PinkcowlandReads

Magic Word Witches of Windsor Series, Book #2 by A.S. Fenichel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 The Witches of Windsor series is back and just in time for the spooky season! A.S.Fenichel’s new Witches of Windsor Series features paranormal historical romances about the Windsor Coven witches living and practicing in regency England, whom are bound to protect the King. Continuing where we left off from in Magic Touch (You do not need to read previously to jump into this story), we find the powerful fire witch, Minerva and her aunt as they arrive in Kent to investigate the troubling rumours of black magic being practiced in the Kent Coven. They are staying with the local apothecary, Jonah, a man born of a witch, but cast out if his coven due to his lack of magic… that is until his captivating house guest brings it out of him! This is a fun close proximity romance where, Jonah and Minerva learn that they are more powerful together than apart. With the support of the Goddess, they move beyond their past hu...

Mistress Mackintosh and the Shaw Wretch Brides of Chattan, Book 1 by Rose Prendeville ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 Fans of highlanders and Scottish historical are in for a treat with this new series! In this series opener we are introduced the Mackintosh and Shaw clans as two clan misfits set out on an adventure together! Orphan Jory Mackintosh has dreamed of being a healer forever and has never thought of herself as the wifey type. Born with scoliosis she was the apple of her parents eyes, but now finds herself another burden on her uncles household… but she is still surprised to find out that instead of finding her a husband, her uncle has agreed to send her off to a secret convent run by a rival clan! Finlay Shaw may be the brother of his clans laird, but instead of being known as the heir, he is the wretch! After a youthful indiscretion costs his clan many lives at war, he is orphaned and ostracized from his clan. Now only good enough for menial tasks, he is dispatched to escort Mistress Mac...

The Bachelor and the Bride The Dread Penny Society, Book 4 by Sarah M. Eden ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 /5 The Dead Penny Society is back and just in time because the Tempost is coming and it looks like it will be the biggest and scariest villain yet! In this tale, Dr. Barnabus Milligan, the Dread Penny society’s consummate bachelor gets his time to shine in the solving of the mystery… the occurrence of their arch nemesis, The Mastiff new tactic of intimidation of killing it’s foes and hiring the resurrectionist (body snatchers) to steal the remains. Talk about insult upon injury!  Thankfully Barnabus has a secret in on the trade… his estranged wife!  Gemma rushes back to the husband she left, and though she expected a reconciliation between her and her husband, she is still willing to thwart the resurrectionist and help Barnabus with his mission.  But soon this mission gets them both in too deep and Barnabus must choose between his practice and the Society and Gemma! This on...

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake A Brush with Love Book #2 by Mazey Eddings 🎧Narrated by Summer Morton; Will Peters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 First and foremost, let me tell all the potential readers that this is a surprise pregnancy story. Some find this a deal breaker, but I implore you to give this modern take on the trope a chance. Eddings has encapsulated this trope in such a fresh and modern way, I can’t think of a better way to tell this type of story. With that cat out of the bag, Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake continues the friendship saga with he characters we met in A Brush with Love about 2 years into the future. Lizzie Blake is still a haphazard victim of her ADHD trying to find a way to adult… when she meets an Australian business man at a bar and dives into a one night stand… that turns into a weekend fling. Lizzie is not one for relationships, her quirks always get in the way, so she is happy to say goodbye and see him fly across the world back home. Out of sight, out of mind… that ...

Court of the Vampire Queen (Omnibus rerelease of the Bloodline Vampires novella trilogy) by Katee Robert ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 Robert’s is widely known for her storytelling mastery when it comes to polyamorous relationships and this one delivers! COTVQ organically adds members to the relationship in ways meaningful to the plot and that add to the relationship dynamic as a whole. This FMMM relationship is steamy as all get out, but also integral. I admit I came to this book for the heat, but the world creation and mission these vampires set out out on together kept me interested in between key to scenes. One of the highlights for me was meeting our favourite demon Azazel as he finds his monster brides!!! Overall, this book had tons of blood and bedroom activity ( often at the same time), but it was also a transformative story for our would-be queen, Mina. I loved seeing her come out of her shell and find her own power and strength through her sexuality. The sex positivity and freedom was...

The Hellion and the Hero A League of Scoundrels Novel, Book 3 by Emily Sullivan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 Call this a second chance romance or a Persuasion retelling… I call it perfection! This series has been a delight from book one and made Emily Sullivan a must read historical romance author, but The Hellion and the Hero is her best work yet! She captures the pinning and the yearning for a different outcome so beautifully and unlike in Jane Austen’s work, she delivers the STEAM!!! Recently widowed, Lady Georgiana Arlington has been making waves. She has taken over the running of the textile mills her dower provided her deceased husband and is creating an ideal work environment for the ladies working for her. Her competition is furious and threats to her softly have worried were siblings. In response her brother solicits the investigative skills of their former family friend and unknown to him, the man Georgiana gave up to marry the former Earl, famed war hero Captain Henry Harris. Nei...

Much Ado About Dukes Never a Wallflower Series, Book #2 by Eva Devon Narrated by Sasha Higgins  ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5   This is the second book in the Never a Wallflower Series and features a self-made wallflower whom dreams of being an activist and the Duke she is trying to influence. After sending pamphlet upon pamphlet to the Duke of Blackheath, heiress and activist Lady Beatrice  finally gets her chance to meet the aggravating man at a party where her cousin is set to meet up with his cousin. But instead of the mutual loathing and animosity each expects from each other , when they finally meet, Beatrice finds a new ally and supporter for her causes and the Duke finds himself enthralled by her passion! But neither one wishes to marry… so they will be friends and allies… that is until the truth of one of their circumstances changes, prompting a marriage of connivence between these friends! This was a fun read and I loved seeing and the Duke both come full circle on th...

The Duke’s Accidental Bride by Eva Devon ⭐⭐⭐/5   I started this book with so many expectations and hopes, but found that I probably would have enjoyed the book more if I went in completely blind and without the expectations I created. The Duke’s Accidental Bride tells the story of an impoverished family putting all their hoes into the potential marriage of their second daughter after the first falls for a vicar and decides to marry for love, rather than fortune. But, alas, the second daughter, Jaqueline has never been interested in romance and has dreams of pursuing her love of the piano… how will she find a husband that will allow her to continue her own pursuits??? By going to the vary man who created the match for her sister, her brother’s best friend, their neighbour and the Duke of Stone, A.K.A. the Matchmaking Duke! He agrees to find her a husband since he has ruined her life plans…. but his matchmaking skills seem to be at a loss with her. That is until he lets...

Every Rogue has his Charm Love and Let Spy, Book 4 by Susanna Craig ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 I just love it when a series comes full circle at the end and I could not have been happier with with this series finale! This book delivers not one, but 2 HEA’s and we get a cute story line on the Spymaster/ matchmaker himself along with lovely wife. For those not familiar with the series, it follows an underground spy English intelligence unit during the time of Napoleon, that just so happens to have a spymaster that sets his officers on assignments that end in matrimonial results! In ERHHC we get a well done beauty and the beast marriage reconciliation story as the central storyline. Caro is saved from scandal and her terrible father by the monstrous agent to the Underground Maxim, only to be abandoned by him days after their wedding. 6 years later he returns after an inheritance and not only his loyalty to his wife is in question, but that of England! Now the spy is being spied! Absolutely ...

The Scoundrel Falls Hard The Duke Hunt, Book #3 by Sophie Jordan ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 The Duke Hunt series by Sophie Jordan returns with The Scoundrel Falls Hard and is more fun than ever. With this marriage of convenience romance between a female blacksmith and a charming scoundrel! Gwen Cully finds herself alone, trying to run her family forge and home after she is left orphaned. In runs Kellan Fox, the man who has beef masquerading as the local Duke’s heir! With a mob at his heels and a bleeding heart, Gwen can’t help but put everything she had towards keeping this man alive against the crowd out for blood… even profess her undying love!!! Now, in order to keep his neck, Kellen and Gwen must marry after their banns are read! Obviously, these two are strangers, so they have some fun hiccups as they navigate this situation and decide to wed or not. I had a lot of fun with this quick, light hearted story that had minimal angst and lots of fun banter. I got a real 90’s teen romance vibe...

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony By Michelle MacLean ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 The follow up to Michelle MacLean’s Hitched to the Gunslinger, The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony is finally here and the citizens of Desolation are up to more shenanigans! Running from the law retired gunslinger/gambler Adam Woodson stumbled upon the town of Desolation. His timing is perfect and he walks right into the mess groom selection/ wedding ceremony for the town and ends up married to spinster Nora. Nora hadn’t planned on picking a groom, but Adam will suit her purpose nicely- she only needs a husband long enough to inherit her property… too bad Adam has no intention of being that husband! Now the rules of Desolation state a man must marry or find a job… so Adam starts trying his hand at all the jobs, while Nora attempts to woo him to sign the marriage papers. In general this is a cute and funny premise, but Adam’s insistence that he can’t/won’t marry is too much. I felt for Nora and her inse...

  Mr. Grier and the Governess The Brazen Beauties, Book 2 By Sophie Barnes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Historical romance lovers and fans of Jane Eyre need to to have Mr. Grier and the Governess by Sophie Barnes! Olivia Poole (😉nod to JE) is finally out from under the controlling thumb of her vicar father and now needs to make her own way in the world. Thankfully her father highly educated her and she now hopes to find a job as a governess. Too bad she needs a position immediately but there are none and her lack of references aren’t making things easier! A housemaid position will have to do… Taking a risk, she arrives unannounced and finds the position filled but is welcomed by the houses ward and soon finds that her governess skills coming in handy… that is until the handsome guardian returns and puts her to the rest! This epic romance was an absolute delight! I loved all the fun nods to Jane Eyre and the beautiful way Barnes introduces her characters, their stories and weaves together their lo...

Nobody’s Princess The Wild Wynchester’s, Book 3 Erica Ridley ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 Don’t call her Princess! The Wild Winchester’s are back and busy saving those in need… Kunigunde de Heusch does not need saving. Kuni has stowed away on a voyage to London in order to preform reconnaissance for her King and prove her right to be in a Royal Guardsmen…  Graham Wynshester is on the hunt for a princess and believes he found her in Kunigunde. But her need to prove herself and his need to rescue puts them at odds as their attraction pushes them together. This slow burn romance unfolds as they accept whom the other is and the limitations of their time together. I loved finally getting Graham’s back story and his attempts to woo Kuni within the boundaries she creates for them. Kuni was a strong willed heroine who didn’t have time for love. I love when those characters finally fall! Overall, I love the Winchester’s and their antics as a whole but did wish there was more romance and less rescues and reco...

Remember Love Ravenswood series, Book 1 by Mary Balogh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 Historical romance queen, Mary Balogh introduces us to another brilliant extended family and reminds up to remember love in one swoop with this series opener! First off, this epic second chance romance gave me pure romantic chills that were remittent to reading Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Her beautiful storytelling and detailed descriptions and character building really immersed me into this story and made me root for second chances and love! Childhood neighbours, Devlin Ware and Gwyneth Rhys never know the other felt the same attraction and pull towards the other until the stars aligned at the neighbourhood fete and they finally discover their mutual affection… but they were not mean to be young lovers, since family scandal befalls Devin and he is banished from his family home.  White no where to go and a determination to shed his innocence and become a man, he enlist in a foot regiment… and stays away at war ...

A Bride's Guide to Marriage and Murder Countess of Harleigh Mystery, Book 5 by Dianne Freeman ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 They finally got hitched!! Fans of the Countess of Harleigh Mystery series will be happy to hear that before any murder took place Lady Harleigh and Mr Hazelton were married with all their friends and family in attendance! But there was definitely a murder mystery discovered before the end of the wedding breakfast! This was such a treat! As a series fan I was so happy to see Francis and George finally get married and now as Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton continue their detective work. These two are the ideal Victorian era couple goals. They easily work together on mutual goals and know how to play up each other’s strengths, while compensating for any weaknesses. They are definitely better together! This book has all the trappings that we come to expect in love from the series, including quirky with relatives with plenty of drama, nosey neighbours and friends and an intriguing ...

Always Be My Duchess Taming of the Dukes, Book 1 by Amelia Howard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 There is nothing I love more, than starting off a new book with a fun gender role swap meet cute!  In Always Be My Duchess by Amelie Howard, the series starter for her rom-com series Taming the Dukes does just this! The independent Duke of Montcroix is rescued by our struggling ballerina heroine, Geneviève Valery from a group of street thugs! As one to see the potential in a business deal, Montcroix decides to proposition Miss Valery, Pretty Woman style, to act out as his current love interest to warn off the match making mama’s of the ton! Sounds like a solid plan, win, win… until the deal gets renegotiated and Montcroix and Miss Valery start having trouble keeping the business dealings separate from their personal feelings! This was just a real fun story! From our stern and uncompromising duke hero to the self-reliant, vibrant ballerina, this opposites attract pairing has plenty of sparks and ...

Up All Night with a Good Duke The Byronic Book Club, Book 1 By Amy Rose Bennett Narrated by Sasha Higgins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 If you’re looking for a good book to stay up late with on these hot summer nights, Amy Rose Bennett’s latest release, Up All Night with a Good Duke needs to be on your radar! This delicious new series starter follows a group of bluestockings as they attempt to avoid the parsons mousetrap! Artemis Jones is a school teacher by day and romance novelist/ seductress by night! I adored her independent spirit and gumption as she uses every advantage she has to open her own school for girls and solidify her independence! … Even if that means getting engaged to a Duke!  The Duke of Dartmoor needs some help with his wayward daughter who is getting bored he turns to an educated bluestocking for advice! Soon he’s turning to her for more than advice… and things really heat up!!! This was a fun romance and I love how Bennett’s writing reminds me of fun and excitement ...