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.

Audio Book Review: Someone to Care by Mary Balogh

As usual, I enjoyed this Historical Romance by Mary Balogh.

Someone to Care
Written By: Mary Balogh
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: May 2018
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes
Genre: Historical Romance,Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
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.

Review:
Viola Kingsley has been dealing with the revelation on the death of her husband the Earl of Riverdale, that her marriage was invalid and her children were born out of wedlock. Although the Earl’s true heir is willing to share the estate fortune, Viola has stayed apart and quiet. Her eldest daughter has made a new life and marriage that she is happy with. Her son has taken a commission in the army and her youngest daughter, soon of age to enter society, is still at home with Viola. After a family gathering Viola has a private meltdown. She takes off on her own, not even taking one of the family carriages.

When the rented conveyance results in her being stranded at a nondescript country inn, Viola is surprised to see someone she knows across the room. Marcel Lamarr had flirted with Viola 15 years before but she had told him to go away. Her first marriage was arranged by her father and there was no love between Viola and the Earl but Viola has always been proper and stayed in her duties and circumstances. Viola has accepted that she may not be destined to have a “happy ever after.”

Marcel is a rake who doesn’t believe he is entitled to a normal married life. Marcel sends his brother on home without him so that he can approach Viola. He proposes that they ‘run away’ for a few weeks and to his surprise she agrees.

Marcel isn’t the easiest character to like but Viola is able to pull him out of his shell. I enjoyed their growing relationship and the dilemma they find themselves in when their families discover their tryst. Although these characters flout convention, as usual, Balogh creates a situation of conflict that resolves into a HEA. I recommend this author and this story to those who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator for this genre. Her accents fit the characters and she is able to give each one a voice and fitting personality. I enjoyed listening to this novel.

Source: July 2019 Audiobooks.com two for one credit. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

This is nicely romantic although not my favorite by this author.

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
A Bridgertons Prequel
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Rokesbys, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 5.0

Publisher's Summary
With her brother, Thomas, injured on the battlefront in the colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health.
But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie.
When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out three months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is - even if he does not recall her face - and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.
Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself - completely - to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby.
©2017 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Cecilia just lost her (less than caring) father when she receives a military letter that her brother Thomas has been injured. Cecilia sets off across the Atlantic to the Colonies to find her brother. Instead she discovers her brother’s best friend, Edward, in hospital. In order to be allowed to take care of Edward, Cecilia impulsively declares that she is Edward’s wife.

Edward wakes up from a coma and recognizes Cecilia from a miniature that Thomas carried. But he has lost several months of his memory and doesn’t remember the circumstances leading to his marriage to Cecilia. It could be, as Cecilia explains, that Thomas asked him to take care of her and that they were married by proxy.

Cecilia was a faithful correspondent with Thomas and after a time Edward shared in those letters. The pair enjoyed sharing humor and a gentle flirtation through the letters. As Cecilia cares for Edward, their friendship grows. Edward is more than open to accepting her as his wife even as he is willing to give her a chance to prepare for consummating the marriage.

Cecilia knows she needs to tell Edward the truth. He is bound to get his memory back at some point. She just can’t seem to find the right time to speak up. Besides, she has talked herself into experience the brief chance at happiness that she might have. Of course, a day of reckoning will come and how will Edward respond to learning she not only made up the lie initially but continued it to a point of compromising his honor?

I really enjoyed the excerpts of the letters that started each chapter. This fills in the history and letter romance that germinates between the pair. I liked the caring, mostly self-assured, character of Cecilia and loved the strongly honorable character of Edward. It was clear from the title and beginning that the pretend marriage was going to create conflict when it would finally be exposed. I had to keep shaking my head as Cecilia remained silent when she could, and should, have spoken out. In addition to that frustration the author pushed my comfort level with a little too much sexual content; not utterly graphic but certainly sizzling. (As much as I do like Julia Quinn she does have a few books that are heavily sizzling, especially some of her early stand alones.) Although this might not be my favorite of the Quinn novels, I do recommend her historical romance titles to readers who enjoy the genre (especially if they like a little zing).

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor, as always, is excellent in the narration performance. She presents good voices that fit the personalities and she adds lovely animation to the story. I always like to listen to Landor narrating these titles on audio.

Source: December 2018 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook, 2019Alphabet and Continuing Series goals.

Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

This is a light, fun Regency Romance by an author I really enjoy.

What Happens in London
Written by: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
Series: Bevelstoke, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-30-09
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London
When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something. Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security.
He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .
©2009 Julie Cotler Pottinger; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Olivia is a young beauty who hasn’t been interested by the men who have sought her out during her first season. She becomes interested in her neighbor when her friends share a rumor that he murdered his fiancée. Olivia argues against their unsupported suspicions but that doesn’t deter her own curiosity. From her bedroom window on the second floor, she begins to watch Sir Harry through his study window on the first floor. She observes some odd, if not nefarious, behavior until she is embarrassed that Sir Harry has seen her through the window.

Sir Harry is annoyed by the young woman who has ‘spied’ on him for a week. He even created some scenes for her benefit. When they meet at a ton event, there is quick distrust and animosity between them. Harry is not a spy but he does Russian translations for the government office. He is asked to watch and report on activities of the Russian Prince whose actions in London are suspect and who has taken an interest in Olivia. Over several days, Harry and Olivia begin to share reading a book and conversation through their windows. Harry soon feels compelled to protect Olivia from any advances by the experienced Prince. Although their friendship is growing, Harry hasn’t shared his Russian background with Olivia. Olivia gets caught in a kidnapping scheme and Harry and the Russian bodyguard race to the rescue. Olivia has suffered the trauma of being kidnapped but now she realizes that Harry had ulterior motives for paying any attention to her. Will he be able to get her to talk to him again, much less trust him?

Listening to this reminded me that I have always enjoyed the likeable characters and conflicts that Julia Quinn creates. Quinn shares a good dose of humor and the unorthodox friendship and unacknowledged courtship between Harry and Olivia is fun to follow. There are secrets building to obvious conflict but getting to the HEA is entertaining. There is sensuality with one particular sexual encounter which isn’t overly graphic. I recommend this book and author to readers who enjoy Regency Historical Romances.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor does a fine job with the narration. She conveys the light heartedness of Olivia and the more serious character of Harry with equal ease. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

This was in my Audible library since 2012. It qualifies for Audio and Mount TBR Challenges as well as "W" for Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

A delightful, warm historical romance with a wonderful narrator.
Ten Things I Love About You
    by Julia Quinn
    Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

    LENGTH    9 hrs and 46 mins
    RELEASE DATE    05-25-10
    PUBLISHER    HarperAudio
Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Ten things you should know about this book....
1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.
2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.
3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.
4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.
5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.
6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.
Number 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to:
10. Happily. Ever. After.
©2010 Julie Cotler Pottinger (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Country raised Annabelle is the eldest of many children who needs to make an advantageous marriage to help secure the future happiness of her siblings. Annabelle’s rather outrageous grandmother is pleased that it appears they have snagged wealthy Lord Newbury as a match. He is elderly and desperately needs an heir, especially since he doesn’t want his nephew, Sebastian, to inherit. Annabelle isn’t thrilled with the idea of marrying the rotund man who is as old as her grandparents. But she is mostly reconciled to doing her duty, until she accidentally meets a charming rogue on a dark field.

Sebastian is certainly a rogue but he is really warm and likeable. He doesn’t believe in love and has been in no big hurry to settle down. The ton members think he is a poor relative waiting to inherit from his uncle, Lord Newbury, but Sebastian has actually provided funds for himself through a rather surprising, if secretive, means.

Sebastian is drawn to the witty, outspoken, and lovely young woman he meets out in the field at a party. He realizes she is trying to dodge someone as they stumble into a bantering discussion without proper introductions. He is pleased to see her again and begins to pursue her until he discovers that she is intended to be his uncle’s young bride (and brood mare)!

Annabelle finds herself in a society fix caught in an ugly family rival between uncle and nephew. If they both abandon her she will be shamed and no one will be interested in her. Sebastian’s good friend convinces him to step up and at least pretend to court Annabelle in order to save her reputation. This gives them the chance to spend time together and grow fond of each other even as it places them in more awkward difficulties that have to be unraveled. Plus Lord Newbury isn’t about to let this situation pass gracefully.

I have always enjoyed the historical romances of Julia Quinn and was reminded why when I listened to this fun audiobook. There is always warmth in Ms. Quinn’s characters with enjoyable verbal interplay. Even what might not be an altogether original plot becomes fun as the reader follows the heroine’s struggles to avoid an unwanted, arranged marriage and societal obstacles as she and an unsuspecting stranger discover they just might be falling in love. I highly recommend this book and this author to readers who enjoy witty historical romance, especially those that like their romances sensual without crossing over into steamy.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor offers a delightful audio performance of this book. The voices fit the characters and the subtle energies and humor are properly conveyed throughout the audio. The narration enhanced the book enjoyment for me.

This was a download from my own Audible library.