Book Review: A Royal Kiss and Tell by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Title: A Royal Kiss & Tell

Series: A Royal Wedding #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: May 19, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…

Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome, delectable roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So, Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her: sees that amusingly risqué morsels about Leo’s reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all the while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.

Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now, Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…

Review:

I read book 1 a while back, and I remember liking this. I was curious about 2, and it was now available at my library. So why not?

Here we follow Caroline and Leo. Leo has secrets, and Caroline is desperate to uncover them because he doesn't remember her. A Rake? Not remember her Lady of the Ton? Unacceptable. She finds out someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who and why? Socially, it will ruin him, but it could jeopardize his investigations into a scheme that reaches the highest levels of the government. He needs Caroline and her connections. 

This was rough for me to get into. I don't know why, really. I liked the added layer of intrigue and society scrutiny. The two were interesting enough. Caro was a little shallow and selfish, but she is sweet enough. Leo has a huge heart, but he's a bull in a China shop. They truly need each other. 

The intrigue kept me hooked enough to want to finish it. I didn't really even care about their love. I mean...I cared a touch, but....eh. 

But yes, I just don't think I connected with this story. I was interested enough to finish it, but the resolution of this one is good enough for me. I believe there are more in the series, but there are no side characters I care enough about to read more. 

I'll give this 2 stars.

 

Reading Challenges

-  Reading Romance Challenge #3 (Pink Dress)

- Library Love #4

Audiobook Review: Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Title: Sinful Scottish Laird

Series: Highland Grooms #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 28, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly and unwillingly bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

Review:

This is the 2nd book in the series. I read book 1 last year. 

Here we follow Daisy Bristol, aka Lady Chatwick, and Cailean who is the laird of Arrandale. When Daisy's husband passed away and she is forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance. There are plenty of suitors vying for her hand...and her money. However, she wants to marry for love or at least for friendship, so when she receives a letter from a long-lost love sends her to her Scottish estate to buy time for his return. Along the way, she will meet Cailean who is not only a laird but a notorious smuggler. She is utterly bewitched but he has no use for a woman and especially not an English lady. 

This is book 1 but you can read this as a standalone. There are some references to the other couple since they are Cailean's parents, but they explain what you need to know. 

This was a slow start for me. I really and truly struggled to get into the story. I found myself zoning out, however, I kept pushing forward. Things did turn around for me after page 50 and I found myself invested in our characters. 

I liked Daisy and Cailean. You can see the lust and even some friendship, but the love took a while which worked for them. They both were burned by love in the past (in different ways) so you can see why they are unsure of their feelings. Plus Daisy is living in a fantasy that Robert (who was her first love) and her are meant to be. Poor thing believes he loves her and not her fortune. Spoiler...not spoiler....he doesn't. She does figure it out but it takes a while. 

I really did love how our two MCs are a little older and not virgin-y. She is a widow hitting 30 soon and Cailean is about to turn 36 any day. It was also nice seeing how complex they were. Lots of issues and flaws. They have been hurt and there is some external issues they have to deal with too. Between her being English and him Scottish....and then the political issues impacting this romance. It is not an easy romance but they will find their HEA (not a spoiler of course). So yes, it took a while and it worked. 

The ending was nice and the resolution was dealt with perfectly. However, there are some things not 100% settled. I feel like there is something heading their way though....book 3 is about Cailean's brother so I'm sure the other shoe will drop then. 

The narrator was the same as book 1. He did a good job then and did a good job here. Nice voices and flawless changes in accents and different genders. 

In the end, I struggled with the beginning but I pushed through and I grew to enjoy it. I liked the characters and you can't help but root for them to find love. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #8 for Audiobook challenge

- #7 for Romance Reading Challenge - MC 35+ years old

Audiobook Review: Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Title: Wild Wicked Scot

(Highland Grooms #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 27th 2016

Where I got It: Library 

Summary: 

Born into riches and groomed in English luxury, Margot Armstrong didn't belong in a Scottish chieftain's devil-may-care world. Three years ago she fled their marriage of convenience and hasn't looked back—except to relive the moments spent in wild, rugged Arran McKenzie's passionate embrace. But as their respective countries' fragile unity threatens to unravel, Margot must return to her husband to uncover his role in the treachery before her family can be accused of it.

Red-haired, green-eyed Margot was Arran's beautiful bride. Her loss has haunted him, but her return threatens everything he has gained. As the Highland mists carry whispers of an English plot to seize McKenzie territory, he must outmaneuver her in games of espionage…and seduction. But even as their secrets tangle together, there's nothing to prevent love from capturing them both and leading them straight into danger.

Review:

Seen this at my library and it fits one of my reading challenges. Plus I have read other books by this author and have liked them. So perfect!

Here we follow Margot and Arran. They were forced to marry. There was passion and lust, but they were so miserable. Margot ran off and he didn't stop her. Three years go by and Margot is forced to go back to her husband to uncover if he is a traitor to England. Margot has haunted Arran's mind and heart but when she returns he is suspicious. As their secrets tangle together, they may find love and it may lead them straight into danger. 

I really enjoyed this. It is pretty much a second chance romance. They married but separated. She takes off and he doesn't go after her. Their pride and hurt hearts kept them apart. She comes back. She is supposed to spy on him and he doesn't trust her. I loved it! They had so much work to do. It was so complex and I had no idea how they would get their HEA. Lots of hurt feelings and Margot is stuck between being honest and figuring out if he is going to betray England or not. SO good. 

The format was fun. We start off with Margot coming back after she had left three years ago. We get to see flashbacks from their first meeting, short engagement, and four months of their marriage. 

Poor Margot and poor Arran. They were both hurt and both in the wrong. They were too immature to get married. Shame on Margot's father and brother. Grrr! Evil men.

But I liked Margot and Arran. They were so complex and so perfect for each other even though they didn't know it. 

My only issue was the resolution of the big external drama at the end. It seemed too clean and too quick. We needed to see more. I don't want to say much, but it was such a build-up and it just sort of ended. 

The narrator was good. I liked his voices. Jumping between two different accents and genders was pretty flawless. 

In the end, I really liked this. I loved watching Margot and Arran find their way. It was a nice change of pace for a historical romance. The ending resolution was a hair too clean for my liking. I felt it needed more. I'll give this 4 stars overall. It was so good even with the ending being too convenient. 

Challenge(s):
- #32 for Audiobook challenge

- #22 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Scot" in title

Audiobook Review: Wicked Angel by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Title: Wicked Angel (The Rogues of Regent Street #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: 1999

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Forbidden love is always a scandalous choice....

She raced across the pasture, vaulted a fence, and landed, stunned and breathless, on top of the most handsome man she had ever seen. The bemused stranger stayed to capture the fancy of the brood of orphaned children in her charge, then stole Lauren Hill's heart with a searing kiss as he left. Lauren couldn't tell him she was a widowed countess fallen on hard times. She tried to forget him-until she saw him again at a London ball. The man who haunted her dreams was a duke, out of her class...and he was pledged to another woman.

The ton is ablaze with talk of the ravishing Bavarian countess. Stunned, Alexander Christian, Duke of Sutherland, recognizes Lauren as the country girl who's captured his heart. Duty has forced him to pledge himself to another, to take his proper place in society and in Parliament. He wants one night with his blue-eyed enchantress, but will he be able to walk away from her again, or will he risk it all to be with the woman who fires his blood and makes him think of a . . . Wicked Angel

Review:

This is technically book 2, but you can for sure read this out of order or as as standalone. The previous couple is briefly mentioned here and there and pop up. It has no real impact on the story.

Lauren Hill is now widowed, so she returns back to England to care for her family land and the orphans under her protection. After a certain event with being chased by a hog, she lands on the most handsome man she has ever seen. The man is none other than Alexander who is a Duke. However, they keep their real titles to themselves. He a duke and she a widowed Bavarian countess. After spending some time together they becomes friends and maybe something more after sharing a goodbye kiss. The two meet again in London. He is already betrothed and Lauren needs to find a rich husband to save her land and the orphans. The two realize, though, they are madly in love with each other but they have responsibilities.

I was absolutely hooked from page one. I adored these two together. They seemed so perfect. They had a rare chance to fall for each other without the weight of their titles and their responsibilities. They also didn't kiss or have smexy time until he had to leave and all they shared was a heated kiss. I liked this meeting and getting to know each other. 

However...things - for me - began to corrode when both parties got to London.

Yes. Alexander was engaged already to a really nice girl. Maybe if she was a beyotch or rude or dumb or they were JUST newly engaged or something....I wouldn't have felt bad. However, she was sweet and innocent and they were engaged for like 2 years. She had previously been engaged to his older brother, but the brother died so when he became duke he decided to take her on. Poor girl. I felt SO bad for her. I want her to find love darnit. Yes - it was obvious her and Alexander were NOT right for each other, but she was so sweet. 

And Magnus. OMG. He wanted to help Lauren and I really feel like he liked her. AND SHE JUST RIPS HIS HEART OUT! WAH! Honestly?????? I feel like him and Lauren would've been perfect together. Sighs. He was an angel and he deserves love too. I did some research and he never got a book. GAH! The author did mention in passing in the epilogue he saved a girl? So maybe they fell in love too. Sighs. I'll have to use my own imagination I guess.

Okay...two great people hurt two great people. It happens....but was Alexander great? He was sort of a jerk to his fiancé, to Lauren, to his brother, to his mother....to everyone. Plus.....what was special about him? Okay - he was nice to the orphans and didn't point out Lauren's brother's disability. Sure. Points there. However, all Lauren ever thought about was how hawt he was, how big his hands are, how nice his legs are, and he's a Duke. What truly had her in LOVE with him? He understood her quotes she would randomly say? He was a decent politician and wanted to lower taxes for businesses? I mean...he owns a business so it is self serving for sure. IDK. It all seemed rather shallow when it came to him. Lauren was a nice, pretty, smart, and charitable gal. Too good for Alexander methinks.

I am kinda bummed. I felt like Lauren should've ended up with Magnus in the end. He was a grumpy fella, but he seemed like he had a personality outside of his looks and he was willing to wait for Lauren and even marry her and take the orphans along. Good egg there. 

The narrator was good. I liked her. No issues there. 

In the end, I wish I had liked this more. It started out awesome, but Alexander lost too many points with me. I wanted Lauren to be with someone else. Maybe he will redeem himself if we see him around town in the next one. 2 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #64 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Devil's Love by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Title: The Devil's Love (The Rogues of Regent Street, Book 1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 400

Published:   November 10th 1998

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A woman's desire...

With dreams of a great romantic love, Abigail Carrington sails to England to marry the man she has loved since childhood, Michael Ingram, Marquis of Darfield. She believes her betrothed is a generous and noble man who has been longing for her. But the handsome man waiting for her at the altar is a dark, brooding stranger who rushes her into marriage, then abandons her at his country estate. Only the passion of Michael's kiss gives her hope that theirs can be more than a marriage of convenience.

A man's need...

With scandal shadowing his past, Michael, the Devil of Darfield, had no need for a wife. Remembering only the little hellion who made life miserable for him aboard her father's ship, he resents the agreement he made to marry her so he could save his ancestral home. Though determined to ignore her, he cannot stop thinking about his lovely violet-eyed bride. Her beauty tempts him. Her charm bedevils him. He tries to drive her away until he almost loses her. Then he vows to regain her love—before it is too late....

Review:

I've enjoyed this author's book last year and I found this randomly, so why not? 

The story follows Abby and Michael. Abby had been in love with Michael since her childhood. When her father dies, she sails to England to finally reunite with him and marry him. She grew being told that Michael was her betrothed and he was waiting for her for many years. The time comes for them to get married when Abby's father passes and she is old enough. When she arrives she is reintroduced to Michael who is anything but a man in love and excited to marry her. He rushes her to the alter and leaves the estate as quickly as he can. Michael, aka the Devil of Darfield, has no need or want of a wife especially this girl who was a hellion back in the day when he worked for her father on his ship. He resents the fact he HAS to marry her in order to save his ancestral home. Even though he wants nothing to do with her...he can't stop thinking about her. 

What a big ol' pickle for the two of them. They both were victims of Abby's father. He for sure manipulated both of them. Abby grew up thinking Michael loved her too and couldn't wait until she was old enough and ready to marry. While Michael was shackled into marrying her because of a contract. Poor things. 

Even though I felt bad for Michael I wanted to hit him. Yes. He was a total ASS. I get he thought she was part of the trickery from that old man, but good lord you can tell she wasn't! She just wanted to be loved and she was equally lied to. 

I did love Michael's friend Sam. I hope he gets an HEA! He was adorable. A part of me wanted Abby to run away with Sam ;) 

The ending was good and I'm glad Michael had to REALLY earn her back because he was an ass. Sure...again....I get his distrust because he has been tricked and used SO much over the years BUT she LOVES you man!!!! GAH.

The narrator was new to me. I adored her voices. She really fit the bill and I enjoyed her! Her changing accents was flawless. 

Overall, I really did enjoy this even though I wanted to smack Michael. I just wanted them to finally get their HEA. They both deserved it, but I am glad Abby didn't forgive Michael at the end there (I would have been livid). He had to really work for it and pray she would love him again. I am slightly curious about book 2. We'll see. I do not think it is about Sam so I'm not crazy interested. LOL I just want Sam to be happy next. I'll give this 4 stars. Not a bad way to start the year!

Challenge(s):
- #1 for Audiobook challenge

- #1 for Romance Bingo

"LOVE" in the title

 

Book Review: The Princess Plan by Julia London

Author:  Julia London 
Title: The Princess Plan
(A Royal Wedding #1)
Genre: Historical Romance & Mystery
Pages: 208
Expected publication: November 26th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



Nothing gets the tongues of London’s high society wagging like a good scandal. And when the personal secretary of the visiting Prince Sebastian of Alucia is found murdered, it’s all anyone can talk about, including Eliza Tricklebank. Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip about the crime, prompting Sebastian to take an interest in playing detective—and an even greater interest in Eliza.

With a trade deal on the line and mounting pressure to secure a noble bride, there’s nothing more salacious than a prince dallying with a commoner. Sebastian finds Eliza’s contrary manner as frustrating as it is seductive, but they’ll have to work together if they’re going to catch the culprit. And when things heat up behind closed doors, it’s the prince who’ll have to decide what comes first—his country or his heart.




Been meaning to read a book by this author and I was really needing a fun HR. 

The story follows Eliza who is merely a daughter of a judge who writes for a gossip gazette. The biggest story of the year has landed right in London. A prince from a small country has come to make a trade and find a wife that will help cement the alliance to England. Things happen and the two fall for each other. But duty is duty...right?

This was a hoot. I do get a little worried when the author makes up a country and tries to blend it with real life countries, but when it works it works well and this certainly did. I want to see more of this made up country. I wonder if book 2 will follow Eliza and the prince or we'll get another couple in the country. mmmm. We shall see. 

Yes, the characters. I liked them. I was not a fan of other of them at first, but around 35% I grew to like them and want them to be together even though it was impossible of course. However, it is HR and they do find each other (no spoiler there). What I liked was how possible it was at the end. It was a realistic solution that I didn't see coming. I thought it was going to be lame and unrealistic, BUT I was pleasantly surprised that they made it realistic on how they got to be together. Huzzah!

The cover is very pretty but so not accurate. SHOULDERS AND WRISTS! Queen Vicky would've fainted. Too prom-y, BUT I love the dress if you take off my historical hat and put my girl-y hat on. Cute. 

OooOOOOoo totally called who the murder was. The mystery WAS good. I did doubt my guess though here and there, but I was convinced on who it was and I was right. 

Let's see...mmmm...the beginning was a little hard to get into mainly because (like I said above) I really wasn't a fan of our H/h. They grew on me as I got to know them and then I fell for them and wanted them to succeed and get that HEA and that murderer. 

Overall, I did enjoy this quite a bit even though it took a hot minute for me to like our couple and I wish the cover was a touch more realistic. The mystery was good and I loved the ending. It was actually realistic and made sense. Duty IS duty after all. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. I must read more by this author for sure! Fun!

18 out of 16/25