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A British Governess in America by Becky Lower – a Review

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A British Governess in America by Becky Lower – a Review

 

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Description:
Eleanor Chastain has never left her hometown in Sussex, England. For ten years, she’s been a governess to the local earl’s young children, and now that the last of them has gone to boarding school, she finds herself unemployed. But the earl has other plans for her—a nephew of his in the fledgling country of America desperately needs a guiding hand for his five youngsters. Though Eleanor wants no part of America or the earl’s nephew, she has no choice but to accept the “offer” and set sail for the war-torn country.

Patterson Lovejoy’s wife died two years ago in childbirth, and chaos has ruled his household since that dark day. Though he’s glad to have Eleanor’s help, he begins to wonder if the peace of mind he has enjoyed since her arrival is worth the torment he is feeling as time goes by—and he finds himself falling in love with her. He can’t allow that to happen, since he feels responsible for his wife’s death. Marriage–ever again—is out of the question.

But with the deciding battles of the Revolutionary War approaching, can they take a chance on their love, after all? Will the war end their secret longing for what might be between them before they can admit their need for one another? When the battle hits their home and they are separated, Eleanor discovers an inner strength she didn’t know existed, and Patterson must make a decision he never thought he’d face.

Reading Order: Revolutionary Women:

Book 1 A British Heiress in America 
Book 2 A British Courtesan in America
Book 3  A British Governess in America 

 

 

 Review:. 

A British Governess in America  by Becky Lower is the 3rd book in her Revolutionary Women series. I’ve read both of the previous books in this series, and both were pretty good, so I opened this one up with high expectations. And I’m glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.

Eleanor has loved her job, watching and guiding the children of her latest job. But as the youngest is set on his journey to Eton,  Eleanor now sets her sights at getting a new position as a governess. Being told she gas a new job in America looking after children for the Lord’s nephew comes as a big shock! And when she tries to refuse, she’s told if she doesn’t go, then he won’t write a letter of recommendation (and in those days, a reference was the only way to get a good job)  

Patterson needs to help his countrymen, but the love for his children have him pulled in two directions. Losing his wife in childbirth was hard, looking after five children had been a full time job, but now he’s needed to aid his countrymen. He’s not interested in marriage, he won’t fall in love ever again, it’s too painful. A nanny is required. And one is coming from England…..

Eleanor is faced with a dilemma, unemployment or a job overseas! Neither is ideal, but caught in a no-win situation, she sets out for America! 

Meeting Patterson, Eleanor realises her job is going to be harder than she thought! Not only is she looking after the children, but she’s expected to cook and clean also! And as she’s never had to do those jobs before, Eleanor is a little daunted at the prospect. She needs to explain her worries to her new employer when she gets there.  After explaining her worries her new employer has promised to send her home in the spring of it doesn’t work out….

It was nice to catch up with the couples from the previous books. In some cases really brief. Love when we can see what at they are up to. Spending time with each other, feelings begin to take hold. But there is change coming, and it could tear them apart! Patterson is sent off to war, and Eleanor is tasked with caring for the children, looking after them and the home, she comes to realise that her feelings aren’t one of duty, but love! She loves the children, and wishes to talk to Patterson before making the decision to stay or to go back to England. 

It’s a lovely afternoon read, a little romance and a little hardship thrown in. These books are told more from the American side of the story, and as a Brit, it’s always good to get the other side of history. 

Loved Patterson and his beliefs. The idealism of a free country, to live as an equal has always appealed to me (as history has usually shown us that’s not the case!) Eleanor also goes through a few changes, life in America is hard. And an incident brings her and Patterson’s eldest son closer (they were butting heads, he didn’t want her there) she learns a lot about herself as a person. Eleanor is upset, Patterson has been injured! He comes home unconscious and with a fever. 

Caring for him isn’t a chore, but when he calls out for his wife, Eleanor makes the decision to go home! She can’t stay when Patterson still mourns for his dead wife!! So will Patterson come to his senses? Can he convince Eleanor that he looks upon her as more than a cook/housekeeper and governess, and before it’s too late?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower – a Review

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A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
She is running from her past life as London’s most prized mistress.  
When beautiful Fancy Booker’s last benefactor leaves her his fortune, she sails for the new country of America. 
Giving herself the name Liberty Wexford, she hopes to set a new course for her life—alone.  The last thing she needs is another man in her life. 

He has no time for a woman, since the Revolutionary War is a jealous mistress. Hawk Gentry has two guiding principles. First, as a Son of Liberty, he must be cautious of others, especially anyone British. Second, as a child, he and his Passamaquoddy Indian mother were left alone while his French father trapped or fought wars. He vows never to do the same to any woman he loves, and the family they may have. 

Will the war unite or divide them?  

When Liberty and Hawk run into each other on the unruly streets of Boston, they begin a tentative friendship. Even though neither wants romance, the sparks fly between them from the moment they meet. As their relationship blossoms, their pasts rise up to haunt them. 
Will Liberty and Hawk overcome the obstacles that seem certain to force them apart? With the Revolutionary War beginning, can love hold the hearts of a Hawk and A BRITISH COURTESAN IN AMERICA?

Reading order:
Revolutionary Women:

Book 1 A British Heiress in America 

Book 2 A British Courtesan in America 

 



Review:

A British Courtesan in America by Becky Lower is the 2nd book in her Revolutionary Women series. 

Liberty is on her way to American, to start a new life.  But it seems her old life wants to follow her, and on the ship, she makes the acquaintance of a fellow ship mate, but Liberty is not going to settle for a little fun, she wants something permanent. 

Hawk is part French, part Passamaquoddy Indian, he’s a blacksmith by day, but I’m his spare time he writes columns for a paper, to rally the American troops, he works hard, he has no time for love…..

Their first encounter is when Liberty loses a shoe abs almost gets run over! Hawk comes to her rescue. There is a spark between them, but Liberty is not going to fall for it, and anyway the gentleman in question wants to return her back to her home as quick as possible!! 

It makes a change for a mistress to take a starring role, they usually get delegates to sex scenes or villain status. But Liberty didn’t start out as a courtesan, se came from a loving family, but as time went on her parents died, and Liberty found herself in a place where her face could make her a fortune. 

Eventually the draw between Hawk and Liberty is pulled tight, they begin a friendship, and both Hawk and Liberty realise there’s could be something more, but her past raises its head, and when she tells Hawk about her past, he’s shocked, and tells her he wants nothing to do with her!! 

Does Liberty swoon like a maiden with the vapours? No, she picked herself up, renames herself and continues with her life….. I loved how Liberty reinvents herself, she’s a woman with both a spine and a brain. She’s not afraid of hard work, she gets a few jobs within this book, she’s determined never to be a kept woman again. 

It did make me chuckle at the double standards Hawk had, it was ok to visit one of those ladies, but it was another thing to take one as a wife!! It’s not until both his friend and his mother point out that Liberty may not have had a choice in what she did to survive. 

And so preparing to eat humble pie, Hawk goes to find her and apologise, but she’s not there! And Hawk has to use his tracking abilities to find his missing love…..

It’s a nice afternoon read. It touched upon the American/England war. It gives us a different female character, rather than the timid and virginal female, it’s a strong and resourceful woman. It’s part of a series, but it stands on its own, no need to read the first one.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

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A British Heiress in America by Becky Lower – a Review

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A British Heiress in America by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
Lady Philippa Worthington wants to marry young and sexy. Her father plans for her to marry stodgy…old…and rich.

What’s a beautiful British heiress to do if she’s going to escape a life of passionless marriage? With her father planning to sell her off to the highest bidder in order to support his own lavish lifestyle, Pippa knows there’s only one thing she can do to save herself.

Lady Philippa dons boys’ clothing and stows away on a London ship destined for the American colonies and a new life. One full of hope, freedom, and the chance to finally live up to her feisty nickname among the rough sailors—‘Pip.’

But instead of finding independence on the high seas, Pippa is plunged deep into the dangerous world of espionage–and the arms of handsome Daniel Simmons, a merchant sailor for the British—who is also an American Revolutionary spy!

Torn between allegiance to her home country and the passion she’s always been searching for, Pippa now faces an unexpected threat—and it may cost Pippa and Daniel the very freedom—and love—they’ve both been searching for.

If they manage to survive the very heart of the beginnings of the Revolutionary War, can the daring spy find love in the arms of A BRITISH HEIRESS IN AMERICA?

 

 

Review: 

A British Heiress in America by Becky Lower is the first book in her new Revolutionary Women series. A sea captain who may or may not be a spy. A runaway debutant who won’t be auctioned off to the highest bidder. A British Heiress by Becky Lower was not my usual read, but once opened it was a pleasant surprise.

Philippa “pip” Worthington isn’t sure if being a stowaway on a ship bound for America is the best idea she’s ever had, but she’s not going to become some bored London housewife. She longs for love and adventure….

Daniel is the captain of the boat Pip has stowed away on, only he’s unaware that Pip is actually Philippa!!  He’s aware the “boy” is running away from something in London, but that’s not Dan’s issue, but the boy could be useful, if he gets a job in the army, then Daniel could use him as a spy! But he has to be careful, his daughter could become a casualty of war (he’s a widower, his daughter lives with her mothers parents)

I did have to chuckle, Pip is not your usual debutant, she’s quite a character (smoking cheroots and drinking pints of ale!) she is very independent, she’s off for an adventure in America, she’ll marry an officer in the British Army and be happy! But working as a cabin boy is proving challenging, it doesn’t help that the captain is very easy in the eye, she has to remain in character at all times! Daniel is a double agent! To the outside world he takes arms to the British army, he also spies for the American government! If he’s caught it could mean death!

It’s a fun read. Well written and very descriptive. Had to laugh when poor Pip was feeling seasick. And when she wished she could have a cheroot! The banter between Daniel and Pip is lighthearted, Daniel feels he should take the boy under his wing, but with the option of using the boy to his advantage, I found I grew to dislike Daniel!

Chuckling at the inappropriate thoughts the captain has about his cabin boy, he’s off to get laid once he’s back on dry land, but his thoughts keep straying to his “boy”. And when Daniel discovers his cabin boy is in fact a woman ……

Daniel now changes strategy and decides a debutante would be a better spy! But does he take what Pip is offering?  And Philippa is now facing a dilemma herself, she knows that Daniel runs guns for the British, does she inform the American society she will belong to? Or can she be of some assistance in the fight for their freedom?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for Review

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Love In the Time of Corona: Vol 2 Anthology – Review

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Love in The Time of Corona: Vol 2 Anthology – Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Seven romances by seven spectacular authors, all set during the coronavirus outbreak. Happy endings guaranteed!
The numbers next to the titles indicate spiciness on a 1-5 scale as judged by each author.

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Defending the Tycoon’s Daughter – Kristi Avalon 4(5) – Romantic Suspense
Escaping a threat against her wealthy family and the global pandemic, Talia Hudson finds herself in an isolated mountain retreat with her handsome, aloof bodyguard. A scandal in Brett’s past gives him good reason to avoid Talia, yet he can’t deny the attraction sparking between them. Will one night of passion lead to regret– or is he ready to risk it all for love?

Review:
Brett is still smarting from his last job, a scandal had him leaving with a black mark on his career and reputation. Joining a new firm, Brett won’t make the same mistake, well that’s what he says, until he sees her….. 

Talia Loves her stepfamily, and all but her stepfather hate her, it’s something she has comes to terms with. And now a threat to her family has her separated from them. Although on the plus side, the new bodyguard is easy on the eyes. 

It’s a fun little read. Bodyguard and heiress is always a little predictable. 

But it’s written well. The fleeting glances, the silent treatment and the denying of ones feelings (and that’s just the bodyguard) 

Loved the video chat with her friends, it’s something a lot of us are doing at the moment. And thank goodness for the canine light relief, you have to love a dog that steers you in the direction of love. 

Luckily we just had the threat of the virus to read and no one came down with it. 

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Ship Mates – Chloe Flowers 2(5) – Contemporary Romance
After a house fire destroys everything she owns, Tara needs a temporary home. In a weak moment, Officer Scott Merrick offers an unorthodox solution: sharing a cabin on his boat. Since he works the graveyard shift and she runs her restaurant during the day, they’ll be like ships passing in the night, which is fine by both of them.
They only communicate by writing notes to each other.
It’s a bad idea to fall in love during a pandemic, but what if they’re soul mates as well as shipmates?

Review: 
Tara is now homeless after a fire. She’s hasn’t got anywhere to go. And with this virus that’s about, Tara doesn’t want to risk making anyone unwell. Being offered a bed from the hunky police offer is ok, isn’t it? She’s known him forever, best friend with his sister, and it won’t be for long….. 

Scott has always been the responsible one, his job at the police station suits him. And after the fiasco with “she who will not be named” he’s a confirmed bachelor. So giving a friend a bed for a few nights won’t be a problem. And as Tara was his sister’s best friend growing up, she’s practically family. But it’s been a few years since he’s seen her, and now she’s all grown up, but he’s on nights, how hard will it be to avoid her? 

Liked this story a lot. Loved the idea of post it notes, that did make me chuckle. And it was a great way to communicate (Scott worked nights and Tara worked days) 

Lucy the parrot made me chuckle and I loved Larry the police dog (every time Lucy told him to sit he did I had to laugh) 

The boat made for an unusual setting, the confined space that Tara and Scott were forced to share made for a different read. 

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Viral Dance – Sheridan Jeane 3(5) – Contemporary Romance
Free spirit Lily Lennon and CEO Josh Graves are opposites, or are they? When circumstances throw them together in a Mt. Rainier cabin during the pandemic, she’s determined to have him teach her to waltz. Can these two dance their way into one another’s hearts?

Review:
Lily’s a dog/house sitter, she works from the hosts home. But with the outbreak of the virus that’s sweeping the country, the owner of both dog and home is due back and lily has to move on, but she’s got nowhere to go, well there is the mountain retreat she can go to….. 

Josh has had three months away, not a holiday, but a retreat, after what can only be called a breakdown, Josh is back and ready to take back his company. But he’s a different man, less about the profit margin and more about his employees. 

A free spirit and an uptight CEO, (except he’s not really uptight anymore) 

Had to admit it wasn’t my favourite in this short story read. But there were a few laughs. Loved the dog Orwell. Liked how Josh thought about asking Lily about before he went to his retreat, but missed opportunities and all that. 

The dancing moments were a lot of fun to read. 

Both finding things about one another that appealed to them. 

The virus might have brought them together, but I think josh would have made his move eventually. 

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Choosing My Own Bananas – Becky Lower 1(5) Seasoned Romance
Claire has lived her life alone and free. But now, as an aging single, she’s facing the coronavirus by herself, and it’s the first time she’s been uncomfortable with her decisions. She ignores her sister’s advice and decides to take advantage of her local grocery’s early Senior Hour to do her own shopping.
Widower Bert can’t believe his luck. The mysterious woman from the health club pool is right behind him in line, waiting for the store to open. He and his friend call her Esther Williams, but now he might get to know her real name. And hopefully a whole lot more.

Review:
Bert a retired policeman with plenty of spare time on his hands. With his local spa closed due to the virus, Bert hasn’t got a lot to do but think, and lots of that time thinking has him thinking of a plan of action, he’s seen a lovely lady who he’d like to know better, but he doesn’t know her name, or where she lives, maybe fate will smile down on him and give him a break…..

Claire’s a control freak, she likes thinks done a certain way, and that’s why she stuck in a queue for her food shopping. She writes romance books, but even that isn’t holding her interest at the moment. She needs a little inspiration…..

This one had me smiling all the way through. A very gentle romance, dog walking (with a dog that’s not his) crazy golf (well golfing in a golf cart) and silly emails that brought a smile to both their faces. 

She’s a feisty control freak with a wicked set of one liners. He’s a man with a plan of action. 

Wooing in a time of lockdown presents it’s own set of challenging rules. No invading of personal space for one!! 

Being a widower has made Bert realise that life is too short, so he goes after the one thing that’s been on his mind for a while. 

Claire is a little more controlled, she likes a certain routine. 

So will Bert capture the fair maidens heart? Well he has her interest peaked, so who knows. 

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The Royal Muse – Judy McDonough 2(5) Contemporary Romance
New Orleans artist, Melody Landry, is done with relationships and cheating men. She’d much rather paint her frustration into money-making masterpieces.
Reece Thomas has had enough heartache for two lifetimes. He’d rather drown his sorrows with his trumpet and whisky than give anyone else a chance to rip his heart out.
Love was the last thing on their minds—until they found each other.
Can the healing powers of music and art bring two bitter souls together in the midst of a pandemic?

Review:
Reece doesn’t want anything more than a bottle to drown out his pain. Two years since the end of his marriage, and a mugging that left him with a constant and painful reminder of how much he lost. His only joy is his music, oh and the cute little artist he spied painting and singing from her balcony. 

Melody loves living in the French Quarter, her artists heart simply adores it. Inspiration runs well here, and even more so on a Thursday evening, her musical inspiration comes from her neighbour, his beautiful music gives her pieces a flow that she just can’t contain. 

But this evening he’s late, and Melody can’t help but wonder as to where he is….. 

I liked this one very much. 

Melody has been hurt before, so she’s not looking for romance. Reece can’t move on from his mugging and failed marriage. 

They’ve known each other a while now, but only from a distance, not a word has passed their lips to each other, but like calls to like, and a tentative friendship springs up.  

So how will a romance spring from this? And when an opportunity arises will they both take it? 

Beautifully written, that could have happily been a longer story. 

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Espresso. Paper. Love. – L.A. McGinnis 1(5) Contemporary Romance
A stir-crazy actress charms her way into a young doctor’s life from the neighboring apartment building. It’s one thing to exchange notes and coffee in a crisis, it’s another to deny their growing attraction.

Review:
Olivia is going to be an actress, well once she gets her big break, but until then it’s serving coffee to the masses. 

She has her regulars that she smiles and says hi to. Including her neighbour “Brandon S” he always smiles and a quick thank you. But after not seeing him at his home for a few days, she takes the initiative and decides to wave….. 

Brandon is suppose to be concentrating on knee surgeries and spine realignments, but with the virus taking a grip, it’s all hands to help. He’s so tired, but he can’t let anyone down. Most of his days he’s on automatic pilot. But today would be a turning point …..

As the time goes by, Olivia and Brandon do more and more together, of course noting the social distancing. Both want more as they’ve gotten to know each other. But when Brandon gets ill, how will Olivia cope? 

Loved the concept of paper plane post it notes. 

I loved Brandon and his thoughtfulness, he could see Olivia was struggling, and to thank her for a coffee and chat he suggests a walk. And it just takes off from there. 

This one deals with people who are now scared to leave their own homes. You feel you shouldn’t be out, not even to exercise. And I’m sure a lot of readers will relate too. 

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Tipsy – Jen Sako 1(5) New Adult Romance
Barbera Piedmont works in one of Manhattan’s top restaurants alongside a hot sommelier named Cavan Mills. One fateful night furloughs them both and there seems to be no end in sight. To Barbera’s surprise, Cavan contacts her for help keeping his career on track. Through a virtual connection, they share wines along with their fears and dreams. Barbera can’t help wondering what will happen to their digital relationship when life returns to normal. Will her services no longer be needed, or will these strange and dangerous times end in love?

Review:
Barbera or “Barbie” enjoys her job. Meeting new people, greeting regulars and catching up with friends she works with. 

But somethings wrong, guests aren’t coming in, some are cancelling their tables, some tables don’t even bother to phone to cancel. 

And when the restaurant is finally closed due to this virus, Barbera wonders what she’s going to do to keep herself occupied. 

Cavan loves his job, wine is his hobby and his passion. He wants to be the best, so an exam is in order. He wanted his girlfriend to help, but being in a different time zone makes it difficult. 

So he asks Barbera to help (after his girlfriend advised to ask a server for help) 

The wonderful World Wide Web came to the fore in this book. 

A sommelier (wine steward or a professional connoisseur) and server come together over wine. Barbera has had a crush on Cavan ever since she clapped eyes on him, so she jumps at the chance to spend time with him. 

As time goes by Barbera falls for Cavan, but it all comes crashing down when his girlfriend makes a surprise return home. Barbera is no longer needed, but the chats they had been having gave her concern, Isabella wanted Cavan to give up his passion and help her run a winery. 

She had to convince Cavan not to give up his dream. 

This one I had mixed feelings about. Loved the on-line wine tasting, i had to chuckle with the drunk chatting. 

I did feel Cavan was only interested in Barbera as help for him wine exam. But was totally surprised with his declaration to Barbera. 

 

Reviews by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

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