Alissa Baxter

3.5 stars.

Fascinating!

I don’t believe I have ever read a book about a geologist, or a lady geologist in the Regency era.

Which I find to be a shame as I thoroughly enjoyed this romance that isn’t quite the norm.

The writing style was one that I find I am very pleased with, it wasn’t fast-paced, too chatty, or boring, but it also didn’t go too slowly, or with an overly done trope.

Cassy’s reasons for not wanting to marry were even realistic not the feministically motivated views.

Rothbury surprised me, I expected him to be disproving from the start and change throughout the story and was happy to find myself wrong. Plus, his “mouse” and all of the things related to that were just darling!

Content: one profanity, mentions of miscarriages, a scoundrel attempts to make a young girl fall in love with him.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.… (mais)

The third installment in The Grantham Girls series has us looking to the heavens with the younger of the Grantham sisters, Abigail, a girl who is enamored by the stars. Asked to assist a star charting endeavor with her uncle has Abigail not only pursuing her passion but also meeting William Rochvale, a Viscount that shares her devotion to the skies. Together the trio embark on a most tedious endeavor that does not come without its complications, but not in the ways any of the players involved would predict.

The Lord and the Lady Astronomer is a clean Regency romance that is a slow burn with a hint of mystery mixed in for good measure. This entire series has been great about adding a little mischief along with the love, and this novel is no exception. It definitely gives A Midsummer Night’s Dream vibes, which is something I absolutely adored, as that is my favorite of Shakespeares works. I also revered the classical poems that were sprinkled throughout. Poetry to me has always been what the heart wants to say when there are no words, and this comes into play several times throughout this narrative, and gives a nice swoon-worthy air.

There are some true historical moments that play out in this story, which is something that is always a treat for a history buff like myself. How I wish I could have bore witness to the Comet Tralles in 1819. I can only imagine that it was an extraordinary experience that must’ve been a defining moment for many. This was also one of my favorite parts of the novel as we not only got to witness a historical moment but also a dream being achieved. You can’t get more magical than that!

Out of the series so far this novel was sadly not my favorite but in its own right it was a lovely read. I do feel like there were moments that it was drawn out and a little too wordy for my taste, but other than that it was a magical chock full of love, an air of mystery, and characters that twinkled brighter than the stars.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (mais)

Third novel in the Grantham Girls series.

Abigail Grantham is a sparkling character, impulsive and intelligent. Interested in a variety of subjects including astronomy. Underneath she carries a sadness and fear of things changing, of the ground shifting. Her parents died when she was young and that has altered her ideas about permanency. Maybe that’s why she finds astronomy and the past so interesting. The future is too uncertain.
Lord Rochvale appears to be rather one dimensional, withholding himself. (A rather distant Mr. Darcy if you will.)
He keeps the secrets of others and confuses Abigail by his distance, except when he’s talking about his love of Roman antiquities, and of course astronomy. Despite that, Abigail finds herself increasingly drawn to Rochvale.
Abigail is helping her uncle and Rochvale with their astronomical calculations.
Her cousin Henrietta appears somewhat troubled. Rochvale’s cousin, the quite handsome Gerald Burnby is a charming companion but Abigail doesn’t quite trust his attentions.
Then there’s another friend of the family’s who comes to stay, Lady Amelia. She and Rochvale appear close. What’s Abigail to think?
There’s a number of misconceptions when various of the characters seem to walk a miscalculated path to romance, leaving everyone concerned totally confused, hurt or under a misapprehension.
A charming, read in Dragonblade’s stable of ‘Sweet Dreams’ wholesome historical romances.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (mais)

Dorothea Grantham has a unique hobby of combining two of her passions, chemistry and embroidery, to create breathtaking silk scarves that look like they come from a far-away land, and not home country of England. It is a secret that needs to be kept as ladies during this time period do not dabble in science but Baron James Castleroy finds out Thea’s secret and finds her passion of chemistry and silks alluring. The fact that Thea’s creations look like they came from India causes quite a stir in London during Thea’s first Season, making many believe they’ve been illegally smuggled, which was a very real problem during that time. It is a unique premise that I can honestly say I’ve never read before, which was quite refreshing in and of itself.

There are little history lessons sprinkled throughout the novel, which I appreciated, and the fact that the two main characters share a fascination on the subject makes it all the sweeter. One topic this novel focuses on is facing your fears. Choosing to live and not stay in bondage to that which you’re most afraid of is very important and I related so much to this particular aspect. Thea’s greatest fear is completely relatable, and witnessing Lord Castleroy help her to face her fears with patience and understanding was one of my favorite parts of the story.

There was a pretty surprising twist at the climax of the story which I was not expecting and greatly appreciated as there were a few sections that did drag for me, and I was ready for a little spice. I do wish this part could’ve been a little more suspenseful and lasted just a tad longer.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It’s got a nice, even tempo and I really did enjoy learning all about silks and the practice of dying them during this time period. The relationship between James and Thea was so sweet and loved every moment they shared with each other. All of the supporting characters are absolutely wonderful, and the scenery was beautiful. I have really enjoyed this series and cannot wait to see where The Grantham Girls take us next!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.… (mais)