Collette CameronResenhas

In the first novella of the Seductive Scoundrels series, Miss Jemmah Dament is miserable and hiding in an unused parlor at her aunt’s London home. She’s spent the majority of her life in her cruel sister’s shadow, and both her sister and heartless mother treat Jemmah as nothing more than a servant. She only has her wealthy aunt, Theodora, as well as the Viscountess Lockhart and Theo’s mother-in-law to help her.
Jules, Duke of Dandridge, escapes all the matchmaking mamas at his beloved godmother’s birthday soirée and stumbles upon Jemmah in the parlor. Though they were good friends in childhood, they’d lost touch over the years. After their unexpected reunion, he quickly reassesses his views on not getting married.
Jemmah and Jules are wonderful characters. They’ve both suffered heartache at the hands of their families, especially poor Jemmah, but they aren’t cold and bitter. Though this sweet, clean romance story shows abuse and neglect, it also shows the heroine’s triumph in overcoming such abuse with her self-respect intact. There are a few minor typos, but I like Ms. Cameron’s writing style and the depth of emotions she puts into her characters.
4 Stars

My review is for the earlier version, titled “A Kiss for Miss Kingsley."
In the first novella in the A Waltz with a Rogue series, Miss Olivia Kingsley has recently returned to London after living aboard with her brother and late father. She still loves the man she left behind years earlier, and although she fears he still wants nothing to do with her, she attends a ball at his parents’ home to finally settle things between them.
Allen Wimpleton needs to choose a wife, but the only woman he ever loved sailed away three years earlier. He never expected to see her again until she walks into his parents’ ballroom. Can he earn her forgiveness, or will he kiss his second chance at happiness goodbye?
This is a fast, sweet short romance with good characterization, but I wish it would’ve been longer. I’ll be sure to check out more books by Ms. Cameron.
3.5 Stars

Have tissues handy for this lovely Regency romance collection set around the Harvest Festival in Reabridge, Cheshire, England in 1815 which varies from family-friendly to NC17, so parental guidance is advised.

MOONLIGHT WISHES AND MIDNIGHT KISSES by Collette Cameron: Have a tissue handy the afternoon it will take for this family-friendly Regency wounded warrior tale.

THE MORNING LIGHT by Caroline Warfield: Allow about two hours for this PG tale of a war-wounded doctor, his deserted daughter, and the midwife who sought a cure.

A HARVEST BLESSING by Rue Allyn: Allow two and a half hours for this PG15 romance between refugee Charite Estelle Benetia Marmont du Pessac and retired Captain Thomas Paul Owen.

COMING HOME by Mary Lancaster: Have a tissue handy for this two-and-a-half-hour romp as 24-year-old Lady Lorna Gaveston, assisted by Captain David Buckley, evades gazetted fortune hunter Edgar Winthorpe.

UNDER THE CHAMPAGNE MOON by Alina K. Field: Allow an afternoon for this PG15 tale of orphaned refugee Fleur Hardouin.

THE QUIET HEART by Elizabeth Ellen Carter: Allow an afternoon for the PG15 tale of widow Veronica Petersham who has come to fulfill the dying request of one of her soldier patients.

A LOVE BEYOND TIME by Sherry Ewing: Allow three hours for this PG15 second chance romance.

THE WIDOW'S HARVEST HOPE by Cerise DeLand: Allow two hours for this NC17 second chance with the resolution of a mystery.

LOVE IN ITS SEASON by Jude Knight: Allow about two hours for this PG15 romance between 24-year-old farrier Gwenillan Hughes and 35-year-old veteran Captain Jack Wrath.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Long on exposition

Aside from several colorful phrases the author apparently found too much fun not to use, this book is almost entirely exposition and not much story. Disappointing.

** 3.7 Stars **
dolphus Westbrook, the Marquess of Edenhaven, heir to the Duke of Latham, is hiding out in the quaint sea village of Lymington. He wouldn’t agree that he is hiding out, he’d tell you he was monitoring some of his investments in the area – and he is, but he is also hiding from the constant barrage of scheming matchmaking mamas and their spoiled debutante daughters. He just needs a break and what better place than this quiet village where people only know him as Ab Westbrook? Here he can be himself, relax, meet real people, and not worry about which debutante might be hiding around the next corner.

Aurelie Lemieux once lead a privileged life in France, not an aristocratic life, but very comfortable. After her step-brother was falsely accused of treason and hung, she had to flee France with his two children and nothing but the clothing on their backs. She took refuge with an ailing, elderly aunt in England. Since they couldn’t afford the upkeep on her aunt’s home, they all moved to a more affordable cottage in Lymington. It was a lovely, quiet place and the cottage was respectable and quite lovely. However, the very best part was the lack of aristocrats – she despised them. Aristocrats took everything from her – her hopes, her dreams, her home, and they made orphans of two of the sweetest children on the earth. No, the fewer aristocrats she saw on this earth, the better she liked it.

From the ‘meet cute’ to the HEA, this was a lovely tale with endearing characters and only the slightest hint of a villain. Not really even a villain – more a bully – and quickly dispatched. Adolphus slowly chips away at Aurelie’s disdain for aristocrats with each kindness he shows others – with each generosity given. On the other side, Aurelie slowly whittles away at Adolphus’ belief that she is just another female out to trap him into a marriage he doesn’t want.

If you are looking for a well-paced, nicely-written story with lovely characters and no steam, this is the book for you. You’ll quickly come to care for all of the characters as you root for them to find the family and love they are craving. I hope you will enjoy meeting Aurelie and Adolphus along with Nathalie, Remi, Aunt Marie, and Antoinette the cat (who made it all happen). Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Low-angst second chance romance. Sweet but short.

See my review of the Bride of Falcon edition (I don’t know why it doesn’t show up here).

Also the idea of a 21-year-old having the hots for a 15-year-old is creepy to me tbh.

Ok, so, of course I loved the Regency Regina Georges and the awful mother, but this was far too short and practically devoid of angst, aside from the sniping comments from the Mean Girls. Insta-love, really, though they’ve known each other for years (we don’t see any of their backstory), a couple sweet kisses but no steam, and just, like, no conflict. I kept waiting for there to be ANY obstacle thrown in the couple’s path, but everything just goes off without a hitch. Not to mention, she’s not actually plain, just has old and worn clothing? Just not my cup of tea, sadly, despite the excellent premise.

This is super short, but at least that helped me overlook its squeaky cleanness. I enjoyed the insecurity and angst on both their parts, even if things got tied up a little too tidily (comes with the short page count, I suppose). Could have used some groveling from the hero, imo. (3.5 stars)

Well this sure was up my alley! I always wish that novellas were longer, and especially this one, as I wanted there to be a bit more angst - though there was a decent bit of insecurity on both their parts. And the Regency Regina George foil is another favorite of mine. The writing is rather flowery and there is minimal steam (just one short sex scene at the end), but overall I quite liked it. And it seems other books in this series cater to my favorite tropes, yay! (3.5 stars)

Tobias and Emily provide a lovely book to end the series. We had nice mentions and on-page time with the other couples from the series and it was good to see them again. We had a straightforward, feel-good, little drama story complete with an epilogue. I love epilogues and I think every romance should have one. This epilogue was nice, but it wasn’t my favorite because it takes place before the couple is even married. I would have preferred something 1, 2, 5, etc. years into the future so we could see how their family is doing. However, that is strictly a personal preference, and the author must have thought differently. Imagine that!

Emily Grenville has a deep, dark, oppressive secret. One that will reflect poorly on her niece and others – not to mention herself – if anyone discovers it. She would have loved having a large loving family, but that is not to be because her secret will keep her from ever marrying again. It doesn’t matter how attractive Tobias is or how much she is drawn to him; she must rebuff him.

Tobias may be a duke, but he has no idea what to do with his rebellious niece. She’s very unhappy and she lets Tobias and the world, in general, know it. She didn’t want to come to London for a season and she is behaving abominably – even wearing men’s clothing in the park while riding her horse astride. When she comes within inches of running Emily down, Emily offers to help with her season. Talk about forgive and forget.

This is a very straightforward story with little drama. It simply moves forward step-by-step with only one minor bump in the road. I really liked Tobias and Emily and I thought they were perfect for each other.

I hope you have enjoyed the series and will enjoy bidding a fond farewell to all of the lovely people you’ve met throughout the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoy this author’s books. Her characters are always delightful, the writing is excellent, well-paced, and well-delivered, and the witty banter always leaves you wanting more. In this book, we have those delightful characters in the form of Miss Ophelia Breckensole and Stanford Bancroft, the Duke of Asherford. They may seem a most unlikely pair, but it seems opposites really do attract – OR – are they really opposites?

Stanford is known as the Dangerous Duke because of the methods he used to turn the fortunes of his duchy around. He had few options when he inherited the run-down, pockets-to-let title at the age of fourteen. With hard work, courage, determination, and sheer intelligence, he did what most grown men could not – he turned the duchy around and made one of the richest and most powerful ones in the realm. He did all of that by the time he was twenty-five. Many thought he was ruthless, but he had to use the tools at hand and he never, ever, forced anyone to wager. He did, however, expect those who wagered and lost to pay their debts. Strangely, some of those whose debts he collected didn’t think they should be required to pay.

Ophelia Breckensole is a bright light who brings smiles and happiness wherever she goes. She’s good-natured, kind, and loving – and is absolutely aghast when that pompous, cold, hard-hearted, self-centered, dour, Duke of Asherford tells her they should wed. He doesn’t ask her; he just tells her they would suit and then lists all of the reasons she’d make an excellent duchess. He doesn’t even make a rudimentary attempt at wooing. Well – her answer, of course, is a resounding NO! When he persists, she promptly tells him he doesn’t always get what he wants. He just smiles and lets her know that, yes, he does.

When fate decides to step in and lend a hand, Stanford is happy about it – but not happy about it. He’s happy Ophelia will become his Duchess, but he doesn’t want her to feel forced into marrying him. He doesn’t see much choice for her because it is either ruination or marriage – but he still wants her to be able to choose.

It was lovely to watch these two get to know each other and come to love each other. I’m sure Stanford was already in love, he just didn’t know it yet, but Ophelia had always disliked Stanford, so it took a bit for her to have a grand epiphany. As she came to care for him, she realized her heart – “Well, the silly, gullible organ fluttered like an inebriated moth when he directed his full charm toward her.”

I can definitely recommend this book and will probably read it again in a few months. Not only are Ophelia and Stanford delightful, but he had lovely visits with characters from both previous and future books in the series. I hope you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ronan’s and Mercy’s sweet and uplifting romance. All of the characters are lovely and certainly not what you’d normally expect from members of the aristocracy. Well – most of them aren’t what you’d expect – but three of them could probably fall in a hole and not be missed.

Miss Mercy Feathers was raised in Haven House and Academy for the Enrichment of Young Women where she learned all of the skills needed to be a governess. For the last five years, Mercy has been the governess of two beautiful young girls, Arabelle and Bellamy. Her employer, Lieutenant Lewis Masterson, is a loving father and a considerate employer – but he’s just passed away from lung fever. Things are very tense within their home because the lawyer has released no monies for the running of the household and the girls’ new guardian hasn’t bothered to show up after eight weeks. Mercy has spent all of her own savings trying to keep them all fed – but that is now gone as well. What will they do?

Lord Ronan Brockman certainly got a shock when he returned home from America to find that his friend had died – and Ronan was now the guardian of two very young girls. After a visit from a sleazy lawyer, and sordid tales told by a local barmaid, Ronan doesn’t have any idea what to expect when he arrives at the home of his new charges. Can this governess be the kind of slattern the lawyer and barmaid make her out to be?

Ronan and Mercy certainly get off to a very rocky start and neither of them knows what to expect from the other – or if they even like the other. They each know, however, that each of them cares very much about the girls and what happens to them. Can they learn to abide each other in order to care for the girls?

It was so enjoyable to watch Ronan and Mercy come to care for each other, and I also enjoyed learning of Mercy’s past and the wonderful melding of two loving families. What I didn’t love – though it had no bearing on the romance nor my rating of the story – was the financial situation of Lieutenant Masterson. I liked him very much and that situation seemed to diminish him personally. Since it had little, if any, real bearing on the story, I would have preferred to see that be something a bit different.

I hope you’ll read and enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Fletcher and Rayne (don’t you love that name?). They are lovely characters who each have background issues that make trust more difficult for them. While it is difficult to fully flesh out characters and their issues in such a short book, I think the author has done a nice job of helping us to know Rayne and Fletcher. Their issues are more in the background and the story is focused, front and center, on the romance. I LOVE how Fletcher dealt with his mother! I thought, FINALLY, a character who deals effectively with a vile, hateful, self-centered, selfish parent. Way to go Fletcher!

Rayne Wellbrook is the daughter of a soldier and an opera singer. Her father passed away when Rayne was very young and then she later lost her mother. The guardian who was appointed (her uncle) for her was less than savory and Rayne quickly learned how to be on guard – especially when her guardian had guests. When both her guardian and his son died, Rayne came to be the ward of her guardian's wife – because she had nowhere else to go. Rayne isn’t your typical, in-your-face, independent heroine, she is, to me, much better because she has a quiet inner strength that shines through everything she does. She is amazed to be rubbing elbows with the ton when she is a commoner. She isn’t ashamed of her roots – and doesn’t lie about them – but she doesn’t advertise the fact either.

Fletcher McQuinton, Duke of Kincade, is a Scottish Duke, and he neither likes nor respects those in the ton – with the exception of maybe half-a-dozen of his contemporaries. His reason for despising the English? His mother is English and she left her husband and three children in Scotland to return to England. She is selfish, self-centered, demanding, overbearing, and has no thought for anyone other than herself. Fletcher isn’t opposed to marriage itself – he is opposed to marrying someone who is English – someone who is like his mother. When he marries, it will be a good solid Scottish woman.

When Rayne trespasses into Fletcher’s garden, they are both going to end up with their beliefs and fears challenged. Fletcher finds himself liking the young woman very much and Rayne finds she isn’t fearful in Fletcher’s company. Their journey to their HEA is a lovely one and the epilogue is the absolute perfect wrap-up for the story.

I hope you’ll choose to meet Rayne and Fletcher by reading this book – and that you’ll love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A quirky but well written short story spanning only a few hours, for the most part. I do like the use of language by the author, although I was glad that I read it on my Kindle so could use the built-in dictionary to explore the many uncommon words (a few of which no dictionary has yet found for me!). It's a nice romance, however, with some hints of anticipation that were really well written. It also has a nice happy ending for those romance readers who prefer a good HEA.

Not a long story, but pleasurable enough for a pleasant afternoon read.

Series: Highland Heather Romancing A Scot #3
Publication Date: 11/25/20 (First published 12/2/15)
Number of Pages: 257

This is a lovely read and I can’t imagine how I managed to miss it the first time around. I cannot compare the two editions since I didn’t read the first one, but I understand the author has added a prologue and tweaked the story a bit to give it more depth and further develop the characters. The story is the same – just enhanced. It is well-written with lovely characters, a tight plot, and an endearing epilogue.

While in Scotland to visit a friend, Lucan, the Duke of Harcourt, assists in rescuing a beautiful young gypsy woman, Tasara Faas, and her siblings. This brave young woman had assisted Isobel, his friend’s sister, escape the same captivity – now they were returning the favor by invading the Blackhall's home and rescuing them. Lucan is immediately entranced by the woman – especially when she pulls a knife on him thinking he might be there to harm her and/or her siblings. Then – she socks him in the eye – OMGoodness – what an introduction.

Upon his return to England, Lucan discovers his mother has been gravely ill. He adores his mother and will do anything to keep her calm and happy – and to hopefully recover at least a little. That “anything” includes promising her he’ll marry by Christmas. He’s not ready to marry, but he’ll leg-shackle himself if it will help with his mother. His thoughts keep trailing back to that dark-haired, lavender eyed gypsy he helped rescue. Now, there was a woman he could happily marry – too bad a Duke cannot marry a gypsy.

After her rescue, Tasara had some shocking discoveries of her own – and it upended her entire life. She learns that she is NOT a gypsy, she is actually Alexandra (Alexa), Baroness of Atterberry. Her gypsy family found her, injured, wandering in the woods near where they were camped and took her in. She was only about 3 years old, but they knew she was of the aristocracy from the way she was dressed and spoke. Given the circumstances in which she was found, they knew she needed to be protected, so they raised her as their own. Until – matters happened which made it impossible to continue. Now, she has been banned from her Gypsy tribe and is in London with a new family. She knows her ‘new’ aunt and uncle love her and have spent years looking for her - but – she longs for Scotland and her simple life. As soon as she gets her inheritance, she’ll head back to Scotland.

When Lucan walked into a ballroom – in his search for a bride – and sees Tasara across the room – that is it for him. Right then and there, he knows he’s found his bride. Now, he just has to convince her of that. I absolutely adored Lucan and his steadfast determination to woo and win her. He never falters – and never takes no for an answer. He’s the most gallant, honorable, sweet, caring, and protective hero you could ask for.

There is, of course, a mystery and some villains thrown into the mix before these two can get to their HEA, but it is a delight to watch Lucan do whatever he has to do in order to protect Alexa. I could really feel their connection and had no doubt they’d come to love each other. I adored most of the secondary characters as well – all except the villains, of course. Alexa’s aunt, uncle, and cousins were delightful. Then, there is an unexpected hero toward the end, and I loved that as well.

I can definitely recommend this book – and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chance encounter!

Our hero needs an heiress, the heiress needs a hero. Ye old 'marriage of convenience' trope works nicely here. Vanessa Becket makes her way to the Lyon's Den looking to find out if her despicable step brother, Owen Elligon, has stolen her sapphire heirloom brooch for a gambling stake in this gambling hell. Kingston Barclay, heir to a dukedom has made an appointment with the Black Widow of Whitehall to broker an arranged marriage to ensure funds to provide for his siblings and put his estate in order.
Barclay was injured in an explosion during the Battle of Waterloo that killed his best friend, and Vanessa's brother Gabriel. His survivor's guilt has frozen him into inaction with regards his responsibilities.
I don't need to go any further, I'm sure you can read between the lines.
There are challenges and some altogether too knowing glances from the younger Barclay sisters.
A pleasant short read, with some threads that could have been pulled tighter.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley

A sweet story.

Good story quite funny.

Good story.

Its a good story, he does treat her badly at first, based on misinformation that she has had many lovers he hurts her on their wedding night. He realizes things are not adding up and gets to know her better. The story is quite long, i think its because there are quite a lot of musings in both characters heads, a lot of detail. But i didn't mind. I am looking to read book two.

Series: Seductive Scoundrels #7
Publication Date: 5/5/20
Number of Pages: 202

This was a lovely, lovely, very romantic story. You will fall head-over-heels in love with Mathias as soon as he graces the page. The story is very well-written and well-executed with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout. One wonderful thing about the story is that there is no angst – goodness I detest angsty books. Both the hero and the heroine have unhappy things in their past and each has/are dealing with them in their own way without the ‘poor pitiful me’ angst we so often see.

Nicolette Twistleton was betrothed and just four hours away from her wedding when she received a note from her soon-to-be groom. Thinking it was a romantic note, she smiled as she opened it – to find just a few words: “Nicolette, I cannot marry you. Forgive me, K”. Seven short words that changed her life and her outlook on men. She decided right then and there that she couldn’t trust her heart and no man would ever hurt her again – she’d never give them the opportunity. After that point, men quickly found themselves decisively set-down if they paid too much attention to her. She’ll not marry! ALL men are toads – cockroaches – and she’ll have no part of them. Now, I can see where someone would have that initial reaction, but hers lasted for two years and I thought that was a bit long when she had so many examples of good men and good marriages around her.

Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, first met and came to admire Nicolette a few years ago, but she was being courted by Alfonse Bremerton, Duke of Kilbourne – and then she became betrothed. After Kilbourne jilted her, Mathias knew she needed time to deal with her emotions and get herself in order. He’s been very careful in their interactions over the last two years. He has managed to be the only unmarried, eligible male who hasn’t felt the lash of her tongue. When the huge dog (a Newfoundland named Sampson) he’s caring for gets loose in the park and knocks Nicolette over, Mathias carries her from the park and escorts her home.

Mathias knows it is his chance, but he also knows he has to be careful until he can win her good graces – and soon her heart. I love how steadfast and dedicated Mathias is. He is so patient and caring – who could resist him?

I absolutely adored watching Mathias and Nicolette find their way to their HEA – and, of course, the epilogue was the icing on the cake. I hope you will enjoy this quick, lovely read as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is like a sweet piece of chocolate - which is appropriate given that the story occurs on Valentine's Day. Giselle is a widow with young son. Hugh was her husband's friend and has felt guilty over his friends's death. Hugh is the one who suggested going out on the ice and when both fell in only Hugh came out alive. Now years later can Hugh and Giselle overlook the past and find love?
Add in Ewan, Giselle's son, who seems to be helping to bring the pair together. This book is a sweet, fun and quick read and you can't help but love it.

Collette Cameron does a great job of creating two characters who are shunned by the ton and shows that you are more than appearances. Shona, Lady Atterberry was abused by her mother and is rounded when other ladies are sticks. In addition she is shy. Now she is an heiress but even money isn't enough to keep people from mocking her - if not to her face than definitely behind her back.
Morgan LeDraco was a Captain in the war but was injured in an accident leaving him with a scarred face and without one eye. Where others see a monster - Shona sees beyond the scars to the man within.
This is a sweet story of love at first sight and no one deserves a Happily Ever After more than these two people.

Collette Cameron has done it again with an amazingly delicious story. Who knew falling in love at first sight would eventually work out when our couple meets again by accident but just in time to save Blaike and her sister from being sold into white slavery.
The highlight of the book was the naughty, spicy cockatoo M'Lady Lottie who always seems to find the correct incorrect phrase for the situation.