Review: The Ladies Rewrites the Rules by Suzanne Allain

I read Suzanne Allain’s debut novel Mr Malcolm’s List when it first came out and I just wasn’t a fan. Which made me so sad because by all accounts, this should have been a book for me to LOVE, but at the time I just wan’t loving it. But that isn’t to say that I wouldn’t enjoy other books by this author. I just didn’t love that particular book at that particular time. When her second book came out, Miss Lattimore’s Letter, I found that her writing had improved and I enjoyed this story quite a bit better than her debut.

When I saw this book was coming out, I decided to give it a read and see if her progress continues. When I started this one, I was on a full blown historical romance kick and I was eager to read something else set in Regency England. I knew from experience that Allain’s writing was less formal than some of the other historical romances I had read and I was excited to check this one out, plus I loved the premise of the story from the description and seeing other reviews out there made me excited to sit down with this one!

I did an early micro review of this book when I was just starting it back in October. I finished it in a couple of days (the book is on the shorter side even for a romance) and I am now excited to share my full review of this sweet romance with all of you readers out there. If you enjoy historical romances and are looking for something to satisfy your Bridgerton addiction, this would be a book you should add to your TBR!

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Review: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros

One of my New Years Resolutions was to get back to book reviewing more consistently. Toward the middle of last year I transitioned to a new job and it’s been a little hard to adjust to a new normal. I have scaled way back on my reviewing for publishers and book tours just because I hate to commit to reading a book and then fall behind in my reviews. But at the same time, I miss reading all the latest books! So one of my goals this year if to get back to reviewing more consistently, but on my own schedule.

This is one of those books that popped up a lot on my bookstagram throughout the last year and I just wan’t ready to start another fantasy saga when it wasn’t complete. Traditionally I wait until ALL THE BOOKS are out in a series before I dive in—especially when I suspect that a book will be binge worthy. And this series promised to be binge worthy so I debated on waiting until more books were out. Then I saw it was a five book series and I wasn’t willing to wait like 10 years before they are all out so I figured—-why not.

This book was 100% binge worthy and I was so glad I started my 2024 reading off with a solid five star read! Currently I am almost done with the second book, and I am already anxious for more books in this series. I hear book two has a big cliff hanger which means I am going to be chomping at the bit for the next book which I hear might not be out until 2025! I honestly don’t know if I can wait that long and I am not even done with book two!

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Review: Garden of Midnights by Hannah Linder

I have been on a big historical romance kick lately! There is just something about a good historical romance that I just cannot pass up! Although sometimes the plot is lacking in sustenance and heavy on feelings but I am ok with that—I love getting a guaranteed happily ever after! I have read Hannah Linder before and thought she wrote some solid historical romances that ran more on the clean/sweet type and I was ready to make the switch from historical bodice ripper to historical romance with substance.

Not to mention it’s a GOTHIC ROMANCE! If there is ever a way to get my attention it’s this! I love Gothic romances and the second I saw this book I was all about it. Linder is such a seasoned writer and I have yet to be disappointed in a book from her so I felt even more excited to check this book out this fall. Fall is the perfect time to read a Gothic romance and I couldn’t wait to start this book the second it arrived!

Hannah Linder is pretty well known especially in the Christian romance world. I know that Christian romances aren’t for everyone but for me they read more like clean romances rather than Christian romances to me. There is usually a religious component (a vicar etc) and occasionally prayer referenced etc but overall I feel like they read more like sweet romances. This book I actually enjoyed quite a bite more than some of the others I have read by her—keep reading to find out why!

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Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

I had my eye on Chanel Cleeton’s novels for years. Some of the books I have read multiple times, her books are simply solid historical fiction and I love coming back to the unique stories and characters time and again! The books have followed the Perez family for the most part and while each book follows the family, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a series. Each book can be read independently, though some of the characters carry over into other books, for the most part they all stand alone.

My knowledge of Cuba is limited to put it mildly. The things I know about Cuba can be summed up on one hand: it’s in the Caribbean, Pitbull is Cubano, Fidel Castro, Cuban Missile Crisis, and they speak Spanish. After reading Cleeton’s books I have learned so much more about Cuba, the people, the politics, and the history! I love her books for this reason! I feel like I am reading something truly new! Her books aren’t historically heavy either. They have historical substance for sure, but it’s presented in a fun and easy to access kind of way.

Naturally when this book came up for review, I couldn’t pass it up. I knew I would enjoy it and it would contain fun new history, a romance, and a story that would hook me almost instantly. I was certainly not disappointed. If you are looking for a solid historical fiction novel this spring, do not pass this one up. If you haven’t read Cleeton’s books yet but are curious, pick any of them up they are all so good and this one has a special place in my heart as it was the first book I have read by her that didn’t directly follow the Perez sisters/family, which I thought might make me sad but it was thrilling all the same!

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Cover Reveal: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Who here has heard of Estee Lauder? Growing up, Estee Lauder cosmetics was the gold standard for women everywhere. I loved the products and still use the same mascara I did as a teen now as an adult. But how much do you really know about the cosmetics queen? I know absolutely nothing about her other than the household cosmetics name.

That is why this book is creeping up to the top of my TBR list! This book is coming out in April of 2023 and I do NOT know if I can wait that long to read it. Especially now that I have seen this stunning cover! Renee Rosen writes so wonderful historical fiction typically set in the glamorous era of New York City and this book promises all the glitz and glamour that Rosen is known for and I cannot wait to check out this book that features a young Estee Lauder and a cast of interesting characters!

If you love historical fiction, there is no doubt you will want this one on your TBR list as well. Even though we have a while to wait before we can get our hands on this lovely book, today we can enjoy and drool over the stunning cover! Do not miss this one! You know that I will be reviewing this one and sharing my thoughts with you guys as we get closer to the release day but for now, enjoy this cover and summary of what promises to be an exciting book for the spring!

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