Book Review: Only Rakes Need Apply (Rakes of London #1) by Kate Pearce

 

Blurb: 

A sexy new series begins as three daring Regency ladies each seek lovers with no strings attached . . . and find even the most unfettered hearts can get tangled up in passion.

What’s a woman to do when her husband has departed but her . . . desires . . . very much remain? The only thing Lady Carenza Smythe-Harding misses about her late spouse, a notorious gambler and adulterer, is his expertise between the sheets. After two years donning mourning dresses, it’s her turn for some frisky fun. But with no intention of remarrying, how can she find the right devil-may-care rogue for the job?

Titled lady seeks experienced, unmarried rake for afternoon dalliance . . .

The anonymous newspaper advertisement leaves little to the imagination, and has the gentlemen of the ton wagering who is the temptress taking applications—and measurements!—to fill a most enticing position.

Thanks to an unexpected inheritance, confirmed bachelor Julian Laurent is free to indulge his passions—including the occasional seduction of married ladies. Still, he is appalled to discover his longtime friend, Carenza, is behind the public proposition. Surely Julian can prevent a damning scandal by pleasuring the lady to her heart’s content. After all, it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. . . . But as their sensual escapades tumble into a dangerously addictive game, might their friends-with-benefits arrangement take them from bedding to wedding?

Amazon: Amazon.com: Only Rakes Need Apply (Rakes of London Book 1) eBook : Pearce, Kate: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Only Rakes Need Apply by Kate Pearce - BookBub

Goodreads: Only Rakes Need Apply (Rakes of London) by Kate Pearce | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

I did enjoy this story. Carenza wanted to keep a low profile but went about it the wrong way. Her married life was not a happy one, so she wanted more intimacy as a widow. I loved her willingness to voice her desires. She was strong, well controlled, and loyal to family and friends. Julian was a friend who wouldn't admit his true feelings, but he went out of his way to protect her. There were moments of high steam, a couple moments of tears, lots of intrigue, and a ton of love and support.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant (A Merritt and Blunt Mystery #1) by Liza Tully

 

Blurb: 

A brilliant Boomer detective and her ambitious Gen Z assistant try to get along in this delightful feel-good mystery.

Olivia Blunt is thrilled to be hired as assistant to the nationally renowned investigator Aubrey Merritt. She longs to become a valued contributor to the great detective’s work, but Merritt is a difficult, exacting boss, and the learning curve is steeper than she expected.

After weeks of boring computer work, Olivia is finally invited to join Merritt on an important case. On the night of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Vermont’s Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police ruled her death a suicide, but Victoria’s daughter Haley thinks it was murder.

Merritt and Olivia soon discover that the Summersworth family is complicated web of lies, ambitions, and resentments. As the list of suspects grows, Olivia makes one apparent mistake after another. When she blunders into a truly dangerous situation, she realizes Merritt might be right: she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing…or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one they started with.

Amazon: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant (Merritt & Blunt Mysteries Book 1) - Kindle edition by Tully, Liza. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant eBook by Liza Tully - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully - BookBub

Goodreads: The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this story with plenty of twists and surprises. There were a lot of characters and different family dynamics. Clues were there along with red herrings. I loved Olivia's confidence in her ability to be a private investigator, even as she found that she was not as observant as she thought. Her determination to show what she could do led to some answers. Ms. Merritt was very strict and adamant about her expectations, even as she was taught Olivia. Humor added to the story, keeping the story moving along.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2023 results

 

I did not achieve my goal of Silver (25 books) for 2023. The 16 that I did read are as follows:

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Doc Showmance by Zoe Forward

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Love on the Line (Vauxhall Voices #1) by Anabelle Bryant

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Power Zones (Billionaire Doms Duet) by Bronwyn Judde

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Bear with Me Now by Katie Shepard

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures by Sara Novak

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: The House on Prytania (A Royal Street Novel # 2) by Karen White

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: The Most Important Animal of All by Penny Worms

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Blitz: The Lake House by Bella Amy with a giveaway

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Magic in His Kiss (Vauxhall Voices #2) by Anabelle Bryant

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect by Hannah Carmona

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld (A Miss Morton Mystery) by Catherine Lloyd

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin, illustrated by Sophia O'Connor

Iron Canuck Reviews & More: Book Review: Earl Crazy (Games Earls Play #4) by Anna Bradley

I am going to try again in 2024. You can always join me.

Book Review: Earl Crazy (Games Earls Play #4) by Anna Bradley

 

Blurb: 

Christopher Egan, heir to the notorious Prestwick Earldom, is one of London’s most scandalous rakes. He’s never credited the gossips’ claim that fate cast an ancient curse on every successive Earl of Prestwick as punishment for their wickedness, but once he inherits the earldom after his infamous uncle’s untimely demise, it looks as if he may be the next to lose his head. Determined to cheat the curse and avoid his ancestors’ grisly fate, Kit abandons his life of merry debauchery and embarks on a London season to wed the lady he’s long been promised to.

Mathilda Templeton has a knack for causing scandal. Wherever she goes, it follows on her heels. London is the last place such a provocative lady should dare set foot, but when her shy friend Harriett is sent to London for a season, Tilly is determined to protect Harriett from all the scoundrels salivating over her impressive dowry. All she has to do is find her friend a proper match without falling prey to another scandal.

When the scandalous Earl of Prestwick makes a play for Harriett’s hand, Tilly vows to do whatever she must to stop him. But when the battle of wills between them leads to a stolen kiss, Tilly fears she may have fallen in love with London’s most charming scoundrel.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Earl Crazy (Games Earls Play Book 4) eBook : Bradley, Anna: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Earl Crazy (Games Earls Play Book 4) by Anna Bradley - BookBub

Goodreads: Earl Crazy (Games Earls Play #4) by Anna Bradley | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a cute story. I loved how adventurous Tilly was, even by accident. She was very concerned about the family's reputation but broke protocol more often than not. Her sweet nature endeared her to me. Kit had a plan to try and end the family curse. His goal changed after his run in with Tilly. His single-mindedness was fun to watch though he kept his target secret. The supporting characters were a wonderful addition. A fun book to read, and I recommend it.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin, illustrated by Sophia O'Connor

 

Blurb: 

“The world is big and there’s much to see,
and a bear must go where she wants to be.
And a bear as curious as me longs to gaze at the starlit sea!”

A book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing—her Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures, each needing her help, she discovers that books aren’t just brilliant at fixing problems–they can also help you make new friends. And if you’re lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed . . .

Amazon: The Bear and Her Book - Kindle edition by Tosdevin, Frances, O’Connor, Sophia. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin, Sophia O'Connor | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: The Bear and Her Book eBook by Frances Tosdevin - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin - BookBub

Goodreads: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

Interesting tale. Bear traveled and found situations that need fixing. She found the knowledge in her book. I loved how it ended with her getting Volume 2. The illustrations were delightful. A good bedtime story with a little education thrown in.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld (A Miss Morton Mystery) by Catherine Lloyd

 

Blurb: 

From the author of the critically acclaimed Kurland St. Mary series, this new historical mystery series is “a charming cross between a Regency romance and a well‑constructed detective story” (Kirkus Reviews), and will appeal to fans of Victoria Thompson and Deanna Raybourn.

Lady Caroline is happy to be back amid the swirl of London society, guiding her employer’s daughter, Dorothy Frogerton, through her first Season. Dorothy has been declared “an original” by a patron of the exclusive social club, Almack’s, and is sifting through potential suitors. Mrs. Frogerton, meanwhile, finds her own diversions, including spiritualist gatherings at the home of Madam Lavinia, and begs Caroline to come along.
 
Caroline is skeptical of Madam’s antics and faux French accent—until she slips a note into Caroline’s hand, which contains intimate family knowledge. Even as Caroline tries to discern whether the spiritualist’s powers are real, a much darker mystery presents itself. Madam Lavinia is found lifeless in her chair, a half-empty glass of port at her elbow. In her desk is a note addressed to Caroline, entreating her to find her murderer.
 
Caroline needs no psychic abilities to determine a motive, for it seems that Madam was blackmailing some of her clients and has left a trail of aggrieved aristocrats behind. But as Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton investigate further, they find other suspects, and a litany of deceptions, some very close to home. Now Caroline will need to keep all her wits about her if she is to stop others from joining Madam Lavinia in the afterlife . . .

Amazon: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld (A Miss Morton Mystery Book 2) - Kindle edition by Lloyd, Catherine. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld by Catherine Lloyd | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Google: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld by Catherine Lloyd - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld (A Miss Morton Mystery Book 2) by Catherine Lloyd - BookBub

Goodreads: Miss Morton and the Spirits of the Underworld by Catherine Lloyd | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

I enjoy this duet of Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton. This time out, Mrs. Frogerton found spiritualism and dragged Caroline along. Secrets led to murder and a note for Caroline. I loved how they worked out the clues together. A bit on the long side, but overall, the secrets, danger, and witty conversations kept this story moving along.

I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The Most Important Animal of All by Penny Worms

 

Blurb: 

The MOST IMPORTANT ANIMAL of ALL

Seven children champion an animal for the top spot.

Is it the ELEPHANT or the BEAVER, who both create habitats where other creatures can live and thrive?

Is it the TIGER or the SHARK, who are both top predators, or the BAT, who keeps insect populations down?

Is it the tiny KRILL, a food source for many sea creatures, or the BEE, the master pollinator?

Join the children to find out how special these creatures are in this introduction to ecosystems.

Amazon: The Most Important Animal of All - Kindle edition by Worms, Penny, Bailey, Hannah. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The Most Important Animal of All by Penny Worms, Hannah Bailey | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: The Most Important Animal of All eBook by Penny Worms - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Goodreads: The Most Important Animal of All by Penny Worms | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I found this book to be very educational and entertaining. I loved the different perspectives and reasonings. Both the illustrations and the photos were great and enhanced the story.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The House on Prytania (A Royal Street Novel # 2) by Karen White

 

Blurb: 

A woman is haunted—both literally and figuratively—by ghosts of the past in this second novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White.

Nola Trenholm may not be psychic herself, but she’s spent enough time around people who are to know when ghosts are present, and there are definitely a few lingering spirits in her recently purchased Creole cottage in New Orleans. Something, or someone, is keeping them tethered to this world. And not all of them are benign. 

But with the sudden return of Sunny Ryan, Beau Ryan’s long-lost sister, Nola has plenty to distract her from her ghostly housemates. Especially when the tempting—yet firmly unavailable—Beau, wanting to mete out justice to those he blames for Sunny’s kidnapping, asks Nola for a favor that threatens to derail her hard-won recovery and send her hurtling backward. He asks her to welcome Michael Hebert back into her life, even though Michael is the reason for Nola’s bruised heart. Beau is convinced that Michael’s powerful family was behind Sunny’s disappearance and that Michael is the key to getting information the police won’t be able to ignore—if Nola is willing to risk everything for which she’s worked so hard. 

Torn between helping Beau and protecting herself, Nola doesn’t realize until it’s almost too late why the ghosts are haunting her house—a startling revelation that will throw her and Beau together to fight a common enemy. Assuming Nola can get Beau to listen to what the spirits are trying to tell him, because ignoring them could prove to be a fatal mistake...

Amazon: The House on Prytania (A Royal Street Novel Book 2) - Kindle edition by White, Karen. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The House on Prytania by Karen White | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: The House on Prytania eBook by Karen White - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: The House on Prytania by Karen White - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: The House on Prytania by Karen White - BookBub

Goodreads: The House on Prytania (Royal Street, #2) by Karen White | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a different and interesting read. I loved how Nola totally accepted the spirits around them. Trying to get others to listen was a challenge. The story behind everything kept me reading and wanting to know the truth along with Nola. There were a couple parts that dragged a bit, but overall, this was a story worth reading.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean

 Blurb: 

Small dog . . . Big adventure

“When the wind blows and the door opens wide,
He seizes the moment and scampers outside.”

A tale of adventure, love, and redemption about a mischievous dog who bites off more than he can chew.

Amazon: Jack the Runaway Terrier - Kindle edition by McLean, Gill, McLean, Gill. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Jack the Runaway Terrier eBook by Gill McLean - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean - BookBub

Goodreads: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a wonderful story. Jack wanted to see more of the world. When he got what he wanted, he wanted to return home. The illustrations were very beautiful and captured the spirit of Jack.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap

 Blurb: 

Thirteen-year-old Julia would rather work with horses at the rescue barn than do just about anything else. But when two of her friends move away and her bff discovers makeup and boys, she is determined not to be left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and gets a comment from Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia realizes this slightly older guy totally “gets” her in a way her family never has. The best part is that their relationship is earning her attention and new friends at school.

But when Tyler ends up not being who he says he is, Julia’s life is upended. She’s devastated. Humiliated. What will her friends think if they find out the truth? Will she ever have the courage to tell them what really happened?

Amazon: Amazon.com: It Happened on Saturday eBook : Dunlap, Sydney: Books

B&N: It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: It Happened on Saturday eBook by Sydney Dunlap - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap - BookBub

Goodreads: It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was a middle-grade school story with some fairly heavy topics. Julia was dealing with her friends dating, bullying, fairly strict parents, and found herself dating secretly. The worst almost happened, and she was brave enough to speak out with the help of friends, family, and therapy. It was a touching story, though I felt it dragged a bit now and then. Overall, a good story with a lesson attached.

I received a copy through Netgalley and North Star Editions, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Love on the Line (Vauxhall Voices #1) by Anabelle Bryant

 Blurb: 

In the hedonistic world of Vauxhall Gardens, a place where London’s aristocracy pursues daring entertainment and sensual pleasures, desire overrules status, prejudice, and societal censure.

When Lola York meets Theodore Coventry, Earl of Essex, their chemistry is undeniable, but she knows better than to yearn for forbidden love. That is, until their involvement becomes unavoidable and Lola realizes the most dangerous risk of all is the one that threatens her heart.

Amazon: Love on the Line (Vauxhall Voices Book 1) - Kindle edition by Bryant, Anabelle. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Love On the Line by Anabelle Bryant, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Bookbub: Love on the Line (Vauxhall Voices Book 1) by Anabelle Bryant - BookBub

Goodreads: Love on the Line (Vauxhall Voices, #1) by Anabelle Bryant | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars -

4 `/2 stars for me. I enjoyed this story. I loved the historical locale for this series as well as the suspense aspect. Lola was a strong woman, brave for leaving her home and making her own way, and daring in her choice in making her wages. Theodore was so sweet, loyal to his friends, and determined to find the murderer and to keep Lola in his life. They had their witty moments, definitely steamy moments, and "aaah" moments. I recommend this story, and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received an ARC through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Reading Challenge for 2023 - 2023 Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge

I saw a list of reading challenged for 2023 and found the one. This is being run by https://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/. 

It is called 2023 Netgalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge. I am making a pledge to hit the goal of Silver - 25 books. I hope to get through more of my Netgalley requests to raise my standing.