Take a photo of a barcode or cover
delaneyyyw's reviews
698 reviews
A Tempest of Desire: A Novel by Lorraine Heath
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lorraine Heath can be relied on for three things:
1) plotlines that seem slightly bonkers on the surface but feel utterly natural once you're enmeshed in the characters she's created and the world they inhabit;
2) the most perfectly-phrased descriptions of complicated emotions;
3) almost convincing me that there's no possible way these characters are going to get a happy ending (and then pulling it off!).
After a traumatic rail accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to a rocky island off the coast of his family's estate to heal in solitude. He's grieving the confident, capable heir he was prior to the accident, and figuring out how to proceed both in society and in his tight-knit family. Walking along the cliffs in the midst of a storm, Langdon sees a woman's unconscious body wash ashore. He hauls her up to his tiny castle, discovering while he tends her wounds that he recognizes her. Marlowe is the longtime mistress of one of his aristocratic acquaintances and a notorious London courtesan (with one name, like Madonna or Shakira!). She is also a part-time aeronaut, with her own hot air balloon that had unexpectedly drifted into the path of a storm.
The two have a very brief yet impactful past interaction that they must reckon with while waiting out the rain and rough waters. Naturally, they are majorly attracted to each other, but Marlowe is loyal to her benefactor, so they must bond on a deeper emotional level before a romantic or sexual one. Langdon can be prickly, and often makes offhand comments aimed at shocking Marlowe or getting a rise out of her--as if he's trying to push her away rather than navigate his complicated emotions. But there's nothing like the trope of forced proximity (only one bed, naturally) to force characters into uncomfortable situations!
I was reading around 15% a night until I hit the 45% mark and could somehow no longer put my Kindle down. I got to 80%, realized I would have to either commit to finishing the book or commit to being a functioning human being at work the next day, and somehow managed to get to sleep. I was really enjoying the couple's time alone on Langdon's island, but once Heath threw "the real world" into the mix, I was rapt. These two felt so real, their emotions so vivid. For me, it was wondrously angsty catnip.
If you're already a Lorraine Heath fan, you'll love this book. I think fans of the way Sherry Thomas writes complicated, angsty emotions and couples that seem impossible will also enjoy this book quite a bit. If you're looking for a historical with a unique heroine (commoner, has to provide for herself, not a virgin, has a cool hobby, fiercely determined and independent) or hero (invisible disability, close relationship with his family and two lovely alive parents, an absolute yearner, respects and admires strong women)--this is IT. READ IT.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
1) plotlines that seem slightly bonkers on the surface but feel utterly natural once you're enmeshed in the characters she's created and the world they inhabit;
2) the most perfectly-phrased descriptions of complicated emotions;
3) almost convincing me that there's no possible way these characters are going to get a happy ending (and then pulling it off!).
After a traumatic rail accident, Viscount Langdon retreats to a rocky island off the coast of his family's estate to heal in solitude. He's grieving the confident, capable heir he was prior to the accident, and figuring out how to proceed both in society and in his tight-knit family. Walking along the cliffs in the midst of a storm, Langdon sees a woman's unconscious body wash ashore. He hauls her up to his tiny castle, discovering while he tends her wounds that he recognizes her. Marlowe is the longtime mistress of one of his aristocratic acquaintances and a notorious London courtesan (with one name, like Madonna or Shakira!). She is also a part-time aeronaut, with her own hot air balloon that had unexpectedly drifted into the path of a storm.
The two have a very brief yet impactful past interaction that they must reckon with while waiting out the rain and rough waters. Naturally, they are majorly attracted to each other, but Marlowe is loyal to her benefactor, so they must bond on a deeper emotional level before a romantic or sexual one. Langdon can be prickly, and often makes offhand comments aimed at shocking Marlowe or getting a rise out of her--as if he's trying to push her away rather than navigate his complicated emotions. But there's nothing like the trope of forced proximity (only one bed, naturally) to force characters into uncomfortable situations!
I was reading around 15% a night until I hit the 45% mark and could somehow no longer put my Kindle down. I got to 80%, realized I would have to either commit to finishing the book or commit to being a functioning human being at work the next day, and somehow managed to get to sleep. I was really enjoying the couple's time alone on Langdon's island, but once Heath threw "the real world" into the mix, I was rapt. These two felt so real, their emotions so vivid. For me, it was wondrously angsty catnip.
If you're already a Lorraine Heath fan, you'll love this book. I think fans of the way Sherry Thomas writes complicated, angsty emotions and couples that seem impossible will also enjoy this book quite a bit. If you're looking for a historical with a unique heroine (commoner, has to provide for herself, not a virgin, has a cool hobby, fiercely determined and independent) or hero (invisible disability, close relationship with his family and two lovely alive parents, an absolute yearner, respects and admires strong women)--this is IT. READ IT.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.25
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Alexandra Vasti's second full-length novel is just as funny, adventurous, romantic, and sexy as her debut, Ne'er Duke Well! No sophomore slump here.
Lydia has spent the past several Seasons barely making a ripple in society, but her anonymous political pamphlets have made a splash (published by the heroine of Ne'er Duke Well, the first in the series!). After the Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch writes a letter in response to one of Lydia's writings, the two start a correspondence that gets increasingly familiar. When Lydia discovers that Strathrannoch can barely afford to keep his crumbling estate afloat, she heads to Scotland to propose marriage. Although she's incredibly shy, he has the liberal politics and personality she wants in a husband, and he needs her sizeable inheritance.
The book begins as Lydia, her friend Georgina, and Georgina's dog arrive at Strathrannoch's estate. They quickly discover that Arthur, the Earl, spends his time blacksmithing and inventing, not involving himself in politics. And certainly not writing to Lydia's political writer alter ego!
After Lydia recovers from the mortifying ordeal of proposing to a complete stranger--a notably handsome, brawny one--she and Arthur deduce that his brother, Davis, is her penpal.
Arthur throws some more wrenches into Lydia's plan. He reveals that Davis's public political views are very different from what he told Lydia in his letters. Moreover, Davis disappeared a few years ago, along with a rifle scope prototype that Arthur invented. The two realize Davis is up to something suspicious and his letters to Lydia hold the clues to finding him.
Arthur, Lydia, Georgina, and a cast of fun side characters (including Lydia's multiple brothers, Selina from the previous book, and Arthur's gay land stewards) set off on a cross-country road trip to find Davis and foil whatever he's plotting. There's a fake marriage, an unplanned stay at a house party, and all sorts of unexpected mishaps.
It sounds plot-heavy, but there's a lot of very well-done character building and internal conflict. Arthur's brother and father issues were a little more interesting to me, but I also generally have a harder time identifying with shy heroines.
Don't let the cover fool you (it's beautiful but I know some people are turned off by "cartoons"), this is definitely a very sexy book with emotional depth. Although this is only Vasti's second full-length novel, her wonderful novellas honed her skills well.
Highly recommend for fans of Sarah MacLean, Martha Waters, Julie Ann Long.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the pleasure of an early copy!!
Lydia has spent the past several Seasons barely making a ripple in society, but her anonymous political pamphlets have made a splash (published by the heroine of Ne'er Duke Well, the first in the series!). After the Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch writes a letter in response to one of Lydia's writings, the two start a correspondence that gets increasingly familiar. When Lydia discovers that Strathrannoch can barely afford to keep his crumbling estate afloat, she heads to Scotland to propose marriage. Although she's incredibly shy, he has the liberal politics and personality she wants in a husband, and he needs her sizeable inheritance.
The book begins as Lydia, her friend Georgina, and Georgina's dog arrive at Strathrannoch's estate. They quickly discover that Arthur, the Earl, spends his time blacksmithing and inventing, not involving himself in politics. And certainly not writing to Lydia's political writer alter ego!
After Lydia recovers from the mortifying ordeal of proposing to a complete stranger--a notably handsome, brawny one--she and Arthur deduce that his brother, Davis, is her penpal.
Arthur throws some more wrenches into Lydia's plan. He reveals that Davis's public political views are very different from what he told Lydia in his letters. Moreover, Davis disappeared a few years ago, along with a rifle scope prototype that Arthur invented. The two realize Davis is up to something suspicious and his letters to Lydia hold the clues to finding him.
Arthur, Lydia, Georgina, and a cast of fun side characters (including Lydia's multiple brothers, Selina from the previous book, and Arthur's gay land stewards) set off on a cross-country road trip to find Davis and foil whatever he's plotting. There's a fake marriage, an unplanned stay at a house party, and all sorts of unexpected mishaps.
It sounds plot-heavy, but there's a lot of very well-done character building and internal conflict. Arthur's brother and father issues were a little more interesting to me, but I also generally have a harder time identifying with shy heroines.
Don't let the cover fool you (it's beautiful but I know some people are turned off by "cartoons"), this is definitely a very sexy book with emotional depth. Although this is only Vasti's second full-length novel, her wonderful novellas honed her skills well.
Highly recommend for fans of Sarah MacLean, Martha Waters, Julie Ann Long.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the pleasure of an early copy!!
Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Her Halloween Treat by Tiffany Reisz
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved this funny, banter-filled novella with a lot of heart and a bunch of great sex. My only complaint: Chris is already perfect! And I think he needed some more 3rd act suffering for sure.
A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Overall pretty good, and if you like fantasy and dirty half-naked warrior heroes you'll LOVE this! I normally read historical romance so this was out of my comfort zone, but worthwhile!
The first third dragged A LOT, and I was overwhelmed by all the worldbuilding in the first few chapters. That first alliance council meeting introduced a lot of characters that you don't really need to know. The first half of the book also seems to have reaaaally long chapters which just enhances the boredom-inducing effect. I needed more plot and less boning for sure (which I rarely think). Or at least more bathing since everyone's just constantly encrusted with various bodily fluids?? I would have forgotten if not for Vane constantly reminding us!
Once I started to remember who all the major players are and their roles (i.e. distinguishing between the Dragon warriors and learning which of Yvenne's brothers is which), it all came together. A little cast of characters and a map would go a loooong way.
The first third dragged A LOT, and I was overwhelmed by all the worldbuilding in the first few chapters. That first alliance council meeting introduced a lot of characters that you don't really need to know. The first half of the book also seems to have reaaaally long chapters which just enhances the boredom-inducing effect. I needed more plot and less boning for sure (which I rarely think). Or at least more bathing since everyone's just constantly encrusted with various bodily fluids?? I would have forgotten if not for Vane constantly reminding us!
Once I started to remember who all the major players are and their roles (i.e. distinguishing between the Dragon warriors and learning which of Yvenne's brothers is which), it all came together. A little cast of characters and a map would go a loooong way.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Truth About Him by M. O'Keefe
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25