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.

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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

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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!

Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums {a review}

This Nutcracker themed sweet-romance is a companion short story to “Dancing With a Royal,” but can be read as a standalone novella. If you read Dancing with a Royal, then you may remember the character Jenna Evans. She had a small part in that story, and now it is her time to shine.

Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums focuses on Jenna's journey through school, and ultimately finding a place within a dance company. For me, that was really the main focus of the book. Yes there is a love story. Yes Clara Little makes an appearance in the story. But the love story and the visit from Clara are small. Jenna's journey toward a role in the Nutcracker production really is center stage. It was really interesting to see all that Jenna went through, as well as her uncertainty regarding her abilities.

I ended up giving Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums a 3.5 star rating over on Goodreads. Part of that was because I wanted a more romance driven story versus one that was more focused on her career. The other part was that it just didn't feel finished. It felt like there were some missing pieces, and the story just needed to be polished a little bit more.

Still, if you've read the other two books in the Unexpected Royals series by Tomi Tabb, I recommend reading this novella as well. Jenna is an interesting character, as is her love interest.

Thank you for taking time to read my abbreviated thoughts on Pointe Shoes and Sugar Plums.

Laura

Since childhood Jenna Evans has had one goal一becoming a professional ballet dancer. Now in her third year of study at the Royal Ballet’s Upper School, her dream is close to becoming a reality.

With the holidays and the busy Nutcracker season approaching, it won’t be long before the Royal Ballet company offers a handful of students an apprenticeship in the Corps de Ballet.

This could be her big break.

At the same time, Jenna has never been more confused by her friend and frequent pas de deux partner Jeremy Flynn. One moment he is his usual joking self, the next he is distancing himself from her.

There is only one person Jenna entrusts to help her unravel the mystery of Jeremy一her friend and mentor Clara Little, the Duchess of Leeds.

Will Jenna be able to make all of her dreams come true?

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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