Audiobook Review: Rogues Rush In

Author: Tessa Dare & Christi Caldwell

Narrator: Justine Eyre
Title: Rogues Rush In

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthology, Novella, Short Stories
Published: May 22, 2018

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself.

In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

It was never meant to be…

That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.

It was time to right a wrong…

Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day.

Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?

Review:

2-in-1! Always fun. 

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

Sebastian, Mary, and Mary's brother have been friends for years. After Mary's brother died tragically in the war and Mary's father gone too, Sebastian stepped in to be Mary's rock. And that involves fixing what has happened after Mary is left at the alter. In order to save Mary's reputation, he decides to marry Mary himself. 

This one was good. Friends to lovers. Always a blast. 

That twist, though, I didn't like. I won't spoil anything, but I'm glad that last-minute drama didn't ruin everything. I'm glad they could move one decently quick. Still annoyed me though. Kinda unnecessary story-wise....and to be frank....it seemed odd for the character who did it. 

Awwwwwww that epilogue made me giggle. So freakin' sweet!!!!!

The narrator is fantastic as per normal. 

Still a nice fun one overall. 3 stars though. 

His Duchess for a Day by Christi Caldwell

Second chances!!! Another fun trope IF done well. 

Elizabeth and Crispin have been friends since they were kids. They got married very very young. Elizabeth ran off after hearing a certain conversation and a misunderstanding took place...for 10 years. Crispin needs his wife back in order to keep away the match-making mamas and desperate young ladies. He happens to find her making a living as a teacher. After striking a deal for her to come back for one ball, they two find themselves finally getting the talk they need. And of course, love will flood back in. 

I liked this one. However, I was annoyed at the 10 years of separation (10??????? too many years) and how Crispin was acting like a rogue, but he really wasn't a rogue (what?). And then the end twist? Eh. Not needed. Glad it was a quick fix, but still......

But I liked Elizabeth and Crispin. They are so fit for each other and they def should've waited to marry. They were young and dumb. I think the 10 years apart did them well overall. They were able to find themselves and grow up so they COULD talk. 

Fun narrator. She is always awesome. Good pick to read both of these. 

In the end, it was still fun and lovely to see these two TALK and find love again. Somethings seemed messy and not needed, but thus is life, eh? 3 stars.

Overall

I enjoyed both. These authors are always a blast. Some minor complaints, but I loved the stories. One was a friends-to-lover trope which has a key to my heart. The second is a second chance and it worked (second chances are always rocky for me). Great narration. Def recommend it if you like this genre or any of these authors. 3 stars overall. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #40 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Mistletoe Christmas - An Anthology

Author: Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, Erica Ridley

Narrator: Susan Duerden

Title: Mistletoe Christmas - An Anthology

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthologies, Novella, Short Stories, & holiday

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 28th 2021

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.

But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.

Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.  But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.

A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!

Review:

What a set of authors to all get-together! So exciting!

We have four stories here. All four are connected together because of the Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revery. This Revery is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto, scandals, and even sometimes love.

 - A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James

Here we follow Lady Cressida who is the Duke's daughter. Secretly she has been the brains and the planner behind these parties for the last few years. She is nearly and firmly placed on the shelf because she has been told all her life, by her pops, that she is dowdy and unmarriageable. No one sees her until Elias does. I was with Cressida and I struggled to believe Elias sudden interest. They have known each other for years...and now he is all "I LOVE HER". M'kay. BUT he does prove it and earns it. I liked this one a lot. 

- Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell

Now we have Lady Cressida's cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire. She walked away from the only man she ever loved years previous because they were almost engaged for 3 years and he had been pretty much ignoring her because of his work. WHICH I totally get both sides of the story. I get why she said eff it and leave....she did give him a chance, but she should've just been honest. I get why he was working so hard. He was a nobody who snagged her a rich lady...he wanted to be able to support her and keep her comfy. Years later they are paired together to direct the play. Of course....talking....making up....and finally loving each other again. Loved this second chance romance! 

- Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor

Next, we have Lady Caroline Whitmore who is unhappily married. The two have to pretend to be happy and in love in order for Caro to get her trust money. So yesss another second chance romance. This one was good too. It was nice seeing them finally open up and talk. They had the lust part down...but the communication was sadly lacking. They didn't know how to be open with each other. His parents were not happy and she was all alone and no one had cared about her. It was so nice seeing them go from pretending to actually loving each other again. I loved how he tried so hard to win her back. Adorable. 

- Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley

Lastly, we have Miss Louisa Harcourt. This is her last chance to find a match before she is firmly placed on the shelf in the eyes of the ton. Thanks to the gossip columns....she has struggled to find a match. Ewan was what she needed. She can be herself and be happy....but I hated his secret. Hated it. I really feel like he needed to do more for her to forgive him. This was my least favorite, but I still enjoyed it overall. 

Overall

These were all really good. Even my least favorite was still enjoyable. I loved what brought all these people together. What a great idea! I would love to see more stories of love being formed here in the future. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #83 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Mistletoe Christmas

 

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins

Release date: 09-28-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Mistletoe Christmas by Eloisa James

Poor Cressida, her father was such an asshole! Put her down her entire life so she could not see her worth. At least she knows she is awesome at organizing the yearly party (that her asshole father takes credit for). She stays in the shadows, until someone finally notices her. Awww Elias, he saw beyond everything and the both deserved their happiness

Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi CaldwellI

 get why she left him, he was all about work. Gotta make some money to prove everyone he is worthy..though! I sure would have liked to see how on earth a stableboy ended up engaged to a Duke's granddaughter?!

Anyway a nice second chance romance. They talk it through, they see the light

Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor 

Another second chance romance. Married couple had lots of hawt sex, but never talked (like hello it takes the both of you.) And now they are pretending to be in love, and will obvi finally talk and be happy again.

Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley

Lady Louisa is a spinster thanks to gossip columns. Now is her last chance, and she is seen for once, but gives her heart to a poet. And awww, xmas times, they fall for each other and well he does have a bad secret. Grrr

All in all sweet and good stories. It sounds like a fun revelry for sure. And at the end I am left thinking, whose original story is it? When will the viscount find love? He needs love too ;)

Good narrator, since it was 4 stories, I never felt lost, I always knew in which story I was even though some characters walked through them all. Nice distinct voices.

The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti. But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.

Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.  But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.

A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!

Audiobook Review: The Lady Who Loved Him by Christi Caldwell

Author:  Christi Caldwell

Narrator:  Tim Campbell

Title: The Lady Who Loved Him (The Brethren #2)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 377

Published:  January 31st 2018

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

In this passionate, emotional Regency romance by Christi Caldwell, society's most wicked rake meets his match in the clever Lady Chloe Edgerton! And nothing will ever be the same!

She doesn’t believe in marriage….

The cruelty of men is something Lady Chloe Edgerton understands. Even in her quest to better her life and forget the past, men always seem determined to control her. Overhearing the latest plan to wed her to a proper gentleman, Chloe finally has enough...but one misstep lands her in the arms of the most notorious rake in London.

The Marquess of Tennyson doesn’t believe in love….

Leopold Dunlop is a ruthless, coldhearted rake... a reputation he has cultivated. As a member of The Brethren, a secret spy network, he’s committed his life to serving the Crown, but his rakish reputation threatens to overshadow that service. When he’s caught in a compromising position with Chloe, it could be the last nail in the coffin of his career unless he’s willing to enter into a marriage of convenience.

A necessary arrangement...

A loveless match from the start, it soon becomes something more. As Chloe and Leo endeavor to continue with the plans for their lives prior to their marriage, Leo finds himself not so immune to his wife – or to the prospect of losing her.

Review:

Awwww I love me some spies. And I liked book 1 so why not?

The story follows Chloe and Leo. Both had a rough childhood and both want nothing to do with marriage or love. Chloe wants to control her destiny and life. Leo wants to be left alone to womanize and continue being a spy and maybe run the network someday. However, they are caught in a compromising position and if they don't marry all their plans are ruined. What starts off as a loveless match becomes something more. 

Loved both Chloe and Leo! They needed each other and they never even knew it. They both had shitty childhoods full of abuse and fear. Sighs. Made my little heart bleed for them. I did want to shake Leo sometimes, but he is a stubborn rake. 

Gah I wanted to shake Chloe's brother too! Yes, yes, you want to protect your sister and etc, but calm down. 

The mystery was good. I had my guesses and I was right even though it wasn't a serious guess and I had no idea why the person who do that. So good! I was all "WHAAA?" when the truth was revealed. Dang.

Now - I guess this series is a spin-off of another series? This and the first book I felt are fine without reading it. I do want to backtrack because you do get glimpses of Leo and he was a bad bad dude. Rake of the century! I am curious about the others. 

The narrator was really good. I enjoyed his voices even is girl ones worked well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. Book 1 was good...this was even better I felt. I am curious about book 3 and the original series! I'll stamp this with 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #18 for Audiobook challenge

- #14 for Romance Bingo - "Lady" in title

Book Review: The Spy Who Seduced Her by Christi Caldwell

Author: Christi Caldwell 
Title: The Spy Who Seduced Her
(The Brethren #1)
Genre: Historical Romance & mystery
Format: ebook
Pages: 253 
Published: September 8th 2017
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)



A widow with a past… The last thing Victoria Barrett, the Viscountess Waters, has any interest in is romance. When the only man she’s ever loved was killed she endured an arranged marriage to a cruel man in order to survive. Now widowed, her only focus is on clearing her son’s name from the charge of murder. That is until the love of her life returns from the grave.

A leader of a once great agency… Nathaniel Archer, the Earl of Exeter head of the Crown’s elite organization, The Brethren, is back on British soil. Captured and tortured 20 years ago, he clung to memories of his first love until he could escape. Discovering she has married whilst he was captive, Nathaniel sets aside the distractions of love...until an unexpected case is thrust upon him-- to solve the murder of the Viscount Waters. There is just one complication: the prime suspect's mother is none other than Victoria, the woman he once loved with his very soul.

Secrets will be uncovered and passions rekindled. Victoria and Nathaniel must trust one another if they hope to start anew—in love and life. But will duty destroy their last chance


Love my spies!

The story follows Victoria and Nathaniel who were once lovers, but things happen and now it is years later. Victoria's terrible husband is murdered and now she is a widow and finally free. However, her son is suspected of murder. Her former lover, Nathaniel, is back from the grave and is now investigating her husband's terrible murder. Nathaniel is the leader of the spy agency. He was forced away from Victoria when he was captured and tortured. By the time he got free she was married and had babies. So he stayed gone from her life allowing her to think he was dead. While investigating this murder, secrets will be uncovered and passions rekindled.

Ooooo second chances romances worry me. I also get worried because what if someone did something truly terrible! How can you forgive them fully! I was worried about this one too because Victoria did quickly remarry. But then we find out WHY and she really had no choice. Sadly...it was to a terrible man. I'm sure if Nathaniel came back and pounded on the door Victoria would've taken the children and divorced that terrible man before she gave him an heir. Sighs. Both were wrong here....but all these mistakes are forgivable so I liked this second chance. They really deserved happiness. 

I felt for Victoria's kids. Poor things. Especially the son. I wanted to shake him though, but I get why he hated himself. 

This was really good. It did move really slow in the middle, but there was a lot of stuff and feelings to weed through for our characters. It is all so sensitive especially when the secrets are dusted off and revealed. 

The murder mystery was okay. I honestly didn't give a rat's ass about the husband. He was a terrible man. But I did want the son's name cleared! 

The ending made me awwwwwwe! But I do worry for Victoria. Will not say. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. This had a lot of feelings and sadness. I just wanted them to go back in time and fix everything. Lots of hurt here, but it was worth it for them at the end. So cute. I'll give this 4 stars.