Audio Book Review: The Trouble with Dukes, Windham Brides, Book 1, by Grace Burrowes

This is another charming Historical/Regency Romance by an author I like.
The Trouble with Dukes
Windham Brides, Book 1
By: Grace Burrowes
Narrated by: James Langton

Series: Windham Brides, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-20-16
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Scottish Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Windham series comes 'a wonderfully funny, moving romance,' (Eloisa James) perfect for fans of 'sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, [and] enchanting love stories' (Mary Balogh).
THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER... The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse--a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different. No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he'll take on any challenge--even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own. For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

Review:
Megan Windham is not the lead debutante although she is part of a wealthy, noble family. She is attractive, but short, a little feisty and her poor eyesight requires she wear glasses. She has not yet chosen a match but there is a particular, bullying man who is sniffing at her heals. She has secrets that make it awkward for her to refuse the attentions of Sir Fletcher. Megan is grateful to have Colonel, now Duke, Hamish MacHugh, step up as a buffer holding Fletcher at bay.

Hamish has terrible memories of the war as attested by his reputation now as the “Duke of Murder”. Very few people know the full story and Hamish has allowed the rumors as he expects to be out of London soon. Hamish is remaining in London to help escort his sisters through the London Season. As part of the activities, he finds himself sharing walks and waltzes with Megan. She brings out a softer side in him, but he thinks that she is hiding something that involves Sir Fletcher. The more Hamish sees Fletcher disrespectfully pursue Megan, the more Hamish is inclined to become her champion.

It has been too long since I enjoyed Ms. Burrowes rich romances. She creates engaging characters and threatened scandalous circumstances to overcome. I like the details she provides for society and war elements. I enjoy the friendship evolving into romance which is passionate but not gratuitous.

I thought that I had read and enjoyed earlier books in this series but now realize that I have read many of the Windham series but not the Windham Brides. So, I have more to look forward to. I recommend this author, book, and series to fans of historical romance.

Audio Notes: James Langton does a fine job with the narration. I was pleased he was able to provide fitting female voices as well as English and Scottish accents. The rich narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Here is a Link to other Burrowes’ titles I have reviewed.

Audio Review: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

This delightful story moved very quickly.
Secrets of a Summer Night
Written by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

Run Time 8h 35min
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.75.

Publisher Description
The Wallflowers
Four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands … no matter what it takes
Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.
Annabelle is determined to resist Simon’s wicked propositions, but she can’t deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle’s courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

Review:
Beautiful Annabelle has struggled through several seasons but remains a wallflower because she has no dowry. She is being pushed by her mother to marry a wealthy suitor but she hasn’t found anyone suitable. Meanwhile, the men figure that eventually she will agree to become a mistress to save her mother and younger brother. Annabelle and three other wallflowers decide to band together to help each other find a husband. Annabelle sets her sights on a mild-mannered young man who is being besieged by many unwed debutantes.

One extremely wealthy man, Simon Hunt, continues to take an interest in Annabelle but he is an on the fringes of good society as an entrepreneur rather than titled nobility. Simon isn’t necessarily looking for marriage, but the more he is around Annabelle the more he is drawn to her caring nature. Annabelle is proud and not sure if society will really accept someone like Simon, in spite of his money and good looks. But as they spend time together she begins to wonder what it would be like to be more intimate with him.

I enjoyed the collaborations of the four wallflowers, but I enjoyed the ‘push and repel’ attraction between Annabelle and Simon. I’m not sure I agree that Annabelle should have remained silent as long as she did, but it fit the story plot. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this type of historical romance with its society intrigues and sensual romance. I am looking forward to the next book in the series for Autumn (It Happened One Autumn).

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator for this genre. She presents engaging, distinct voices, and strong energy fitting the emotions. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

Source: July 2021 Purchase at Chirp for $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Season goals.

Audible Book Review: Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance by Anya Wylde

This is a light, "madcap" romance.

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
Publisher: Anya Wylde
Genre: Comedy, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure, and, of course, toe-curling romance.
The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley - the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy - things change.
With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her. Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.
©2016 Anya Wylde (P)2020 Anya Wylde

Review:
Dorothy feels that she is the least attractive of the Fairweather sisters. She has had three whole seasons without landing a suitable marriage proposal. Finally, she has found a man to love. Her sisters are thrilled, even when they learn who the man is.

Dorothy’s best friend, Kitty, agrees to help Dorothy win the man of her dreams. Dorothy met Kitty’s beau interest, Lord William Edmund Huxley, when Dorothy stumbled in front of his carriage. He is one of the most handsome and marriageable men in ton. He was very kind and helpful to Dorothy, but her brother-in-law has a feud with Huxley. At the next social outing Kitty and Dorothy agree to talk to the man the other is interested in to try to encourage the man’s interest in their friend. Although Huxley is polite to Dorothy, he objects to her efforts to put Kitty in his path.

After the event, Kitty strangely avoids Dorothy for several days. She appears one morning acting distressed and upset. The next thing they learn that Kitty has gone missing. Dorothy is sure that she has suffered at the hands of Huxley. In an effort to find out information Dorothy sneaks into Huxley’s home and ends up in a compromising situation that she never intended. To protect his own family from scandal, Huxley proclaims Dorothy to be his affianced. Now everyone is angry with her.

Dorothy doesn’t have any way out of the rushed marriage. She knows that she isn’t welcome by Huxley’s step-mother and half-sister. Dorothy discovers all sorts of strange occupants in Huxley’s home and she secretly adds an orphaned boy with the help of the staff. Although the staff was initially standoffish, Dorothy’s sweet actions begin to win them over.

Still, Dorothy is frustrated by the sense of attraction with her husband which he keeps denying as he pushes her away. She struggles with depression wondering if she will have to live her life alone, without the love of a husband and without the support of her family. What surprising events can change her stressed situation? The family warmth is lovely, and they won’t ignore Dorothy’s distress too long.

Anya Wylde consistently delivers fun, “madcap” stories with likable characters, sweet romance and an easy read. Certainly there are situations that might cause an eye roll but I liked Dorothy, even with her clumsy exuberance. Huxley is a great character who is willing to sing to soothe his distraught bride. It was a puzzle till the end to understand his reluctance to accept and share love.

Although this is book three in the series, I felt it read fine as a stand-alone. I realized that I have book one, Penelope, in my Kindle library and I hope to pull that up to read this year. I recommend this story and this author to readers who enjoy easy reading, fun Regency romance.

Audio Notes: Deryn Oliver does a lovely job with the narration including sweet singing! The overall audio presentation is charming.

Source: February 2021 Author Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Author goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Kit and Elizabeth by Karen Tuft

I totally enjoyed this delightful, easy Regency romance.
Kit and Elizabeth
by Karen Tuft

Print Length : 296 pages
File Size : 1438 KB
Publisher : Covenant Communications (December 1, 2019)
ASIN : B07YF4PBBW
Genre: Historical, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Lady Elizabeth Spaulding’s world has fallen apart. Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth’s second failed betrothal, her father’s debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth’s fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady’s companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit’s enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

Review:
Elizabeth is deeply aware that she was a disappointment for not being born a male and heir for her father. She has spent her life trying to be a properly behaved Duke’s daughter in hopes of gaining the affection of her parents. She was aware as a teen that marriage arrangements had been made for her with Alex. Although Elizabeth was infatuated with the handsome Earl, it became clear after a season or two that he was avoiding the marriage. Then he died unexpectedly leaving Elizabeth and her family in an awkward circumstance.

When Alex’s brother, Anthony, who was believed to be dead, returns home, Elizabeth’s father makes it clear that the marriage contract is shifted to him. But Elizabeth knows that Anthony’s interest is engaged elsewhere. Elizabeth releases him from the commitment raising the extreme anger and disgust of her father. Her father creates a scandal and then abandons Elizabeth and her mother with destroyed finances.

Elizabeth has spent the last year in seclusion with her angry mother at the family country manor. An elderly friend, Lady Walmsley, coerces Kit, an Earl and friend of Alex, to help retrieve Elizabeth to become her companion. They arrive just in time as news arrives that the Duke has died and the new Duke and Duchess are ready to move into the family home. Lady Walmsley and Kit are dismayed to find a dispirited young woman instead of the charming and assured young woman of the year before.

Kit sets out to push Elizabeth out of her complacent self-deprivation and to realize that she is more than the disappointment her parents belittled. Slowly Elizabeth begins to break out of her shell and a surprising event makes Elizabeth even more aware of the lack of approval in her childhood. 

 I enjoyed this historical romance that was focused on the characters. Elizabeth is emotionally injured but she is kind and determined. Kit is a lovely light-hearted hero, seeking to help Lizzie find a place of joy. There is tension in the light and growing attraction all supplemented by family drama. I often like a little mystery in my romance but this book shows that the right author can deliver an engaging romance even without mystery. I will look forward to reading more by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, Regency romance.

Source: NetGalley (2019 request received 2020). This qualifies for my 2020NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: A Bachelor Establishment by Jodi Taylor

This is a charming Regency Romance.
A Bachelor Establishment
By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Anna Bentinck

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-15-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Humor, Historical Romance, Regency Romance
My Rating: 5.0 Overall; story and narration!

Publisher's Summary
High adventure and dark mystery combine in a sparkling historical romance, by Jodi Taylor writing as Isabella Barclay from The Chronicles of St. Mary's.
Bascombe, widowed and tied to an impoverished estate, has learned to ask little of life. With no hope of leaving, the years have passed her by. Lord Ryde, exiled abroad after a scandal, has returned to strip his estate and make a new start in America. A chance encounter changes their plans, plunging Elinor and Lord Ryde into adventure and not a little peril until, finally, they are forced to confront the mystery of what happened on that night, all those years ago.
Are they both so entangled in the riddles of the past that they are about to miss this one last opportunity for future happiness?
©2015 Jodi Taylor (P)2015 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Elinor Bascombe is a widow trying to maintain the impoverished estate of her missing brother-in-law. The brother-in-law, a younger son, had championed Elinor against her abusive husband but he disappeared under suspicious circumstances and has not been heard of for 14 years.

Elinor has an unexpected encounter with her neighbor Lord Ryde. He has been abroad for years after being punished by his father over young man scandal. Lord Ryde has returned to strip the home estate he detests and move to America for a fresh start. Elinor and Lord Ryde hit if off on a strident tone. Their unplanned second meeting thrusts them into danger when shots are fired in their midst.

Lord Ryde steps in to protect Elinor and their close encounter places them into a close situation where a grating friendship blooms even as they have to face their different, passioned views on what happened the night years ago when Lord Ryde’s father died.

I do enjoy historical romance with a mystery and this story is wonderful. I loved the characters and the humorous tone of this story from beginning to end. The tension existed between the characters throughout and it was fun to see their romance grow beyond their differences. The jousting repartee does eventually turn into some very nice prose. The danger of an unknown assailant, and confusion as to the actual target, adds to the conflict and adventure of the plot.

I have enjoyed several of the St. Mary Chronicles series by Jodi Taylor and yet missed the pen name Isabella Barclay. It is perfectly fitting with the wonderful humor of this author. I liked that the romance was not graphically overdone. I want to read/listen to more in this nature. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good Regency with mystery.

Audio Notes: Anna Bentinck does a spot-on job with the narration. I enjoyed the voices for female and male characters. I will take a look at other books narrated by Bentinck. I am glad to have listened to this.

Source: January 2018 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet goals.