"Storing Up Trouble" by Jen Turano - American Heiresses, book 3

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Another delightful tale of mishaps and misunderstandings!

Besides her characteristic humor, one of the best things about Turano's books is her supporting characters, and this book is no exception. Aunt Gladys was every bit the fun eccentric I was hoping for (and expecting), but the flock of ladies she's tutoring was a most amusing surprise. Theo is great; her relationship with Norman is fun, and I loved how enthusiastic she gets about etiquette books. Norman himself wasn't my favorite hero--he is (or at least, was, in the beginning) almost unbelievably oblivious to the people he should love most, but he grows significantly throughout the story. Oh, and for quirky animals in this book: cats. Not cute, cuddly kittens, but disturbing hordes of cats! (I love cats, but even I agree with Beatrix that these were exceptionally disconcerting).

Even in such a fun, lighthearted story, it was a bit disturbing to learn what a working woman could expect from being employed in a department store--and let me tell you, it wasn't equality, neither in wages nor fair treatment by bosses, fellow employees, and customers alike. Equality in the workplace has come a long, long way from the Gilded age.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

American Heiresses
1. Flights of Fancy
2. Diamond in the Rough
3. Storing Up Trouble

"Hadley Beckett's Next Dish" by Bethany Turner

When celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh experiences a very public temper tantrum on set with his competition, Hadley Beckett, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley. As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

I'm not much of a cooking show person, but I am a fan of Bethany Turner's romantic comedies. And this one did not disappoint.

I was shocked at how much I ended up liking Max. He's a grade-A jerk at the beginning, and his insecurities and anger issues can make him really unsympathetic. Yet he changes so much. He's obviously trying to do better, and it's a ton of work; he still messes up a lot, but you can see how hard he's trying and how much he truly does change. 

I really appreciate that Hadley doesn't want to make her accomplishments in a male-dominated field into a weapon in the battle of the sexes. She is proud of what she's done and happy with her life; she doesn't want to be used as a tool for someone else's agenda. I do sympathize with Max's attempts to communicate with her without sounding sexist, be it critiquing or complimenting (once he's genuinely trying, that is). There's a fine line between chivalry and chauvinism, and it's different for every woman and further different depending on whom the woman is interacting with. In general, though, I found Hadley to be quick to offer grace, though she will stand up for herself when she needs to.

And of course, it was delightfully humorous, peppered with pop culture, and underscored with grace for imperfect humanity. Highly enjoyable.

Thank you Revell for the complimentary book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

"The Lost Lieutenant" by Erica Vetsch

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry. Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

I've never read a Regency novel that did more than make offhand comments about old Prinny, the Prince Regent, but he is a driving force in this novel! His overwhelming gratitude forces a whole new life on our hero, who has never wanted to be more than what he was--a lieutenant in his majesty's army. He doesn't want an earldom. He doesn't want responsibility of a broken-down, moldering estate. And he definitely doesn't want to have no say in the marriage thrust on him. But of course, one does not say no to the Prince Regent. Evan sheds a whole new light on the traditions of Regency-era aristocracy as he is forced to dive in head-first, and I was pleased to learn some [perhaps obscure] facts and traditions I hadn't known before.

I was hoping for a little more humor in the story, just based on what I've heard about other books by the author, but though it wasn't a comical book, it was still a good story. Diana is a perfect compliment to Evan--a heroine worth rooting for. And he makes some intriguing friends; I am especially curious what happens with Marcus in the next book. I suspect he's a lot more than he would have everyone believe.

Thank you Kregel and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Serendipity and Secrets
1. The Lost Lieutenant
2. The Gentleman Spy
3. The Indebted Earl

"A Mosaic of Wings" by Kimberly Duffy

Determined to uphold her father's legacy, newly graduated Nora Shipley joins an entomology research expedition to India to prove herself in the field. In this spellbinding new land, Nora is faced with impossible choices--between saving a young Indian girl and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

If you're a fan of Elizabeth Camden's books, give this one a try! Like Camden's historical novels, it features a strong heroine of an uncommon profession making her way in a man's world. Between the sexism she faces and a challenging home life, Nora could be a bit abrasive at times, particularly in defending herself as a female scientist, but her ability to stand up to opposition gives her the ability to do what's right when others would look away and do nothing. Owen's just a darling, wanting to push her to be the best she can be, both as a scientist and a human with a beating heart.

While etymology isn't my favorite subset of biology (botany is more my thing), I've spent my share of hours chasing lepidoptera, albeit with a camera, not a kill jar. Besides which, my mother has always been quite fascinated with insects, so some knowledge and appreciation has rubbed off. The descriptions of the insect life were well-written, and I was completely immersed in the heady Indian setting--from the sounds of the jungle to the aromas of the the food to the heat and humidity and the unpleasantly ripe bodies of Nora's masculine colleagues. The descriptions of the food left me with cravings for cardamom. I'll gladly read another novel by this author!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

(from my own butterfly hunts--a Painted Lady)