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Tag Archives: romance

The Dueling Duchess (Wicked Women of Whitechapel, #2) by Minerva Spencer – Review

26 Friday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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4 stars, Book Review, circus, feminism, historical, historical romance, reversal of fortune, romance, series

Review of The Dueling Duchess

The title character, Cecile Tremblay, runs a circus that features women as the main entertainers including boxing (see The Boxing Baroness), knife throwing, and Cecile’s act – sharpshooting.   She has a mysterious past, but has found her home with her circus family in London. 

Gaius Darlington’s previous adventure with the circus endeared him to Cecile but when it was over, Guy made a terrible mistake, offending Cecile to the point where she wished never to see him again.  But Guy has had a gigantic reversal of fortune.  He needs a job and he really wants Cecile back in his life. 

It is clear Cecile and Guy have a thing for each other.  They also have an unfortunate history.  Their friends help/hinder where they can.  A young street girl and her dog join the family which really serves as the needed buffer between the two.  But, they have a lot to work through. 

Part of this story overlaps The Boxing Baroness.  Good news for anyone who has not read that story – you get the background.  I did read that book and while new viewpoints were presented, I always find rehashing a scene a bit tedious. 

Once the story catches up to a new timeline, it takes off and at that point, I found The Dueling Duchess to be bundles of fun!  Witty conversations and humor can be found on every page.  There is chemistry between Cecile and Guy whether they are arguing or kissing.  The original take on feminism in a male-dominated society will appeal to many readers.  The historical setting, post Napoleonic wars, is enhanced with gossip papers, the London ton, imposters, ex-patriots, a raven, and plenty of romance!

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book.  My review is my honest opinion.

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About The Dueling Duchess by Minerva Spencer

When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she’d earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton. But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. And help him she will, by teaching him about honest work—and the right way to treat a woman.

Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Until now. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy’s fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver lining: it’s no longer Guy’s duty to marry an heiress to save the dukedom. He’s free to wed the woman he loves—if only he can earn her forgiveness.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But fury is just a step away from passion, and Guy knows just how to arouse Cecile’s. . .

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The Bond (The Secret Tales, #1) by Sanna Brand – Review

19 Friday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Book Review

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5 stars, historical romance, horses, intrigue, Napoleonic Wars, romance, Sanna Brand, series, Vicki Stiefel

Review of The Bond

Rose has stubbornly refused to marry.  There are many reasons, including a secret from her past.  But perhaps the best reason is to maintain control of the property and money she inherited from her mother, thereby remaining independent.  The problem is, her father, the earl, covets that property and will do anything to get it, including forcing Rose to marry against her will.  The despicable man uses leverage that Rose cannot ignore. 

Rose has loved Rhys, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, since she was a child.  They have been close friends ever since.  Rhys is recently returned from the war in France, a hero, and the first thing he does is seek out Rose with the purpose of courting her.  The Earl’s choice for Rose happens to be an adversary of Rhys.  You can probably see that there will be all sorts of trouble for Rose and Rhys.

Rose is an intelligent young woman who is not afraid to express her opinion.  Which, of course, offends the insecure men around her.  She is also very protective of the family she loves and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.  Rhys is likewise protective of Rose and of his own family.  He suffers from the occasional bout of PTSD, (though that is now what is was called in those days).

The story is considerably more complex that you might think from the synopsis.  You will find horses, horse breeding, and horse acrobats. Kalari (Indian martial arts), attempted kidnapping, false engagement, England’s war with France, as well as some unsavory aspects such as attempted forced marriage, blackmail, and rape. 

There are some things not explained well, mostly pertaining to Rhys’s family. I hope future stories will give more details, especially about the enigmatic Thomasina.  I am guessing the series is going to be about the Ravenscroft siblings and promises to be full of intrigue and adventure!

Sanna Brand is the alter ego of Vicki Stiefel, author of the fantasy series, The Made Ones Saga. It was a no-brainer to read The Bond since I am a fan of Ms. Stiefel. The Bond will appeal to fans of historical fiction who enjoy romance and intrigue.  The twists and turns in this plot will keep the pages turning! 

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book. My review is my honest opinion.

About The Bond by Sanna Brand

Rosamund is at a dangerous crossroads… Lady Rosamund Fielding hides a secret so terrible it could ruin her, her family, and Major General Lord Rhys Lansdowne, the man she loves.

Rose and Rhys were inseparable in childhood—their friendship was the one shining light in Rose’s dark upbringing. Yet when Rhys proposes, Rose refuses, for he can never know her shameful truth.

Returned from the Napoleonic wars and now the Marquess of Ravenscroft, Rhys is determined to uncover the reason behind Rose’s rejection and win her hand and her heart once and for all.

Yet Rose’s father, Earl Fielding, is demanding Rose accept Brigadier Viscount Pennworth’s marriage proposal, threatening dire consequences if she does not obey. Time is of the essence as Rose faces this difficult crossroad, where she is forced to confront past demons and choose a path. Should she marry Rhys, deceiving him, and forever be branded a liar in his eyes? She cannot. Wed Pennworth? Never. Or flee? Away from Rhys, away from her father, and away from all she holds dear. Rose has faced many dangerous choices in her life. Will this final one destroy her?

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Weekend Tales

05 Friday May 2023

Posted by WWMB in Art, On the Bookshelf

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Art, currently reading, historical, Jodi Taylor, Kelley Armstrong, Nouveau Design, romance, scifi, society 6, time travel

Today I am sharing the books I am currently reading or listening to. I hope you will share what you are reading by posting in the comments at the end.

Art Nouveau, Original wood work, elevator door, NYC Building Art Print by Nouveau Design 

Clicking on the book covers below will take you to Amazon. Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated. I also recommended checking with your library (if you want to save some $$$).

On my Kindle, I have Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong. This one is a holiday novella in the author’s A Stitch in Time series that takes place between books 1 and 2. I really enjoyed the first two books, so I am going back to read the novellas.

About Ballgowns & Butterflies

The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?

I’m between audiobooks right now. I just finished Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. I might wait and see which library hold comes first. Or maybe I will start About Time by Jodi Taylor (#4 in the Time Police series). That way, I will have two time travel stories going at the same time. Yes, I think a Jodi Taylor fix in in order….

About About Time

Patience is not a virtue known to the Time Police. And Commander Hay is facing the longest day of her life…

After their heroic efforts to safeguard the Acropolis and prevent the Paris Time-Stop, the Time Police have gone from zero to hero. Then one fateful mission to apprehend a minor criminal selling dodgy historical artefacts blows up in all their faces.

An officer is attacked within TPHQ. A prisoner is murdered. And investigations are about to lead to the one place where no officer can legally tread.

Worst of all, trouble is brewing for Luke, Jane and Matthew as a shocking revelation threatens to tear Team Weird apart for good.

Tell me! What are you reading?

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Recent Posts

  • The Dueling Duchess (Wicked Women of Whitechapel, #2) by Minerva Spencer – Review
  • The Poisoner’s Ring (A Rip Through Time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong – Review
  • The Bond (The Secret Tales, #1) by Sanna Brand – Review
  • MicroP (The Cyborg Chronicles, #5) by Pauline Baird Jones – Review
  • Weekend Tales

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