The Sport of Baronets

(Romance of the Turf, #0.5)

by

Theresa Romain

 

Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 

 

Published on November 3rd, 2015

(Read on November 2nd-3rd, 2015, from the review copy received from the publisher on NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

 

       

Description:

  

 An original novella introducing Romance of the Turf, Theresa Romain's exciting new Regency romance series...

The lives of Sir Bartlett Crosby and Hannah Chandler have been marked by fierce competition between their elite families...the perfect breeding ground for a mutual attraction neither can deny.

Bart hopes to conquer "the turf" through victory in a much-touted match. Should his heavily-favored colt win, the Crosby reputation and fortunes would be revived. Bart's plan seems poised for success until the lovely Hannah Chandler, daughter of a noted rival trainer, turns up claiming ownership of the colt. When Hannah insists on claiming her purchase, the prize colt disappears from Bart's stable. Theft or treachery? As Hannah and Bart rush to solve the mystery before race time, they uncover a scandalous truth about their families' pasts-a truth that has the potential to either destroy both their futures, or to guide them to a love they never imagined.

    

    

My Thoughts on the Novella:

 

 

The Sport of Baronets is a great introduction to this new series, with likable characters and interesting enough that will leave you eager for more. 

For me, when I read a historical romance series or contemporary romance series, it's all about the characters & their lives, their families & their friends. I love seeing & reading everybody's happily ever after, and this prequel novella is just the kind of story that will hook me on a new series.

In The Sport of Baronets, we meet Sir Bartlett Crosby & Hannah Chandler, members of families that have been in a feud for years. They don't even know how exactly it started, but it has always been like that: Crosbys vs Chandlers. They don't like each other, they don't socialize & of course, they're competitors in the sport.

From the beginning, I found the story to be fun & interesting. I liked learning about their families, and the secret about how it all started, as well as the mystery they find themselves in the middle of. Despite being all quite predictable, the journey was quite entertaining. I loved the interactions between Hannah & Bart, they getting to know each other & all that. It was absolutely charming & so sweet, and honest. That's how it felt to me, realistic & honest for the time period. I might be wrong, I'm not an expert, but the author imagined these two quirky, funny & kinda shy, yet strong minded characters, that actually want the same things for themselves & their futures, and it was wrapped up in this delightful package that I enjoyed quite a lot, and that I'd like to think that it almost could've happened. Not the mystery/feud part, and not all of it, but the meeting of a lady & a gentleman, and their flirting & conversing, and just falling for each other, without any pretenses & playing games. I just found it refreshing. Also, the guy wasn't a rake or a scoundrel or something like that, so I really liked that & loved his shyness.

That being said, I loved both Bart & Hannah as characters. They are engaging, interesting & sweet, and really likable, and their romance is so sweet & charming, that I will probably read their story again. Also, I can't wait for some glimpses of them & their life together in the following books (about which I can only hope so). 

 

So, yes, I highly recommend this prequel novella to every fan of historical romances, and I'm definitely going to continue reading the series. Once again, Theresa Romain has done a great job, and I'll continue reading her works!

  

     

   

My rating: 4 of 5

 

 

Challenges:

  

~ Q4 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Title: Messenger's Legacy

Author: Peter V. Brett

Series: A Demon Cycle Novella

My rating: 5 of 5

(Novella read on January 16th, 2015.)

Summary:

 

Humanity has been brought to the brink of extinction. Each night, the world is overrun by demons. Bloodthirsty creatures of nightmare that have been hunting the surface for over 300 years. A scant few hamlets and half-starved city-states are all that remain of a once proud civilization, and it is only by hiding behind wards, ancient symbols with the power to repel the demons, that they survive. A handful of Messengers brave the night to keep the lines of communication open between the increasingly isolated populace.
 
Briar Damaj is a boy of six in the small village of Bogton. Half-Krasian, the village children call him Mudboy for his dark skin. When tragedy strikes, Briar decides the town is better off without him, fleeing into the bog with nothing but his wits and a bit of herb lore to protect him.
 
After twenty years, Ragen Messenger has agreed to retire and pass on his route to his protégé, Arlen Bales. But for all that he's earned the rest, he has no idea what to do with the rest of his life. When he learns Briar, the son of an old friend, is missing, Ragen is willing to risk any danger to bring him safely home. 

 

 

My Thoughts on the Novella:

  

Messenger's Legacy is another amazing addition to the brilliant Demon Cycle series! Demon Cycle is one of my most favorite fantasy series, but since it's been too long since I read the last book, I've actually forgotten how amazing author Peter V. Brett is. One chapter in - and once again I was totally enthralled by the world & the new characters, and absolutely heartbroken. In such a short format, he made me fall in love with the character of Briar - a character that now I can't wait to meet again in The Skull Throne - the 4th Demon Cycle novel! There's just something compelling and addicting about Peter V. Brett's characters, and even if you want to hate them, or almost do, he'll turn you around and just make you care. I love that complexity in his characters.

Anyway, I loved this novella, and loved learning the history of Briar & his story, and I'm excited for more. I mean, sure, this novella is something to keeps you going until the long-awaited 4th novel comes out, then again, it brings another interesting storyline, character & way to stay alive from the demons. I also loved seeing Ragen & Elisa again, and their life now, as well as learning a little more about Ragen, as well as seeing again some of the minor characters from the previous novella.

I have to point out that even though the previous 2 novellas The Great Bazaar & Other Stories and Brayan's Gold could be read even if you haven't tried the series, Messenger's Legacy has spoilers about the 3rd book The Daylight War & the series overall, so I don't recommend to be read if you'd like to delve into this world for the first time. I still highly recommend this novella to every fan of the series, and I highly recommend the Demon Cycle series to every fan of fantasy!

 

 

Challenges: 

 

2015 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

   

Title: The Viscount's Christmas Temptation

 

Author: Erica Ridley

  

Series: The Dukes of War, #0.5

  

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

  

Publication date: November 1st, 2014

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5

 

 

(Novella read on November 8th, 2014,  from the eARC received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

 

 

Summary:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time — he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

 

 

My Thoughts on the Novella:

 

 

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation is a prequel novella, and definitely a read that will make you wish you already have the rest of the series, so you can delve right back into the world of these delightful characters, and maybe, catch another glimpse of these amazing characters. I seriously can't wait for Amelia's brother's book, though it seems will be the last one, so there will be quite the waiting ahead of me.

Before I read this novella, I expected your typical Christmas romance read, so I was surprised with the fact that it was so much more. I adored both characters - Amelia & Benedict, they were really lovable as characters, well-developed and know where they stand in life. I also loved the interactions, friendship & more that developed between them. It was really charming, romantic, fun, sweet & lovely, and it was quite the delightful Christmas story, that I know I'll enjoy reading it again & again. This novella made me smile, I had a smile plastered on my face the whole time, and it made me feel all warm & happy inside, so it was perfect!

I highly recommend this novella to every fan of lovely & entertaining romance stories, no matter if you're a fan or not of historical romances, this story will capture your heart, and make you swoon & smile!

 

 

Challenges: 

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

 

Title: 10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date

  

Author: Heidi Rice

  

Imprint & Publisher: Cosmo Red-Hot Reads from Harlequin

  

Publication date: October 8th, 2014

  

  

My rating: 4 of 5

  

   

(Read on October 7th, 2014, from the review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

 

 

Summary:

#WorstDatesEver
 
After a nasty breakup, Tally Gladstone has no interest in anything serious. But she's dipped her wary toe back into dating with a few blind dates - all bad...or worse. The only good thing to come out of it is a sizable following on social media. Her latest date is doomed from the get-go - he isn't even straight. But at least he knows someone who meets her every very exacting wish
 
#EpicHotLover?
 
American-in-London Brent O'Neill is everything she wants - on paper. He's hot, sexy and emotionally off-limits. Tally can play all she likes without getting burned. He's so good in bed he's addictive. But her millions of social media followers want disaster, not boring-ever-after. They might get their way yet-how is she going to walk away before her heart is in tatters?

  

 

My Thoughts on the Novella:

 

 

10 Rules to Sex Up a Blind Date is one entertaining & sexy contemporary story. I had so much fun reading this book. When you're in a need of pure entertainment - this is the perfect choice.

It was funny, hot & full of sexy times between the MCs, but in the end it was also quite sweet & charming. I quite liked the characters, the chemistry between them is sizzling, and they made me wish that they will make it as a couple. This story is the beginning of something new, and something good, and hopefully great, and I loved that possibility. It might not have been quite my type of story, but it was good & I enjoyed it a lot!

So, I recommend this story to every fan of entertaining & scorching contemporary romances!

 

 

 

Challenges: 

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Title: Talk Sweetly to Me

Author: Courtney Milan

Series: Brothers Sinister, #4.5

Publication date: August 19th, 2014

My rating: 4.5 of 5

(Novella read on August 18th, 2014,  from the review copy received from the author via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.) 

Summary:

 

Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She’s a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper’s daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She’ll take obscurity, thank you very much.

All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He’s an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he’s also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn’t just a scandal waiting to happen. He’s waiting to happen to her…and if she’s not careful, she’ll give in to certain ruination.

 

 

  

My Thoughts on the Novella:

Talk Sweetly to Me is a great novella & a finale to the Brothers Sinister series. And it was a pleasant surprise. For a novella, it left me feeling like I read a full-length novel. The characters are really well-developed, and really likable, and I got to know them really well, and cheered them on.

Despite the lovable main characters (before you know it, they'll get under your skin), I really enjoyed the story itself. It was interesting, it touched on some subjects you don't often meet in historical romances, and everything was executed almost perfect.

Rose is such an interesting heroine, and I loved her quirkiness. Stephen is amazing character, too, and I loved the interactions & banter between them both. The chemistry was there, but what I especially loved was the way their personalities seemed to fit together.

 

The story was sweet, and charming, and funny, and sad, entertaining, and romantic - just a delight to be read. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author.

Courtney Milan is amazing historical fiction author, so I highly recommend her books, as well as this novella Talk Sweetly to Me to every fan of historical romances.

  

 

 

Challenges: 

 

2014 Series Enders Reading Challenge

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Title: Love Bites

Author: Ophelia London

Series: Sugar City

 

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC

 

Imprint: Bliss

 

Publication date: August 18th, 2014

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5

 

 

(Novella read on August 10th, 2014, from the review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

  

 

Summary:

Falling in love is like swimming with sharks…

 

Sharona Blaire is only in Australia for a business audit, but she’s determined to make the most of her one free night. So when she spills her drink on a handsome stranger and they end up flirting, she does something completely out of character — she kisses him. But the prospect of taking it further totally freaks her out…almost as much as discovering the next morning that the man she’s auditing is the sexy, tanned stranger she left with zero explanation.

 

An audit during his crew’s most important expedition yet is a complication marine biologist Jeff Cruz doesn't need — especially when the auditor is the gorgeous, fascinating woman from the night before. Out at sea with nowhere to run, he’s forced to admit Sharona draws him in like a shark to blood. But Jeff's one passion is his job, and nothing — not even love — will get its hooks in him...

 

   

My Thoughts on the Novella:

 

Love Bites is another fun, flirty, fluffy & charming novella, that's perfect for the summer. So, yes, Ophelia London has done it again. I read her Making Waves novella a couple of months ago, and loved it, so she's definitely on the way of becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I'm yet to try her full-length novels, but hopefully soon. I actually have one of her novels waiting to be read, but haven't gotten around to... 

 

Anyway, from the moment I started Love Bites, I was hooked. The whole story was entertaining & fun, and just so charming & sweet. Also, I have a soft spot for serendipity, so it was the perfect read for me. I also loved the setting (even the sharks), and the story itself. I was actually sad when it was over.

I found Sharona - the first main character - to be fun & really likable as a character, and realistic, too. The same goes for Jeff Cruz - such a likable guy, and charming & fun, and awesome at his job. And the chemistry between them both was sizzling, and the interactions between them were so much fun to read. I also adored most of the second characters, and I do hope they will be part of some of the other novels & novellas in the series, and hopefully we will get the story of Sharona's best friend soon.

 

If you're looking for the perfect summer read, Love Bites is it. I highly recommend this novella, as well as Ophelia London's books. She's a great author, and I can't wait to read more of her!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Title: Loving Mindy

Author: Karen Erickson

Series: Lone Pine Lake, #2.5

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC

   

Imprint: Bliss

   

Publication date: July 28th, 2014

  

  

My rating: 3.5 of 5

  

  

(Novella read on July 20th, 2014, from the review copy received from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange of an honest review.)

Summary:

  

He's the one who got away. She's the one he can't forget…

 

Mindy McKenzie’s day has gone from bad to worse. First, her ex whisked her kids away to attend his elopement, leaving her alone for the holidays. And then the man whose heart she broke years ago winds up on her doorstep — stranded. Josh Powers still has a body that can make her mouth water, but unfortunately, she’s sure she missed her chance with him.

 

Waiting out a storm with an attractive woman isn’t normally a bad thing. But when it’s the woman Josh Powers has never been able to get out of his head, it’s pure torture. Especially since he knows she’ll never feel the same way. Mindy is just as sexy and tempting as he remembers, but he can’t risk his heart a second time.

  

  

My Thoughts on the Novella:

   

Loving Mindy is part of the Lone Pine Lake series, and I really enjoyed the previous two books: Jane's Gift & Tempting Cameron. There's just something quite sweet & captivating about the characters & their stories in the series, and the novella Loving Mindy is another story like that.

 

I really liked both Mindy & Josh as characters, and I loved their friendship - the one they used to have before things went south, and the one that they seem to establish between them once again. I was interested about their story a.k.a their past, I really got to know the characters through it, and I was cheering them on in hope of them connecting once again, albeit this time in a different way.

That's all I'm going to say. The story was really sweet & fun, and it left me feeling all warm inside and happy. I can't wait to read the next Lone Pine Lake story. I'm hoping it will be a full-length one.

If you enjoy heartwarming contemporary romances, then Loving Mindy is the story for you & I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

Challenges:

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge