The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews {Tour Review & Giveaway}

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Bells of London #2) by Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: October 11, 2022
432 pages

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is simply amazing! I was prepared to enjoy this delicious treat over the course of a few days and just like with any of my guilty pleasures, I completely binged on it--I couldn't help it and I couldn't put it down! 

 Mimi Matthews created a delightful masterpiece of a story that captivated every morsel of my heart and soul. Loosely based on a classic fairy tale (one of my favorites), I was eager to settle into London society once again, and I was intrigued--a beautiful girl with her nose always stuck in a book; a dashing, brooding war hero in need of money to rebuild his crumbling estate; a rag-tag group of illegitimate children in desperate need of a mother; and a marriage of convenience.

Matthews vividly brought these characters to life with her beautiful prose and unique twists and turns. Julia was easy for me to relate to, with her slight social anxieties and desire to read and escape than to do almost anything else. Jasper's brooding and intimidating countenance made for some very interesting encounters, especially with his romantic sparkles. 

I adored every interaction between Jasper and Julia, but especially the unconventional marriage arrangement and its results. This nearly gothic romance, featuring some wonderfully written characters, is the perfect addition to the Belles of London series.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, chemistry, some innuendo, fade-to-black between married couple, mistress); mild language; mild descriptions of peril and war-type violence

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

GIVEAWAY

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway that book tour participants can add to
their post and on social media. Here are the details:

• Giveaway period: October 3 – October 30
   
• Terms & Conditions:
   
• Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18
  years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and
  will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of
  the book to the winner. Void where prohibited.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives a paperback copy of The Belle
of Belgrave Square, signed and annotated by the author with personal comments,
underlining of her favorite lines, and other highlights by Mimi Matthews.
Giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 10/03/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on
10/30/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog on 10/31/22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson {Book Review + Giveaway}

 A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  AMAZON

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh, how I love a good arranged marriage and when a royal is thrown in, I'm all over it. Prince Marc and Rhianna seem to hit it off immediately, despite their trepidations, but he just can't commit. I devoured every single interaction between these two and wanted to shake some sense into the prince.

Rhianna is a very likable character and I could feel her eagerness and anticipation of her new situation, as well as her dedication and loyalty to what she's leaving behind. The slight Cinderella vibe with some twists and turns pierced my heart and kept me turning the pages.

Then we have the handsome, sweet, and utterly adorable prince. Marc is an overly devoted man, almost thinking of others too much and overthinking possible scenarios that may or may not happen, but his humor and connection to Rhi is what dreams are made of. This was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I loved the setting and the slew of princes had my heart melting. There are some amazing stories in store for each of them and I'm here for them. Johnson does a phenomenal job of creating a story worth reading and dreaming of.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

To Kiss a Wallflower {Book Review}

To Kiss a Wallflower by Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore, and Anneka R. Walker

 

Eventually, all wallflowers will have their chance at love . . . This is where it begins.

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson
Lottie Hughes likes people, as long as they aren't too close. Does it bother her that no one asks her to dance? Yes, but she's not sure how to drum up dance partners when she has almost no dowry, no title, and freezes up when anyone tries to talk to her. When she suddenly inherits a huge amount and is the new center of attention all over London, her secret dreams might come true but also her worst nightmares. Suddenly everyone wants to talk to her. Men ask her to dance. And she is inundated with interested suitors. She fights to stay close to the few friends she knows are true. One man saw her before her life changed forever. But does she want to accept his help when he, too, might be insincere?

Letters to a Wallflower by Heather B. Moore
Ellen might be beautiful and considered a diamond of the first water by Society, but she is so very tired of the pressure to marry a titled gentleman so that her beauty won’t go to waste. When her cousin Dinah dares Ellen to attend a ball with no frills and to stand with the wallflowers, Ellen takes on the dare. What’s in the wager for her? The prize cuttings of her aunt’s extraordinary roses. But what Ellen isn’t expecting is Lord Ravenshire to engage her in the most interesting conversation. When she confesses to him of her opposition in marrying for a title, he confesses his distaste of the London scene. They strike a bargain together, one which will either push them apart or lead to a future sweeter than either of them could have imagined.

To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka R. Walker
Charlotte Winters is destined to spinsterhood until she turns down an unwanted proposal and everything changes. With gossip rampant, her father attempts to salvage her reputation by betrothing her to another. Soon she is sent off to her aunt’s to meet Lord Templeton, her intended. Anxiety-ridden, Charlotte begs her aunt to let her observe Lord Templeton from afar before their introduction. She never planned to pretend to be her fictional cousin to learn more about him, or to fall in love with Lord Templeton’s friend in the process. Lord Templeton dreads returning to the empty halls of Newcliff Manor. When his father’s old friend, Mr. Winters reaches out for assistance, Lord Templeton finds himself returning home engaged to a woman he has never met. Desperate to learn more about Miss Winters, he befriends her cousin. He wouldn’t have spoken to her, or lied about his identity, if he’d known the quiet woman would sneak into his heart.

AMAZON

My Review: 5 Stars 

What a darling set of stories, all with a wallflower theme. I loved the settings and picturing the situations.

I love these collections because each author has a slightly different writing style, but the common thread ties them all together, and for me, it was really hard to choose a favorite.

From a girl who freezes up with anxiety when talking to people, to a girl who wants to win a bet, to a girl with a secret, each story was such a fun delight and so entertaining. I loved the characters and the unique ways a wallflower was interpreted brought me some smiles and swoons.

Each one of these novellas in this collection earned a definite 5 stars from me!

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Julia (Women of Worcester Book 2) by Julie Matern {Book Review}

Julia (Women of Worcester Book 2) by Julie Matern

 

Julia Deverell is a talented musician with a secret. Alexander Trevellyan threatens to expose that secret. Can they come to some agreement? Will they fall in love in the process?

When Julia Deverell plays the piano, everyone is entranced, even the handsome stranger who guesses her secret. But when she hears that he has criticized her method in public she declares him public enemy number one. However, when circumstances force them together, she cannot deny he possesses an undeniable charisma. If only she had not determined to dislike him.

Alex is a classical music student at Oxford. Music is not one of the approved careers for second sons and he endures lifelong ridicule, but his exceptional talent dictates the future course of his life. When he attends his aunt’s party and hears Julia play, he is mesmerized until she makes an error and he guesses her secret. Envy drives him to criticize her in the hearing of another guest but almost immediately he regrets his action and vows never to let petty jealousy get the better of him again.

When asked to play a duet with Julia by his aunt, an irrefutable attraction sparks but Julia seems determined to ignore it and shun him. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

Julia is the second novella in the Women of Worcester series.

AMAZON

My Review: 4 Stars

I love music and wish I would've stuck with the piano. Julia is an extremely talented pianist but has a secret to her method and Alex figures it out almost immediately. I loved his cocky attitude and her insecurities, and it was so much fun to watch them learn to play together. Their interactions were so delightful!

The Women of Worcester series is all about strong and slightly unconventional women. I enjoyed reading about not only the experiences that the piano gave to Julia but the relationship and romance that resulted.

Content: mild romance

Olivia by Julie Matern {Book Review}

 

Olivia by Julie Matern

 

She is an over-educated bluestocking who has never met a debate she did not like. He is the boy next door. Will she realize the perfect man is right in front of her?

Olivia is the oldest of the four, beautiful Deverell sisters. She is also a reformed tomboy whose best friend is the earl next door. But she has reached the age where she is expected to marry—and her sisters can’t ‘come out’ until she does. Philosophy, politics and debate of any subject are the tools of her trade but these might not get her far among the social elite of London.

With little enthusiasm for her season, she has a change of heart when she learns that an eminent young scientist will also be in town. Orchestrating events to meet him, she is surprised when he invites her to help him with his work. Could this be a match made in heaven?

Olivia is Book 1 in the Women of Worcester series.

 AMAZON

My Review: 4 Stars

It's always fun for me to read a series about a family and Olivia is the eldest sister and her story is Book 1 in the series.

Olivia is smart and what could be considered a bluestocking. Since she must marry, she's determined to do it her way and can't see what's right in front of her face.

I found this story to be short, sweet, and enjoyable. Matern does a good job with the characters and the situations they find themselves in. It's always interesting to see how invested other family members could be at the time. The road to true love isn't always visible or easy, and it was amusing to read about Olivia's experiences. I'm now curious to read about the rest of the family.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*  

Dandelion Meadows by Jen Spencer {Book Review}

 

Dandelion Meadows by Jen Spencer

The last thing Emma Dustin wants is to come crawling back to Dandelion Meadows with her tail between her legs, but a misunderstanding at her financial planning firm has left her without a job and without another option. Uncle Harvey, may he rest in peace, left Emma his house plus the little piece of land he used to farm, and there is nowhere else for her to go. Despite her humiliation at coming home unemployed, Emma is determined to fulfill Uncle Harvey’s last wish, even though she isn’t quite sure what it is. Is it possible for Emma to make a life in Dandelion Meadows? And will the mayor put her in charge of Sandpaper Awareness Week?

One-time cowboy and full-time geologist Matt Matthews is not the bad guy, even if Emma Dustin thinks he is. He’s only trying to restore his father’s money, the money that Emma’s uncle Harvey cheated his father out of. Harvey must have had some remorse because he left Matt the house in his will, but Emma Dustin has the nerve to show up and claim the house is hers. Well, possession is nine-tenths of the law, and Matt isn’t about to move out. Unfortunately, neither is Emma. Emma is cute and irresistibly feisty, but she’s in Matt’s way, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her out of his house and away from Dandelion Meadows. Can he get rid of his unwelcome housemate before he falls in love with her?

My Review: 3 Stars

Small town romances are always a lot of fun, especially when they involve a slew of quirky characters and amusing situations. An added enemies-to-love trope made this story full of entertaining friction.

A bonus lesson found within these pages is the reminder that things aren't always as they seem.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint {Book Review}

 Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father’s death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

BUY ON AMAZON

My Review: 4 Stars

Sometimes the flirtatious banter and games is a lot of fun and something it comes across as too lighthearted. This story was a mixture of both. Emerson and Olivia have been friends since childhood and now big decisions are ready to be made. Do you stay loyal to your father or your heart?

The ballroom games really did provide a lot of entertainment and it was easy to picture myself in the ballroom as a late teen/young adult, but at times, it was hard to take Emerson seriously because it seemed all was in jest and his true motives were disguised. His spontaneous decisions did allow for some very hilarious moments though, and I did find myself smiling and laughing more than I was expecting to.

I enjoyed the delightful cast of characters and although I would have loved a dash more of romance, it was sweet and satisfying.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*