Another great Hazelwood romance. Ali Hazelwood has quickly become a favorite rom com writer of mine because of how she balances humor with the more serious side of life in a quirky but very intelligent and feministic way. This book is no different.
I loved almost everything about it. The setting, the banter, the extended family and friends, the dog (OMG, the dog), the slow-burn romance… I can’t tell you how much this book made me smile in almost every page. It’s as close to perfection as you can get.
There were a couple things that I didn’t like, both very personal so don’t let that stop you from reading the book.
One was the fact that I wasn’t quite sold on the “I-can’t-touch-her-or-let-her-touch-me” age gap thingy. Their age difference wasn’t really that wide for such a fuss and Conor’s weird “policy” of “no-touching” didn’t sit down well with me. That said, the story flows so well and the characters are so likable that in the end it didn’t really matter that much.
The other thing was the use of a certain 4-letter word (that rhymes with punt) that has a very crass and honestly, disrespectful connotation for me. The fact that the FMC used it frequently to describe her own female parts really rubbed me the wrong way. Every time she’d say that, it made me feel that Maya really hated herself or thought of herself as filth, unworthy of respect. Hazelwood writes some seriously hot sex scenes with a lot of feeling mixed in (one of the reasons I love her books so much) but when Maya would use the C-word it just kind of ruined it for me.
Again, personal opinions.
In brief: the book is awesome, it will have you both laughing out loud and swooning, and both Maya and Conor are amazing together. Highly recommend it.
It’s a busy day today when you have a new release along with a FREE book blast from RomanceBookWorms.com! But I had to take a brief minute to welcome my newest book baby, The Dukes Secret Wager, out into the world in the Dragonblade Publishing boxset Dukes All Summer Long. Read on to learn more about the my contribution and the set!
He expects to win the wager. He does not expect to fall in love.
When Laurence Palmer, Duke of Stonehaven accepts his friend’s wager, it seems like an opportunity too great to refuse and too easy to win. Though he’s tired of attention from women who only see him as a title and a fortune, all he has to do is accept an invitation to yet another house party full of marriage-minded misses—and steal of kiss from his host’s daughter, the elusive Lady Georgina. Except this lady isn’t like the others, and she isn’t supposed to win his heart.
Is the man she’s meant to love the man she’s sureto loath?
Lady Georgina Norwood realized long ago that suitors were only interested in her fortune. Her parents see it differently. They’re holding a house party with the goal of choosing a husband for her if she doesn’t choose one on her own. She’s certain none of the men invited pique her interest or fill her requirements to love her and to treat her as an equal–the rakish Duke of Stonehaven least of all.
All bets are off when their kiss becomes more than a chance to win a bet. Can one secret wager change both their lives for the better or will they lose their chance at love?
All it takes is one wagering duke, one stubborn lady, and a chance encounter at a lake.
Excerpt:
Georgina thought back to that moment. Even now her stomach twisted at the memory. She’d been so foolish, with a head full of girlish dreams, completely unaware that most men—all men, really—saw her as a means to great wealth and nothing more. She’d never make that mistake again. And she never had. Instead, she believed, she’d become adept at spotting those who angled for her fortune and nothing more. She hoped that her parents had the same skill, since if she wasn’t able to choose any of these men, they would make the choice for her.
She turned to look at the castle beyond; thoughts of Wymar and Ceridwen occurred to her once more. Why couldn’t finding love happen for both of them the way it had for her ancestors? “You’d think our future husbands would know where to find us,” she said. “Like a handsome knight coming to our rescue as in days of old.”
“As appealing as that thought is, it’s unlikely to happen. Instead, you’d best get your head out of the clouds, dearest Gina, and find a man you could come to love from those who will attend your parent’s house party so that your father doesn’t find one for you. That’s as close to a knight in shining armor as you’re going to get, I’m afraid.” Honoria stood and shook her parasol open. “We should go in before we’re missed.”
Georgina stood to follow her and they began to walk the garden paths toward the castle. Her gaze fell on the stranger, who’d stopped to smell one of the budding roses. His tawny-colored hair fell forward, covering his cheek, but when he returned to his full—rather impressiveheight, he turned and their eyes met.
If Georgina’s arm wasn’t linked with Honoria’s she was certain her knees would have buckled. Her stomach somersaulted as his gaze captured hers. Georgina was overcome by the desire to push that rakish lock of hair from his forehead. He swept it back into place with his fingertips before giving her a brief nod. He then turned back to his companion as they walked away as though something monumental hadn’t just occurred.
Never before had she ever had such an experience in her life. Her head reeling, she could only continue to wonder who this gentleman was and why he had had such an astonishing effect on her from first sight.
Welcome to Dukes All Summer Long…
One of the most epic Historical Romance collections yet!
Enemies to Lovers – grumpy sunshine – wallflowers vs. rakes – and more!
Over a thousand pages of Regency Romance adventure with never-before published stories.
What are dukes good for? Romance all summer long. Be a fly on the wall for a romantic adventure, or peer into a ballroom as the dancers choose their partners. Enjoy this delectably romantic summer collection with your favorite Historical Romance authors because summer lovin’ has never been so passionate!
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood