“The Secret Service of Tea and Treason” by India Holton

Title: The Secret Service of Tea and Treason
Author: India Holton 
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2023
Genre(s): historical fiction, historical fantasy, action
Part of a Series: Yes, Book #3. Read my review of Book #2 here.

Why I read it: Because I enjoyed Book #2.

Summary: To uncover and stop a plot to assassinate Queen Victoria, the Agency of Undercover Note Takers (A.U.N.T.) sends their best agents undercover as a pirate and her husband. Agent B (aka Daniel Bixby) is used to the ways of pirates but Agent A (aka Alice Dearborn) struggles to understand their ways. Not helping is her growing attraction to her partner. Will they stop the plot? And what will become of the feelings growing between them?

Rating: 

“The Turn of the Key” by Ruth Ware

Title: The Turn of the Key
Author: Ruth Ware
Publisher: Scout Press
Year: 2019    
Genre(s): suspense
Part of a Series: No

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: Rowan Caine, a young woman from London, is hired as a nanny for the wealth Elinscourt family. They live in a beautiful house in the Scottish highlands that is historic but also completely modernized on the inside. Technology is watching the entire time and mysterious noises in the attic prevent Rowan from finding any peace. Left alone with four girls who aren’t happy with her presence, she worries she is losing her sanity when tragedy changes everything.

Rating: 

“Eddie Winston is Looking for Love” by Marianne Cronin

Title: Eddie Winston is Looking for Love
Author: Marianne Cronin
Publisher: Harper Perennial 
Year: 2024    
Genre(s): romance, contemporary 
Part of a Series: No

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick.

Summary: At 90 years old, Eddie Winston has never been kissed. He then meets Bella when she comes into the thrift shop where he works to donate her late boyfriend’s belongings. Together, they form and unlikely friendship as she becomes determined to help Eddie get his first kiss.

Rating: 

“The Maui Effect” by Sara Ackerman

Title: The Maui Effect
Author: Sara Ackerman
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2024    
Genre(s): romance
Part of a Series: No

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick.

Summary: ‘Iwa feels a special bond with the nature of Maui and is dedicated to protecting it, especially the beautiful rainforests that are under threat from developers trying to build more hotels. Dane has always answered the call of the ocean and is a renowned surfer. When these two meet, can someone so connected to the land and someone so connected to the sea fall in lasting love?

Rating: 

“Single and Ready to Jingle” by Piper Rayne

Title: Single and Ready to Jingle
Author: Piper Rayne
Publisher: Self-Published
Year: 2022    
Genre(s): romance
Part of a Series: Yes

Why I read it: I wanted a Christmas romance to read.

Summary: Kenzie loves Christmas. Andrew does not. When they match on an app, it spells disaster even before they learn that Kenzie’s brother is Andrew’s best friend. However, fate throws them together when Andrew volunteers Kenzie to help plan his firm’s holiday party. Will the season work its magic on them? Or are they just too different to work?

Rating: 

“Lights on the Sea” by Miguel Reina

Title: Lights on the Sea
Author: Miguel Reina, Catherine E. Nelson (Translator)
Publisher: Amazon Crossing
Year: 2018    
Genre(s): adventure, magical realism
Part of a Series: No

Rating: 

Why I read it: Once Upon a Book Club pick

Summary: Harold and Mary Rose Graves are being forced out of their house due to how close it is to the edge of a cliff. The night before they need to leave, a terrible storm causes their house to fall into the sea below. It turns into a boat and they drift on the tide, finding an adventure they never imagined and the healing they’ve needed for thirty-five years.

That’s Amore: Some of My Favorite Romances

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Since it worked out that Valentine’s Day falls on my usual posting day this year, I thought it would be fun to go over some of my favorite romance that I’ve read and reviewed on this blog.

Let’s do a Top 10 List! 

Check it out below the cut.