Jiving with a Royal {a review}

 

Today is the day that Jiving with a Royal is available! This is the second book in the Unexpected Royals series by Tomi Tabb.

At the end of Dancing with a Royal, I had hoped for a story featuring Eddie and Amanda. It just seemed as though these two would be wonderful together. Jiving with a Royal is telling their story, and my expectations are high. Especially since I adored Dancing with a Royal.

Jiving with a Royal starts in California. It is when David is coming to repair his relationship with Clara, and Eddie tags along. Amanda is headed out one morning, and runs smack dab into Eddie. At first she can't figure out where she has seen this man before, that is until a few minutes later when it hits her. He's Prince Edward. The man she's had a crush on for years. And he's here. At her home. A bit of forced proximity helps to build their friendship, and as that friendship builds feelings change. They both want this friendship to evolve to more, but neither are saying it. Amanda is doing everything she can to work flights that are headed to the UK. That way she can have a little extra time with Eddie. Eddie meanwhile is entering the British Army, and isn't going to really be available for about four weeks. Right about the time he has 3 days of leave coming up, Amanda arrives in London. Upon arrival though, she's involved in a car accident. This event changes everything for her.

There is so much that I enjoyed about Jiving with a Royal.  I loved that Eddie and Amanda were getting their story told. I loved seeing their relationship blossom. The scene at Disney was fabulous. Loved how Amanda took care of the PPO crew. Love that Amanda is a fan of Lucille Ball. Getting to witness Amanda and Clara reconnect was wonderful, but I do wish there had been more scenes with the two of them. Eddie starting in the military was interesting, and just what he needed to mature a bit. Oh, and that final scene made me oh so happy for the couple.

There were some things missing for me in the story though. Maybe it was the fact that our couple was apart more than they were together. Maybe it was the point of conflict, what it was about, and how quickly it was resolved. For me that was just so minor. While I enjoyed the story, it was wasn't the romance I was expecting. I wanted more between the couple. I wanted a bit more conflict. There was a bit too much of the characters being in their heads. To me that would have been the perfect opportunity to have conversations with their friends. Or to discuss things through letters. In the end, even though I enjoyed it, their story left me wanting a bit more.

I loved the characters and the setting. I love royal romances. I am definitely going to continue with the series, and am really curious about the next book. Tomi mentioned who it was going to be about, and I don't recall that character appearing before. So I'm curious to see how he ties in with Eddie and David. Also, what's up with Queen Agnus? I need the history on her. Ooh maybe a prequel will happen where we could have King Reginald's love story! 

Rating wise,  I chose to give Jiving with a Royal 3.5 stars.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura

Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb {a review}

Designing for a Royal is the third book in the Unexpected Royals series by Tomi Tabb, but can technically be read as a standalone novel. While I say it can be read as a standalone, I really think it's best for you to start from the beginning. That way you know who Clara and David are, as well as Eddie and Amanda. There is history here that needs to be understood. So do what you want with that info. 

Clarissa Lee is a designer who has been struggling. That is until the day that Clara Little stepped into her shop, and changed Clarissa's life. All it took was her wearing some of the clothing Clarissa had created, and it was an instantaneous change. Flash forward a little bit, and Clarissa has been tapped for a major project. One night as she arrives home, things just begin to unravel. Not only did she get stuck in the rain, but now her door won't open. Oh and for added issues, the handle fell off the door. Patrick comes to the rescue, and it is revealed that he is her next door neighbor. Patrick doesn't share much about his "job" as that has been an issue in the past where women want him for his title. What he does reveal is that he loves to cook, and can be quite handy. He's also intelligent, a bit funny, and an overall great person. He and Clarissa become friends, and he has made it his mission to make sure she has a home cooked meal on the regular.  This friendship is slowly evolving into more. Can these friends become lovers? Also who is breaking into Clarissa's shops, and her apartment? Will she get these dresses completed in time?

Designing for a Royal was such a sweet romance. I have truly fallen for this series, and am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy. This book was so much more than just a romance novel. Yes, that was the primary focus, but not the sole focus. There was also the design aspect and how Clarissa found her inspiration. There was the family drama surrounding Clarissa and her parents. Add in the past relationship issues that both Clarissa and Patrick were dealing with, and how they overcame those. The big one though was everything surrounding Clara and David's wedding. From the initial consult with the dresses, to the time frame, to the stress, to the break-ins, to the thefts, to just all the chaos that it all caused. It was a lot, but at the same time it wasn't. Because Clarissa learned that she could lean on others. She could trust them with her designs, and let them use their talents to create these pieces. It also showed her friendship with her business partner, how that relationship grew, and eventually how her partner branched out. It was just all really good. The storyline flowed wonderfully, the characters are fabulous, and the setting cannot be beat.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you've read the Modern Royals series by Aven Ellis, then you will absolutely enjoy the Unexpected Royals from Tomi Tabb. If you are a fan of sweet royal romances, then please check this series out. I think you'll enjoy the books.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

A year ago, Clarissa Lee was an unknown, struggling London based fashion designer, until receiving a surprise phone call from the royal palace. Fast forward to the present where business is booming and she is creating the dress for the upcoming royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Leeds. Her work life is a fairy-tale.

Her personal life, however, is another story. After the scars of a past relationship, Clarissa closed her heart off to the world, afraid to trust again.

Patrick Nelson, the Earl of Renbrook, understands what it is like to be broken. It has been two years since his last relationship and his father’s untimely death. When his mother announces she has remarried, Patrick seeks to escape the family estate. A meeting in London with his childhood friend, the Duke of Leeds, provides the perfect excuse.

When Clarissa and Patrick unexpectedly meet, sparks fly. Together can they learn to conquer the past and that love may be in the cards for them after all?

Add Designing for a Royal to your Goodreads TBR!

Interested in purchasing a copy? Click here!

The Mysterious Mr Marcellus by Tomi Tabb {a review}

"This was to be my last chance at making a match. I was foolish to hope that I might finally come away from London a married woman."

Tomi Tabb just released her FIRST Regency Romance novella! When Tomi emailed me, to see if I'd be interested in reviewing The Mysterious Mr Marcellus, I told her that I'd never read a regency romance before. Yet I didn't let that stop me. After all you never truly know what you like and dislike until you've read a lot of different genres, tropes, etc. Since I'm familiar with Tomi's writing, her character development, and all of that, I figured I'd give it a try. It's a novella, so why not? Well let me tell you, I was intrigued.

My rating for The Mysterious Mr Marcellus:

After reading The Mysterious Mr. Marcellus, I now think I need to check out other Regency romances. Or at least others similar to what Tomi has written.

As this was my first (maybe 2nd as I seem to recall a paranormal type regency) Regency, I went into it with an open mind. Like I said above, I know Tomi's writing, so I just trusted that. Honestly I loved this novella. I was immediately curious about Helen, and wanted to know more about her. Then when Mr Marcellus was introduced, my curiosity piqued even more. I truly loved their meet-cute, and the gossip that happened after.

I loved the balls, and all that glitz and glamour. I was fascinated by the visits that took place, and how there was certain protocol and time limitations. All of that was just so interesting.

Now I was confused as to what a "Season" was. I'd never heard that term before, so I had to go to good ole Google. Here's what I found from one website:

The Season refers to the annual period when it was customary for the country’s elite families to unite for balls, dinner parties et al decked in their finest attire.

That makes total sense, and I now understand. I cannot imagine the cost that went into these elaborate events, and what the cost of a full Season truly entailed. Could you imagine that happening today? That would easily be $100k and up. Or at least that's what I'm picturing.

Tomi, you need to write another! Full length or novella, I'll read it!

Now I need Regency recommendations. Novellas are preferred, or anything that you'd recommend to a beginner. Steam level doesn't matter.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

After four unsuccessful Seasons in London, Helen Davenport is aware that she is out of time. Her father cannot afford another Season. With a meager dowry and few connections, what gentlemen would have her? At the age of three and twenty, she might as well consider herself a spinster.

Yet, Helen’s father, Mr. Davenport refuses to give in so easily. After finding a way to raise the funds, Helen soon finds herself in London for one final Season.

When an accident during a morning walk through Hyde Park literally throws her into the path of a gentleman named Mr. Marcellus, Helen learns that there are some circumstances that lie beyond her control. Namely, the vile gossip of the Ton.

With her reputation called into question, Mr. Marcellus promises Helen he will do his duty as a gentleman and marry her. Except there is one problem…no one in town has ever heard of her rescuer. Just who is the mysterious Mr. Marcellus?

Thank you Tomi for providing me with an advanced copy of The Mysterious Mr Marcellus.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

More Than A Passing Shot by Tomi Tabb {cover reveal}

Tomi Tabb has just revealed the cover, and the blurb, for her upcoming novel "More than a Passing Shot". This new release has a tentative release date of June 22, 2022.

Also, I did ask Tomi if this is part of the Unexpected Royals series, or if it is a new venture. More Than A Passing Shot will be marketed as a standalone, as it really falls more into the sports romance category than royal romance. That being said, it does tie in to the Unexpected Royals series, as Olive is a former roommate of Clara and Amanda!

Check out this cover though! Let's head to Greece to get to know Alex and Olive.

Olive Nakamura is ready to put her past and her ex-boyfriend behind her. When one of her closest friends invites her to be a bridesmaid in her London wedding, Olive jumps at the opportunity to tour Europe and reinvent herself.

Unfortunately, Olive’s first stop in the gorgeous city Athens, Greece is met with a worker’s strike and an embarrassing coffee spill in front of the most handsome man she’s ever met, Alex Georgiou. Why does Alex’s name sound so familiar? And what secrets is he hiding?

As Olive attempts to unravel the mystery of Alex, Olive learns that leaving the tennis world behind will be harder than she thought and must decide if opening herself up to love is worth the risk.

If you have previously enjoyed following the stories and adventures of Clara, and Amanda than you will enjoy reading about their one time roommate, Olive.

Pre-order Now

This will be on KU once released

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

A to Z Reading Challenge 2023

It's the end of January! The first month of 2023 is in the books, and I am in disbelief at how fast it went by. I can't be the only one. 

At the beginning of the year I made the decision to participate in the A to Z challenge again this year. As we all know I did not complete it in 2022, but I made fabulous progress.

When it came to the title challenge, I missed it by 3 letters (X, Y, Z). The author challenge I only missed by 2 (I, O)! 

So here we go with my first check in for 2023. Once again I will be doing the title and author editions of this challenge. Let's see what I was able to cross off in the first month.

Title Challenge:

A - All It Take by JH Croix
B - 
C - The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry
D - 
E - 
F - Filthy Jealous Heir Pt 2 by Caitlyn Dare
G - The Great Austen Adventure by Tomi Tabb
H - How to Lose at Love by Sara Ney
I - Ignite by Melanie Harlow
J - 
K - 
L - The Lawyer by Marni Mann
M - 
N - Never Give Up by Rue Lennox
O - Out of Play by Aven Ellis
P - Promised to the Night by Meg Anne & K Loraine
Q - 
R - Resilient Reign by Aleatha Romig
S - Salutis Meae by Jocelyne Soto
T - Tempting the Neighbor by Ashley Munoz
U - 
V - 
W - Wild Ever After by Rebecca Jenshak
X - 
Y - 
Z - 

Author Challenge

A - Aleatha Romig
B - Emily Bowie
C - JH Croix
D - Caitlyn Dare
E - Aven Ellis
F - 
G - 
H - Anna Hackett
I - 
J - January James
K - K Loraine
L - 
M - Ashley Munoz
N - Sara Ney
O - 
P - Devney Perry
Q - 
R - Rue Lennox
S - Jocelyne Soto
T - Tomi Tabb
U - 
V - 
W - 
X - 
Y - 
Z - 

WOW! That is quite the start for the 2023 A to Z challenge! I can tell you now that not every month will have that much at once. It's easy to do at the beginning.

Just a reminder that with the Author Challenge, I will use first names or last names to complete the letter. When it comes to the title though, I go for the first letter (not including The, A, If). I may make exceptions for a few letters, but time will tell on that.

Are you doing the A to Z challenge this year? How is your list looking? Did you read any of the same books as me?

See you back here at the end of February with my next update!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

A to Z Reading Challenge 2023 {March Update}

March is over, and so it's time for another A to Z challenge update! Things slowed down this month for progress on my open letters. I knew this would happen, but I wasn't fully expecting it to this extent. Yet I chose what to read, and didn't pay any attention to my open letters. 

I still made progress though, even if it was minor. Were you able to complete any letters this month? How many do you have left to go? Also are you doing the title challenge, the author challenge, or are you doing both?

See you back here at the end of April for another update!

Happy Reading,
Laura

A to Z Reading Challenge 2023 {February Update}

It's time for my second check in for 2023's A to Z challenges! I've knocked a few more letters off my list, and I am so happy to be making progress. Here's hoping that 2023 is my year to complete these reading challenges. 

Were you able to complete any letters this month? How many do you have left to go? Also are you doing the title challenge, the author challenge, or are you doing both?

See you back here at the end of March for another update!

Happy Reading,
Laura

A to Z Reading Challenge 2023 (April Update)

Goodbye April! You went by way too quickly. Since it's basically over, it's time for my A to Z challenge update! 

I crossed off ONE letter. ONE! And it was for the title challenge. UGH! Hey, progress is progress though, and that's what counts. Maybe in May I'll be able to cross off some of the remaining Author letters. Maybe. The title challenge letters are getting a lot more challenging since I only have Q, X, and Z remaining.

Were you able to complete any letters this month? How many do you have left to go? Also are you doing the title challenge, the author challenge, or are you doing both?

See you back here at the end of May for another update!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Title Challenge:

A - All It Take by JH Croix
B - The Baby Blitz by Lex Martin
C - The Coppersmith Farmhouse by Devney Perry
D - Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz
E - Every Last Piece by JS Wood
F - Filthy Jealous Heir Pt 2 by Caitlyn Dare
G - The Great Austen Adventure by Tomi Tabb
H - How to Lose at Love by Sara Ney
I - Ignite by Melanie Harlow
J - Jagged Thorns by January James
K - Kellan by Anna Blakely
L - The Lawyer by Marni Mann
M - Movie Star by Jessica Simpson
N - Never Give Up by Rue Lennox
O - Out of Play by Aven Ellis
P - Promised to the Night by Meg Anne & K Loraine
Q - 
R - Resilient Reign by Aleatha Romig
S - Salutis Meae by Jocelyne Soto
T - Tempting the Neighbor by Ashley Munoz
U - Unexpected Love Story by Natasha Madison
V - Vow of Revenge by P Rayne
W - Wild Ever After by Rebecca Jenshak
X - 
Y - You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne
Z - 

Author Challenge

A - Aleatha Romig
B - Emily Bowie
C - JH Croix
D - Caitlyn Dare
E - Aven Ellis
F - Elise Faber
G - Gina Azzi
H - Anna Hackett
I - 
J - January James
K - K Loraine
L - Lauren Asher
M - Ashley Munoz
N - Sara Ney
O - 
P - Devney Perry
Q - Angela Quarles
R - Rue Lennox
S - Jocelyne Soto
T - Tomi Tabb
U - 
V - 
W - JS Wood
X - Xavier Neal
Y - 
Z - 

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Weekly Wrap Up

 

Why hello there March! Glad to see you. Please tell me your friend Spring isn't too far behind you. I'm sick of snow. I want warmer temperatures, and the snow to melt. I don't think it's asking too much. 

Last week was a ridiculous good week for reading. Seriously not my normal, and I do not expect to see it happen again. Here are my stats ⬇️:

• 8 Books Read
• 7 E-books
• 5 E-Arcs
• 1 Physical Book
• 1,875 Pages Read

My average rating was 4.5 stars. Which is amazing. 

Not too shabby, am I right? 

Let's jump in and start talking about the books.

The 25 Series I Started in 2021

2021 was clearly the year of series for me!

As I said yesterday, in my series I completed post, I LOVE series. They are my obsession. They are the best thing for me. It's no different than watching a favorite tv show. You get involved into the world, form opinions about the characters, and decide whether you want to continue or not.

In 2021 I started A LOT of new series! And I'm good with that. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I think I've read quite the variety. That being said, one thing all these series share is that all they are contemporaries. Which if you know me, you know that it my preferred area of romance.

What series did I start reading in 2021? Let's find out. (and grab a snack, because it's a long list.)

1. Bergman Brothers by Chloe Liese

2. The Edge by Kristin Turnage

3. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

4. Folkestone Sins by Samantha Lovelock

5. Wonderland Novellas by Samantha Lovelock

6. Unexpected Royals by Tomi Tabb

7. Boston Hawks by Gina Azzi

8. Sons of Sin by Nola Marie

9. Paradise Alaska by Barbara Dunlop

10. Hockey Hotties by Piper Rayne

11. Metros Hockey by Crystal Perkins

12. Sin by Aleatha Romig

13. Birch County Fire by April Canavan

14. Reckless Desires by Victoria Ellis

15. Better Love by Brit Benson

16. Heartbreak by Brittany Taylor

17. Mooseheads Hockey by Mary Morano

18. Fool Me by Lizzie Morton

19. Wildcat Hockey by Rebecca Jenshak

20. Rake Forge University by Ashley Munoz

21. Greene Family by Piper Rayne

22. Wilde Horse Ranch by Kim Loraine

23. Ryder Ranch by Anna Brooks

24. Nanny Love Match by Krista Sandor

25. The One I Want by Ellie Masters

WOW! I mean, I knew I started a lot of series in 2021, but I was not expecting THIS!

25 series were started, and I know for a fact that I'll be able to move three into the series completed in 2022 category. Sadly Folkestone Sins, Rake Forge University, and Ryder Ranch will all conclude in 2022. Sigh. I don't want them to end...Yet I know they have to at some point.

What series did you start in 2021? Any you'd recommend? Have you read any of the series on my list?

Happy Reading,
Laura