashing wills and misunderstandings which is always fun. 🙂

But as Lillian begins to understand more about her father’s life, she discovers a mystery that grows from puzzling to downright sinister. Loved the way the plot builds as the author starts to pull together diverse bits of story into a compelling whole.

The Swindler’s Daughter is an intriguing mix of romance and mystery threaded together by faith.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback copy available internationally — so, yay, everybody’s included in this giveaway no matter where you live.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Swindler’s Daughter, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 27, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

The Billionaire’s Best Friend + Giveaway

You ever meet someone and have that immediate click? That was Kayla and me. First day of our first teaching jobs and we both just knew we were going to be best friends forever.

And we are.

She does a great job keeping me down to earth—a skill I appreciate even more now that I’m a billionaire.

Except lately, it’s like she’s pulling away.

It started with her spending more time with my sister instead of hanging out with me. And now she’s starting to date the youth pastor?

It could be that I’m a little jealous. Seems like everyone is falling in love except me. But I don’t think that’s it.

Because it feels like I’m in danger of losing a lot more than my best friend and I don’t know how to make it stop.

My Review:

So, I’m not exactly a fan of the billionaire trope. In fact the only other billionaire romance that I can recall reading is the first one in this series by the same author and I absolutely loved it. This one as well. So, really, how can I say I don’t like billionaire stories? I guess because I have (maybe had?) a preconceived notion of the sheer arrogance and entitlement and men-behaving-badly cliche, which, sadly, isn’t always a cliche. At least, not the billionaires who make the headlines. But Maddrey’s billionaires are anything but! They are more ‘the boy next door’ type — hence the clever series title, “The Billionaire Next Door.”

The series centres around ‘regular guy’ friends who just happened to make it big through their joint investments. Like billionaire big. But they’ve kept that on the down-low and have just gone about their lives like normal…more or less. Like Austin with his beat up old car and his math teacher career, palling around with his best friend, Kayla (and yes, she knows he’s a billionaire, but it doesn’t phase her because they have that bestie bond.) Kayla teaches computer science at the same school as Austin so these two spend a lot of time together — inside and outside of work.

I may not be a billionaire aficionado but I sure am when it comes to ‘best friends to more’ romances! Eeeeep — this one is fabulous! Maddrey captures the depth of the friendship, from serious heart to hearts to playful teasing…but, oy, what happens when the teasing turns to banter and the ‘love you like a friend’ vibe starts to morph into something more…well…more?! Sheer reading delight, that’s what!

There’s all that delicious tension as both Kayla and Austin wrestle with their growing feelings. Well, actually, Kayla has been crushing on Austin for some time now, but she’s not-so-cleverly kept it well hidden from him. Because when Austin begins to see Kayla in a new, more romantical light, he’s positive she has him firmly in the friend zone. Oh, the agony of watching these two sort out their feelings! Not without angst, but it’s not over the top and there might look like a hint of a love triangle developing but it really isn’t so do not fear (says the LT averse reader with great relief.)

One of the aspects that I really loved about this novel, is the way Austin’s billionaire status is addressed. All the pros and cons and unique struggles that come from wealth. I don’t want to say much more than that, because it’s a very strong plot element but I appreciated the deliberation that Austin placed on his financial stewardship in relation to his faith.

And, oh the emotions churning around in my gut the whole read through! Love when an author makes me feel my way through a story and Maddrey definitely did that!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Emma Faye and Joel Simler — really enjoyed the dual narration and these performers captured the heart of these characters and their story perfectly.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice, or also audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Billionaire’s Best Friend, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.

Promised + Giveaway

Margaret Brinton keeps her promises, and the one she is most determined to keep is the promise to protect her heart.

Worwickshire, England, 1812

Fooled by love once before, Margaret vows never to be played the fool again. To keep her vow, she attends a notorious matchmaking party intent on securing the perfect marital match: a union of convenience to someone who could never affect her heart. She discovers a man who exceeds all her hopes in the handsome and obliging rake Mr. Northam.

There’s only one problem. His meddling cousin, Lord Williams, won’t leave Margaret alone. Condescending and high-handed, Lord Williams lectures and insults her. When she refuses to give heed to his counsel, he single-handedly ruins Margaret’s chances for making a good match — to his cousin or anyone else. With no reason to remain at the party, Margaret returns home to discover her father has promised her hand in marriage — to Lord Williams.

Under no condition will Margaret consent to marrying such an odious man. Yet as Lord Williams inserts himself into her everyday life, interrupting her family games and following her on morning walks, winning the good opinion of her siblings and proving himself intelligent and even kind. Margaret is forced to realize that Lord Williams is exactly the type of man she’d hoped to marry before she’d learned how much love hurt. When paths diverge and her time with Lord Williams ends, Margaret is faced with her ultimate choice: keep the promises that protect her or break free of them for one more chance at love. Either way, she fears her heart will lose.

My Review:

This one gives me all kinds of Mr. Darcy/Elizabeth vibes and I loved every second. The banter, the misunderstandings, the deliberate verbal barbs….sigh, I was in bibliophile euphoria. And the cast of secondary characters are just as strong as the hero and heroine, which made for some lively interactions. And lots of humour too.

Another Grumpy/Sunshine trope only in reverse with the heroine being the grump, which was all kinds of fun too, though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Margaret. But she is bound by the societal norms of the day so I guess I can understand some of her reasoning…but how she held off from falling for Lord Williams for so long….honestly, I have no idea. I was a goner pretty early on. And then the ‘plot twist’ happened and I was ‘whhhhaaaatttttt????’

Another Regency triumph and a new-to-me author to pursue!

I listened to the audio edition which was narrated by Justine Eyre. She’s an amazing performer and one of my favourites to listen to so I was all kinds of happy with both the story and the delivery.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere with a .com kindle account 

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice; or also audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Promised, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 20, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.