To Love and to Cherish by Lauren Layne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’ll start with this disclaimer: I did not read the previous books in this series. I’ll continue with another disclaimer: Even though my feelings are lukewarm about this particular book, I enjoyed the supporting characters enough that I will go back and read their stories.
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Lottery is a great commentary on what can sometimes be the mindless adherence to tradition. Masterfully written with small yet important details popping in throughout. The tone and atmosphere that Jackson sets up belies the true depths of this dystopian society. I was awed and horrified by the ending (saying anything else would be a spoiler!).
A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight
My Goodreads rating: 3 of 5 stars
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
A Kiss at Christmastide is a clean regency era romance novella. I found it a fun read, but the characters were just okay, there was far too much repetitious internal reflections, and their romance didn’t feel very natural.
In the prologue we’re introduced to Lady Pippa, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Midcrest who was about to be introduced to society. For some reason (that we never discover) her best friend (Lady Natalie) turns on her, making her the embarrassment of the Season before it even begins.
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I started reading the Maiden Lane series with Dearest Rogue back in May 2015, then worked my way backward (then forward with new releases! <3), but had skipped books #1 and #3. Wicked Intentions is the first entry in the series.
The story centers around Temperance Dews, a widow and sister to Winter Makepeace, who runs the foundling home in St. Giles. The male lead is Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, who enjoys translating poetry, is frowned upon by society for his sexual proclivities, loathes being touched, and—oh yes—is looking for a murderer.
Protecting The Billionaire by Christina Tetreault
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Protecting the Billionaire features Allison, a member of the Sherbrooke clan, and Rock (Rocco), a marine intent on protecting those he cares for. Rock, who met Allison previously at his sister Addie’s wedding, finds himself entangled when he plays the part of fake-boyfriend for a night. The two quickly hit it off and turn fake into real.
The Concordium of Cyliena 