Tizi’s Book Review

Could that spark really just be all imagined?

Synopsis

Vet Molly has always been career driven and focussed on caring for her animals, but when she meets a gorgeous Mystery Man at a conference and their connection is off the charts, well, one night off work won’t hurt anyone…except the next morning he’s vanished and all Molly knows about him is his first name.

Three months later, back in Love Heart Lane, everyone loves the story of Molly’s amazing one-night stand. It’s so unlike her! But when Mystery Man turns up walking his dog through Primrose Park and their night together seems to mean nothing to him, Molly needs her friends and neighbours more than ever. And especially when she’s left with the most unexpected of surprises…

My review

Vet Molly is ready for the next step in life. Her career is going all well, and her love and care for animals is well known around Love Heart Lane. And now she thinking about having a child of her own. Only problem, she is not in a relationship, as her friends point out. but there are other options right?
When on a conference she meets this hot new man, sparks immediately fly around and they spend the night together.
But the morning after the man just disappeared and all Molly knows he’s name is Cam and he’s a dentist. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack!
Three months later Molly is still thinking about the vanished Mystery Man, but is flabbergasted when she sees him walking around in Primrose Park with his dog. However the meeting is not what she expected as his behaviour is the total opposite compared with their first meeting.
Being a bit heartbroken, Molly needs the support of all her friends, especially when it’s clear that there is more in store for her!

I already loved all the characters of Love Heart Lane, so I knew I would be in for a treat! But no matter how much I knew I would enjoy reading this next chapter, it surprised me all over again!

Molly is a character I immediately liked. She truly cares for animals and is not afraid of a new adventure, like learning how make dogs behave. She has also her head on her shoulders. She didn’t have the easiest start in life, but after being adopted by the kindest people, she knows how lucky she has been.
After her night with Cam, I sometimes felt that she was acting a bit naïve. Because it was just a one night stand, and she has been glorifying the whole event a bit too much. However I loved her optimism!
On top of it all, I found it really sweet how she makes sure that Darling (don’t let the name fool you!) has a place to stay, and how she starts to care about Dixie, an elderly lady finding herself against her own will in a care home.
The way she befriends Dixie, without an ulterior motive than just the kindness of her heart, it’s just too sweet! And the lengths she goes to give Dixie the birthday she wishes!

Cam had my feelings switching from loving to hating and backwards! At the conference, I found him funny and irresistible. But then he left and when he sees Molly again, he acts like a cold prick! I just wanted to strangle him! And even after that, he goes all hot and cold with Molly! Talking about frustrating men! But I have to admit, at one point (I’m not going to say when, because when you’re reading the book yourself, you’ll know what I’m talking about!) I had my heart broken when he had his own heart broken…
But anyway, there are plenty of moments that also his kind character emerges, making me forget the way he acted before.

Again Love Heart Lane shows what an amazing community it is, as when everybody helps out when Primrose Park is destroyed. And Molly’s friends are the kind of friends you want to surround yourself with. Everybody in this beautiful place is there for each other, and nothing is too much to ask for.
Of course there are also some moments I wish I could just strangle certain characters, but the prevailing sense while reading was one of belonging, or at least wanting to belong in this beautiful setting with amazing people!

When a not so conventional book club becomes so much more.

Synopsis

Three friends, three single mums, one quest to find love…

It’s 8:30am and I’m already utterly exhausted. My son has lost his football boots, my daughter is ready for school dressed only in her vest and knickers, and of course, my 1-year-old has filled his nappy for what feels like the tenth time this morning.

As for my husband? He’s decided marriage doesn’t suit him, and well… buggered off.

All hope of ‘me time’ has but dwindled to sipping half a glass of wine whilst shouting after the kids. But everything is about to change.

I’m taking control of my life! I’ve joined… a book club.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Wow… live a little.’ But my fellow book clubbers, Amanda and Janey, are my lifelines. They understand the daily struggle because they’remothers too.

And in between the prosecco, Doritos and googling everything about Mr Darcy on SparkNotes, they’ve convinced me to go on a date with my boss.

A single mum of three looking for romance… what could possibly go wrong?

A gloriously funny and relatable read for anyone who just needs a little more ‘me time’. Fans of Why Mummy Drinks and Has Anyone Seen my Sex Life? will snort with laughter at this utterly hilarious and heart-warming read.

My review

Stephanie is a divorced mother of three, struggling with practically everything. Taking care of her kids, having an ex – husband who can be a real prick sometimes, and trying to make the end of the month, it can be a real hardship.
So when she starts a book club together with Amanda and Janey, women living nearby, it may not seem the most exciting hobby she could start. But quickly the Book Club becomes more than just that, because being mothers too, they understand each other’s situation better than anyone else.

So when Stephanie starts a part time job, it’s the women that persuade her to date her boss. Because being a single mum, struggling to keep everything afloat, dating your boss, nothing can go wrong, right?

When you are someone who loves to read, is there a book that would suit you better than a book about a book club? So I was really curious and enthusiast when I started this book by Victoria Cooke. And I was surely not disappointed when I finished it!

Stephanie is a woman who truly adores her kids and dog, but sometimes it can all be too much. And normally you have your friends around you to help out, but the people who she thought were her friends, turned out to be the kind that dump you rather than help you out…
So when she finds an ally in Janey, I was happy that she has found someone that understood her and wouldn’t hesitate to give a helping hand.
And when Amanda joins the club too, I felt it was a perfect match.

When Stephanie starts her new job at a vet, it’s just even a more perfect story! Not only because Edward is truly the most amazing, perfect character, but because this is a real 5 – for – the – price – of 1 bargain!
We have friendship, family, romance, animals and growth in one and the same story!

Beside all the above problems, there is also a dramatic event that Stephanie has endured as a child, that she is still struggling with. Even if this was truly dramatic, it added an extra layer to all the funny, quirky, entertaining moments.

Not only was this book fun to read, but it shows us also the power of friendship, how the right people by your side can elevate you, give that extra boost to just chase your dreams. And that love is always worthy of taking a chance, even if it is your boss!

Yes, the actual book club is not the most important aspect of this book, but does it matter? Because I enjoyed reading this story, seeing how Stephanie became more relaxed thanks to her friends. And I had so many funny moments, finding myself laughing and smiling all the time.
The author managed to write a story that was funny, sweet, a bit dramatic but overall a real joy to read!

Can a rootless wanderer find a place to call home?

Synopsis

‘Community spirit’ is not a phrase in travel junkie TaranRossi’s vocabulary. As a former ‘third culture kid’ and now spicy street food connoisseur and social media influencer, he’snever really stayed in one place long enough to feel part of a community. And that’s just the way he likes it.
But a springtime stint house sitting for his grandmother on Rendezvous Lane in East Nashville could lead to a long overdue wake-up call. With the help of single mum Sandy Warner and her young son Chip, can Taran come to understand that sometimes it’s not about the place – it’s about the people?

My review

Sandy Warner is a single mum and being there for her son Chip is the only thing that matters. One of the perks of living on Rendezvous Lane in East Nashville, is that the whole community is there to offer a helping hand whenever needed.
When Taran Rossi is housesitting his grandmother Beth’s house, who is also coincidentally Sandy’s neighbour, the attraction is hard to resist. Sandy and Taran have a lot in common, being both ‘third culture kids’, but are also very different. Sandy enjoys the sense of feeling at home in a place, while Taran is more a travel junkie, not ready at all to settle down.
However, will Taran discover that settling down in one place doesn’t mean giving up his freedom?

I have read several books of this author, and I knew beforehand how much I would enjoy reading this one.
But I can honestly say, that this one, is my favourite!

Sandy and Taran both have had a kind of same upbringing. They never had a place to put their roots and also their parents wouldn’t ever get the award for Best Parenting. They are ‘third culture kids’, meaning that they were raised in a culture other than their parents’.
Yet they are in a different mind-set. Sandy is a single mother, so she wants only the best for her son Chip, and that means putting her dreams away and also provide Chip a place to call home. And she also enjoys staying at Rendezvous Lane, surrounded by curious yet always helpful neighbours.
Taran on the other hand enjoys travelling all around the world, discovering new places and is even a social media influencer, with his food blog. Settling down is the last thing on his mind.

I loved reading how Sandy and Taran are getting closer, despite how hard they try not to. But the heart cannot be dictated, so closer they’ll get!
But not only the relationship between Sandy and Taran was nice to read, the relationship that truly melted my poor heart was that between Taran and Chip…
Chip is just too cute for words and how Taran interacts with him, is just worthy of several swoons!

This book wasn’t only a love story, but also a story about seeing things from a different point of view. Taran is adamant on never settling down, and even a relationship comes with an expiration date. But only when he meets Sandy and Chip, he sees how different his life could be. It could be different, but without giving up his passions so somehow his life can stay the same too!

Both our main characters have matured so much during this story, but not in a way that seems impossible. There are small changes, without changing their own self. Sandy and Taran both have a past that has scarred them, but having found kindred spirits, is allowing them to move forward.

I found this a sweet, tender, heart – warming, hopeful story. The sense of community, family and belonging was beautiful to read. The characters were very easy to like and love.
The story was perfect and an escape to a wonderful place, making me want to be living near Sandy, Chip, Taran and all the other inhabitants!

This Monday I am giving you this cove reveal. It surely has intruiged me!

Synopsis

Is her new husband really who she thinks he is?

When young doctor Lauren Matheson meets Joe, an older divorced businessman, at a glittering poolside in California, it’s a chance encounter that seems life-changing for them both. Back home in London, their feelings only strengthen. But Lauren soon discovers that building a happy future with Joe is going to be an uphill struggle…

She’s determined to be a good stepmother to his children, four-year-old Toby and complicated teen Grace. But under the watchful eye of Meredith, Joe’s intimidating ex-wife, Lauren can’t seem to do a thing right. Why won’t Joe ever take her side against Grace? And what really happened between him and Meredith?

As her husband retreats into a cold, secretive version of the dashing man she met in California, Lauren starts to wonder if she’s made a costly mistake. Was Joe ever the man she thought she married?

About the author

Carol Mason is the Amazon Charts and Kindle #1 bestselling author After You Left (more than 300,000 copies sold), The Secrets of Married Women, The Last Time We Met, The Shadow Between Us, Send Me A Lover and Little White Secrets which hit the Bookstat digital bestsellers list top 3 in the week of its launch. She was born in the North East of England where most of her novels are set. She now lives in Canada with her Canadian husband, a rescue dog from Kuwait and a three-legged cat. When not writing, Carol loves to read, cook and binge watch Netflix.

The cover

The effects of changes on your whole life.

Synopsis

Janey’s life becomes more disaster movie than romcom when the ruthless Becca steams in to manage Cheney House. Her job as head gardener in peril and her self-confidence in tatters, Janey must fight back. Finding an ally in Will, who’s more Clark Kent than Superman, it’s up to them to save the day while owner Clare is away having her Shirley Valentine moment. It doesn’t help that everyone is in love with the wrong people!

Why can’t people love the one who loves them back?

Will Cheney House survive – and will Janey ever get her When Harry Met Sally happy ending?

Find out in this warm-hearted romance from the author of the best-selling Millie Vanilla’s Cupcake Café, full of Gregory Peck look-a-likes, snowdrops, cake, and a cocker spaniel called Camilla.

My review

Janey loves her job as head gardener at Cheney House. At school she always had a hard time, but thanks to owner Clare she has found her passion for gardening and is even allowed to work on a project concerning snowdrops.
When Clare hires Becca to take over the management of Cheney House, Janey’s tranquil life turns upside down. Suddenly she has to fight for her job, for Cheney House itself and her own self – confidence is getting at its lowest point.
Luckily she has one unexpected person in her corner, Clare’s grandson Will. Together they are trying to save Cheney House from Becca’s claws and bad ideas while the same time Clare is enjoying her time away from everything and everyone.

You know what I find the hardest thing about writing a review? When you like a book but there isn’t a specific thing that made you like it extra.
And this book is such a case.

I immediately took a liking, and cannot pinpoint that one specific thing. It’s just generally such a loveable book.Janey is not the typical girly girl, but she enjoys dancing under the trees, walking around in clothes that make her feel comfortable and not looking at the latest fashion.
And that made her so recognizable for me, because I have some Janey aspects in me too. Also her tiny bit of self – confidence is recognizable and her fears are something I can easily comprehend.
Yet she manages to capture the attention of people who accept her as she is and she quickly befriends people that she never could imagine to like her.

Will is often described as more a Clark Kent than Superman. And luck would have it I truly like Clark Kent (maybe even more than Superman! 🤣).
I had a laugh when he first spotted Janey, dancing under the trees. And despite they being totally opposites, he finds himself always looking for her and feeling this attraction. And it’s obvious he has a kind heart because he helps out Janey however he can. It can be by standing up for her, but also helping her with her own problems.

I thought this would be an all romantic stories with just some minor dramas, but the dramas were even bigger and that was a nice extra. It’s not all fun and games for Janey, and the evolution she undergoes is admirable. She learns to stand up for herself, even dares to overcome her fears and would do the impossible for loveThis is a lovely story, with each kind character stealing a piece of my heart. And the characters with not so good intentions getting a real sense of hatred from me.

The author managed to write a captivating story about love, friendship, passion and overcoming fears that got me hooked from the start!

An unforgettable road trip back home.

Synopsis

From bestselling romantic comedy author Melissa Baldwin comes the road trip of a lifetime!

Successful Manhattan accountant Stacy Brown is shocked when her almost perfect life unexpectedly crumbles around her. Blindsided by her husband when he serves her with divorce papers and tossed aside by the women she considered her best friends, devastation and depression hit her hard. But when her mother sends her an old photograph of her and two childhood friends, Candace and Olivia, it fuels a desire in Stacy to find that person she once was. What starts as a chance to reconnect turns into an unforgettable road trip back to her childhood home and an encounter with a man from her past.

Gavin Kingsley, son of Stacy’s old piano teacher and former annoying boy next door, sparks something in Stacy that she hasn’t felt in a long time…maybe never? Despite her hesitation to jump into a relationship, Stacy can’t help being drawn to him as she and her girlfriends take a journey of self-discovery, laughs, tears, and hysterical moments. 

Can returning to her past give Stacy everything she’s been searching for in her future?

My review

Stacy Brown is a successful accountant in Manhattan, married to Greg, also an accountant and she is surrounded by her best friends.
Suddenly her world falls apart when Greg gives her divorce papers, and instead of finding comfort in her best friends, they put her aside.
Searching for a way to cheer Stacy up, her mother sends her a photograph of Stacy and her childhood friends Candace and Olivia. And that one photograph makes Stacy want to be that one person she used to be. What started as a way to reconnect, quickly evolves into a road trip with both women.
But the road trip doesn’t appear to be as laidback as thought, and Stacy is also wondering what is waiting there for her. Because again thanks to her mom, she is back in touch with Gavin Kingsley, son of Stacy’s old piano teacher and boy next door.

Is Stacy ready to meet a new/old man in her life? And is it possible to find again that old friendship with Candace and Olivia, or was there a reason that their friendship got lost?

Before I even started reading this book, I knew I would truly enjoy reading every bit of it!

In the first chapters, I felt very sorry for Stacy. Not only does her husband show her divorce papers out of the blue, but also her friends abandon her at the moment she needs them the most. So it’s obvious that Stacy is feeling alone and depressed.
And is there a better place to get over broken heart than home, surrounded by your parents?

It’s obvious that the road trip will be a total disaster. Not only does Olivia auto – invite herself, she doesn’t know that Candace will also be taking part. There is some bad blood between the two of them because of something that happened in the past, so Stacy kind of tricks the both of them.

While the three women are on their way, I had so many laughs. Not because I’m an evil woman, but just because they were acting like small children. And seeing how childish these adult could act, was just hilarious.

And then Gavin… I found him just adorable! Okay, it’s weird to call a grown up man ‘adorable’, but I cannot express in another way how I feel about him. After a bit of matchmaking of both mothers, the interaction between Gavin and Stacy was nice to read about. And the easy way they just are together was something that made me even a little bit jealous.

This was not only a story about a road trip, old friends finding each other or finding a new love interest. But I found it a story about picking up the pieces, forgiveness and just doing what feels right in your heart. Friendships can be made easily but can be also easily be broken, and the author managed to show us in a hilarious way that some friendships are worth to be found again.

I found this a funny, hilarious yet sweet book to read, impossible to put away!

When you hate a whole family, could there be one exception?

Synopsis

She hates all Warstones.

Can this one win her love?

Balthus of Warstone secretly loved Séverine, even though she was unhappily married to his brute of a brother, then she fled six years ago. Now her husband is dead, Balthus must find Séverine and reclaim her sons as his father’s heirs. Balthus’ desire is to claim her too, and despite his battle-maimed arm and her distrust of his family, he’ll prove he’s a suitor worthy of such a courageous woman…

My review

Séverine is on the run from her husband and his family. The Warstones are known for their cruelty and thirst for power.
Her marriage with Ian was not one of love, and it wasn’t a happy one. To protect her two young boys, she decided six years ago to run away.
But now her husband’s brother Balthus is tracking her down because her children are the heirs now that Ian is dead.
However, Séverine has no intention to be found so easily, and she is determined to fight for her freedom.
Little does she know that Balthus has always been secretly in love with her, and his desire to find her may have an ulterior motive…

Every time I start reading a book of this author, I think I know what  can expect. Yet every time she manages to write a story that is different from the previous one.

From the precious books, I already knew how the Warstones were. And it was a very disturbing picture I had in mind.
So I completely understood the necessity Séverine had of running away, to protect her boys the same fate.
Even if her life isn’t what she pictured to be like, she tries to make the best of it. And it’s obvious how much she loves her children, even if there is a small fear of how much they inherited from the violent side of the family.
No matter how much she hates and despises the Warstones, she always helps when someone is in need, even if the one in need is her brother – in – law Balthus, chasing her.And this aspect shows the reader what a good and kind character Séverine is.
Despite her fear for Balthus, she sees how much he is suffering from his disfigured arm and she uses her knowledge to relieve him from his constant pain.

Balthus was a bit of an enigma for me. Of course if he were a brute like his brother, this wouldn’t be very romantic story, but I was surprised to read how he was so different from his own family. He has this kindness over him and it made me wonder how he had this, since all the other members of his family lacked that.
He may seem like a mean warrior, but rather quickly get to know what his real feelings are. And even when he makes the wrong decisions, like keeping the truth from Séverine, he does it with the right intentions.

I loved reading about how Séverine would go lengths to protect her children, finding people ready to fight in her corner. Also how she has to learn to trust someone she would never expect to trust or have other kind of feelings for.
Seeing how the dynamics between Séverine and Balthus shifted, was something expected but also made me wonder how all the pieces would fit together.

Even if this book is part of a series, it can be perfectly read as a standalone. And it will easily grab your attention and you’ll find yourself happily submerged in a world of warriors, maidens but also a world of love and attraction.

When getting out of the picture is all you need.

Synopsis

Former TV star Brandi Tyler’s big screen debut crashed and burned amid rumors of an affair with her married co-star… Now, she wants nothing more than to quietly slink away from Hollywood. When she’s offered an opportunity to get out of town and work on a project involving the photographer that launched her career, it seems like the perfect escape! Unfortunately for Brandi, her famous face makes hiding out even a huge city like Houston a little tricky. 

When the celebrated photographer’s son offers to let her use his home for privacy, it seems like everything is falling into place. Little does she know that Michael Ames a gorgeous best selling author, and he comes with the package! As Brandi makes her way through old photographs and new scandals, Michael struggles with his next project, and they both fight the growing attraction between them. 

Maybe a posse of new girlfriends, some Texas-sized boozy brunches, and a little private time in the writer’s room will help this leading lady find her path back onscreen. And, if she can just picture it, maybe this time she’ll even find love?

My review

When her big debut on the big screen totally flopped, Brandi Tyler wants to disappear from Hollywood for a while. Especially when she is being accused of having a relationship with her married co – star.
So it’s obvious she accepts the opportunity to work on a project involving the photographer that discovered her. Yet even in Houston her face is too recognizable and it’s clear that staying at a hotel is not an option to have the required peace.
Luckily the photographer’s son, Michael, offers to stay at his place and enjoy the anonymity.
But Michael is not only the son of a famous photographer, he is also a famous author himself, even if he finds himself with a writer’s block.
Both Brandi and Michael are having their own struggles, yet their messaging takes a flirty tone. Will this new opportunity open Brandi’s eyes on what she truly wants? And is love also something she will find, beside a whole bunch of new friends?

Even if this story was not what I expected, I truly enjoyed reading it!

Brandi is an actress who was very successful on the little screen, but her debut on the big screen was a big flop. It saddened me to read how Brandi was some kind of victim of her own looks, because the project she signed on and the final result couldn’t be further away.
And to make things even worse for her, she is being accused of having an affair with her co – star.
Somehow this made me angry because no matter if it’s true or not, Brandi is the one who gets all the negative attention, while her co – star hasn’t been blamed for a bit.
And this is something that also happens in real life. Even if there are 2 people in an affair, the man always gets off easily while the woman has to endure so much more.

Yet I loved to read how Brandi gets to make new friends, and even if her new girlfriends couldn’t be further away from her own life, they accept her as she is, and not get all star struck. They treat Brandi like a ‘normal’ woman, inviting her for booze – brunches. And how did I want to be there too during those hilarious moments!

The interaction between Brandi and Michael was different. In the sense it fits completely in in this world full of virtual contact. But it was funny to read how people that are staying in the same house, prefer to use messaging instead of just talking to each other.
However those messages were perfect aligned with how I saw the characters myself. And of course it’s easier to say something over text than in real life. And even if Michael seems very awkward and distant face to face, he manages to show his real nature through messages.
Obviously, it’s also easier to flirt through text!
The whole Brandi – Michael relationship is like a slow burning fire. It’s not instant love, but slowly getting to know each other and they are both taking their time. it could be a bit frustrating as I just wanted the sparks to fly around, but somehow this pace was perfect!

I found this a very entertaining story about a woman ready to hide away, but having the opportunity to have the peace so she can decide what direction her life should take. She is having a whole different adventure with making new, real friends, and finding people she can just be herself and not that Hollywood star that got burned.
It shows us that true friends, old and new ones, stand by your side no matter what. And that love can be as satisfying when it’s a slow feeling turning into more compared to that instant attraction!

When going back home means a fresh start.

Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SEASIDE TOWN OF PORT AGNES.

A fresh start…

Midwife Ella Mehenick left the small Cornish town of Port Agnes for London and never looked back. But when her seemingly perfect life crashes down around her, there’s only one place she can heal her battered heart – the place she once called home. 

A new arrival…

Ella is quickly welcomed into the small community midwife team and loves her new job caring for mums and their precious babies – it’s what she does best! But being back also means facing ex-flame Dan Ferguson…the first man to break her heart. 

A second chance at love?

Dan is still as gorgeous as ever, but he’s never forgiven Ella for leaving. And now she’s back it’s clear that there is unfinished business between them. As Ella settles into her new/old life, she can’t stop the memories of how she once loved Dan so completely – and maybe never stopped.

Maybe coming home to Cornwall is Ella’s chance to love again…

Meet The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes- where community, friendship and love are always delivered.

An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!

This book was previously published as Return to Port Agnes.

My review

After having her heart broken and her humiliation has been going viral, midwife Ella Mehenick decides to go back home, in the small Cornish town of Port Agnes.
Being a midwife made to possible to find a job caring for mums and their babies in a great team, who has welcomed her with open arms.
But being back in a place you never wanted to go back to, isn’t easy. Especially when Ella keeps on meeting the man she had her first love with.

I found this a sweet story about picking up the pieces, rediscovering yourself and forgiveness.

When Ella finds herself being ditched a few minutes before getting married, I felt her shame too. It’s terrible when your fiancé decides you’re not the one after all, but when this happens at your wedding day, it’s just horror.
However Ella is adamant to get over the humiliation and sees this as the perfect opportunity to start over.

I loved reading more about the profession of being a midwife. Because not having children myself, I only know what I see on the television, movies or read in books. So it was even enlightening, reading that it’s not just being there whenever the baby decides it’s time. Now I see midwives also more as a “caring” person. They do everything for the baby, but also take care of the mother – to – be. They provide advice, help whenever and however they can. And that even how phobic or anxious the mother is, with a kind word a mother can already feel better. And Ella surely does even more than expected. She shows how she truly cares about her “patients” .

Being back home is not always easy for Ella, having nasty comments from not so nice people, and having your ex – boyfriend around.
However Ella quickly bonds with her colleagues and true friendships are being made. Also old friendships are being rekindled. And her feeling of belonging in Port Agnes only grows.

I had a sense of proudness when Ella allows Dan to explain the past and she realizes that there is always more to a story. It’s easy to stick to your grudge you’ve been holding for so many years. but here Ella shows how mature she is.
And Ella shows also how good of a friend she is while playing matchmaker.

This was a lovely book to read, taking place in a beautiful setting. But also with beautiful characters you easily warm to (the kind characters of course, there are a very few you would kick in the a**). I loved reading this story, making me appreciate midwives even more and making me fall in love with these characters that I would easily accept in my own life as my friends!

Never underestimate the persistence of a woman!

Synopsis

From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting–and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them–even into the arms of unexpected love. This feminist take on Regency-era Robin Hoods from USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant is destined to storm readers’ hearts!

Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues–and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other–if she can resist the attraction that draws them together…

As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. When the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger–and lead them to search their hearts like never before…

“A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series”

–Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author

“Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”

–USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller

My review

Scarlett Wynn will not let her tragic childhood dictate her future. She fights against the injustice against women, and when her seamstress disappears, Scarlett is determined to figure out what happened to her.
Even if a woman is in a disadvantage during Regency, Scarlett knows how to walk in London streets without being afraid. Because she knows how to fight and defend herself against characters with less good intentions.
When her search makes her path cross that of Ambrose Cross, they decide to put their strengths together to both find the answers to their missions, even if it brings them to an upscale brothel.
Joining their forces means spending time together, and a growing attraction. But with having such a different upbringing and being on a different state of mind, will attraction be the only thing in store for them?

If I’m being honest, the first chapters were a bit difficult for me. I found it hard to grasp just everything. But as I am a stubborn person, I refused to just give up. So I kept reading and in the end, I was glad I did!

I liked the idea of a group of women not afraid to fight against injustice. And this during Regency! Scarlett had a hard childhood, but that made her into the strong woman she is now. She is literally not afraid to take matters in her own hands. She stand her ground and knows how to defend herself. And the way she can keep herself invisible, it seemed to me that she was like a superhero!

I admired her determination to find out what happened to a person she knew, and she won’t let anyone hold her back. So when she meets the Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose Cross, who is also on a mission, but has a few outdated regards of what a woman should do or shouldn’t do, it’s a standard recipe for a clash.

Slowly Scarlett and Ambrose realize they have to learn to work together if they want to find out the truth.
And it was entertaining to read how these opposite characters feel an attraction but are doing their best to not give in.
The interaction between them was one of the things that kept me reading. Because their differences is part of the attraction but it’s also the thing that is keeping them apart.

I would have loved to read more about the Maidens of Mayhem and how it all started for these women, but I suppose that is something that will all be discovered in future books.

The mystery of disappearing women was something that intruiged me, especially reading how easy it was just to be gone and having no one that cares, with the exception of Scarlett of course. And how evil some people can be, because they are chasing their own fortune without regard for others…

Even if it is just fiction, it made me think how fortunate we are, as we have people that care for us and would go lengths to find us if necessary.

After the difficult start, I enjoyed reading this story about empowered women, a Duke acting very “un-duke-like” and a mystery about disappearing women.