reading_historical_romance's reviews
449 reviews

"How could someone so strikingly handsome have the absolute warmth of an arctic penguin?  Rigid as stone and zero heartbeat."

Fun, fast, sexy billionaire romance reminiscent of Ana Huang's King of Wrath.

Nana Malone is a new-to-me author, and I am now adding her to my auto list of contemporary romance writers!  I read this novel in one day because the pacing is brisk and the writing style is casually easy to digest.  I was quickly invested in Gwen and Atticus because of their unexpected and unique meet-cute.  Who doesn't relate to a plight involving glitter?  I loved that their chemistry was immediate and intense, but that both of them behave like mature adults with real world responsibilities and expectations.  I love smart characters, and all of the characters in this novel are definitely smart.  Not only are they well-educated, but they are worldly-wise.   And Atticus checks all of the boxes of a great billionaire romance hero: morally grey, fiercely loyal to those in his circle, fiercely protective of his mother, brooding, touch her and die, you're mine alpha.

If you're looking for steamy on page sex that feels wanton and romantic, this one is for you.  I love that there is nothing selfish, sadistic, or impersonal in Gwen and Atticus's sexual relationship.   

I love that Atticus handles Gwen so carefully, and is so aware of her from the very beginning.  He realizes from the very beginning that he wants to take care of her for the rest of his life, in whatever ways she will permit.

The only criticism that I have is the ending!  It doesn't make sense!  Atticus would never!  He would use all of his resources to hide, protect, and cherish Gwen before he would ever do what he did.   I need the sequel right now!

Tropes: billionaire, arranged marriage, alpha hero, he falls first, hurt/comfort

Thank you Valentine PR and Nana Malone for the opportunity to read and review this novel.  All opinions are my own.

 “I have esteemed you since I first laid eyes upon you in the foyer of your parents’ house. You were so full of life that you made something in me come alive—and that part of me has lived for you ever since.”

When Lady Charlotte learns that her parents have betrothed her to the cold, ruthless, and twice widowed-under-mysterious-circumstances Viscount Hawley, self-preservation prompts her to take any action necessary to extricate herself from the marriage contract. Ultimately she finds herself marshaling a team of unlikely allies in her quest for independence, including the Viscount’s half-brother and her childhood friend, Dr. Matthew Talbot. Sparks of every kind start to fly as Charlotte, Matthew, and their friends race against the clock to outsmart the dangerous Hawley before she is forced to walk down the aisle.

This sweet Georgian-era romance is simply fun, and a pleasure to read from start to finish. I love the plotlines, and that both Charlotte and Matthew are involved in their own secret intrigues that weave together so tightly throughout the events of the story. Charlotte’s independent, fearless nature is so perfectly balanced by Matthew’s quiet, humble strength. They are such a great match, and I think the author does a wonderful job developing their chemistry through their slow-burn romance. I love all of the supporting characters, and that the Black Sheep is a microcosm of the British social strata. I also really enjoy the author’s sense of humor, and it translates so well on the page through Pan’s outbursts. I love that he appears at the masquerade ball with a little eyepatch!

Usually, my criticism with romance novels written within the last 5 years is that they are entirely too long. Here, the biggest drawback for me was that the book wasn’t long enough! I kept feeling that there were important bits of the story that were missing, and that would have made for even better character development. For example, I wanted to know more about why Matthew’s father held his bizarre beliefs about the fae; why Hawley hated Matthew given that Matthew was never a threat to him or his birthright; and why Hawley hated Alexander.

I am hoping that this novel is the start of a series about patrons of the Black Sheep, because I would love to read Alun Powys and Lady Calliope’s enemies to lovers romance next!

Tropes: friends to lovers, slow burn, found family, hurt/comfort, no sex on page

Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own. 

 Addie backed away, and Logan couldn’t help the wayward thought that while he loved kissing her in dark corners, all he really wanted was to hold her hand in the light.

Addie Macrae has loved life as a jet-setting travel consultant, never landing in one place to stay longer than a few weeks at a time. Until she finds that elusive sense of home and belonging in the arms of rugged, handsome Scottish tour guide, Logan Sutherland. The problem is that he’s her client, and he has a vastly different idea about how to make his tour company financially successful, which threatens both her career and her heart.

This novel has a truly charming premise, a perfectly romantic setting, and a cast of loveable characters. I also felt that it has a surprising level of emotional depth in its gentle exploration of Addie’s complicated relationship with grief. I love the through line of Addie’s efforts to connect with her mother by finding obscure destinations to take photos of herself where her mother once did. While this is such a simple little arc on its face, the author effectively uses it to forge and develop a real feeling of connection with the reader and her characters.

I enjoyed the fact that Logan loves taking his tour groups off the beaten track to experience the real, native Scotland, and the fun and interesting stories he shares. I love that I now know where the phrase “armed to the teeth” comes from and what it means! There are also laugh out loud moments throughout the novel, including Addie and Logan’s meet cute, and Addie’s near-disastrous experience meeting sheep.

This author definitely has the gift for lovely prose, and I annotated a number of beautiful phrases and metaphors. Her use of setting is amazing, and Scotland feels like another character. Her descriptions are vivid but not exhausting, so I clearly visualized the scenery but never felt bored. I think that Logan and Addie have a sweet chemistry, and there are some great romantic moments.

My only criticisms are the pacing, as I felt that the first 25% of the novel drags with Addie and Logan bickering for pages on end with no really good reason; and my frustration with Addie’s character being so indecisive and fearful of commitment. There were times when I thought that Logan deserved more than Addie was able to give. I don’t think that she grew or groveled quite enough to warrant his forgiveness by the end of the book.

I also didn’t like the subplot about Addie’s relationship with her father, its abrupt turning point at 75%, and then the fact that they were able to resolve their differences without any explanation. I think the book would have been better if it was shorter, and this could have been accomplished by eliminating the subplots that didn’t move the story forward: Addie’s issues with her dad, Addie's ongoing worry about her job, Logan’s issues with his brothers leaving the family’s business, and the third act breakup.

I think that Jack is a great character, but his role in the HEA seemed forced as I didn’t understand why he needed to be in the story at all until the end. I'd like to read Jack's love story!

Overall, I enjoyed this debut, and I will recommend it. I look forward to reading this author's next book.

Tropes: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, found family

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.