Reading Challenge - Summer Reading

For the 2020 year, my goal is to read 60 books. Thus far, I haven't made much progress, but this week I've knocked down 3 books. All have been 4 to 4.5 stars and for that reason, I'd like to share them with you.

Happy reading!

Winning Miss Wakefield (Wallflower Weddings #2)

Vivienne Lorret

She's got nothing left to lose…

With her fiancé suddenly engaged to another and her reputation in tatters, Merribeth Wakefield needs a bold plan to reclaim her life. She must be brave. Confident. She must … kiss a rake? The suggestion is ludicrous! Yet when Merribeth finds herself alone with the dark and brooding Lord Knightswold, suddenly the plan doesn't seem so farfetched. So she does something she never thought she'd do—she kisses him.

But he has everything to gain…

The Marquess of Knightswold—Bane to most—has no use for the affections of women. Well, none lasting longer than a single night. A plot for revenge weighs heavy on his mind, leaving no room for romance. But then a shy, witty miss borrows a kiss from him in a darkened room, and everything he thought he knew about innocent debutantes vanishes along with her.

When a twist of fate brings Merribeth within Bane's grasp, he'll have to resist her charms—or risk losing everything—for the sake of his heart.

A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin #4)

Anna Campbell

A woman seeks revenge by posing as a housemaid and taking down the rogue that broke her sister's heart in this character-driven, sinful, historical romance.

 A woman seeks revenge by posing as a housemaid and taking down the rogue that broke her sister's heart in this character-driven, sinful, historical romance. Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down . . . as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself. From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game . . . one tempting kiss at a time. Anything can happen in the moonlight . . .

When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales #2)

Eloisa James

Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast. Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman. Linnet is not just any woman. She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Reading Challenge

Happy Friday!

This weekend's book is Tempting Mr. Weatherstone (Wallflower Weddings #.05) and it will be book 9 of 60 for the year.

Tempting Mr. Weatherstone 
by Vivienne Lorret

Penelope Rutledge longs for passion, but only with the man of her dreams: the brilliant, dashing Ethan Weatherstone. If only her longtime neighbor would open his eyes and realize how much she loves him. If only they weren’t best friends with so much at stake. Penelope knows her future—and their friendship—is in her hands, but is she willing to take the biggest risk of all on the man she loves?

If it were up to Ethan, life and love would be as predictable as the figures in his ledgers—certainly nothing like the adventures Penelope longs for. Yet his childhood friend has grown into a beautiful, feisty woman blissfully unaware of the danger she causes when near. Ethan knows he must save Penelope and her reputation … but can he save himself from the temptation of her lips? - Goodreads

Reading Challenge

Hi lovely readers,

Happy Friday! I'm going into this weekend reading my 6th book for the year. Hopefully I can keep up the pace and reach my goal of 60 books read for 2020 before the year is over. The pressure is on.
My next read: 


The Devilish Mr. Danvers (The Rakes of Fallow Hallow #2) by  Vivienne Lorret
For the first time in her life, Hedley Sinclair holds the keys to her own future. She's inherited the crumbling Greyson Park, but the disrepair does nothing to dissuade her. No one will ever lock her up again or attempt to take away what's hers. No one except Rafe Danvers—the charming, fiendish man from Fallow Hall. He's determined to claim Greyson Park, but if Hedley isn't careful, he'll claim her heart as well.

Rafe has every intention of ridding Greyson Park of the conniving Sinclairs once and for all. The last thing he expects is to find the beguiling Hedley—the younger sister of his former fiancée—standing in his way. With drastic measures called for, he plans to marry her off in order to regain control of the estate. The only trouble is, he can't seem to stop seducing her. Even worse, he can't help falling in love with her.  Goodreads

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge 

Hi all!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I want to wish you all a Happy New YEAR! 

2018 - Goal 40 books, Actual 44 books
2019 - Goal 50 books, Actual 75 books

I've already begun adding more books to my to read list and will be kicking off a new reading challenge for 2020. I plan to read minimum 60 books by the end of the year. I did consider increasing my goal to 75, but I'm planning on releasing two books in 2020 and, of course, life happens...So, 60 it is! As always, I'll share my progress and book recommendations throughout the year. 

Best wishes,
Amanda

Reading Challenge

 Reading Challenge Update

Hi everyone!
I hope you all had a great week. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. What will I be reading?
My Wicked Marquess (Inferno Club #1) by Gaelen Foley. This will be number 67 for the year!

Goodreads

Description:

To restore family honor the Marquess of Rotherstone faces his most dangerous mission—finding the perfect bride...

To London's aristocracy, the Inferno Club is a scandalous society of men no proper young lady would acknowledge. But though they are publicly notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery, in private they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country.

The Marquess of Rotherstone has decided it's time to restore the family's good name. But as a member of the Inferno Club, he knows there is only one way to redeem himself in Society's eyes: marry a lady of impeccable beauty and breeding, whose reputation is, above all, spotless.

Someone quite unlike Daphne Starling. True, she's temptingly lovely, but a jilted suitor has nearly ruined her reputation. Still, Max cannot resist her allure—or the challenge of proving London's gossips wrong. He would do anything to win her hand . . . and show that even a wicked marquess can make a perfect husband. (Goodreads)

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge 

Hi all,

I surpassed my 2019 reading challenge and will make a note to up it from 50 books in a year to 60 for 2020. That being said, I'm still working through my to read list and I'm so exited for this next book.

Sarah MacLean is on the top of my favorite historical romance author list and I've been waiting for the second installment within the Bareknuckle Bastards series for awhile and plan on finishing it this weekend. 

I want to wish you all happy reading!

Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards #2)

by Sarah MacLean

Goodreads 

The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly... until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure... on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires... for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power... and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything... including their hearts. 

Reading Challenge

Happy Friday! 

I'm excited for this long weekend. The hubs and I are getting out of town for a bit. I'm looking forward to relaxing and having a good time out in Palm Springs. Yes, it will be HOT but we'll keep cool by the pool. 
What I'll be reading: 

From Duke Till Dawn (The London Underground #1) by Eva Leigh
Years ago, the Duke of Greyland gave his heart—and a princely sum of money—to a charming, destitute widow with unparalleled beauty. After one passionate night, she slipped from his bed and vanished without a trace. And just when he’s given up hope of ever seeing her again, Greyland finds her managing a gaming hell. He’s desperate to have her… until he discovers everything about his long-lost lover was a lie.
In truth, Cassandra Blake grew up on the streets, picking pockets to survive. Greyland was a mark—to be fleeced and forgotten—but her feelings for the duke became all too real. Once he learns of her deception, however, the heat in his eyes turns to ice. When her business partner absconds with the gaming hell proceeds—leaving unsavory investors out for blood—Cassandra must beg the man she betrayed for help.
Greyland wants compensation, too, and he’ll assist her under one condition: she doesn’t leave his sight until her debts are paid. But it’s not long before the real Cassandra—the smart, streetwise criminal—is stealing his heart all over again. 
Goodreads

And when that is finished I plan on starting:

The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld #13) by Gena Showalter
Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.
Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him - until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile and seduce her into his bed.
As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever. 
Goodreads 

2019 Reading Challenge

Goal: 50 books

Actual: 59

 Wishing everyone HAPPY READING!

Reading Challenge Update

Hi all and happy Friday!

This weekend I'll be finishing up book 47 of 50. Yup, we're about half through the year and I'm already nearing my reading goal. INSANE! 

When Strangers In The Night
He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head—and realizes she is his wife.
Become Lovers...
Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles—the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be—and so much more.
Desire Is The Ultimate Danger
When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth—that the Ghost is her husband—the game is up and the players must surrender...to the temptation that could destroy them both.

Reading Challenge

Hi!

making progress on my reading 2019 challenge. Thus far I've read 42 out of 50 books. I've also been lucky to find an amazing new (to me) series by Elizabeth Hoyt - Maiden Lane series.  I'm going to be starting book 4 this weekend.

Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane #4) 

Description:

A MASKED MAN...
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN....

Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY....

During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed.... But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel...and his life.

Reading Challenge Update

Hi everyone!

With the year flying by, I've been doing my best to meet my reading goal for 2019. I'm at 66% and my current read is:

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1)

by Tessa Dare

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love… 

Goodreads

Reading Challenge Update

Happy Friday!

I'm happy to say I've already reached the 50% mark for this year's reading challenge. Just got to keep on keepin' on!

Up next: In Bed with the Devil (Scoundrels of St. James, #1) by Lorriane Heath

They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

Amazon

B&N

Reading Challenge Update

Reading Challenge Update

This weekend's read is Scandal Wears Satin (The Dressmakers #2)

Description:

From the Journals of Sophia Noirot: A dress is a weapon. It must dazzle his eye, raise his temperature... and empty his purse.

A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot's beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society's fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop's advantage requires every iota of Sophy's skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rake like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can't keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy's clothes.

But when Longmore's sister, Noirot's wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can't let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly. 

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge 2019 Update

I just finished book 20 of 50 for the 2019 year. On a roll! This weekend, I'll be reading Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas.

Amazon     B&N

Description:

A ruthless tycoon

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better . . .

A sheltered beauty

Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable . . . the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…

Marrying Mr. Winterborne