Review: A Duke by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes

A Duke by Any Other Name by Grace Burrowes
Series: Rogues to Riches, Book 4
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9781538700327
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible

Nathaniel, Duke of Rothhaven, lives in seclusion, leaving his property only to gallop his demon-black steed across the moors by moonlight. Exasperated mamas invoke his name to frighten small children, though Nathaniel is truly a decent man -- maybe too decent for his own good. That's precisely why he must turn away the beguiling woman demanding his help.

Lady Althea Wentworth has little patience for dukes, reclusive or otherwise, but she needs Rothhaven's backing to gain entrance into Polite Society. She's asked him nicely, she's called on him politely, all to no avail -- until her prize hogs just happen to plunder the ducal orchard. He longs for privacy. She's vowed to never endure another ball as a wallflower. Yet as the two grow closer, it soon becomes clear they might both be pretending to be something they're not.

Two lonely souls find love among the Yorkshire moors in A Duke by Any Other Name. Every Rogues to Riches book I’ve read I’ve enjoyed more than the last and Althea and Nathaniel’s romance is my favorite to date.

Nathaniel is the kind of hero I adore. To all the world he’s a fierce, terrifying figure, but in reality he’s a total cinnamon roll. Nathaniel has a reason for his seclusion, for not allowing anyone near his home and frightening off anyone who would dare trespass, but to reveal why would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say he’s not doing it for kicks and giggles. But Althea isn’t one to be cowed by a fearsome reputation. Althea may be the sister of a duke, but she grew up in extreme poverty and has faced true evil, selfishness, and greed. She can see Nathaniel isn’t the horrible man he pretends to be and besides, she needs his help. Althea just about broke my heart. She survived a hellish (to put it mildly) childhood and grew up to be a strong, caring woman who does what she can to help others. All she wants is to find love and have a family but society resents her family’s wealth and title. Since they cannot take it out on her brother and sister-in-law because they are a duke and duchess, they target Althea. She’s been bullied to the point where she cannot bring herself to face another season and she hopes that as a duke and her neighbor Nathaniel can give her some tips to make her more successful on her quest to find happiness.

Althea and Nathaniel have fantastic chemistry from the start. She’s unfazed by his growling and blustering and he finds himself intrigued by her against his will. Both of them are unique, well-drawn characters who will grab your heart and not let go. Althea has a quiet dignity and an inner strength that makes her a heroine to cheer for. Nathaniel has a good heart and the mistakes he makes are because he loves so deeply. Individually, they’re fantastic characters. As a couple? They’re dynamite. I didn’t want to put A Duke by Any Other Name down because I so wanted Nathaniel and Althea to find their happily ever after. Getting there isn’t easy; the problems they face aren’t simply Yorkshire mean girls (though those are present and worthy of your loathing) but true obstacles I won’t spoil that cannot be overcome easily. But Althea and Nathaniel’s love is worth fighting for and I was captivated watching their romance unfold.

A Duke by Any Other Name is the fourth book in Grace Burrowes’s Rogues to Riches series but it can be read as a standalone. That being said, I feel that having read the first book, My One and Only Duke, gave me a better sense of the Wentworth family dynamic and made me enjoy this story even more. Althea’s siblings – in particular her intriguing, interfering younger brother – play supporting roles and add warmth and support to Althea’s journey. I love the uniqueness of this series, how harsh realities are woven into the fantasy. None of the main characters have been cardboard heroes or heroines in history, attitude, or behavior and that makes this series memorable. I loved A Duke by Any Other Name from beginning to end and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Burrowes has in store for Constance Wentworth!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter

Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter
Series: A Duke’s Heiress, Book 1
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9781420149975
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible

Minerva Hepplewhite has learned the hard way how to take care of herself. When an intruder breaks into her home, she doesn’t swoon or simper. Instead she wallops the rogue over the head and ties him up—only to realize he is Chase Radnor, a gentleman and grandson of a lord, and a man who makes it his business to investigate suspicious matters. Now he’s insisting that Minerva has inherited a fortune from his uncle, a wealthy duke. Only one thing could surprise her more: her sudden attraction to this exasperating man…

Chase can’t decide whether Minerva is a wronged woman or a femme fatale. Either way, he’s intrigued. Maddeningly, with her unexpected inheritance, she has set up a discreet detective business to rival Chase’s own. She may be the perfect person to help him uncover the truth about his uncle’s demise. But as proximity gives way to mutual seduction, Chase realizes he craves a much deeper alliance…

Rival investigators find love in Heiress for Hire. Madeline Hunter’s Duke’s Heiress trilogy is off to a strong start with Chase and Minerva’s book. It has mystery, romance, and engaging protagonists who make it easy to fall into the story.

Minerva is an excellent heroine who is easy to root for. The survivor of an abusive marriage, Minerva has made a new life for herself with the family she has made. She has also started an inquiry service and knows how to make use of her skills and others’ in a time when people would dismiss a woman such as her as an investigator. Chase is also an investigator, though he doesn’t need to do it for money. Chase is an honorable hero who is easy to love, though he questions himself because of some ghosts in his past. His latest case is close to heart; he’s looking into the death of his uncle, the duke of Hollinburgh, who he believes was murdered. He is also trying to track down three women to whom his uncle has left a fortune. Chase’s investigation put him right in the path of the first beneficiary, Minerva.

Sparks fly from the start between them, but the romance is a slow burn one. Minerva carries scars from her brutal first husband and Chase is sensitive to her needs, fears, and always puts the choice in her hands. There’s a struggle between Chase wanting to be protective and Minerva wanting her independence, but it’s not played for false drama and these are organic bumps on the road toward happily ever after. The two of them suit each other perfectly, both in business and in bed. I enjoyed watching them open up and learn to trust one another with their pasts, secrets, and fears. Their love story builds from a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and lust and it was a joy to watch unfold.

Heiress for Hire is the first in the Duke’s Heiress trilogy and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hunter has in store for the next two heiresses. There are a few mysteries in this book, among them the questions of who murdered Chase’s uncle and why did Hollinburgh leave Minerva a fortune. I enjoyed watching Chase and Minerva work through the various mysteries, each in their own investigative style. The question of who murdered Hollinburgh and why looks to be a mystery that will span the trilogy, but there are very interesting suspects and the puzzle pieces laid out in this book are sure to keep me interested in the next two. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Heiress for Hire and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Duke’s Heiress series.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Close Up by Amanda Quick

Close Up by Amanda Quick
Series: Burning Cove, Book 4
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 9781984806840
Release Date: May 5, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible

Welcome to Burning Cove, California where 1930s Hollywood glamour conceals a ruthless killer…

Vivian Brazier never thought life as an art photographer would include nightly wake-up calls to snap photos of grisly crime scenes or headshots for aspiring male actors. Although she is set on a career of transforming photography into a new art form, she knows her current work is what’s paying the bills.

After shooting crime scene photos of a famous actress, the latest victim of the murderer the press has dubbed the “Dagger Killer,” Vivian notices eerie similarities to the crime scenes of previous victims—details that only another photographer would have noticed—details that put Vivian at the top of the killer’s target list.

Nick Sundridge has always been able to “see” things that others don’t, coping with disturbing dreams and visions. His talent, or as he puts it—his curse—along with his dark past makes him a recluse, but a brilliant investigator. As the only one with the ability to help, Nick is sent to protect Vivian. Together, they discover the Dagger Killer has ties to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood royalty and high society. It is a cutthroat world of allure and deception that Vivian and Nick must traverse—all in order to uncover the killer who will stop at nothing to add them to their gallery of murders.

Amanda Quick perfectly balances flash and glam with secrets and murder in Close Up. I adore the rich, atmospheric world of the Burning Cove series and it was oh-so-easy to fall into Vivian and Nick’s story.

Vivian Brazier has the boldness of a Katharine Hepburn character. She left her family’s wealth behind in order to make it as a successful artist in the modern style. Vivian freelances as a crime scene photographer to pay the bills and struggles with casual sexism, the bias in favor of traditional art, and hiding her crime scene photography job so that she’s taken seriously as an artist. I enjoyed this so much that I could easily have read a book just on Vivian’s photography career. Vivian truly sees people when she photographs them and her slightly supernatural sight makes her great at what she does. It also puts her in the crosshairs of the “Dagger Killer” when she picks up on details at a crime scene that the police missed. Protection comes in the form of Nick Sundridge and his dog, Rex. Rex is quite the scene-stealer, but his owner can hold his own. Nick has a supernatural skill of his own that includes callback to Ms. Quick’s Arcane Society series. The handsome private investigator has lucid dreams that help him solve cases, though some would see the dreams as a curse. It will take both Nick and Vivian’s skills – plus the help of some Burning Cove series favorites – in order to catch a killer.

Close Up is heavy on the suspense and I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took. That doesn’t mean Ms. Quick neglected the romance; in fact, it works really well. Both Vivian and Nick have had rocky relationships in their past (Nick in particular) but it’s clear they are made for each other. They are understanding, nonjudgmental, and supportive of one another. They also have an easy chemistry that makes watching their love story unfold a delight.

Close Up is the fourth book in the Burning Cove series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. As with every book in this series, I love the world Ms. Quick has created. Glamour hiding a seedy underbelly is often a theme and it’s an enjoyable one. Lush, engaging, and with mysteries and a romance that satisfy, I thoroughly enjoyed Close Up and I cannot wait to return to Burning Cove.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE by Nicole Byer

#VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini by Nicole Byer
Photographs by Kim Newmoney
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genre: Autobiography

ISBN: 9781524850746
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

The actress, comedian, and podcaster extraordinaire’s guide to being a #brave, bikini-wearing badass.

If you’ve ever seen a fat person post a bikini shot on social media, you already know that they are #verybrave, because apparently existing in a fat body in public is #brave. I, Nicole Byer, wrote this book to 1. share my impressive bikini collection and my hot body with the world and 2. help other people feel #brave by embracing their body as it is. In this book, I share my journey to becoming #brave, give you my hot tips and tricks—on how to find the perfect bikini, how to find your own #bravery, and how to handle haters—and serve you over 100 bikini looks.

Nicole Byer is the main reason I watch Netflix’s Nailed It! and I love her sense of humor, so of course I jumped on the opportunity to review this book. #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE is funny, honest, and #brave all rolled together with over one hundred photos of Ms. Byer rockin’ different bikinis.

Any fat person knows that showing even a little bit of skin on the internet makes you either #brave or subject to relentless trolling (or both). Ms. Byer gives the middle finger to haters in this book and shares her journey to being #brave and embracing her love of bikinis. I loved Ms. Byer’s snark, sass, and refreshing honesty when it comes to finding the courage to love yourself, live your life how you want to, and deal with the haters who feel the need to comment on your body. I may not be ready to be #brave like Ms. Byer, but I definitely finished this book with a better mindset.

Most of the book consists of photos and they are gorgeously done. Ms. Byer doesn’t just look great in the photos; Kim Newmoney captures her spirit as well. All in all, #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE is a funny and emotionally honest book that encourages people to be #brave and screw the haters.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: The Virgin and the Rogue by Sophie Jordan

The Virgin and the Rogue by Sophie Jordan
Series: The Rogue Files, Book 6
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 9780062885449
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible

A love potion…
Charlotte Langley has always been the prudent middle sister, so her family is not surprised when she makes the safe choice and agrees to wed her childhood sweetheart. But when she finds herself under the weather and drinks a “healing” tonic, the potion provokes the most maddening desire…for someone other than her betrothed.

With the power…
Kingston’s rakehell ways are going to destroy him and he’s vowed to change. His stepbrother’s remote estate is just the place for a reformed rogue to hide. The last thing he wants is to be surrounded by society, but when he gets stuck alone with a wallflower who is already betrothed... and she astonishes him with a fiery kiss, he forgets all about hiding.

To alter two destinies.
Although Charlotte appears meek, Kingston soon discovers there’s a vixen inside, yearning to break free. Unable to forget their illicit moment of passion, Kingston vows to relive the encounter, but Charlotte has sworn it will never happen again—no matter how earth-shattering it was. But will a devilish rogue tempt her to risk everything for a chance at true love?

The Virgin and the Rogue is a fast-paced romance with a bit of an old school historical romance feel. It begins with Charlotte accidentally being dosed with an aphrodisiac, leading to a heated encounter with Kingston, the stepbrother of Charlotte’s brother-in-law. Kingston is shocked by this and though he doesn’t stop Charlotte’s actions, he doesn’t take advantage of her either. I struggled with this part of the story because – while I can see author Sophie Jordan likely intended the “tonic” to be a device to open Charlotte’s eyes to her true wants and needs – the way it played out felt uncomfortable to me. An aphrodisiac that effectively takes over Charlotte made her first sexual encounter with Kingston unpalatable to me, though I think the intent was for the scene to be sexy. This all happens in the beginning of the story so it’s not a spoiler and I give the detail more so people know what they’re getting into with this book.

Troubling beginning aside, The Virgin and the Rogue is an OK romance. Charlotte was a rather insipid heroine hiding behind a bland engagement, her role as the “boring” sister, and the excuse that she was dosed with an aphrodisiac. She finds her voice over the course of the story, but it’s not the most interesting voice out there and it takes her quite some time to be honest with herself. Charlotte is, in a word, unobjectionable. Kingston is the more interesting of the pair; a reformed rogue who is at loose ends when the story begins. Kingston is the illegitimate son of an earl and a courtesan and watching his mother waste away and his father continue his hedonistic lifestyle without any care has left a big impact on him. I liked Kingston and wished we delved further into his character and his tense relationship with his stepbrother than we did. Kingston is a good mix of gentleman and rogue and he brings Charlotte out of her shell. Their romance is push-pull and felt a bit shallow at times, but I liked where they ended up.

I had major issues with The Virgin and the Rogue, but it was by no means a bad book. Ms. Jordan has an engaging writing style and the pages of the story practically flew by. Charlotte just wasn’t the heroine for me and the initial premise of the story made me uncomfortable in a way the author probably did not intend. Still, I will happily read the next Rogue Files book, The Duke Effect, because Charlotte’s scientist sister Nora was utterly fascinating and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Jordan has in store for her.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Shift Out of Luck by Abigail Owen

Shift Out of Luck by Abigail Owen
Series: Brimstone Inc., Book 2
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Genre: Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 9781682815984
Release Date: April 20, 2020
Source: Publisher/Purchased by Reviewer
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

The Montagues and Capulets have nothing on the Canis and Banes wolf packs. The two have been feuding for ages. The brutal murder of the Banes’ alpha only added fuel to the fire. And now there’s only one way to bring peace—the current alphas of each pack, Marrok and Tala, need a mating of convenience.

Tala has her doubts. A thousand of them.

Never mind that Marrok drives her body to levels of desire her vibrator has trouble keeping up with. If she can’t get her inner wolf—or her people—on board, forget peace, because she'll lose the tenuous control she has over the Canis pack. Her new mate is just so damn alpha. He’d better learn to play nice or Tala will have to show him who’s boss.

But Marrok has plans of his own, and nothing and no one, not even Tala herself, can resist an alpha…

*This novella was previously self published as The Worse for Were but has undergone a complete re-edit. Scenes were added, things were changed, but the kissing still remains!

Shift Out of Luck is a seriously sexy, wholly engaging read. There is no sophomore slump in the Brimstone Inc. series; Tala and Marrok’s story was impossible for me to put down.

The Canis and Banes shifter packs have been locked in a violent feud for ages. Alphas Tala and Marrok are determined to find a way to bring peace, so they agree to a mating of convenience. Only there is nothing convenient about the fire that burns between them. Tala and Marrok are hot as hell together and suit each other perfectly. It’s clear to see that they’re made for each other, but it’s not easy when two alphas mate. Their mating didn’t wipe out the animosity between their packs and Tala in particular is being hit by the blowback from her pack. Issues of dominance, equality, and power make things hard for Tala and Marrok and I liked that they had to really work for their happily ever after. Marrok in particular has something to learn about stepping back when all he wants to do is protect his mate. His mistakes don’t come from a place of sexism, which I appreciated, but nevertheless I could understand why Tala was so frustrated.

Tala and Marrok have a sizzling chemistry that makes Shift Out of Luck seriously addictive. Author Abigail Owen makes it so easy to root for Tala and Marrok as they work toward their happily ever after. There is no false drama in this book, which I really appreciated, only logical obstacles that are anything but easy to overcome. Tala and Marrok’s sense of duty, honor, and loyalty combined with their fierceness and caring made them fantastic protagonists. And when you add that in to an engrossing, sexy love story…well, it’s easy to see why I adored this book. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Brimstone Inc. series!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Eating Vegan by Dianne Wenz

Eating Vegan: A Plant-Based Cookbook for Beginners by Dianne Wenz
Publisher: Rockridge Press
Genre: Cookbook

ISBN: 9781646117543
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N

Your favorite foods made vegan—75 simple, plant-based recipes

If you’ve been considering going vegan but fear missing out on flavor, here’s some good news. Eating Vegan is packed with 75 mouthwatering vegan recipes that are simple to make and includes a starter guide to plant-based eating. Of all the vegan cookbooks, this is the one that seasoned vegans wish they’d had in the beginning.

Try plant-powered dishes inspired by familiar favorites, including French Toast and Baked Ziti. You’ll find nutritional information with every recipe, plus first-timer tips to help you get the most out of your meals. If you’re looking to adopt a plant-based diet, this standout among vegan cookbooks makes it easy.

All vegan cookbooks should include:

• Starter meal plans—Begin with one plant-based meal per day and work up to all three with meal plans that make adopting veganism painless.
• Your vegan kitchen—Learn about plant-based staples to have on hand, from tofu to nutritional yeast.
• Fundamental foods—Unlike some other vegan cookbooks, this one offers techniques for cooking foundational foods like beans, lentils, grains, and tofu.

When it comes to vegan cookbooks that provide easy and delicious plant-based recipes, Eating Vegan is a step above the rest.

Eating Vegan is a great starter cookbook for anyone looking to incorporate vegan meals into their lifestyle. If you’re worried about an author coming across as preachy, then Dianne Wenz is here to set you at ease. She’s got an easy, non-judgmental way of writing and a touch of humor when it comes to preconceived notions about vegans.

There are no hard-to-find, high-end, or artificial ingredients in Eating Vegan, which I really appreciated. Instead you’ll find plant-based alternatives to classic recipes that will please the palates of dedicated vegans and non-vegans looking to diversify their meals. There are a lot of meals I couldn’t try because of specific food allergies I have, but everything in here looks simple and easy. This cookbook won’t blow you out of the water, but it’s useful, practical, easy to follow, has good tips and quick allergy information, and the recipes I’ve tried taste good. For me that’s everything I need for a cookbook to be a staple in my kitchen.


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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