Book Review: The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles

The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting (Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune #1)
Publisher: Orion
Pub Date: 25 January 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4.5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces.

Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury’s heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn’t impressed by good looks or fooled by false charm. He’s sure Robin is a liar, a fortune hunter, and a heartless, greedy fraud – and he’ll protect his niece, whatever it takes.

Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care – more than either of them thought possible.

But Robin’s cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Previously enslaved character and mention of enslavement, references to emotional and financial abuse of spouses and children, vomiting

TL;DR: The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting is a great historical queer romance! I forgot how much I enjoy KJ Charles’ books, but I’m glad that this one reminded me. If you enjoy historical romances with great social commentary, explorations of what it means to be family, snarky swoony banter, and delightfully charged yet playfully sensual moments, I would recommend checking this out. Robin and Hart were wonderful MCs and I highly enjoyed their POVs. These two quickly wormed their way into my heart and I rooted so hard for them to get their HEA because they’re so deserving of the good things! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

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Book Review: Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean

Hitched to the Gunslinger (Gunslinger #1)
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Pub Date: 24 August 2021
Genre: Historical Western Romance

Panda Rating:

(5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.

There goes his peace and quiet…

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS

Death of parent (off page), gambling, alcoholism (side character), gun violence, extortion, attempted murder

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Book Review: The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid

The Wolf and the Wildflower
Publisher: Amara
Pub Date: 27 February 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Reid’s addictive tale of two lost people who are found…by each other.

London is buzzing with the news that James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton—thought lost at sea a decade ago—survived in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon. Now he’s been returned to his family, his responsibilities, and a nightmarish world of artifice and noise. He has three weeks to become a refined, elegant duke for the Queen…or doom the entire family to ruin and scandal.

Promising psychologist Jules Southby knows a lot about disguises. She’s secretly been living as a boy since birth, enjoying the freedoms of men and knowing little about how to behave like a woman. When she meets the alluring duke, she’s unprepared for his raw, masculine beauty and icy intelligence…or that he can see through her darkest secret.

Jules has very little time to transform the duke into a true semblance of an English gentleman. Yet his very presence seems to unravel her in every way. Their attraction is stark and achingly real—and forbidden. But loving the lost duke would mean losing every sacrifice she’s made to earn her freedom…

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Difficult childbirth, forced pregnancy (not the FMC)

TL;DR: This plot was absolutely bonkers but it is absolutely the best thing about historical romances. What a romp! I loved Jules and James so much and the way their relationship evolves throughout the story. The way this man fell on his knees for this woman had me swoony! And his nose and sense of smell… 👀 Other than the fun and sexy elements of this book, this also had some emotionally heavy and trauma-filled moments but Reid handled them so well! Overall, a delight and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

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Book Review: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

Indigo
Publisher: NYLA
Pub Date: 1 November 1996
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4.5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan’s Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn’t hesitate even after she is told about the price on his head. The man in question is the great conductor known as the “Black Daniel” a vital member of the North’s Underground railroad network, but Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him.

When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester’s cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the south. However, as he heals he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt. Her innocence fills him like a breath of fresh air and he is determined to make her his, but traitors have to be found, slave catchers have to be routed and Hester’s refusal to trust her own heart have to be overcome before she and Galen can find the freedom only love can bring.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Slavery, racism, racist slurs, gun violence, kidnapping

Before I get into my review I just want to say: can we get the clinch cover back for this romance, please!? It’s stunning and I want and need it in my life, please and thank you. 🥹

TL;DR: I’ve found another new favourite Jenkins romance! Even set against the tension-filled backdrop of a time of slavery, fugitive slaves and the dangers of being a conductor in the Underground Railroad, Jenkins manages to write a heartfelt and sensual romance full of yearning and I loved it. I was pulled in from their caustic first meeting to the tender blooming of their feelings to their intense chemistry and hot-as-hell sexual tension. I loved Hester and Galen so much!

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Series Review: Destiny by Beverly Jenkins

I’m in my Beverly Jenkins era in 2024 and I’m not mad about it at all. Bev Jenkins is a staple in the historical romance genre and I’m beyond glad that I finally picked up her books this year! Lucky for me (though unlucky for my bank, lol) she has a huge backlist to work through so I have no fear of running out of books to read but this was a cracking start!

TL;DR: The Destiny series is a great historical romance series featuring strong and feisty heroines, delightfully simp-tastic heroes, and a host of amazing and loveable side characters. Jenkins’ combination of sensual romance, strong family ties, and history continue to have me falling in love with her stories and characters as well as learning so much that I had never heard of before; especially about the experience and treatment of BIPOC people throughout American history. There was so much I didn’t know and so much knowledge I walked away with each time. I can’t recommend Jenkins enough! 😍

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Book Review: Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins

Night Hawk
Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: 25 October 2011
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

Outlaw. Preacher. Night Hawk. He’s had many names, but he can’t escape the past.

Since Ian Vance’s beloved wife was murdered years ago, the hardened bounty hunter know she’ll never feel love or tenderness again, so he’s made it his mission to ensure others get their justice. But when he’s charged with delivering a sharp-eyed beauty to the law, Ian can’t help but feel he may still have something left to lose.

Orphaned at twelve, Maggie Freeman has always found her way out of trouble. But now there’s a vigilante mob at her back who would like nothing more than to see her hang for a crime she didn’t commit. Maggie may have to accept help for the first time in her life… even if it’s from the one man standing between her and freedom.

As the past closes in, the sassy prisoner and toughened lawman may just find a passion between them that could bring blinding happiness… if they’ll let it.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Physical abuse, violence against women, slavery, forced prostitution, gun violence, racism, mentions of mob violence and lynching, mentions of forced assimilation and residential schools, police corruption, xenophobia

TL;DR: I can proudly call myself a historical romance girlie now because I’ve finally read a Bev Jenkins historical romance! 😂 I’m ashamed it took me so long to pick one up, even if I’ve read one of her contemporary romantic suspense novellas before. And what everyone says is true—this was fantastic! Not only was this delightfully sensual and heartwarming but I learned so much about parts of American history that were completely new to me (and perhaps will be to other readers as well). I’m so glad I’ve already got more Bev Jenkins on my Kindle because I’ll be reading more this year!

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Mini Book Review: The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy

The Duke Gets Desperate (Sirens in Silk #1)
Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: 26 September 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor–home to twelve generations of dukes–to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back…

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Misogyny, racism, xenophobia, attempted murder

TL;DR: The Duke Gets Desperate was not what I expected in the best way! I have to admit that this got off to a bit of a rocky start for me but my feelings (thankfully) changed along the way. Raya and (eventually) Anthony were so easy to root for. I love it when an MMC falls first and this man falls hard and fast for Raya and not in an instalove way because they properly couldn’t stand each other to start. And the mouth on him was quite a surprise! 😂🥵 Overall, this was a feisty and sexy historical romance and I’m excited to read more by this author.

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Book Review: Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Bombshell (Hell’s Belles #1)
Publisher: Piatkus
Pub Date: 24 August 2021
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4.5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with a blazingly sexy, unapologetically feminist new series, Hell’s Belles, beginning with a bold, bombshell of a heroine, able to dispose of a scoundrel – or seduce one – in a single night.

Sometimes the best gentleman for the job is a lady.

After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem. No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.

TL;DR: Bombshell was such a fun, empowering, sexy, and totally swoony historical romance! MacLean’s writing is so entertaining and made it incredibly easy to devour this in one sitting. I loved this group of powerful society ladies working to smash the patriarchy, one power-hungry, corrupt and deplorable man of the ton at a time. Sesily and Caleb were a fantastic couple who had incendiary chemistry and a deliciously angsty romance full of pining, and that had me feeling giddy with delight. I can’t wait to continue this series and see what else these Hell’s Belles get up to!

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Book Review: The Duke Effect by Sophie Jordan

The Duke Effect (The Rogue Files #7)
Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: 27 October 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(4 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

Young Rhea is a miller’s daughter of low birth, so she is understandably surprised when a mysterious nobleman, Lord Crevan, shows up on her doorstep and proposes marriage. Since commoners don’t turn down lords—no matter how sinister they may seem—Rhea is forced to agree to the engagement.

Lord Crevan demands that Rhea visit his remote manor before their wedding. Upon arrival, she discovers that not only was her betrothed married six times before, but his previous wives are all imprisoned in his enchanted castle. Determined not to share their same fate, Rhea asserts her desire for freedom. In answer, Lord Crevan gives Rhea a series of magical tasks to complete, with the threat “Come back before dawn, or else I’ll marry you.”

With time running out and each task more dangerous and bizarre than the last, Rhea must use her resourcefulness, compassion, and bravery to rally the other wives and defeat the sorcerer before he binds her to him forever.

TL;DR: The Duke Effect was a fun historical romp that features an opposites-attract romance featuring a sassy whip-smart FMC and a starchy do-gooder MMC. I loved the evolution of Nora and Constantine’s relationship from antagonistic acquaintances due to the mistaken/hidden identity trope but eventually grows into mutual respect, trust, friendship, and eventually, love. It was angsty, swoony, and a bit cheesy but so good!

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Mini Book Reviews: Highland Brides 1-2 by Lynsay Sands

An English Bride in Scotland (Highland Brides #1)
Pub Date: 25 June 2013
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

(3.5 pandas)

📖 SYNOPSIS

From New York Times bestselling author of The Husband Hunt , The Heiress , and other beloved historical romances, comes Lynsay Sands’s An English Bride in Scotland, the first book in a new series set in the wilds of the Highlands.

Annabel had planned to become a nun. But when her mother arrives at the Abbey to bring her home to marry a Scottish laird—her runaway sister’s intended husband—her life takes a decidedly different turn.

And though Annabel isn’t the wife he’d planned for, strong, sexy Ross McKay is taken with his shy, sweet bride.

Annabel knows nothing about being a wife, running a castle—or the marriage bed. But her handsome new husband makes her want to learn. When Annabel’s life is threatened, Ross vows to move the highlands itself to save her and preserve the passion that’s only beginning to bloom.

TL;DR: This book doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously and neither did I, so therefore, neither should you! It’s simply a good, silly, fun and sexy time. If you go into this expecting the plot to be serious and the characters to be anything more than one-dimensional, you’re bound to be disappointed and you might as well skip it. BUT if you want a quick and mostly painless (though not for the characters) romance to pass the time and aren’t averse to general ridiculousness, multiple concussions and orgasms, then why not give it a go?

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