Romance Roundup: June 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 of amateur sleuth, a pirate, and a courtesan who solves a mystery.

“The Frame-Up” (The Golden Arrow #1) by Meghan Scott Molin

Synopsis: MG Martin lives and breathes geek culture. She even works as a writer for the comic book company she idolized as a kid. But despite her love of hooded vigilantes, MG prefers her comics stay on the page.

But when someone in LA starts recreating crime scenes from her favorite comic book, MG is the LAPD’s best—and only—lead. She recognizes the golden arrow left at the scene as the calling card of her favorite comic book hero. The thing is…superheroes aren’t real. Are they?

When the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Detective Kildaire asks for her comic book expertise, MG is more than up for the adventure. Unfortunately, MG has a teeny little tendency to not follow rules. And her off-the-books sleuthing may land her in a world of trouble.

Because for every superhero, there is a supervillain. And the villain of her story may be closer than she thinks… (description from Goodreads)

Review:

This book was a fun thrill ride! It has mystery, romance, and all things Nerdy!The main character becomes a helper on a LAPD case after a crime mirrors her favorite comic book. She is more than eager to jump right into the role of an amateur sleuth.

MG has a awesome job a Genius Comics but deals with a lot of misogyny (commentary on comic industry) in her field since she’s one of the few female writers. She’s creative in coming up with innovative story ideas and costume design. I like how quick-witted her personality is and how on top of her game she is. I also loved the relationship with her friends, Lawrence and Ryan. They have her back and they are also good friends.

The romance is more sweet than steamy, but it works within this story. I’m looking forward to see how their blooming relationship will develop in the series. It’s cute how unaware of geek culture Kildaire is and how MG teaches him all of the stuff which helps them to bond.

Final Verdict:

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“Lady Pirate” by Lynsay Sands (2016)

Synopsis: Valoree no longer has to masquerade as her murdered brother and scourge the oceans as Captain Red. She no longer has to command his pirate band in a quest to regain his birthright. She has been named heir to Ainsley Castle. But no executor would ever hand over the estate to an unmarried pirate wench and her infamous crew—no matter to whom she’d been born. And the will distinctly states that in order to inherit, Valoree must be married to a nobleman…and pregnant.

Upon learning that, the virgin captain is ready to return to the seas—but her crew has other ideas—and for those rascally cusses she would do anything. If they could find a way to put on her a sweet face that would fool the ton, she would handle the rest, even with a drunken prostitute as an “aunt” and her merry cutthroat crew as “servants.” But to herself she swears one thing: she will only marry a man who fires her blood, a man who is not afraid of a…Lady Pirate. (description from Goodreads)

Review:

Lady Pirate follows the story of Valoree who is taking a break from her pirate life order to secure her brother’s inheritance by finding a spouse.

This is not an enemies to lovers story, but more of a opposites attract romance. Valoree is a fish out of water and has to learn to be a proper lady to secure a husband. Daniel is also in a similar predicament to find a wife and is intrigued by Valoree because she’s not the typical lady.

The two butt heads constantly, but find they have more in common over time. The romance is pretty steamy and the attraction is there from the first day they meet. It’s predictable in some parts, but I found the story to be very entertaining. My favorite part of the novel was Valoree’s pirate crew! They are lively and full of character.

Final Verdict:

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“The Lotus Palace” (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #1) by Jeannie Lin (2013) *Romanceopoly-Mystery Challenge #2*

Synopsis: Maidservant Yue-ying is not one of those beauties. Street-smart and practical, she’s content to live in the shadow of her infamous mistress—until she meets the aristocratic playboy Bai Huang. 

Bai Huang lives in a privileged world Yue-ying can barely imagine, yet alone share, but as they are thrown together in an attempt to solve a deadly mystery, they both start to dream of a different life. Yet Bai Huang’s position means that all she could ever be to him is his concubine—will she sacrifice her pride to follow her heart? (description from Goodreads)

Review:

I have always wanted to read Lin’s works and I’m so glad I stumbled upon this read. While it is a romance book, it’s equally a mystery laced with suspenseful moments.

The two main characters, Bai Huang and Yue-Ying come from different worlds but team up as a detective duo when murders starts happening in the area. The closer they got to solving the mystery, the more I was on the edge of my seat of my seat as things got more intense.

Bui is enamored with Yue-Ying at first sight, but still keeps her distance because of her stature/feels like she can’t afford to be playfulness and her seriousness balance each other out. While solving the mystery, they fall in love and it was nice to see those tender moments even though they had to keep their relationship a secret. This book is a good mix of action, mystery and romance. I can’t wait to read the second book on the series.

Final Verdict:

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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.