Review: Day of the Duchess

* Book 3 in the Scandal and Scoundrel series *

Seraphina returns to London to obtain a divorce. She's spent the last three years in Boston without her husband. Now she's opening a tavern in London and needs to be free in order to properly own it. She's determined to become a free woman; she's liked answering to no one.

For the last three years the Duke of Haven has chased down every lead of his wife's whereabouts. But he has yet to find her. Until she walks into his life and demands a divorce. Luckily, he has the summer to woo her, under the pretense of needing her help to find him another wife.

They can't talk about their past without yelling at each other, but is it possible for them to move forward?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved Seraphina and her strength. I'm sorry for all the heart ache she endured. I loved her independent streak and how she wasn't taking no for an answer. I loved her times with her sisters, they added humor to the story. I loved her cameo in book one and how this book changed my opinion of that scene (and of the Hero). This one is an emotional reader given the character's backstory. I'm happy how it all turned out, but it was heart wrenching to read. I can't wait for the next book and to read more about the American! Sarah MacLean writes another amazing story that I didn't want to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it! She's obviously in charge.
Source: BEA 17 book

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance sections

Where I Read this Book: I saved this book to read while hiking in the Grand Canyon. And it was the perfect book to bring.

Picture Book Review: Fruits in Suits

Even fruits like to jump in the water

Another fun read from Vegetables in Underwear - this one chats about different kids of suits from dress suits to bathing suits (mostly bathing suits). I loved the different fruits showing off various types of suits. Funny and entertaining with great illustrations that readers will want to pour over.  I also liked the end papers with the fruits labeled - great for learning about different types of fruits.

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall TBR List

This week's topic is our Fall TBR list: September, October, and November books. Fall is such a big publishing time (October really). And it's my favorite time of year because of Holiday Romances!!! Which I could use some suggestions on your favorites! Let me know.

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Middle Grade

YA 

Adult

Holiday Romances: 

Review: Love and Gelato

Lina's mom died, leaving Lina alone in the world with one wish. She wants Lina to go to Italy - just like she did as a teen. She hopes that Lina will fall in love with the country.


When Lina arrives, she's staying with the father she's never known. He works in a cemetery. Lina can't wrap her head around living in a cemetery, especially so soon after losing her mother. Plus, she's curious as to why she's never known about her father.


When her mother's friend gives her a diary, Lina starts learning about the past and her mother's choices. What she learns will change Everything.

My Thoughts: I'd been wanting to read this book forever after hearing so many great things about it, but it's always checked out at my library. I went to check the shelf before I left for vacation, but it wasn't there. But luckily I checked the return cart and there it was!

And it didn't disappoint, I couldn't put this book down. I lost myself in the pages of Italy - the sights, the relationships, and of course the gelato. I loved Lina trying to navigate life after her mother's death, especially in a new country. I loved reading her mother's journals and discovering the truth about the past. I love how that changed everything and yet it didn't. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library if you don't already have it.

Upcoming Review: Prince in Disguise

Dylan isn't thrilled at giving up her winter vacation to spend it in Scotland for her sister's reality TV show wedding. She hates being on camera, but she has no choice.

Scotland is freezing. Dusty's almost mother-in-law isn't thrilled with her son's choice for a bride. But, Dylan enjoys her time with the equally shy groomsman Jamie.

Together, they vow to get through this wedding. But when they begin to have moments of their own, Dylan wants to keep new relationship away from the cameras. But of course...everything is fair game in this mansion.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book- for the setting, for the behind the scenes look at Reality TV, for the sister relationships, and for the romance. I loved exploring the old home, especially the secret passage ways. I loved the moments between Dylan and Jamie. I really loved the moments between Kit and Heaven - they added some humor to the book. Their banter was highly entertaining. The ending was sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: December 19, 2017

While you're waiting for this one, read Something Real (also about reality TV)

Library Recommendation: Great for high school libraries and public libraries! Grab this one for your reality TV loving teens!

Review: Serenity Harbor

 * Book 6 in the Haven Point series *

Katrina is home for her sister's wedding and then she's headed back to Columbia to figure out the adoption process. Her family and friends haven't adjusted to her maturing since they saw her last. They're having a hard time with the new her. But Katrina isn't giving up.

While witnessing an epic meltdown of a child, she steps in to help calm him down. Milo's newly found relative (half brother) begs her to take a temporary job helping out with Milo until permanent help can arrive. At first Katrina isn't interested, but the money is too good to pass up.

The more time she spends with Milo and his brother, the more she falls for both of them. But being home is just temporary and she's not sure she wants to risk her heart.

My Thoughts: I love this series and seeing how favorite characters. I really enjoyed Katrina's story. I too fell for Milo. I loved the moments between Milo and Katrina - they were very sweet. I loved watching Milo progress once he felt comfortable in his new life. I enjoyed the romance and I'm eagerly looking forward to returning to Haven Point soon.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous
Source: Book sent for Review
Review will go up on Fresh Fiction

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance section at your public library! And if you don't have this series, be sure to get the others too! 

Upcoming Review: Magic Misfits

Carter is a magician with morals he didn't inherit from his uncle. After a particularly heinous act, Carter realizes he's better off on his one. He runs away for a chance for a better life.

Off the train, he spots a carnival in town. But Carter's disappointed with the tricks until he meets an intriguing man. His magic is different; he's different.

Carter shows up at his magic shop. He discovers how much he likes Mr. Vernon and meets his daughter and her friends. Instantly Carter wishes to befriend the bunch. They all have their magic specialties.

Once they learn of an evil plot by the end of the carnival, they vow to take him down. Can they use magic to trick another magician?

My Thoughts: I had a hard time getting into this book (mostly  because the narrator would talk to the reader, thus pulling me out of the story). But once Carter met Mr. Vernon and showed up at the magic shop, I was hooked. I love how Mr. Vernon and Carter talked about magic and how Mr. Vernon tried to convince the boy that there really was magic in the world (just maybe not the way, he thought it would be.) I like how Carter learn that magic isn't always used as his uncle uses it. My heart ached for him - for the way he grew up and for his beliefs. But now that he's met Mr. Vernon and found friends, I think his outlook on the world will change. I loved the theme of friendship and family. I really liked the climax and the ending of this book. I'm eagerly waiting the next book in the series.

I really liked the magic tricks displayed in the book.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: ARC from BEA
Release Date: November 21st 2017 

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your Elementary School Libraries and your Public School Libraries! And maybe also a book on magic tricks. I have a feeling you might get asked about those after handing this book off to readers.