The Christmas she married the playboy & The Greek Secret she carries

The Christmas She Married The Playboy / The Greek Secret She Carries: The Christmas She Married the Playboy (Christmas with a Billionaire) / The Greek ... Diamond Inheritance) by Louise Fuller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Their convenient winter wedding!

To save her pristine image from scandal, Santina must marry notorious playboy Louis. But after a past betrayal, it’s not gossip she fears…it’s the burning attraction that will make resisting her convenient husband impossible.

One scandalous Greek night…

Months after their passionate fling, rumours bring enigmatic Theron to Summer’s doorstep – to discover a pregnancy as obvious as the still-sizzling desire between them! He will give their child the family unit he lost. But Summer’s trust isn’t so easily won…


My Review

Mills and Boon if you have read them you know exactly what you are getting. This book is a two in one. Book one, meet Santina, pristine image and trying to make it in the professional world of ice skating. She has zero interest in the opposite sex especially after having her heart broken and crushed by her ex. Meet Louis, money galore, bad boy reputation, womaniser and often in the press for his antics, so much so it is impacting his work life. When a chance encounter brings them together and the press catch a juicy story the two have to work together to try and salvage both their images.

Story two sees Summer, naive going from university and a mostly sheltered life to trying to find her real father and helping her sick mother. She has a passionate tryst with Theron ending in disaster. He shows up again in her life trying to make amends for his behaviour and assumptions but is it too late.

The first story I did like better and it was very reminiscing of what I remember Mills and Boon to be but with a modern day theme to it. Good girl, bad boy, money, reputation, hard exterior (for both) and absolute attraction they both try to deny and it goes from there.

Book two, I think the whole Greek man and behaviours, for me, didn't work. Instead of passion and sense of wanting to do the right thing as is expected of him I found him to be controlling and really negative behaviours. Summer also came across weak and annoying rather than damsel in distress but also doing the right thing by her family. Maybe if I had read the the other way around I may have taken to it more? Both good stories but I really wasn't a fan of either of the main characters in the second book therefor overall it is 3/5 for me.

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A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 349

Publisher - Mills and Boon

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In USA Today bestselling author Eva Leigh’s final Last Chance Scoundrels novel, a young lady and her former betrothed get a second chance at love when they’re stranded at a remote country house…

After Dominic Kilburn left Lady Willa Ransom at the altar, she vowed never to reveal how badly she was hurt. Following a year abroad, Willa wants to move on with her life, so she accepts an invitation to a house party. She’s determined to leave her humiliation behind, as well as the scorching attraction she still feels for the man who jilted her.

When dark secrets from his past surfaced right before his wedding, Dom knew he didn’t deserve Willa. So, he bolted. But he still burns for the only woman who ever claimed his heart. To escape the memories of all he lost, Dom heads to a friend’s estate on an isolated Scottish isle. Yet one of the other guests is the very woman who haunts his every thought and makes him wish for the impossible.

Thrown together by well-meaning family and friends, Willa and Dom try to resist the fiery pull between them. Soon the line between love and loathing begins to blur, and their attraction explodes. But Dom’s past lurks on the edge of their rekindled passion and Willa fears she’ll be devastated all over again. Can these star-crossed lovers find their happily ever after, or will everything detonate a second time?


My Review

Willa and Dom have a past, they broke up badly and haven't seen each other since. They have a linked group of friends/family and now find themselves thrust together on a deserted island for an event. Willa and Dom are in a world hurt, Willa after being jilted at the alter, Dom by causing her so much pain and leaving her as he did. Now there isn't anywhere to run and both are confronted with the fact that underneath the anger (her) and shame (him) they both still are very attracted to each other and have unresolved feelings.

I am a bit conflicted, I really liked the writing and scene setting but some things I liked and thought worked well and somethings really ripped my knitting. Willa absolutely reacted how one would expect after being left at the alter. I struggled with her brothers and her response to them in everything, I would absolutely have done my nut! Her anger/humiliation I think anyone can empathise with but Leigh gives us a bit more of Dom and despite the terrible thing he done he seems like a genuinely nice guy, if you can get past leaving the love of your life at the alter. The build up, scenes, interactions, I think Mills and Boon have certainly branched out over the years and this book gives a bit more bite with the story.

As with the other books, not for the easily offended, there is sex scenes, smut, dirty talk and the C word, I have to admit I cringed a wee bit at some of their scenes/smut dialogue but I know others will love it, 3/5.

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The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery

The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 3days

Pages - 448

Publisher - Mills&Boon

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it's a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not.

Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband's ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley's brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He's the first man to see past Bree's barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she's stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she's ever wanted?

At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.


My Review

Bree, Mikki and Ashley are business partners within the Boardwalk Bookshop, part bookshop, part cake shop and part gift shop. Alone they couldn't do it but together they could achieve their dream so three strangers became partners and friends somewhat. All very different, Bree runs the bookshop, has encounters with men on her terms and after everything she has been through vows not to get in deep with anyone. Ashley is happily in love with boyfriend Seth and all she wants is to get married and have her happy every after but Seth has different values and Ashley finds herself between the man she loves so much and the one thing she really wants, marriage. Mikki the third of the trio has been divorced for a few years now, her kids pretty much grown and her and her ex hubby get on better now than ever. Just as Mikki is about to dip her toe back into the dating world a curve ball she could never have predicted pops up.

The three storylines flow pretty decent and I didn't find myself distracted as we went from one to the other. The three ladies are friends as well as business partners, very different people and do a wee meet every Friday with a bottle of fizz. When one of Ashley's nearest and dearest is drawn to Bree things can get a bit tricky. Of them all I felt so much for Bree, whilst she is a bit of a self saboteur, you can totally understand why when you get into it and her parents. I actually felt heartsore for her, whilst never having that kind of relationship with a parent(s) you can't help but want to hug her. No doubt she would push you away if you tried but you get the meaning.

Ashley I went a bit back and forth on, I absolutely understand where she was coming from but some points she was a bit self involved, wrapped up in her wants than consideration of Seth having a similar feeling just on the opposite end.

Mikki oh I cringed a wee bit in one of two of her moments but again between a rock and a hard place I did feel for her. With all of the women you can't help but think what would you do/say/react to their situations.

My reading is struggling just now due to personal circumstances but it was nice to slip into their world and leave my own behind. The characters, like them or not, you absolutely drew to them and their dilemmas. I looked forward to seeing how it was going to unravel for each, 4/5 for me this time. This is my first Mallery book but it won't be my last, she weaves a tale that allows you to step in and lose yourself for a little while! I used to love Mills and Boon as a teenager, this book reminded me of that and hopefully will read a bit more now.

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The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh Blog Tour

Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Good Girl's Guide To Rakes by Eva Leigh published by Mills and Boon, for my stop I have my review, enjoy.


The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Avon Books

Source - Review

Blurb from Goodreads

In USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh's new novel a notorious rake and an innocent debutante strike a scandalous bargain...

When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?

Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.

In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.


My Review

Kieran Ransome’s is an absolute rogue, comes from money, does his own thing, wines and dines as he sees fit and sleeps around. Celeste is a debutante, the glimmering hope for her families solid stamp into the higher ranks of society. Living in a time where women are chaperoned, must act accordingly, smile, courtesy, preen and conform to all the societal expectations. When Kieran does something that forces his parent's hands they have had enough of his Casanova ways & he needs his friends sister, respectable Celeste to help him.

Oooooh all the fun and games he is a rogue, attractive, able to go and be wild without consequence. Celeste is the glowing respectable perfect societal lady and bored out of her head. Unlike the other females of her time Celeste wants fun, more than just a beautiful cage, so her and Kieran come to an understanding. She will get to see the unacceptable parts of society, have some fun whilst keeping her identity and most importantly her reputation safe!

It was really interesting to see how she got about enjoying what she wanted and the old actions and consequences for pretty much all of the characters. Normally when you read books set in the past the female characters are a bit shrinking violets but Celeste is pretty brilliant in that she has drive, a brain, thinks wants to enjoy what she can before fulfilling her families (and societies) expectations.

There is romance, sex and some graphic scenes with sex talk so if you are easily offended this is your heads up. The story has a whole mix, relationships, families (toxic in some parts), emotive, friendship, loyalty, boundaries - it has a good pull, starts well and keeps you intrigued to what is coming next. This was my first time reading this author, I would absolutely read her again, 4/5 for me this time.

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A Laird for the Governess

A Laird for the Governess by Catherine Tinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 288

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

A penniless governess

And the dour Laird of Ardmore

Lydia Farnham must travel to a remote Scottish island to work for widower Alasdair MacDonald, who doesn’t trust her or her unconventional teaching methods! Yet as his daughter flourishes, so, too, does the intense connection between Lydia and Alasdair. Only she should know better than to fall for the handsome laird when it could leave her without a job, or a home…

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

Lairds of the Isles Should duty come before love?

Book 1: A Laird for the Governess

My Review

Lydia is a Governess, she loves her job and the kids she looks after, she has to leave position after position, why? Lydia is beautiful, inside and out, even when she plays down how she looks, avoids them, males cannot help themselves. When she is offered a position for A Laird in Scotland, remote with the most adorable little girl could Lydia have finally found somewhere she can settle or will she be forced to leave again?

Ooooh Alasdair is an enigma, he is polite and kind, he is moody and rude, he is a doting father, he is aloof. Lydia finds herself able to settle and focus all on the bairn, a lovely bright stubborn little girl who is physically disabled and needs carried around the castle. As Lydia spends time with the child and lets her guard down she finds herself drawn to Alasdair and the bairn Mairead.

It is a lovely story set in Scotland, I liked the tradition, the location, the family, the way the staff were more than just staff. We follow Lydia as she goes from "the outsider" the becoming a part of the team, being comfortable in her own skin and learning to trust and love those around her.

Years ago I used to read Mills and Boon and like a comfy pair of slippers you knew what you were getting. This was different but not in a bad way, it didn't stick to a formula of any kind, just a story that has relationships, love, personal growth, friendship, happiness, loss, personal growth and community spirit. I would love to spend more time there. If you need a story that takes you out of your own day this one will do the job, 4/5 for me this time. First time reading this author and I won't leave it as long to read another M&B.

Available to buy NOW from Amazon, Paperback and Kindle. Click HERE for Amazon UK.



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The Shy Nurse's Christmas Wish by Abigail Gordon

The Shy Nurse's Christmas Wish by Abigail Gordon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 256

Publisher - Mills and Boon

Source - Book from subscription box

Blurb from Goodreads

From shy nurse…

To Christmas bride!

Darcey Howard has come to the beautiful seaside town of Seahaven for a fresh start. Working over Christmas in the children’s ward at Oceans House will help her forget her traumatic past. But her quiet, safe existence is shattered by gorgeous surgeon Daniel Osbourne. Enigmatic Daniel is the last man she should fall for, but he’s just too tempting to resist!


My Review

This is a Mills and Boon Medical fiction and the first I have read anything in this category. I was expecting something so very different to be honest. The medical stuff is very briefly brushed over and some of the inaccuracies irritated me, that is a small personal thing though.

Daniel Osbourne is a well sought after surgeon, brave, selfless, attractive and aloof. Darcy meets him on a train and then realises he is now going to be working with her. The attraction builds on both sides, everyone is rooting for Daniel to find someone, anyone and Darcy, sweet Darcy is perfect for him, things just need to stop getting in the way.

I really didn't love this at all and I so wanted to, my first romance for February, I always try and read some smoochy, romance books in Feb, the month of love. The problem was there wasn't really any if I am honest. They like each other but can't admit it, then then have a passionate smooch only for one of them to say something and pour cold water over the moment. They seem to sink quickly for each other but pull away with a wrong turn of phrase or misunderstanding. They don't have much communication of depth and the romance, for me, was almost non existent. You get a wee flash of something then it skips onto feelings of love but nothing really happened??? And I am normally not one to comment on sentence length, sure I can type and type as much as I talk without a full stop or comma. However some of the sentences went on for 5+ lines with a break for breath.

I have spoken to others who love these books as I have another four sitting in the wings and they said they aren't normally like this. You get depth, romance, relationships you can be vested in which I didn't get from this one sadly. It is a thin read and I think had the author made it a normal length novel we would have gotten so much more, courting, feelings, dialogue that went somewhere rather than tiny wee snippets. I just felt a scene would be starting to go somewhere then it would be over and something else happened with no reflection or depth on what happened. I will be checking out the other books as I have bought them and assured by other readers this isn't a representative of the others. I don't think it is a horrendous book by any means I just was left lacking by the scenes being so quickly cut off. The book has quick a few fans so please check it out, I may just be being a wee fussy nightmare and lets face it a book can be enjoyed or disliked depending on how the reader feels picking it up. Sadly 2/5 for me this time, I have read and enjoyed regular Mills and Boon before and hope my next step into the medical ones is better for me.

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The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare - Blog tour

Today is our turn on the blog tour for The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. As you can see we both had a nice chilled out time reading this book, as modelled by Princess Trixie.








The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

‘I am a Duke. I’m not asking you to marry me. I am offering to marry you. It’s a different thing entirely.’

When the Duke of Ashbury returns from war scarred, he realises he needs an heir – which means he needs a wife! When Emma Gladstone, a vicar's daughter turned seamstress visits wearing a wedding dress, he decides on the spot that she'll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she's pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has secrets and some rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she's seen the man beneath the scars, he can't stop her from falling in love…

When a girl meets a Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…




My Review

Can I just say you this is absolutely going to be a marmite book, you will love it for what it is or pick holes in it and hate it. Emma is a seamstress and comes across the Duke of Ashbury when she has to go begging payment for a job she did for his wife who called off the wedding. Swallow her pride and go looking for payment or loose her home and security. The Duke has his own business deal, be his wife, no romance, no pretence, nightly visits in the dark until she gives him an heir and she need never worry about money again!

I loved Mills and Boon as a teen and it isn't books I pick up often these days so it is nice to reconnect or read a new author. Emma is fiesty, smart and has the offer of a lifetime however she has a huge heart and can't help but see by the Duke's angry and bitter persona and his terrifying scars left from battle. The two try to stick to their terms of the deal but attraction sneaks in, he has been in a self imposed prison and she has kept herself busy after being shamed and rejected in the past.

There are a lot of quips, retorts, bad language used from Shakespeare plays, some humor including a feral kitty which whilst playing a small part in the story did steal the show with his brief appearances. There is erotica too, the book reminded me of a mix between 50 shades and beauty and the beast. Some of the scenes are very explicit so if you are offended by sexual content there is a heads up on the chapters you can skip. Some parts of the story I wanted to skelp both Emma and the Duke, sometimes they had me chuckling. I love the house servants, Breeches the kitty was a token character but who doesn't love an animal with attitude. I really enjoyed reading this, it infuriated me, made me laugh, blush, cringe and want to keep turning page after page to see how it would all end. 4/5 for me this time, this is my first dance with Dare, it won't be my last, thanks to Mills and Boon for sending me the book and introducing me to a new author. A perfect book for poolside reading or February, if like me you try to read romantic(ish) books for the month of love!

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Growing Old Disgracefully by Ada Adverse

The Mills & Boon Modern Girl's Guide to Growing Old Disgracefully by Ada Adverse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - less than 20 minutes

Pages - 96

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Blurb from Goodreads

’Perfect for the gin drinker in your life.’ – Sun

Have you ever:

Treated afternoon tea as an ‘all you can eat’ opportuntity?

Realised you only ever hoover when you are expecting guests?

Flatly refused to ‘act your age’?

If so, the Mills & Boon Modern Girl’s Guide to Growing Old Disgracefully is for you: a guide to throwing out the rule book, with a feminist twist


My Review

If you haven't came across this wee books let me enlighten you. They are smaller than your normal paperback size, hardback (also available in kindle format) and 96 pages long. You have a zingy introduction to the book, Ada is hilarious, zingy and sharp giving you an immediate feel for the books content.

We have an A-Z and with each letter a wee sentence or two of advice or just a funky quip accompanied on the other bag with a corresponding photo in black and white. Much as these books are tiny and a few sentences per page they really do bring joy, laughter and conjure up some lovely memories. Each one will mean something different to each reader depending on life experiences and where they are in their life. I would think it would be hard pushed for anyone to pick one of these books up and not laugh or at the very least smile.

The books are filled with humor, bite size snippets for each letter and page. Pearls of wisdom or just flashes of quick wit. A small book that brings big smiles. This is the second in the series I have been sent to review, I think I am going to buy the rest and I bought the previous for my friend. Thanks to Mills and Boon for sending me a review copy and once again bring Ada Adverse into my life, a wee burst of feminine joviality that women of all ages can appreciate, 4/5 for me.

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Bound By Their Secret Passion by Diane Gaston

Bound by Their Secret Passion by Diane Gaston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Pages - 288

Blurb from Goodreads

A forbidden attraction… A hidden desire!

Years ago, penniless Lorene Summerfield wed for duty, giving her siblings the chance to marry for love. But now the generous-hearted countess finds herself widowed…and the man she's loved in silence for years is falsely accused of her husband's murder!

Although he closed his heart to love long ago, the Earl of Penford has always found Lorene irresistible. Their newly ignited passion may be scandalous, but now he'll stop at nothing to clear his name and win Lorene's hand!



My Review

Set in the Eighteen hundreds women are demure, main focus is marriage and babies, matched to families dependent upon their dowry. Lorene will do anything for her siblings including sacrifice her own happiness to secure a future for them. Resented by the staff, thought to be a gold digger after marrying a wealthy older man and unable to escape her mothers past Lorene defies her husband to see her family. When he dies in suspicious circumstances, suspicion falls on the Earl of Penford, the man Lorene's husband accuses of having an affair with his wife. A small down, titles, separated by classes, society is very judgmental and Lorene just wants a quiet life when her past catches up with her bringing trouble, judgement and heartache.

It has been a long long time since I read Mills and Boon books, I loved them as a pre teen. This was brought to my attention with the Mills and Boons insider and just what I needed at this time. Set in the eighteen hundreds I generally don't prefer historical fiction but it works in this book. A genteel period where women and the times are very different from modern day society. Lorene has always been attracted to Dell (the Earl of Penford) but her choices have meant she could never allow him or anyone to know. With suspicion cast on Dell for murder Lorene needs to keep her distance but she has never felt more alone. Then the past caught up with Lorene and her family bringing its own problems, emotions and judgments from the small town.

Very well constructed, the flow goes nicely, kicking off with the lead up t and death of Lorene's husband that sets the path for all that follows. A book that very much looks at morals, societies attitudes, the defined classes, love, families and as with all Mills and Boons stories there is a sex scene or two. Lorene is one of a kind, strong, selfless, loyal, passionate, kind and caring to a fault, whilst her character is one to be praised there were moments when I wished she would be a little selfless and stand up to one or two folk. Overall a really good tale of love, morality, class distinctions, family and honour, just what I needed, 4/5 for me this time. This was my first time reading this author, I would certainly read her again! Thanks to Mills and Boon for providing me with an ARC of this title.

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