The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham

Synopsis:

Having overcome financial ruin and redeemed his family name to become the most legendary investor in London, the Duke of Westmead needs to secure his holdings by producing an heir. Which means he must find a wife who won’t discover his secret craving to spend his nights on his knees—or make demands on his long scarred-over heart.

Poppy Cavendish is not that type of woman. An ambitious self-taught botanist designing the garden ballroom in which Westmead plans to woo a bride, Poppy has struggled against convention all her life to secure her hard-won independence. She wants the capital to expand her exotic nursery business—not a husband.

But there is something so compelling about Westmead, with his starchy bearing and impossibly kind eyes—that when an accidental scandal makes marriage to the duke the only means to save her nursery, Poppy worries she wants more than the title he is offering. The arrangement is meant to be just business. A greenhouse for an heir. But Poppy yearns to unravel her husband’s secrets—and to tempt the duke to risk his heart.

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Review:

This is an interesting romance in two parts. To start, it’s an unconventional romance between a duke and a gardener. (I loved that the heroine was a businesswoman and this was both encouraged and deconstructed).Then, someone does a thoughtless thing in the name of romance (which rather neatly turns the matchmaking trope on its head). Thanks to her, the book veers into a marriage of convenience, with both of them hiding their hearts because they know the other doesn’t feel the same.

It’s a rollercoaster of a ride as problems and miscommunications hinder their way to happily ever after. The heart of their communication problems is a secret BDSM club in the heart of London and the magnitude of this secret meant it never felt forced. I do think the Duke’s use of this club veered perilously close to cheating, which made me uncomfortable.

Overall, this is a romance for someone who wants to see something a little different, but heads up for the near-cheating marring an otherwise excellent read.

Four stars

I received an ARC from Barclay Publicity

#Starstruck by Sariah Wilson

Have you ever dreamed about that movie/musical/sports star sweeping into your life and sweeping you off your feet? Starstruck is that story. It’s every girl’s fantasy poured onto a page. It’s the story of Zoe, a college student, and of Chase, the heartthrob actor who falls for her. This was a deliciously self-indulgent story about love, secrets, and celebrity.

Zoe’s family are adorable, especially her baby sister Zia, and I treasured Zoe’s best friend for being kickass and funny in her own right. I also loved that Zoe had boundaries around sex that Chase respected - too often, the girl is a virgin who hasn’t met the right guy (who inevitably isn’t a virgin, btw), and it’s up to him to coax her into it. I found this particular plot point refreshingly different.

I did find the storyline a bit predictable, however, and the middle portion drags a bit as Zoe faces the same conflict again and again. While her flaws make her real, her stubbornness left me exasperated. I reckon some of that could’ve been cut without affecting the climax of the book.

Otherwise, it was an enjoyable read that left me happy and wanting just a little bit more. I'd be keen to read more from this author.

Four stars.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley

Discovering You by Kate McBrien

Synopsis:

For fans of Love on the Edge of Time and A Knight in Shining Armor comes an epic romance that proves true love can never die.

Do you believe in soulmates?

A shy art historian. A sexy rock star. A mysterious medieval cross that holds a secret.

Lucy Bianchi has a plan: finish her PhD in art history and land a coveted job at a prestigious Los Angeles museum. Then—maybe—she’ll find time to start dating. Her controlled and predictable world begins to unravel when she chases a runaway dog on the beach and meets a gorgeous stranger.

Justin Hamilton is the charismatic lead singer of the British band Indigo. Years of touring and partying have won him notoriety, and he can have any woman he wants, but who he really wants doesn’t seem to exist.

Until now.

From their first look—their first touch—Justin and Lucy have a connection that defies logic and deepens their desire for each other. When they see the Varangian Cross at a museum exhibit, they’re flooded with inexplicable shared memories that draw them even closer together.

Justin has to return to London just as a salacious scandal explodes that could tear them apart. Lucy must choose between the safe life she’s cultivated, or go to Justin and discover a never-ending love.

Discovering You is the first book of a contemporary romance trilogy.

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Review:

This is a fascinating premise. Nerd meets rocker and finds an instant connection. I love soulmates and was fascinated to see how things turn out, especially with Lucy's art history background.

The meet-cute was delightful and I enjoyed the growing relationship between the two of them, fast-paced as it was. Both Lucy and Justin are fully fleshed out characters with their own full lives. I did think there could've been more tension from that conflict, as I enjoy the intricacies of two people in love learning to build a together.

As it was, the conflict(s) in the book all felt a bit much. Matchmaking mother, skeevy boss (#metoo, anyone?), vengeful ex-girlfriend, and a horrific lack of communication - makes for a very busy book. I also felt let down by the ending, as it was very sudden. I know it is the first in a trilogy, but I had to flip back and forth a few times to ascertain that it really was the end.

If you're looking for a steamy, drama-filled romance with a bit of mystery, I would definitely recommend this one, but only if you're okay with settling in for the long-haul as I wouldn't classify this as a standalone.

Three fated stars

I received an ARC from Barclay Publicity

The Sheikh's Pretend Fiancee by Leslie North

Five years after a university exchange, Liyah returns to the Middle East to find herself (and hopefully, a job). She never expects to get roped into a scheme to make Sheikh Asad look like a responsible grownup - that is, to pretend to be his fiancee.

The premise is kinda ridiculous but put it aside and this story is fun. It turns into a comedy of errors as everyone - from Asad's sister to his potential investors - try to get involved.

My gripe with this book is that we spend too long in Liyah's head as she agonises over everything. It felt like we never truly saw her and Asad fall in love - only in lust, There are a bunch of relationships that start interestingly, but end with little resolution. Also, Liyah is (strawberry) blonde. Nice going, cover artist.

Overall, a fun little book with too fast an ending.

Three stars.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley