Historical Romance Book Club discussion

This challenge is meant to help you climb your TBR Mountain and get those books finally read.



This will be a quarterly challenge, with a new theme each quarter. This year our second theme will be Spring Cleaning take a look around your TBR and choose those that have been languishing a while, or you aren't quite sure you wanted there!

HOW IT WORKS:
1) The first poster will post 5 book titles that they pick from their TBR shelf.

2) The next poster will choose 2 books from the first poster's titles and choose 5 book titles off their own TBR. The first poster will then choose to read at least 1 of the 2 books chosen.

3) The third poster will choose 2 from the second posters list .... and so on.

4) Each participant will have the entire quarter to read their book(s), post their rating and review. And tell us what you think of your book in this thread.

5) You are not limited to 1 time. You can return to select and post more options as often as it suits you.

by Madeline Hunter added April 2017
by Sharon Cullen added May 2017
by Alyssa Alexander added November 2017
by Scarlet Scott added December 2018
by Ami Jarecki this one is in the not sure what it is doing there, I tend to avoid Scotsmen, I hate the "verras" and the "wee lassies" ie Scottish brogue.

Darbella, I choose The Spinster's Secret and Wed By Proxy for your two.

This is s great one for me. I have some books I added in 2015, shortly after joining Goodreads.

1) Love Letters by Lori Brighton

2) To Seduce an Earl by Lori Brighton

3) Beauty and the Scarred Hero by Emily May

4) The Captain and the Wallflower by Lyn Stone

5) The Proposal by Mary Balogh

Mariana, My picks for you are,
To Seduce an Earl and The Proposal.
My list
1 Sierra -- Connie Mason.
2 Secrets --Brenda Joyce.
3 Matters of Temptation --Lorraine Heath.
4 The Seduction of Scandal --Cathy Maxwell.
5 Secrets of the Marriage Bed --Ann Lethbridge

Shaz wrote: "Mariana, My picks for you are,
To Seduce an Earl and The Proposal.
My list
1 Sierra -- Connie Mason.
2 Secrets --Brenda Joyce.
3 Matters of Temptation --Lorraine Heath.
4 The Seduction of Scandal..."

Thanks! I am going to read The Proposal this quarter.

Happy reading Mariana, hope you like the stories

Whew! Finally!!!
Ellen O'Connell
Meredith Duran
, Jenn bennett
, Joanna shupe
, Jo Goodman

Shaz, I pick secrets of a marriage bed & Sierra for you!

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Whew! Finally!!!
Ellen O'Connell
Meredith Duran
, Jenn bennett
and Magnate. Hope you enjoy these books.

My five (these are on my tbr since 2015/16)

1. As You Desire

2. Passion

3. Surrender

4. Moonstruck Madness

5. The Dragon Lord

Priya wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Whew! Finally!!!
Ellen O'Connell
Meredith Duran
, Jenn benne..."
Priya,
It looks like you chose Magnate & I can't tell what else? :)

Thanks Sam. I will read Secret of a Marriage Bed first.

Am I picking for you Priya?

Some of these I've been sitting on a while, others, I don't even remember picking them up. :/

1. If You Dare

2. Midnight Angel

3. Some Like It Scot

4. Lord Langley Is Back in Town

5. The Lass Wore Black

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Priya,
It looks like you chose Magnate & I can't tell what else? :) "

oh! Looks like there is an error in my post.

I picked 'Wicked Becomes You' and 'Magnate' for you.

Lorien wrote: "Am I picking for you Priya?"

Yes.

Priya wrote: "Lorien wrote: "Am I picking for you Priya?"

Yes."

I'm picking
The Dragon Lord

Moonstruck Madness

Thank you, Lorien!

Lorien,

I pick for you:

If You Dare - have had this one on mine for a while too

Lord Langley Is Back in Town - picking this one for the title.

I'll be back in a bit to post my books.

My five are favorite authors that I haven't gotten around to reading. Mostly I don't feel like trying something new, but also I own many of these already.

1. Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran

2. One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

3. The Seducer by Madeline Hunter

4. The Lion's Daughter by Loretta Chase

5. The Stolen Princess by Anne Gracie

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "

Lord Langley Is Back in Town - picking this one for the title."
Thanks Joanna, I fully approve of that method.

It's been a couple of days since we had anyone new pop in. Loriidae, would you like to pick for Joanna?

Finished my first read. Liked the story 4 Stars

Joanna - I am an Anne Gracie fan so,

The Stolen Princess

Madeline Hunter is also on my list to try

The Seducer

Darbella wrote: "Finished Wed By Proxy."

I saw your review. Is this a spinoff of another series you have not read? I have this on my TBR shelf, but I may need to choose another book by this author instead.

Shaz wrote: "Finished my first read. Liked the story 4 Stars"

Which book did you read?

Loriidae wrote: "Joanna - I am an Anne Gracie fan so,

The Stolen Princess

Madeline Hunter is also on my list to try

The Seducer"

Thanks! Looking forward to it! When I saw you were going to pick for me, I guessed Gracie would be one of them :-)

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Thanks! Looking forward to it! When I saw you were going to pick for me, I guessed Gracie would be one of them :-) ..."

:) Although I must admit this isn't a favourite series, I adored the first two books, but the rest faded away.

Darbella wrote: "Mariana, it must be even though this is the first of this series. Which could explain why there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews versus my lower one. The reviews are really good from other people s..."

I have not read anything by Alice Coldbreath yet, but I'd like to give one a try sometime, maybe Her Bastard Bridegroom.

Mariana wrote: "Shaz wrote: "Finished my first read. Liked the story 4 Stars"

Which book did you read?"

Secrets of the Marriage Bed by Ann Lethbridge

Finished Wicked Becomes you. Duran has the best heroes...

^^^ Totally agree about her heroes! Duran is one of my favorites. I'm very s-l-o-w-l-y working my way through her books so I don't run out too soon. Because when I do, I'm going to be depressed:(

Cath wrote: "^^^ Totally agree about her heroes! Duran is one of my favorites. I'm very s-l-o-w-l-y working my way through her books so I don't run out too soon. Because when I do, I'm going to be depressed:("

I'm trying not to be too greedy as well, but I think I waited a year between so I'm glad that Priya picked this one for me!

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Cath wrote: "^^^ Totally agree about her heroes! Duran is one of my favorites. I'm very s-l-o-w-l-y working my way through her books so I don't run out too soon. Because when I do, I'm going to be ..."

That is a long wait. Impressive!

I think it's overboard. After all, I'll want to reread her too! (And I have two of hers)

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Cath wrote: "^^^ Totally agree about her heroes! Duran is one of my favorites. I'm very s-l-o-w-l-y working my way through her books so I don't run out too soon. Because when I do, I'm going to be ..."

Good to know you enjoyed it😀

Mountain Climbing Challenge: Q2 2020 - Update
I have been reading up a storm in the last week, I haven’t read this many historicals back to back in a long time. I think it is this crazy time in which we are living, I need safe, I need happy endings and haven’t the patience for the intricate 600-page, 12 book epic fantasies that have been the norm over the last couple of years.

Anyway, on to what I have read: Darbella chose Ravishing in Red by Madeline Hunter and The Highland Duke by Ami Jarecki, from my list of five.

Ravishing in Red (#1 The Rarest Blooms): this one fell short for me. This is an enemies to lovers trope and for me the forgiveness happened way too soon, with very little angst on the heroine’s part. The mystery overtook the romance. I just didn’t buy the romance and the resolution of the mystery was lukewarm. Read: April 12 ★★✰✰✰

I have begun The Highland Duke (#1 Lords of the Highlands) set in 1705 on audio and am encouraged by the dual narrators, but early days at 5%.

The remainder of my list:
The Smuggler Wore Silk (#1 Spies in the Ton) by Alyssa Alexander I quite liked this. Grace is the poor relation forced into servitude by the wicked uncle. I particularly liked the flirting / seduction fantasies woven by the hero and heroine. Read: April 14 ★★★✰✰
I also went on to read #2 of Spies in the Ton series: In Bed with a Spy Read: April 16 ★★★★✰

Duke of Depravity by Scarlet Scott This is terrible, I am revolted by the hero, the language written from his POV is crude and vulgar. The heroine had potential but was in an untenable situation as a governess to the sisters of a debauched hero who abused the power he held over others. I am sure this is the reality of 1812, but I don’t want to read about it couched in this type of language. Did Not Finish at 15%

To Read: Wed to a Spy by Sharon Cullen

- - -

I finished my Q2 book The Proposal by Mary Balogh.

I am not a Balogh expert; but I have read the entire Bedwyn Saga, including both prequels. The writing style felt very different. I would never have guessed she was the author without her name on it.

I did enjoy it though, less than the Bedwyns but more than their prequels. I got a little frustrated with Hugo a few times, but I have to accept he had more experiences with aristocrats than I got to see and had a hard time seeing people as people. He could not judge Gwen for her actions alone. She was by no means perfect, but her flaws felt explained by her past better for me. She was honest with herself and with Hugo.

The only thing I didn't buy was Hugo's sexual prowess. He had only been with whores. Without ever having a mistress or sexual liaisons without paying for it, I don't think he would have much experience giving pleasure. Thinking of the whores who followed the army, I can only imagine they were even stinkier and dirtier than the average person. I doubt he would have wanted to kiss and lick them all over. Oh well, I just put it aside and accepted he was good in bed for Gwen. Maybe he was a natural.

Mariana wrote: "I finished my Q2 book The Proposal by Mary Balogh.

I am not a Balogh expert; but I have read the entire Bedwyn Saga, including both prequels. The writing style felt v..."

I m glad you enjoyed the Proposal. I read the Survivors Series a few years back. First books I read of Mary Balogh, and liked them. Loved your review very amusing lol

Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous Evening, and Wed By Proxy. I rated the first t..."

5 books and it is not even a month! Congratulations, Darbella!

Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous Evening, and Wed By Proxy. I rated the first t..."

Loriidae wrote: "Mountain Climbing Challenge: Q2 2020 - Update
I have been reading up a storm in the last week, I haven’t read this many historicals back to back in a long time. I think it is this crazy time in whi..."

Wow! You two are zipping through your reads.

I agree on the romance comment Lorii, but I'm not reading a ton. I'm working at home, schooling and home stuff...and I don't know, I just am more tired when it's reading time I guess :-/

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous Evening, and Wed By Proxy. I ..."

I'm the same Joanna. And I go in and out of beefing consumed by pandemic at the same time too. Sometimes I find I just need to sit. I'm determined to work through some this weekend though bc I didn't take enough time to escape and recenter last weekend and I paid for it.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous Evening, and Wed By Proxy. I ..."

Oh no wonder you are so tired.

Just sending out hugs, to everyone, trying to work and home school. I would have strangled my lad within half an hour if I had to home school him, it was bad enough trying to get homework done!

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous ..."

Yea, I have gotten really caught up in the pandemic news at times, have started ignoring it some though. I certainly don't regret the times I make for reading!

Loriidae wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Darbella wrote: "Finished my five mountain climbing q2 books: From favorite to least favorite is: True Story, The Lord Next Door, The Spinsters Secret, That Scandalous ..."

Thanks :-)...my daughter is young enough that we get to focus on the core stuff -- reading, writhing, and math, and the rest is gravy. So it's not been too bad but it's all happening in the same place so not really a respite the way there normally would be.

With work from home and trying to teach my girls, I feel like I am doing two full time jobs. I still read, but it is less than before the pandemic. Some people handle the homeschooling much better than I do. One day we didn't finish their school until 11:30pm. Now we just work on the weekends. Too exhausting all in 5 days a week.

Mariana wrote: "With work from home and trying to teach my girls, I feel like I am doing two full time jobs. I still read, but it is less than before the pandemic. Some people handle the homeschooling much better ..."

Yep, but in think it's more than 2 full time jobs! Plus there's the emotional toll this all takes. I think I handle it better than most-I'm an introvert-but I'm an introvert and my family is here all the time too. Lol!


Anyway, I finished Magnate, the second book and can only give it 3 stars. It wasn't clicking halfway through and I'm surprised I finished it. I didn't see which from either character & the it had too much going on. Not convinced Shupe is for me.

Rather than reposting, I'm planning to continue to read through this list. One of the things I have is decision fatigue right now and I'm happy to just have a list of books that are next!

Mariana wrote: "With work from home and trying to teach my girls, I feel like I am doing two full time jobs. I still read, but it is less than before the pandemic. Some people handle the homeschooling much better ..."

Ditto!
Despite having my parents with me and my mum helping me, I feel the same! Sticking to kids' schedules is exhausting.

Finished Lord Langley Is Back in Town, yet another hr novel where one of the MC's was/is a spy for the crown?? This is maybe the 5th I've read with this theme this year already?

Book was a fast read, kinda cute. So I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow me away or anything.

Nearly forgot to read my second book. Just started to read it today. Probably would not have got round to this book if Sam had not picked it for me. It's started off ok.