As hoped for, another spectacular reading week! It’s all about historical romance this time, with some veering comedic and others adding a dash of drama and… murder? *wiggles eyebrows*
To Capture His Heart (Matchmakers #2) by Nancy Campbell Allen: A fun, romantic romp through a Victorian house part, where sinister events keep getting in the way of a detective’s attempts at courtship. The language is slightly stilted, and the book isn’t clear at first on how well the lead’s understand their own feelings, which is confusing, but once we get past that and they’re committed, it’s a charming love story. Eva and Nathan are great characters, and whether they’re flirting or investigating a murder (or doing both *cough*the cave*cough*), their chemistry is apparent. I especially like how firmly their relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship, and when Eva finally decided she was ready to pursue something deeper, I cheered! Their friends and family are equally delightful, and I’m excited to read more in the series. My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin: Already one of my favorite books of 2022, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting had me howling with laughter from beginning to end. For a book about a shameless fortune hunter, it has an awful lot of heart, and I was rooting for our heroine from page one. Despite accusations against her, she was never truly greedy — simply practical about her reality and extremely capable in her plotting. Watching her face off with the disapproving hero was also incredible, both because they were both in the right (though seeing it from different perspectives) and because they were so well matched in wit and will. In that way, it reminded me of the outrageous interactions between the leads in one of my favorites, Faro’s Daughter. Then, too, there’s a cast of supporting characters who could all carry a novel of their own, which adds such richness and hilarity to an already riotous book. I’ll be rereading this again and again, and I can’t wait to see what Irwin does next. My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Meddler (A Series of Worthy Young Ladies #1) by Kate Archer: Once again, Archer made me laugh my head off at her characters’ zany antics — and sigh over the leads’ adorable infatuation with each other, even in the face of hilarious misunderstandings. This is a true romantic comedy, and I’ll definitely reach for it again when I need a good laugh. I’ll also be taking a leaf from the butler’s book and threatening to “take steps” whenever someone displeases me.
In addition to all my fun new historical romances, I found myself wanting something familiar to listen to on audiobook during work this week, and who better to turn to than Lisa Kleypas? I listened to books #1 and #4 of the Wallflowers series and fell in love all over again. I seem to have a weakness for the “self-made man falls for beautiful socialite” trope. And yes, I will be reaching for my beloved Chasing Cassandra next!
I hope you’re all doing well and having as much fun with your books this week as I am!
—b
Book It With Becca 