Weekly Reads: Oct 10 to 16, 2022

It’s been an all-historical week this time with five recent releases. Not much in the way of fanfic reading this time, but if you want to get links to those in the future, subscribe to this page so you don’t miss any updates. I’ve also indicated my favorite of the week below with a “💖“.

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When Ardor Blooms by Felicity Niven (2022)

Historical romance in Regency-ish era England, prequel novella to the Lovelocks of London series. A banker’s daughter is out of mourning from her father’s death and makes her debut into society. She’s very wealthy, but looked down upon by our viscount hero because she’s not of noble blood. When the viscount’s brother makes a derogatory claim on the young woman, the viscount sets himself up as her protector. Slow and steady build of attraction here. Quick read. And we get to meet the Lovelock family members who will feature in the rest of the series.

Ebook available free from the author’s newsletter. Visit the author’s website to get the ebook.

💖 Convergence of Desire by Felicity Niven (2022)

Historical romance in Regency-ish era England, Book 1 of the Lovelocks of London series. I pretty much picked this up because Julia Quinn (author of the Bridgertons series) posted about it on Instagram. We have a neurodivergent heroine in this one who aims to solve a missing mathematics proof (tbh, the math in this book went over my head and I skimmed it) but her stepmother insists she participates in society. Our hero is a destitute earl who needs to marry rich to salvage his estate. It takes probably 25% of the book for them to meet and contrive a chaste marriage of convenience (which the heroine proposes). Once they start interacting and get married, we’re off to their country estate and we get to see the sweetest slow burn ever with caretaking galore. It was absolutely delightful to watch these two people slowly fall in love. And the heartbreak when they each think the other isn’t interested. The last third will have you tearing up from the longing. Such a great read. (Also, sets up the future couples in Book 2 and 3 nicely as well).

Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.

Shop this book via Amazon // Bookshop.org

Impeccable by Darcy Burke (2022)

Historical romance, Book 7 of the Phoenix Club series. If you’ve read all the books in the series including the prequel, you’ll know that Mrs. Evangeline Renshaw is a fake identity for the Phoenix Club manager and patroness. She was actually previously a very sought after courtesan. When she ended his liaison with the son of a duke, he asked her to help him manage his new club. She’s been living under her assumed identity of a respectable widow since. When she visits her sister (who she cannot publicly claim as her sister, since she was also previously a courtesan), she rescues a puppy and befriends the younger brother of the marquess next door. He wishes to court her, but she doesn’t want marriage, so he proposes an affair instead. He’s the absolute sunshiniest fellow ever, probably a bit too good to be true. Their bond over the puppy they find is absolutely adorable though.

Advance ebook provided by Darcy Burke via NetGalley.

Clandestine Passion by Felicity Niven (2022)

Historical romance in Regency-ish era England, Book 2 of the Lovelocks of London series. This book takes place in the same timeframe as Book 1 and is the romance between the stepmother of the Lovelock family, Catherine, and the rogue of a best friend James. James was the second son of a duke, but when his older brother died, he became the heir and is now known as a drunken rake. However, the drunkeness is all an act and he’s really doing some mini-missions for the Crown. When he first meets Catherine, he’s instantly attracted, though he needs to maintain his act as an immature bachelor. Catherine is likewise instantly attracted, but she’s wary (and ashamed) of her own lust. She eventually forms a friendship with another more sedate and age-appropriate suitor. Their paths continue to cross as James’ mission involves her suitor and eventually they start an affair. But really, with their age-difference (she’s 17 years older) and her social class (former farmgirl, former actress, and widow of a banker), Catherine resists any serious attachment with the man. Lots of plot going on and Catherine’s ongoing shame over her own lust was a bit annoying, but still an entertaining read.

Ebook accessed from Kindle Unlimited.

Never Fall for Your Fiancee by Virginia Heath (2021)

Historical romance in Regency-ish era England, Book 1 of the Merriwell Sisters series. A carefree and jovial earl prevents his mother’s matchmaking from America by writing to her about a fictional fiancee and her tragic tales that have prevented them from marrying. When his mother comes to visit, he hires a woman to pretend to be his fiancee. This book is full of far-fetched tales and silliness and it totally works. Expect a light-hearted and humorous story here. Though there is actually heartbreak in both characters’ pasts, those experiences have made them stronger and most of the book contains witty banter and calamity.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.