All Things Halloween Review - The Kingdom Cold

Kingdom Cold (Kingdom Cold, # 1)

By: Brittni Chenelle

Publication: January 25, 2021 by Brittni Chenelle

276 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Attempted murder , that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts.

It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.

When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart? One must fall. Diverse Fantasy, YA Fantasy Romance, Enemies-To-Lovers, Multi-POV

BRITTNI CHENELLE is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in angsty multicultural fantasy romances. She loves the enemies-to-lovers trope and her favorite genres to read and write are Young Adult Fantasy Romance, New Adult Urban Fantasy, Fairytale Retellings , Steamy Paranormal Romance, and African American Paranormal Romance with plenty of Black Girl Magic. She's very passionate about equal representation and makes a point to include characters from different backgrounds and cultures in her fantasy stories.

I listened to Kingdom Cold on audiobook through YouTube Audiobooks for free. I find that books I might find long or frustrating in print aren't as difficult for me in audio for some reason. I think a large part of this is the ability to multitask while listening to the book. I can wash the dishes, cook dinner, clean the house, fold clothes--all tasks I would have to do anyway--while listening to a book. And since I'm not using "valuable reading time" to do so I find that I don't get as annoyed if a book is slower to hook my attention or overall not one that might qualify for that coveted reading time. So I say all that to say that I think listening to this book helped me enjoy it more. There are three narrators: Lessa Lamb, Matthew H. Longoria, & Jake McAskill. These three did a good job narrating, and I appreciated being able to easily detect which character POV I was listening to.

Princess Charlotte is sixteen years old. Her parents inform her that it is time for her to marry. She thinks she's too young and wants to wait a few more years, but their country is nearing war and a political marriage will be a stabilizing factor. Charlotte begins quite selfishly. All she can think about is herself. She's not opposed to marriage, but she doesn't want to marry now. She also has never wanted to rule her country. When Prince Young arrives, she shoots an arrow at him. Thankfully, she misses, but it doesn't start things off on the right foot. It doesn't help that when she gets her first close-up she mistakes Prince Young for his older brother Prince Minseo. She showed obvious attraction to Prince Minseo in that first meeting. And I was secondhand embarrassed while listening to this scene.

Prince Young remembers meeting Charlotte previously and he was intrigued by her then--granted intrigued by her appearance alone it seemed. But at least he was somewhat hopeful going into this political marriage. I don't think he expected Charlotte to be thrilled with marrying a stranger, but he didn't expect the level of animosity or direct opposition he would receive from her. 

The kingdom of Besmium (I'm unsure about the spelling since I listened to the audiobook) was attacked on what was supposed to be Charlotte and Young's wedding day. Young helps Charlotte and her maid/friend Millie escape and that helps to tip him into the ally category. Charlotte and Young have many twists and turns to endure through this book. And I can understand if the book faces criticism due to there being too many. Characters are thought to be dead yet repeatedly aren't. Characters you think are good are actually bad, oh wait, just kidding they're still good. Characters that are supposed to be morally upright, represent faith, and believe in things bigger than themselves (like fate or God) end up being the weakest moral characters in the book. I think Emmett was supposed to be a narcissist. And if so, I thought that was decently done even though he is a despicable character. There's betrayal from those who are loved most. There are political alliances some gone wrong, and others not. This book just tried to squeeze a little too much in. Mostly, I see these things in hindsight, in the analysis of the book, and not as much while I was listening to it.

At this point, I do think I'll check out book 2 on audio as well. If I were reading this in print I probably wouldn't dedicate the time to finishing the series. But audiobooks are not as serious for me as print versions. I think Prince Young was the best thing about this book, and I did enjoy Charlotte's transformation from spoiled princess to well...I'll leave that for you to find out if you decide to read (or listen to) this book. Have you read (or listened to) Kingdom Cold? I'm giving it 3.5 Stars. What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

A Daring Proposal - Review

A Daring Proposal (Memorable Proposals, # 3)

By: Jennie Goutet

Publication: February 8, 2022 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

299 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--She has loved him for as long as she remembers. He is fast discovering his newfound attachment. And now they may never see each other again. Phoebe Tunstall has lived her entire life in the shadow of her outgoing twin sister and in service to her maiden aunt. When she suddenly finds herself alone and free of all responsibility to others, she decides to heed the challenge thrown out by the man she has long admired-her brother's best friend, Lord Ingram. Frederick Ingram is reeling from the shock of learning that his first love has married someone else upon mere weeks' acquaintance. Filled with frustration, he is unable to watch his friend's little sister, Phoebe, living meekly and waiting for happiness to come to her. He tells her to live more boldly. What he does not expect is for her to take it to heart and travel to Brussels as Napoleon begins his march northward. Frederick arrives in Brussels for his military duty and-contrary to his expectation-does not find Phoebe cowering in fear at the threat of the emperor's invasion. Instead, she appears to be the center of Society with every male eye in the city on her. Phoebe is eager to show Frederick exactly what he has been missing out on all these years, and he is finally ready to declare his love. Then war breaks out.

I was looking forward to Phoebe's story through this series. She was the twin I could relate to between her and Anna. Phoebe has been in love with Frederick as long as she can remember. Frederick is her brother's best friend and the brother of one of her best friends. If something happened between them and that ended up ruining the friendship between their two families, Phoebe would be devastated. But what's more devastating is that Frederick never seems to see her. Not the way she wants to be seen anyway.

Frederick had his heart broken. He had an agreement with a lady who backed out of the arrangement in favor of another man. His eyes have now been opened to her true character. He dares Phoebe in passing one day to do something bold, daring, and unexpected. And she decides to take him up on it.

Phoebe decides it's time she quit pining over a man who does not see her. And she takes her friend's offer to travel with her and her husband to Brussels. Only war is heading toward Brussels, and Frederick is sent to the area, as well. Frederick expects Phoebe to rush back home, but she isn't interested in doing that. He's now there and in danger. As well as her friend's husband who is also in the military. She can't think of abandoning them.

Frederick begins to see a change in Phoebe. She isn't who he always thought her to be. She is coming out of her shell and being the center of attention in Brussels. Many of the men have their eyes on her, one in particular. Frederick and Phoebe grow closer just as war does.

A Daring Proposal was a quick listen for me. And I really enjoyed the historical facts included in the text, specifically the battle that took place. I could picture the scene so clearly. And Jennie Goutet did a great job making it feel like history was coming to life. Of course, the romance has to drive the story in most cases for me to love a book, and that didn't disappoint. A Daring Proposal was a good close to this series and gets 4 Stars from me. Have you read or listened to A Daring Proposal? What did you think? Let me know!

A Faithful Proposal - Review

A Faithful Proposal (Memorable Proposals, # 2)

By: Jennie Goutet

Publication: July 1, 2021 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

305 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--She was born to lead London Society. He could not leave it fast enough.

With a few well-placed words in the right ear, Anna Tunstall can direct anyone to do her bidding, exactly the skill needed for one destined to be the wife of a man in politics. A summer visit to a friend’s country estate is the perfect distraction before the London Season begins and Anna can achieve her ambition of a perfect match.

Harry Aston has spurned the noble aspirations of his family to enter holy orders where he might make a difference in people’s lives. His mother’s untiring attempts to find him a wife worthy—and wealthy—enough to suit him only serve to set up his back. He has never been in love, and she should not think that suitable wives dropped down from heaven, especially not in the village of Avebury.

When Harry finds Anna unconscious on the road, and she awakens in his arms, his world shifts at her gaze. But before he can think that heaven has come through at last, he must convince Anna that her prolonged stay in Avebury is not fate’s way of toying with her, but rather opening her eyes to a new direction for her ambitions—and her heart.

Anna is very different from me. Sometimes this makes reading a character more fun, and other times it makes them hard to relate to. Anna comes off as shallow. She likes gossip and fashion. And she bonded with...oh shoot...what was her name?...her friend over these things before her friend married and moved from London. Anna is now on her way to visit her friend before her confinement while her husband is away at war. Anna is headstrong and often disregards logic and sense for her own whims. She's one of those people that thinks "Oh, that could never happen to me." But it seems "that" often does happen to her.

After dismissing the idea of traveling with any sort of male escort and only hiring a temporary maid, her coach is robbed by highwaymen. Anna is found by Harry, the local vicar, and deposited with her friend to recover. Harry is almost immediately taken with Anna's beauty. But he needs to know there is more to Anna than her looks.

Harry is of noble birth, but all things London and high society rub him completely wrong. Most especially, his family. He does battle with wondering whether Anna is as surface level as she gives off because as a vicar, he needs his bride to be deeper than that and concerned with more than simply herself. Anna does rise to the occasion, but I was a little disappointed that he didn't probe deeper into her faith. As a vicar, I would imagine it isn't good enough to have a kind wife. Wouldn't you need a believing wife as well? And given the main role that Harry has, I would have expected to see some deeper religious themes used throughout the book. I wasn't put off by it, but it was something I noted.

A Faithful Propopsal has a few mysteries wrapped up in the overall storyline. Who are the highwaymen who robbed Anna at the beginning of the book? Why were her possessions returned to her? Anna's friend's husband is missing. Will he return or will she finally receive news that he is dead? Or will he remain missing? This was perhaps one of my favorite parts of the overall story, and I can't spoil anything surrounding it.

A Faitfhul Proposal wasn't a perfect book for me. I had a few issues with Anna as a character, to begin with. I wanted to see a little more depth to Anna where Harry was concerned. Sure I didn't expect her to change just for his sake, but are they truly the best fit for each other? I did enjoy the side stories because they didn't take over the main plot, but I felt like they truly did add to the story instead of take away which can sometimes happen in romantic mysteries. I give A Faithful Proposal 3 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) A Faithful Proposal? What did you think? Let me know!

A Regrettable Proposal - Review

A Regrettable Proposal (Memorable Proposal, # 1)

By: Jennie Goutet

Publication: July 1, 2021 by Cedar Fort, Inc

349 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Orphaned at a young age, Eleanor wants nothing more than to settle in a home of her own. Stratford, having met once with betrayal, desires a woman who will be true. When a complicated inheritance forces them together, they little expect this to be the answer to their innermost desires.

Eleanor Daventry has come into money, but the inheritance comes with a condition: she must marry to have it. Steadfast and independent, she would rather become a schoolmistress than take a husband she does not love.

Stratford Tunstall has just discovered his predecessor willed the estate’s unentailed land to Miss Daventry. Although cynical regarding love, the man recognizes a practical solution when he sees one. He and Miss Daventry must marry, and Stratford wastes no time in pressing his suit—with disastrous results.

In the face of such an insulting proposal, Eleanor flees to London where she lands unwittingly in the home of Stratford’s closest friends. Now thrown together constantly, Eleanor can't help admiring his masterful apologies, never mind how often he must deliver them. Stratford concedes that, against all his predictions, Eleanor enjoys success with the ton. How fortunate. Now, if only her suitors didn’t feel the need to apply to him for advice.

When combined forces threaten Eleanor’s reputation, Stratford realizes it's more than her land he cares about. Somehow, he'll have to convince Eleanor that his coming to her rescue is a deed inspired by love.

I listened to this one on audiobook and finished it over a month before writing this review.

Stratford has recently come into his title. If I remember correctly, this wasn't a title he was expecting to inherit in the first place. He's taken some time to adjust to his new role, and now it's time for the estate business to be handled. Stratford finds out that his uncle (I think) entailed the most profitable part of his land to an orphan. But he left it on the condition that she marry. Stratford is a practical man, and he's also had his heart broken. Once secretly engaged, his previous fiance broke off the engagement for another man when he went to war . The problem is, she never ended up marrying the other man either, and now she has her sights set back in Stratford. He isn't interested anymore now that he's seen her true colors.

Eleanor never expected to marry. She has always imagined that she would become a governess or school mistress. The fact that she has some land to inherit isn't moving her toward marriage as one might expect. Instead, she sees the land as being the only thing many of the men who seem interested in her want. They don't want her. They want her potential land. Stratford, himself, is one of them. He proposed to her almost immediately upon finding out the situation....only he was drunk and insulting while he did it.

Stratford realizes quickly that he needs to apologize, and he is interested in Eleanor for more than the land. The trouble is that he keeps making mistakes that he needs to apologized for. I suppose I've just restated the description. So I'll say that I laughed at Stratford and wanted to shake him a little for his missteps. Eleanor was a little obtuse when it came to Stratford's feelings. But I'm thankful she didn't show much interest in the other gentlemen who attempted to court her. Although giving up security isn't easy, Eleanor knew she would rather marry for love than for convenience.

The side characters are wonderful. Eleanor's friend, Lydia, had her own story. Lydia is a bit silly, and she has a journey to find her own match in this book as well. I do love when I get a two for one. Lydia's story might have been the more romantic of the two. I won't give too much away, but multiple gentlemen are interested in her. One of which seems to have no shot at winning her. He is more serious, but Lydia realizes that his regard for her is genuine. Their story was a wonderful addition to this book. Phoebe and Anna are twins, and they lead the next two books in the series. Lydia's brother is also Stratford's best friend so we learn about him in this book.

I definitely saw the nods to Jane Austen. I can't remember all of them, but I feel like the opening line or sequence of this one was basically a direct reference. And then there were others throughout as well. I like these little bits of fan service and honoring of the authors who have come before and so many lovers of historical fiction adore.

A Regrettable Proposal gets 3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the audiobook narrator, Annadee Morgan, did a great job as well. A good story with a two for one romance. The side characters are enjoyable which is great since the series continues on with them. Have you read or listened to A Regrettable Proposal by Jennie Goutet? What did you think? Let me know!

The Sport of Matchmaking - Review

The Sport of Matchmaking (Clavering Chronicles, # 3)

By: Jennie Goutet

Publication: May 17, 2022

268 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: YouTube Audiobook

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--For once, he has met a lady less inclined to marry than he is. How unfortunate that she is the only bride he will consider.

George Clavering is much too young to think about getting married. Yes, his older brother—and even his younger sister—have managed to tie the knot, but he has plenty more years of play and sporting events ahead of him before he need consider such a thing. Even matchmaking becomes a sport when gentlemen bet on the Season’s successes or failures in the club. He will not give them an opportunity to bet on him. Furthermore, why settle down when there are young women like Lady Alice who liven the sport of matchmaking with friendly wagers?

Lady Alice St. Clair is the fifth daughter of the Duke of Carr, and as she is independently wealthy and may do as she pleases, she has no reason to wed. She certainly has no intention of doing so. If the marriage mart offers nothing more than the unattractive boors who have presented themselves at her door for the past five seasons, it should hardly surprise her parents she cannot be persuaded to the altar. True, George Clavering has a full head of dark hair and a smile that is as mischievous as it is attractive, but no lady of character would change her mind for one above-average specimen of the male race.

For both, what began as a friendly bet between two bored guests at a ball turned into an earnest desire to help their protégés find happiness. And if some deeper feelings should stir in George to win Alice’s heart, then he has no choice but to dampen them. After all, Lady Alice has sworn she will not marry, and George has applauded her decision. For him to try to weaken her resolve now would be…unsportsmanlike.

Alice is the fifth daughter of the Duke of Carr. She has determined that she will not marry. She isn't interested in the slightest, even though many men have proposed. None of them have captured her attention or interest, and she doesn't believe most are genuinely interested in her at all. They all want her position and wealth. She is independently wealthy, but the moment she marries, her money will go to her husband. And she has no wish to be dominated over or directed by a husband. She doesn't dance when at balls, assemblies, or parties because doing so sends the message that she's interested or on the market. She stumbles into an alcove that happens to be occupied by George Clavering at a ball one night, and the two spend the time together in pleasant conversation.

George is also against the idea of marriage. It isn't that he never plans to marry, but he sees himself as being too young. He is enjoying life as it is right now, mostly hanging out with his friends. And he doesn't want that to end. The idea of getting married feels stifling to him. But when Lady Alice suggests his friend and another young lady would make a great match, he wagers with her that they will not. The wager puts George and Lady Alice in a situation where they "meet" to converse more frequently. I appreciated that neither party tried to sabotage the other, even though Lady Alice might have done a little to move the couple towards each other.

The same night George and Alice make their wager, George is somewhat tricked into wagering whether Lady Alice will marry this season or not. George feels guilty about making this last wager, but he quickly forgets about it as it wasn't a big deal to him at the moment. It doesn't take long for George to realize that he enjoys Lady Alice's company, and Lady Alice enjoys his. However, it does take a while for her to realize that she might accept George should he intend to ask her. But there's a problem. George knows that she doesn't intend to marry, and if he asks her to marry him, then he becomes just like all the other men who have disregarded her thoughts in favor of their own.

I felt like some of the conflict of The Sport of Matchmaking could have easily been avoided, but I didn't dwell on that too long or let it ruin my enjoyment of the story. And of course, I loved the happily ever after these two ended up with. I imagine the series is over, but I wouldn't mind getting books from George's friends eventually. I'll have to look and see if Jennie Goutet's other books might include them. The Sport of Matchmaking gets 4 Stars. Stevie Zimmerman does a wonderful job narrating, as always. Have you read (or listened to) The Sport of Matchmaking? What did you think? Let me know!

Flame and Ember - Review

Flame and Ember (The Kingsleys, # 1)

By: MA Nichols

Publication: March 27, 2018 by M.A. Nichols

266 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A heartbroken man, a frustrated spinster, and a marriage of convenience that proves quite inconvenient.

Simon Kingsley is in desperate need of a wife. After years of searching, he finally found love. Unfortunately, she wed another, and now, it’s time to settle for someone with whom he can share his life. Love is no longer an option for a man whose heart is irrevocably broken.

Mina Ashbrook longs to marry for love but knows she’s too old, too plump, and too plain to catch a gentleman’s eye. And a marriage of convenience is better than being a spinster sister living off her brother’s charity. Simon may not love her now, but Mina knows there’s hope—if she can convince him that love comes in many forms.

Will Mina find a way to heal Simon’s heart? Or will the shadows of the past keep them from finding happiness together?

Mina's mother died many years ago, and Mina stepped into the role of mother and mistress of the house to serve in her place. She raised her younger brothers as best she could when all they wanted was their mother back. She ran the household and learned how to manage an estate, at least the female duties. She's described as being a bit overweight, frumpy, and unattractive. She's now 30 years old and basically considered a spinster. She is tired of being overlooked and unwanted. And now that Nicholas has married, his wife has taken over the role of mistress and hostess of their home. Mina is unneeded. Her grandmother left her a cottage, but when her father passed away, he didn't leave her the income she expected to be able to run the cottage. So she's stuck. Even though her brothers love her and she wouldn't say she is unwanted, she desires more than anything to have her own home to run and to be useful.

Simon had his heart broken when the woman he was in love with decided to marry another man. He still carries a torch for her. And he is determined that he will never love again. In truth, Simon doesn't know the difference between love and attraction because his parents and family never showed him any of the real deal. He needs a wife to help him run his estate, but he just can't seem to get past how the one he wanted is no longer an option.

Man I have to tell you that I spent most of this book wanting to kick Simon in the teeth. I suppose we don't know what we don't know. And Simon knew nothing about true love. But sheesh. In his efforts to work so hard at not having a marriage that mimicked his parents in any sort of way, he was doing nearly everything possible to bring about the very thing. My heart hurt for Mina because once again she was chosen, but only as the second option. I applauded her when she decided to stand up for herself. And honestly, I felt a bit like Simon got off too easy. But there's no point in repaying pain for pain.

I really enjoy the narrator Madeleine Brolly. She did a wonderful job.

I didn't want to stop listening to Flame & Ember. I'm pretty sure I dozed off a time or two when I was trying to squeeze in just a few more minutes before bed. Simon and Mina do have a good story about the journey of finding a deeper love than initial attraction. And Mina, in particular, was a wonderful, heartwarming character who persevered in times of struggle yet maintained her goodness above those around her. Yet, the desire to shake some sense into Simon did deflate my overall enjoyment just a smidgen, which means I think Flame & Ember deserves 3.5 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Flame & Ember? What did you think? Let me know!