Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh

Profile:

"During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . ."

Title:  Someone to Trust

Author:  Mary Balogh

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Someone to Trust" by Mary Balogh

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this historical romantic fiction that featured Lady Overfield and Colin Handrich, [Lord Hodges].  With Elizabeth being a widow and nine years a senior to Colin it will be quite a interesting read how these two find their way to each other and to think they met at a family Christmas holiday. What will happen when Colin and Elizabeth  start to have feelings for each other?  

However, Elizabeth will accept a proposal from another Lord but after this fiancee verbally treats her badly she breaks that proposal. Why was Colin so determined to make Elizabeth his wife after all of the Society gossiping that was going on about her?   Will Elizabeth give into her feeling even though Society just didn't approve of a older woman marrying a younger man?  

I loved how these two kindred spirits even though this age thing that was taboo at this time were able to get beyond that situation.  I will say there were quite a few relatives in this read so you will have to keep up with all that is going on.  It seems like Elizabeth had some wonderful relatives and friends that were with her but it seems like for Colin, well it was quite the opposite for his family.  I really didn't care for them [Colin's mom and sister] at all!  Well, to get it all you will have to pick up "Someone to Trust" to see how this story will all come out.  At the end I was left wondering a little about who was Colin's father. This was indeed a good read of how one must learn that trust and true feelings is what happiness is all about.      

Caught: A Historical Romance Kindle Edition by Christina J Michaels

Profile:

"With proper manners and impeccable breeding, the beautiful Miss Alison Brooke should be the envy of London's 18th-century royal society. When villainy occurs, an unexpected hero comes to her aid. But rumors result, and Miss Brooke finds herself in the center of tawdry gossip. 

Her rescuer, Robert Anderson, Viscount Charmaine, is preoccupied with troubled finances, an ill father, and defense of the Crown. Problematically, Charmaine's best friend, Marquis Anthony Farrington, is clandestinely helping fund the American Revolution.

Miss Brooke's large dowry tempts both men. Her father, however, wants his daughter to marry for love, not money. Without her father's permission for marriage, is Miss Broke ready to relinquish her privileged life for love?

In this realistic tale of historical fiction brimming with wealth and uncertain allegiances, society's obligations draw them together, along with Miss Brooke's constant companion, the timid Miss Brenda Boswell. When Charmaine discovers proof of Farrington's betrayal, he is forced to choose between friendship and patriotism.

Shots are fired, tears fall, and love conquers all in this remarkable historical romance."

Title:  Caught:  A Historical Romance

Author:  Christina J. Michaels

Publisher:  Finfolkaheem Publishers        

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Caught" by Christina J. Michaels

My Thoughts....

This was definitely a read that will keep you attentive as you turn the pages of this dramatic romance of a historical setting of the Regency Georgian England society in 1772.  We are presented with some protagonists who I would say are quite flawed but still likable in their own way, along with well developed 'aristocratic friends, families, each with different personalities, set of goals and yes with their problems, trials and tribulations.'  The author really draws the reader in with the feeling of being transported into their lives with her characters at that particular time and place.  I loved how this author was able to 'wove in the challenge of British politicians to deal with the threat of treason and anarchy for those who supported the impending uprising of the American colonists.'  All of this indeed was able to present the reader with a colorful intriguing historical background of this story of "Caught."  

In the end the reader is presented with a well told well written story that was indeed a fast-paced read that will keep you captivated turning the pages as we find the answers not only  to love, romance but also to finances. This is definitely one of those reads that I would recommend one to check out!  

Someone to Care by Mary Balogh

Book Description...

"Once the Countess of Riverdale, Viola Kingsley throws all caution to the wind when adventure calls in the form of a handsome aristocrat. . . .

Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune--except for his onetime countess, Viola. With her children grown and herself no longer part of the social whirl of the ton, she is uncertain where to look for happiness--until quite by accident her path crosses once again with that of the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr.

Marcel Lamarr has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola caught his eye when she herself was a young mother, but she evaded his seduction at the time. A prize that eluded him before, she is all the more irresistible to him now although he is surprised to discover that she is as eager now for the excitement he offers as he is himself.

When the two defy convention and run away together, they discover that the ties of respectability are not so easily severed, and pleasure can ensnare you when you least expect it. . . ."

Title:  Someone to Care

Author:  Mary Balogh

Publisher:   Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Someone to Care" by Mary Balogh

My Thoughts...

This was quite a interesting Victorian historical fiction read by this author will capture your attention from the first chapter.  I liked this captivating story of Viola Kingsley and Marcel Lamarr who reconnected after many years and find a second chance at love and life.  What brought this story up to this point?  Well, from a loveless marriage for 23 years to find out at her husband [the Earl was a bigamist] death Viola Kingsley wasn't marriaged at all and her children were illegitimate. 'Being cast out of proper society after learning her marriage and life as a Countess' was a farce she decides to leave the area for a home by herself he meets Marcel Lamarr [an old flirt, a rogue who she rejected 14 years ago] and they decide to run away together and this is where this story will take off.

To get the rest of this intriguing story you will just have to pick up "Someone to Care" to find out the rest of the story which will become somewhat a complicated life as we learn more about Viola and Marcel's feelings for each other that slowly grows into a slow friendship and then develops into love.
However, they had both had 'experienced great pain in their life and dealt with it quite differently.'
I will stop here and say if you are into a 'older heroine and hero' getting their HEA then this engaging read would be for you.
  

The Lady The Duke And The Gentleman: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Abby Ayles

Book Description....

"

Introducing the "The Lady The Duke And The Gentleman" Novel - Discover NOW The New Historical Regency Romance Book by Abby Ayles!

Lovely - Romantic - Exciting!

Miss Antoinette Byrd feels ready to marry. As her friends and cousins find their happily every afters, she dreams of the day her own handsome husband will meet her at the end of the aisle. Finally, her parents, who have been hesitant due to her immaturity and rebelliousness, agree to let her see some suitors.

Antoinette is immediately won over by Duke Alexander Godwin, a man who has it all. He is handsome, incredibly wealthy, a Duke, and one of the bravest, wittiest, most charming men she has ever met. Every minute by his side feels like she is being swept up in a fairytale romance about princes and princesses.

And yet, her parents keep her options open with other suitors. Antoinette is at first unsure why they are not locking down Duke Godwin as soon as possible, but as time goes by she begins to realize that, however, dreamy Duke Godwin is, they have very little real chemistry. In fact, of all her suitors, one seems to shine brighter than the rest... But is he the right man for her?

In the midst of Christmas celebrations, the return and near loss of a dear childhood friend, a threat to her family's wealth, and her sister's marriage hitting a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, Antoinette feels pressured to make her choice. And deep down, she knows that the choice she most wants to make is one that would break her parents' hearts. But choosing the wrong suitor would break hers.

"The Lady The Duke And The Gentleman" is a historical regency romance novel of approximately 90,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after."

Title:  The Lady The Duke and The Gentleman

Author:  Abby Ayles

Publisher: A.A.                        

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Lady The Duke and The Gentleman" by Abby Ayles

My Thoughts.....

What a journey this was for Antoinette who was in search of a husband.  This was quite a complicated task as Antoinette pickings would have to: "1: keep her at home but support her parents & siblings financially in any way 2. Allow her to travel and study any where she desires but her parents and siblings are kinda on their on and 3. Love her and show her all the love she shows back more than she ever dreamed but can't help or take care of her parents or siblings with their problems."  Now, how hard of a task could this be for her to do this?  This story really let's us into the insight of just how hard it was during this time in Regency England for the young woman for social standing who had this choice of doing this task.  Who will Antoinette choose...a Duke, a Mr. or the Sir?  To find out you will just have to pick up "The Lady The Duke and The Gentleman to see!