Romance Roundup: December Edition
Welcome to “Romance Roundup”where I share mini reviews of 3-4 romance novels that I’ve read recently. This month’s edition includes stories about a highlander, a woman who learns about her royal heritage, and a friendship that becomes something more.
“The Scotsman Who Saved Me” (Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #1) by Hannah Howell (2017)
Synopsis: A brutal attack on Emily Stanton’s family has left her for dead . . . until she is found in the woods by a handsome stranger with a thick brogue who vows to protect her. There’s only one problem: As a woman with a noble English background, she has no business keeping company with such a man.
For Scotsman Iain MacEnroy, Emily’s high-tone accent is a bitter reminder of the oppressive regime he left behind. The last thing he needs is to be burdened by the needs of a beautiful, blue-eyed Englishwoman. But taking care of elegant, educated Emily begins to transform Iain in ways he never imagined. Could it be that the deep divisions from the old world no longer apply in the new—and that Iain and Emily can share a passion as lush and wild as the Scottish highlands themselves? (description from Goodreads)
Review:
Every once in a while I loved to read a good Highlander romance, which I can fully blame Outlander for getting me hooked on this sub genre. This book does not disappoint as the first installment in the series. I liked that the series title is a play on the musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Emily, the MC has such a fiery spirit even though she has been through a lot of tragedy. She loses her family, home, and becomes a caregiver to her nephew. It all happens suddenly and I admired her strength to push through the pain order to take care of her nephew and survive. She’s gets saved a few times in the novel, but I never felt as if her character played on the trope of a “damsel in distress”.
Because Iain and Emily are so strong-minded, they grate on each other’s nerves. But after getting to know one other they let down their barriers and eventually fall in love. I liked that the action was intense and suspenseful on top of the romance. The novel was filled with descriptions of lush scenery and it made me want to travel there. I’m interested in reading the rest of series!
Final Verdict:
“A Princess in Theory” (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole (2018)
Synopsis: Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.
Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.
The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after? (description from Goodreads)
Review:
A good start to the Reluctant Royals series! I always enjoy a good Alyssa Cole novel and I enjoyed the concept of a spam email from an actual real prince and how the plot plays on the irony of the situation. Plus that cover art is gorgeous!
Naledi works in the STEM field as a graduate student and spends her days in the lab and writing academic papers, on top of her side jobs. She is always hustling, works extremely hard, and dreams of a day she’ll be a top scientist who will make a difference. Thabiso is a regal prince who has many people counting on him since the day he was born and wants a taste of freedom from all his responsibilities.
It was such a cute HEA story and I liked that was a more modern version of Cinderella story. The book is fast paced and the reader can tell the chemistry between Naledi and Thabiso. It was cool to experience the busy streets of New York and the lush landscape of Africa while reading this novel. I can’t wait to read Portia’s story in book two!
Final Verdict:
“Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating” by Christina Lauren (2018)
Synopsis: Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.
Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.
Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right? (description from Goodreads)
Review:
This is my second read by this author, and I loved it way more than Roomies.– It’s a cute friends to lovers story as Josh and HazeI start out as tight-knit friends and their relationship develops into something deeper. I loved their relationship dynamic so much and it was entertaining to see them interact with each other.
Hazel is the zany, outspoken, and unique school teacher and Josh is the calm, thoughtful physical therapist. They are complete opposites but they balance each other out. They are both fiercely loyal, kind-hearted, and they have each other backs (especially on all the crazy blind dates they end up on-I was laughing so much at those scenes). I love the cast of characters and their interactions – from Hazel & Emily’s down-to-earth friendship and Hazel & Josh’s open relationship with their moms.
The story concept was cute and I found it to be an enjoyable read from start to finish!
Final Verdict:
What romance novels have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free (particularly #ownvoices novels) to share those as well. 
